Late at night in Tokyo's Minato Ward, mist wrapped around the neon glow and washed over the glass facade of a luxury apartment building.
A black Mercedes-Benz sedan stopped silently outside the entrance. The driver hurried around to the back seat and opened the door.
President Hirota staggered out, the smell of alcohol drifting from the collar of his tailored suit.
He was forty-two, at an age when his career was still climbing. His subordinates had taken him to a members-only club that evening, where he had drunk plenty of whiskey. His head was still spinning a little.
"Careful, sir."
Kenichi Tanaka hurried to support his arm, bowing his back and making himself as deferential as possible.
He had worked under Sato for three years, clawing his way up from a junior sales employee to the president's secretary, waiting for this one chance at promotion.
"Tanaka," Hirota said, patting the back of his hand and letting out a drunken belch. "That place you recommended... not bad. That bartender knew his craft."
"I'm glad it met with your approval, sir."
Tanaka smiled deferentially. "A client happened to mention it. I thought you'd been working so hard on the new project lately that I should take you somewhere to unwind."
Their soft-soled leather shoes carried them into the marble entrance hall.
The crystal chandelier was dimmed, its warm light falling across the polished floor and casting their blurred reflections.
President Hirota loosened his tie, tugging it askew and exposing his flushed neck.
"You're thoughtful in your work. I haven't forgotten."
He waved a hand, his tone loose with drink. "As for your promotion, I'll speak to the Board of Directors tomorrow. Unless something unexpected happens, the appointment will come through next month. You'll take over as head of sales."
Tanaka's heart leaped.