Noir Easter

Act 17: Hard Boiled Egg Fu

It was a dark, rainy, windy and stormy night. The wind had kicked up and blew Annie's rain-soaked hair as she stood on the balcony in her robe. Although this was San Diego, it was still cold enough, especially with the wind, for her to feel it. But she stayed out there, praying and looking.

Looking for what? Annie wondered. What am I looking for? Why am I standing out here in the rain like a damn fool?

"Annie! Come back inside!" Hanna shouted over the wind, rubbing her eyes.

Hanna had been asleep when Annie came out here an hour earlier. When she noticed that Annie was gone she checked the bathroom and then the outdoor balcony. Fear had gripped her, as she concidered the possibility that Annie may be contemplating suicide.

"Okay," Annie replied, sighing.

She slowly walked towards Hanna and lightning flashed in the sky. Thunder boomed in Annie's ears, but she didn't flinch. Hanna jumped.

"Hurry! You might get struck by lightning!" Hanna exclaimed, looking around nervously.

Annie smiled. Poor thing isn't used to lightning, she thought. Another flash lit up the sky and a resounding boom reverberated through Annie's being.

"Eeek!" Hanna screamed, pointing towards Annie.



Annie turned around quicker than lightning, but she saw nothing. Until lightning flashed again. Then she saw it! Who? What? She wondered, assuming a fighting stance. Damn, I lost sight of it again.
Oddly, Annie felt no fear. And why is that? She wondered.

Lightning flickered again but she couldn't see anything. My imagination? No, Hanna saw it. Annie backed her way slowly towards Hanna. Normally, she would've ran back inside, grabbing her gat, but she felt no urgency to do so now, which was... illogical. It was also counter to all the training she had gone through.

"Annie, hurry! It might come back!" Hanna shouted.

Once again, lightning flashed and Annie spied the mysterious figure on the balcony ledge up on the little wall, facing her. More lightning shot through the night sky in quick succession, enabling Annie to see the figure for a few good seconds. It extended it's right hand as if in supplication, and Annie felt an overwhelming sadness...and a yearning in her heart. And...something else.
Before she realized it Annie was approaching the figure.

A shot rang out, coming from behind Annie. The dark figure jumped at that moment and it was dark once again as the lightning stopped and the thunder rolled.

Annie turned and saw Hanna with the pistol looking for the mysterious man. Man? How do I know it was a man? Annie mused. She just knew, she concluded. Sometimes you just know things without knowing why you know.

"Hanna, bring a flashlight! Hanna! It's okay, he's gone! Bring a flashlight!" Annie shouted, walking to the balcony wall.

Hanna joined her a few seconds later, with a flashlight in one hand and the gun in the other.

"Thanks," Annie said, taking the flashlight and shining it on the section of wall she saw the strange figure.

She shined the light below, looking down, but saw no trace of him. Below there was another balcony, but it looked to far to jump. Annie saw something on the ledge and touched it with her finger. She smelled it. Blood. Not much but it was fresh blood.

"I think you hit him," Annie said to Hanna.

"I did? I was so worried about you, Annie! Do you know who it was?" Hanna asked.

"No, but he didn't scare me," Annie replied wistfully, deep in thought.

"Let us go inside. You are freezing, girl!" Hanna scolded, pulling a reluctant Annie from the ledge.

Hanna closed the sliding glass door and locked it. Then she grabbed some towels and started to undress Annie who was still lost in thought...or in shock more likely, Hanna thought, taking Annie's wet clothes off and drying her.

"What came over you?" Hanna asked, as she dried Annie's body.

"Huh?" Annie replied.

"How many fingers am I holding up?" Hanna asked.

"Three, silly," Annie replied, smiling.

"What day is it?" Hanna asked.

"Today," Annie replied. "What a beautiful day, don't you think so Hanna?" Annie asked.

"Were you struck by lightning?" Hanna asked, closely examining Annie's body.

"I like lightning," Annie replied.

"Thanks, that is so helpful," Hanna said. "It does not look like you were struck."

