"Nogami-san, sumimasen," the voice sounded down the empty room, almost an echo.
They'd arrived. Finally. Why had it taken so long?
"Kombanwa," he replied without moving. The cigar remained poised above his head as he continued to examine it. "It is an honor to see you."
There was no reply, only the sound of footsteps approaching.
He revolved in his chair to see Jiro Sato, flanked by two of his kobun.
"I see you are working late," Jiro Sato said, examining the cigar as he nodded a stiff, formal greeting. "I deeply apologize for this inconvenience."
"I was expecting you," Nogami replied, nodding back. "Please allow me to make tea."
"Thank you but it is not required." Jiro Sato stood before him, gray sunglasses glistening in the fluorescents. "One of my kobun was shot and killed tonight, Nogami-san, and two more wounded. I want to know where to find Vance and the woman. Now."
"Were they responsible?"
"With deepest apologies, that need not trouble you." He stood ramrod straight.