9. Underground

Kumiko and Sally navigate the London Underground, where Sally comments on the city’s layered decay and identifies a gang of “Jack Draculas.” Sally hustles Kumiko through multiple cabs and stores to confuse any trackers, then pauses at Covent Garden for brandy and chocolate, probing Kumiko’s curiosity and discussing “indie” business and Swain’s influence games.

Over drinks, Sally contrasts her independent operations with Swain’s dependence on influence, and warns about surveillance, even joking about implanted bugs. The tension pushes Kumiko to blurt that her father killed her mother, after which she vomits. Sally silently walks her through the city to calm her, then takes her to a robata bar, where Kumiko regains composure.

As they eat, Sally explains Yakuza structures—oyabun, kobun, kuromaku—framing Kumiko’s father as a behind‑the‑scenes power and Swain as subordinate obligated by giri. Sally suggests the seriousness of whatever forced Kumiko’s exile. Returning to Swain’s house, Petal reports Swain is out; Sally drinks and broods while Kumiko retreats to consult Colin.

Colin warns Kumiko that her room is bugged and plays two recorded conversations. In the first, Petal and Swain note Kumiko’s apparent one‑sided “talking,” decide to have Bernie shadow Sally, and treat the situation lightly. In the second, Sally confronts Swain; he insists outside handlers control him and reveals their plan: a woman on the coast will soon move east, and they want Sally to snatch her.

Crucially, Swain admits there will be no ransom; the handlers want it to appear the woman has been killed and will supply a body. The exchange confirms Sally herself is the key to the operation and that Swain is deeply compromised. Colin ends the playback, noting Sally left without comment.