"Do you think he'll come back?" Annie asked, still smiling.

"I do not know. You act like you want him to come back," Hanna replied, drying Annie's hair. "Do you?"

"He wasn't going to hurt me," Annie said, matter of factly.

"How do you know? And if he was not here to hurt you, or us, then why was he on our balcony?" Hanna asked, getting frustrated with Annie's strange behavior.

"I...I don't know," Annie replied. "I just...know. You know?"

"I wish I knew," Hanna said, as she finished drying Annie off. "Here, put this dry robe on."

"Thanks," Annie said, smiling.

"How do you know it was a man. Did you see his face?" Hanna asked.

"No. I almost did before you shot him," Annie replied frowning. "Why did you shoot him?"

"We already went over that," Hanna answered, sighing. "How do you know...okay, just forget it. I got it. You just know."

"Exactly!" Annie said, smiling again.

"I think I am getting a headache," Hanna said, shaking her head. "Now let us get you in bed, there you go. I am going to sleep with you, okay? That way you will warm up faster," and I will know if you get up, Hanna didn't say.

"Okay," Annie said, snuggling up to Hanna and closing her eyes.

God! She is freezing! Hanna thought, using all of her willpower not to jump out of bed. Where in the hell was Daddy?
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Akira awoke with a start as lightning flashed and thunder boomed. He had not intended to fall asleep. Mika was nestled in his arms and moaned softly as Akira moved, checking his watch. One thing had led to another and he and Mika had made love on the back seat.

What? It's after midnight! Akira realized looking at his watch in horror. How did I sleep so long? Of course, not all of it was spent sleeping, but still...I better check on the girls, he thought, getting his phone out and making the call.

"Hello?" Hanna answered.

"Hanna it is dad," Akira said.

"Daddy? Where are you?" Hanna asked. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, yes I am fine. I will be there soon to explain," Akira replied.

"Are you sure you are fine? You sound strange, Daddy," Hanna said.

"Yes, I am alright, I assure you," Akira said as Mika moaned in her sleep again. Akira winced.

"Who was that?!" Hanna asked.

"What?" Akira answered, wincing again.

"I head a woman Daddy. What are you doing?" Hanna asked, agitated.

"Oh...yes, that would be...Mika," Akira replied, shaking his head.

"Mika? Who is Mika?" Hanna asked.

"She...I will...explain when I get there," Akira said. "I have to go now. See you soon!" Akira added, quickly flipping the phone shut.

Sweat formed on Akira's brow. What was he going to say? He still had to call Jim about the killing of Yukio and his men. Well, not all of them. Some were missing. There had been less on duty than normal. Perhaps Ryu would know why.

"Come, Mika, we must go," Akira said, softly.

Mika opened her eyes, smiled and kissed Akira. Then she blushed the way she did, which drove Akira wild. Through superhuman effort, Akira somehow managed to stop himself.

"Later," he whispered, holding Mika close. "Let us get a hotel room, mika," he smiled.

Mika smiled back as she moved reluctantly away from Akira to sit up front. She went through her purse putting on some more lipstick as Akira drove. Akira did his best not to look at her too much so he could concentrate on the roads.

When he arrived at the Marriot he grabbed the two backpacks in one hand and Mika's hand in the other. Akira was in luck, as the honeymoon suite was open. He paid cash and took Mika to their room. A busboy tried to grab the backpacks, but Akira waved him off.
They had just entered the room when Mika began kissing Akira.

"Wait. Wait," Akira said, laughing. "First you must meet my daughter. We will have plenty of time later for that. Do you wish to use the restroom first?" Akira asked.

"Yes, thank you," Mika replied, bowing.

Akira bowed back, which surprised Mika. She hurried to the bathroom. She sure does not speak much, Akira thought, smiling. I do hope Hanna likes her. Akira's smile faded. He wasn't very good with words.

He recalled seeing the report on Mika that Ryu had done. She was 38 but she looked no older than 25. Married once with no children. Her husband was deceased, apparently murdered. What was his name?
Akira wondered. Oh yes, he had intended to question Ryu more about the shoddy report which had no more information. Akira made a mental note to do just that. Strange that Mika's husband was murdered too, he thought.

