sitting across the room from him while he sipped a martini and

watched nude dancers going through seductive motions on the

small stages placed around the bar. Several “hostesses” approached

him, but he shook his head each time and remained alone at his

table, his eyes riveted to the dancers.

“Guess this is how the respected sorcerer gets his kicks, ” said

Kawashima wryly. “He likes to watch naked women.”

“Go use the phone over by the rest room and check in. Tell them

where we are. It looks like he might be here awhile.”

Kanno finished his drink and ordered another. After a couple of

minutes, Kawashima came back to the table to join his partner.

“It’s going to be a long night, ” he said with disgust. “We’re

supposed to stick with him. Fuck. What time is it?”

“About eleven-thirty.”

“I’m going to kill those bastards.”

“Forget it. We’re stuck now. Have another drink. Enjoy the

view.”

“I’ll tell you what I’d like to enjoy right about now, ” said

Kawashima with a grin. “That blonde right over there.”

“The one with the big tits? Yeah, I’ve been watching her.”

“She looks American.”

“California girl.”

“Nice ass, too, ” said Kawashima. “How much money have you

got?”

“Hey, we have a job to do, remember?”

“Come on, let’s just call her over to the table when she’s finished.

Maybe we can set something up for later.”

“Forget it, ” said Hattori. “Kanno’s leaving.”

“Shit!”

They followed him out of the bar, keeping well back.

“Now where the hell’s he going?”

They watched him cross the street.