"Of course, Kozu-san," Kinari Takano replied and fumbled in his slacks for the key Kozu had given him for safe keeping that morning.

Kozu did not care for much concerning this mission. Operating with initiate Takano was high on the list. Takano wasn't too young, early twenties apparently, well groomed and competent so far. Takano picked up Kozu this evening ten minutes early and made no attempt at small talk on the drive over. He neither chatted idly or attempted to suck up like so many do in when in the presence of Kozu, the Wakagashira or number man of the Lorrington Yakuza. Shatei, senior boss, Hayata revealed little about Takano beyond his level of obedience and pride in his word. Kozu marked the youth as naive but an effective tool. If he proved otherwise there would be words with Hayata-san.

Takano slid the key into the metal door lock.

Lorrington, Australia is a city with many faces. To the vacationers that come to enjoy the beaches, resorts and casinos its a slice of heaven. To the Crime lords, Gangbangers and Corrupt Public servants it is a sweet hell indeed. To Virgil, a hitman with an inhumanly long lifeline due to an immemorial secret, it is very much like coming home. The city will suffer its status quo shattering as he begins chipping away at the criminal casing that greed has plastered over Lorrington’s lecherous interior. Welcome to Lorrington. Stay in the light.

by C.W. Russette

- jetronin@aol.com

#1 - "Dragon Night"
#2 - "The Dirge Part I"
#3 - "The Dirge Part II"
#4 - "The Dirge Part III"
#5 - "Rivalry Part I"
#6 - "Rivalry Part III"
#7 - Rivalry Part 4.5 - A Streets of Lorrington Tale: "Rude Awakenings"