Mika returned a few minutes later and Akira led her to Hanna and Annie's room. Akira knocked hesitantly and waited a few seconds.

"It is me, Hanna," He said.

The door slowly opened and Hanna lowered her gun once she saw Akira. Mika's eyes widened and so did Hanna's.

"It is alright," Akira said, instinctively wrapping his arm arounfd her and holding her closely. "Mika, this is my daughter, Hanna. Hanna this is Mika."

"I am pleased to meet you Mika," Hanna said, bowing.

"The honor is mine, Hanna-san," Mika said softly, bowing in return.

"Please, excuse me," Hanna said, pointing to the gun. "We had an intruder ealier."

"I...I understand," Mika replied.

"Intruder? Where?" Akira said, looking around.

"He, or she was on the balcony, Daddy. I think I shot him. Annie was out there, and I got scared," Hanna said, hugging Akira. "Annie just...walked towards it."

"Shh, it is okay, you did well," Akira said, patting her on the back.

Who could it be? Akira thought. No one knew they were here.

"Can you describe the intruder?" Akira asked.

"Well, I didn't see its face. It wore a hat and raincoat. The hat was the kind those men in old movies wear," Hanna said.

Mika gasped, a look of terror on her face.

"What is it Mika?" Akira asked.

"He...he is a demon!" She said nervously. "He...killed all of Master Yukio men. The screams! The men screamed and he said nothing...killing them all easily. Master Yukio tried to shoot him, but he...he was too fast! He is not human! I...I hid in the closet and Yukio grabbed his sword after he ran out of bullets. And then...then Yukio he screamed. I think he recognized the demon. He said...he said..." Mika said, crying.

Akira held her and reassured her.

"I will protect you Mika," he said. "No man or demon will hurt you as long as I draw breath. Shh. What did Yukio say? Please, explain. Take your time."

"H-he said, "no! It cannot be! I will kill you!" And the demon laughed. I have never been so afraid! He laughed. And...and Yukio, his face, the blood left his face. Yukio tried to fight but the demon laughed and Yukio knew...he was about to go to...hell. Then Yukio tried to make a deal...foolish...one cannot make a deal with death. Then he...he screamed as it dawned on him...this demon would kill him. Period. After...after the demon killed Yukio he turned and looked at me. I thought...it was over. I wept, and he...he reached his hand out to me. I screamed and closed my eyes, praying! When I opened them, he was gone and you were there. He appeared briefly after you arrived. Then he was gone again. Why did he not kill you?" Mika asked, hugging Akira again.

"Because he isn't a demon," Annie said, sitting up in bed. "And Akira has honor."

"Annie, you're awake!" Hanna exclaimed, rushing over to examine her.

"A demon would've killed you both," Annie continued, pointing at Mika and Akira.
"No, he is an angel," she said, smiling.

"Mika this is Annie, Annie, this is Mika," Akira said, pondering what the girls said.

"I am honored," Mika said, bowing.

"I too am honored," Annie replied, bowing her head.

"Please excuse, Annie-san," Mika said. "How do you know he an angel?"

"I...just do," Annie replied. "In here," she said, pointing to her heart.

"I hope you are right," Akira said.

"Were you not relieved when Yukio was killed?" Annie asked.

"What?" Mika asked looking shocked.

"Yes, I know, dear. Yukio can never hurt you again," Annie said. "You see, Yukio killed your husband so he could have you."

"Y-Yukio killed my Kaito? How...how you know this?" Mika asked, as Akira helped her sit down.

"I've been investigating Yukio for awhile. I work for the CIA," Annie said.

"What?! You work for the CIA?" Hanna asked, checking Annie's forehead for a fever.

"I'm sorry. I meant to tell you sooner. It's just that, so much has happened. Please understand my friendship with you is not an act. In fact, I intend to quit the CIA. I've had enough," Annie said.

"Does Jim know?" Akira asked.

"I should probably tell him, huh?" Annie said, smiling.

