Crosshairs on the Starling
Keith leaned back in his chair, eyes half-lidded, mind racing.
"Red Queen," he said quietly. "Current status of Jodie Starling."
A crimson shimmer appeared.
Red Queen: Request acknowledged. Estimated time: twenty minutes.
Keith closed his eyes, already sensing where this would lead. Threads were converging too fast—FBI, Zoo, Black Organization, Miyano family. Every answer brought two more questions.
Twenty Minutes Later
The hologram reassembled into a concise profile.
Red Queen:
• Name: Jodie Starling
• Status: FBI, undercover operations
• Emotional History:
– Former romantic involvement with Shuichi Akai
– Relationship terminated after Akai's covert approach toward Akemi Miyano
• Psychological Note:
– Subject displays unresolved grief, strong emotional bias, and impaired judgment where Akai is concerned
Keith opened his eyes.
"…You've got to be kidding me."
He pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Using women's hearts as stepping stones," he muttered. "First Jodie, then Akemi. Shuichi Akai… you really are consistent."
From canon knowledge alone, Keith already knew Akai was dangerous—not because he was evil, but because he believed ends justified means. And that kind of man left wreckage behind him.
Keith straightened instantly.
"Red Queen—compile a priority alert."
Red Queen: Awaiting content.
"Akai Shuichi is circling Akemi Miyano. That puts Shiho Miyano directly in the crosshairs."
The words were calm.
The implications were not.
"Send this information to Karasuma Renya. Secure channel."
Red Queen: Transmission complete.
The Answer from the Old King
The reply came faster than expected.
Renya:
So it has begun.
They are the ones I was planning to send anyway.
Keith exhaled.
"Good," he murmured. "Send Akemi and Shiho to the Runcandel Mansion. Full protection. No visibility. No exceptions."
Renya:
Agreed. I will move them immediately.
The line closed.
Keith stared at the ceiling, jaw tight.
"So that's how the board looks now," he said quietly.
"FBI moving, Zoo manipulating, Black Organization being used as a pawn… and Akai playing hero while breaking everyone around him."
Another headache throbbed behind his eyes.
"And Jodie Starling…" he added softly.
"Smart, capable… but blind when emotions get involved."
Keith's gaze hardened.
"That makes her dangerous—to herself."
The First Move
"Red Queen," Keith said, voice steady again. "Initiate contact with Jodie Starling."
Red Queen: Objective?
"Arrange a meeting," Keith replied.
"Neutral ground. No traps. No lies—at least not at first."
A pause.
Red Queen: Understood, Master. Contact will be established.
Keith leaned forward, fingers interlaced.
"If Jodie wants answers," he murmured, "I'll give her truths she never even thought to question."
His eyes gleamed coldly.
"And if Akai thinks he's hunting in the shadows…"
A faint smile curved Keith's lips.
"…then he's already stepped into my light."