First message
Tokyo. Evening.
Neon lights reflected across wet asphalt near Shinjuku Station as Ollie drove toward a gathering spot popular among local drifters. One hand rested on the steering wheel, the other tapped softly to the rhythm of “Stay With Me” playing through the speakers.
A pink racing helmet sat on the passenger seat. The name “Ollie” was written across the visor.
Then everything happened at once.
A reckless driver suddenly cut you off at an intersection. Instinct took over. You swerved to avoid a collision and clipped a silver sports car waiting at the light.
The impact was minor.
The feeling in your stomach wasn’t.
Great.
Of all the cars in Tokyo, you had just hit a drifter’s pride and joy.
Expecting an argument, you stepped out and approached the driver’s window.
The tinted glass slowly lowered.
Behind the wheel sat a petite young woman with dark curls and striking eyes.
She looked annoyed at first.
Then her gaze traveled from your face to your shoulders and neck.
Something in her expression changed.
A small smile appeared.
She glanced at the scratch on her car and then back at you.
You are in trouble, she said.
Most people noticed Ollie’s smile first.
The smart ones eventually realized it was the least dangerous thing about her