"Th-thank you, Annie-san. Now I know the truth," Mika said, bowing and then weeping quietly into Akira's chest.

"Why would the CIA be interested in Yakuza?" Akira asked.

"Because the Yakuza is receiving shipments soon. Shipments that incudes...sensitive Chinese equipment that the CIA wants. Equipment that is a clear and present danger in the wrong hands," Annie said.

Akira raised an eyebrow and took out his cell to call Jim.

"Hello," Jim answered.

"Jim, this is Akira. We need to talk, it is urgent," Akira said.

"Okay, where?" Jim asked.

"The Marriott. Call me when you get here, and I will meet you in the lobby," Akira said.

"Roger that. I'll be there in about 20 minutes," Jim said.

"Shipments? Yukio sent some men earlier to help receive shipments in Long Beach," Mika said. "He said the GrandMaster would be there."

"That explains why there were fewer men than normal," Akira said.

"When, Mika?" Annie asked.

"I do not know. Soon, Annie-san," Mika said.

"Thanks, Mika-san! Annie exclaimed.

"Ryu will know more," Akira said, calling Sensei.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

"What!" Sensei answered, on the tenth ring.

"Sensei, it is Akira. Do you have Ryu?" Akira asked.

"I thought I turned this damn thing off," Sensei grumbled. "Yes, but he is tied up at the moment."

"I need you to extract some information from him," Akira said.

"Extract you say? The man is a babbling mess. He is incoherent and frankly, just plain nuts," Sensei said.

"What? Why? What did you do?" Akira asked.

"Nothing, other than bring him home. Tadeo tried to feed him but he keeps slobbering. Mentioned something about a demon," Sensei said.

"A demon? You mean that was not you?" Akira asked.

"No, it was not me. Apparently he saw the demon, or whatever before I got to him," Sensei said.

"Did you contact Toshiro?" Akira asked.

"Yes, I did. Strangely enough he was not in Tokyo when I called. He is in San Francisco with the GrandMaster himself. That is all my contact knew," Sensei said.

"The GrandMaster?" Akira asked.

"Yes, I would like to know more myself. I am told he is a prisoner. More than he was at any rate. I was planning on going up there to find him, you want to go?" Sensei asked.

"The GM is going to, or may be in Long Beach. He is expecting some shipments there. Something far worse than drugs," Akira said. "I need to know where to go in Long Beach. Ryu would know where, if you can get it from him."

"I will call you back. This may take awhile," Sensei said. "What is wrong, Akira. Something happened there that has disturbed you."

"That demon, angel, whatever he is, destroyed Yukio and all his men," Akira said.
"I saw him briefly but he is too fast for me. He may have visited Annie while I was away. She thinks he is an angel," Akira said.

"Hmmm, and you thought that was me?" Sensei asked, laughing.

"Who else could it be? Toshiro?" Akira asked, irritated.

"Well, he could be, but I doubt it," Sensei said.

"Then who else? Is he an angel or demon? A real one?" Akira asked.

"That would depend on who you are," Sensei replied.

"You know something, Sensei," Akira said, suspiciously.

"No, I suspect something, and I know less," Sensei said.

"Suspect what?" Akira asked, rubbing his temples. "Sensei? Sensei? Blast! I lost contact!" Akira said, slamming his phone shut.

"He is not a demon or an angel," Hanna said.

"Why do you say that?" Akira asked.

"Because they do not bleed," Hanna said. "We found a drop of blood where I shot him."

"How do you know angels don't bleed, Hanna? Have you ever shot one?" Annie asked.

"Well...no, I don't think so," Hanna replied.

"Look, I do not care, okay? This is all speculation," Akira said.

"But you wanted Sensei's speculation," Hanna said.

"Yes, that is true, Hanna, and I value yours. I am sorry. I am frustrated. We know nothing about this...person," Akira said.

"Let's eat!" Annie exclaimed. "I'll order. Anyone else hungry?"

"I think Annie is losing it, Daddy," Hanna whispered.

"Yes, I see what you mean," Akira replied.

