A vintage lamp cast a warm yellow glow in Oswald's room.
He placed a cherished vinyl record on the turntable. The needle dropped, and a soothing jazz tune began to play.
Dressed in a dark gray fleece robe, he picked up the still-steaming cup of chamomile tea from his nightstand and settled comfortably against the pillows on his bed.
A sweet smile touched his lips as he recalled the romantic moments he had spent with Ririko that day. He knew she must be thinking of him right now, too.
He was composing his thoughts, preparing to send Ririko a little essay on his phone. In delicate prose, he would share his reflections on the day and tell her how every second apart felt like a year.
His thumb hovered over the screen, ready to type the first word.
The door burst open.
Butch rushed in with a coil of rope in his hand.
He deftly tied Oswald up tight.
"Have you gone crazy? How dare you do this!" Oswald struggled on the bed.
Butch pressed a hand against Oswald's shoulder and continued securing the ropes.
"Ririko ordered it. She told me to tie you up and deliver you to Sofia's apartment."
Oswald's eyes went wide.
An image immediately flashed through his mind-Sofia had taken Ririko hostage and forced her to call Butch...
That vicious woman must be seeking revenge because he had stolen her business and territory. She must have laid a trap and was waiting for him to walk right into it.
He sat up on the bed, cooperating with Butch as he said, "Tie me up faster! I have to save her!"
Butch was worried. If his boss started shouting later, Sofia might get angry.
With his silver hand, he grabbed a thick blanket from the bed and