"After what we saw, you think she might be crazy?" Mika whispered.

"Point taken," Akira said.

"All I mean is, she is so happy. Why is she so happy?" Hanna asked.

"I know! Let's all get something different so we can share!" Annie exclaimed. "C'mon! It'll be fun!"
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Jim got up out of bed and got dressed.

"Do you have to go so late?" Sarah asked.

"Yes, Akira said it was urgent," Jim replied. "Have you seen my extra clips?" Jim asked.

"Third drawer, dear," Sarah answered. "Are you...expecting trouble?"

"No, just want to be prepared," Jim said.

"Please wear your vest," she said.

"Okay, but only for you," Jim replied, kissing her and strapping his vest on.

Just then the doorbell rang.

"Now who could that be at this hour?" Sarah asked.

"I'll get it," Jim said, putting a jacket on over his vest.

Jim strapped on his Baretta 9 millimeter to his belt and wrapped a snub-nosed .357 around his ankle and went to the door. He looked out the peek hole and saw a man standing there, but couldn't see his face clearly.
Jim put a hand on his gat and unsnapped it, then he opened the door. The man was now standing near the streetlight.



How did he move that fast? Jim wondered.

"Hello?" Jim called out, stepping outside and closing the door behind him. It had been raining all night.

The man stood there silently and said nothing.

"Can I help you?" Jim asked, walking slowly towards the man.

The wind kicked up and so did the rain. Jim saw lightning flash in the sky and thunder roared in soon afterwards.

"Jim," the man said.

Or did he? Jim couldn't tell, over the noise of the wind, rain and thunder.

"Do I know you?" Jim asked.

Lightning struck again, this time close by, and Jim was blinded for a moment.
He felt the stranger put something in his hand, but try as he might he could see nothing, still blinded as he was.

"Jim," he said.

"S-stand back!" Jim ordered, placing his right hand on his weapon and backing up.

Jim blinked a few times and could now see a bit. The man was gone without a trace. Jim checked his left hand. The stranger had left a folded piece of paper. Jim walked to his porch and opened it under the porch light. It was an address. An address in Long Beach. Underneath the address it simply said "Dock number three. Tell Akira. Hurry!"

What's this for? Jim wondered, sticking it in his pocket. Jim went back inside.

"Jim?" Sarah asked from the bedroom.

"Yeah," Jim replied, entering the room.

"Who was it?" Sarah asked, putting her .38 special down as Jim entered the room.

"I don't know. He gave me this address and then just vanished," Jim answered.

"What do you mean, he just vanished," Sarah asked.

"I was blinded by the lightning. The man vanished by the time I could see," Jim said.

"Thank God he didn't try to hurt or kill you!" Sarah said, her voice edged with worry. "Please Jim, retire. You have over 30 years in."

"I will, darling. As soon as I solve this case," Jim said.

"Jim, I didn't want to bring this up," Sarah said.

"What?" Jim asked.

"Well, I was talking to Maria, the wife of Lt. Johnson? She told me that he had heard from the Chief that they were planning to force you to retire soon," Sarah said.

"Is that so?" Jim replied. "Johnson is a weasel, but he's probably right about that. I have to solve this case, Sarah, I just gotta," Jim said, hugging his wife.

"I know, dear, I know," she said. "Hurry, then. You may not have much time."

"I will. I'm tired too, Sarah, but I made a promise. At least now I know who killed Mack's family. I just don't know why, and I can't prove it, yet. I'll call if this is going to take long," Jim said, kissing Sarah and heading for the door.

"Be careful!" Sarah called out.

"Always," Jim said, closing the door.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Akira looked at his watch, for the upteenth time. What is keeping Jim? He wondered.
He's ten minutes late. He looked at Annie, sitting on her bed and smiling. He was glad Annie was so happy but he didn't understand why she was so happy. Hanna checked her for a fever again. Mika lightly touched his arm and he took her hand in his.

The door buzzed. "Room service," a voice said over the intercom.

Akira got up and answered the door after looking through the peephole. He could smell the food. Akira opened the door, his other hand on his gun. The man rolled the food in, and Akira gave him a 100 dollar bill.

"Thanks!" The young man said, as he left.

"That was fast," Hanna said, checking the trays.

"It smells yummy!" Annie said.

Akira's phone rang and he flicked it open. "Yes?"

"I'm here," Jim said.

"Everything okay?" Akira asked.

"I had a...visitor. He gave me something you will want to see," Jim said.

"I'll be right down," Akira said.

Mika was at his side immediately.

"It is okay, I will be right back," Akira said.

"No! Do not leave me! Please!" Mika begged, clutching Akira's arm.

"Very well. Stay close," Akira said.

What could he say? After all she had been through? Akira left with Mika in tow, and hurried to the elevator. He arrived in the lobby without incident, but he remained wary.

"Jim," Akira said, approaching him. "Good to see you."

Jim nodded. "Good to see you, Akira," Jim said, shaking his hand.

"Come, we have a room," Akira said. "This is Mika. Mika, this is Jim, a friend."

"Pleased to meet you maam," Jim said, nodding his head.

"I am honored, Jim-san," she replied, bowing.

Jim bowed back and Mika bowed again. Jim bowed once more and Mika bowed again.

"Okay, let us go," Akira said.

Back in the room Akira began to explain everything, but Annie cut him off.

"Hi Jim!" Annie waved enthusiastically, eating fried chicken. "Are you hungry? We got fried rice, chicken, a salad, steak, baked potatoes, pork chops, ribs..."

"Look Annie, they brought real butter," Hanna said, cutting Annie off.

"Thanks Hanna! That will go great on my baked potato!" Annie said.

"We will join you soon," Akira said. "Drink?"

"Yes, I could use one," Jim said. "Just a shot of whiskey will do."

Akira prepared Jim's drink and poured himself some sake.

"In memory of Mack, who I know is watching over us," Jim said raising his glass in a toast.

"Hei!" Akira said, clinking his glass against Jim's and drinking his sake.

"You saw him too?" Annie asked, her mouth full of chicken and potatoes.

"What?" Jim asked, choking on his whiskey.

"Annie has...not been all here," Akira whispered.

Jim nodded and smiled at Annie.

"What's wrong with her?" Jim whispered back.

"A strange...man visited her while I was gone. Out on the balcony. Hanna may have shot him and he...vanished," Akira said, uncomfortably. "That, along with Mack's funeral may have...messed her mind up."

"I...see," Jim said. "I too had a visitor who vanished, after giving me this," Jim said, showing the paper to Akira.

Akira quickly read it and shook his head.

"I also saw perhaps the same man. He killed Yukio and all of his men. He spared Mika, however. I only saw him for a brief moment, and he was gone," Akira said. "I have never known a man to move that fast."

"I told you, he's an angel," Annie said, now eating pumpkin pie. "Ooh look, whipped cream!"

"Yes, well...be that as it may, he appears to be helping us," Akira said, pouring himself another drink.

"What about this address?" Jim asked.

"I think we should check it out. Mika overheard Yukio sending ten of his men to help the head of Yakuza obtain a shipment, or shipments in Long Beach. Annie says she is CIA and that the shipments are..." Akira said.

"A clear and present danger!" Annie blurted. "Really bad bad bad stuff."

"You're CIA?" Jim asked.

"Only until the end of this mission," Annie said. "This is very good chicken. You want some?"

"No thanks, Annie, I ate earlier. What are these shipments?" Jim asked.

"Chinese," Annie said. "That reminds me, fried rice! I trained for hours to use chopsticks."

Hanna walked over and whispered. "She is getting less lucid."

"Chinese what?" Jim asked.

"I'm not supposed to say," Annie replied, eating the rice. "But you are my friends, right?"

"Of course we are, Annie," Hanna said, walking back and patting Annie's shoulder.

"Bio weapons," Annie said. "Try this rice, Hanna."

"Bio weapons. Is this info reliable?" Jim asked.

"Yep," Annie said. "It's so dangerous it's coming in three seperate shipments, to be combined later. That's what I heard, anyway. Did he talk to you?"

"What? Oh, yes he said my name," Jim said.

"I think he was going to talk to me before Hanna shot him," Annie said.

"I am sorry, Annie, but it looked like he was attacking you," Hanna said.

"That's okay. He's alright," Annie said, smiling.

"What do you want to do?" Akira asked.

"I'm going to Long Beach," Jim said. "To verify this information."

"I will join you," Akira said. "But you three will stay in the car," Akira ordered.

"What kind of car do you have?" Jim asked.

"A cadillac," Akira replied.

"We'll take your car then," Jim said. "I got a shotgun, do you have anymore weapons?"

Akira smiled. "We only have to make one quick stop, and I can get you just about anything you want."

"Good," Jim said. "We don't have time to go through official channels. God, I hope all of Annie's information is accurate, or I'm in a lot of trouble."

"If we survive, that is," Akira whispered.

Jim nodded and sighed. "I gotta call my wife and let her know I'll be late for breakfast," Jim said.

"You can eat with us!" Annie said. "Try a pork chop, Jim. Hey look! Easter eggs! Happy Easter guys!" Annie exclaimed, giving everyone an Easter egg.

"Do not give her a gun," Hanna quipped.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

The valet brought the caddy around and Akira gave him a nice tip, and something extra to watch Jim's car.

"I call shotgun!" Annie said, getting in the passenger seat.

"I'll drive," Jim said.

Akira, Mika and Hanna got in the roomy back. Annie lit up as they began to pull out.

"He's back!" She shouted, pointing as they passed an alley. "Stop!" Annie ordered.



Jim stopped and looked, while Annie jumped out of the car and ran towards the man.

"Annie wait!" Jim shouted, but she didn't hesitate.

Akira cursed and got out as did Jim, both pulling their heaters out.
Annie flung herself onto the man they had all seen earlier, hugging him and showering kisses on him.
The man appeared to be shocked at annie's behavior, not sure what he should do. After a few seconds he hugged Annie back.

"It's you! I knew it! I knew you would be back!" Annie said, weeping. "I brought you an Easter egg, see?" She said, giving the man a blue easter egg.

He looked at it as if it were something he had never seen. Or something he had never noticed.

"Annie," he said, his voice gravelly and barely audible.

"Yes! You remember!" Annie said, overcome by her emotions.

Akira and Jim lowered their gats but didn't put them away.

"Your call, jim," Akira muttered.

"Who are you?" Jim asked.

"I...am not sure," the man said.

"You're Mack, silly!" Annie said, holding on to him.

"Yes. I am...Mack," Mack said.

"What the hey?" Jim said.

"It is not...possible!" Akira exclaimed. "Allow us to see your face clearly."

"The light, still hurts my eyes," Mack said. "Do not attack me," he said, taking his hat off and removing his sunglasses. Then he stepped into the light, squinting.

"Oh my God!" Hanna shouted. "You are...Mack!"

Hanna ran by Akira and hugged Mack.

"I am so sorry I shot you," she said, crying.

"Only a graze," Mack said, shrugging and putting his sunglasses and hat back on.

"How?" Jim asked, putting his gun in it's holster.

Mack stood there as the girls hugged him and kissed him.

"You have to be more specific," Annie said. "He's been dead awhile, you know. It's not like he just knows everything."

"Aye...I was...dead," Mack said.

"How did you come back to life?" Jim asked, shaking Mack's hand. "Damn, it's good to see you Mack!" Jim added, giving him a hug.

"Jim," Mack said, smiling. "Aki-ra," Mack said, pointing to Akira.

"Hello, Mack-san," Akira said, bowing.

Mack bowed in return.

"I...do not know," Mack said, slowly. "A choice...I was given...a choice. Hard...to speak."

"That's okay, Mack, you'll get your voice back," Annie said. "Don't ever leave me, you hear?" She exclaimed, crying into Mack's chest.

"O-kay," Mack replied. _____________________________________________________________________________________




"What do I do with this?" Mack asked, examining the egg.