McNeill and three of his security team led Kogami and Akane back to the front of the estate, where one of the pastures had been cleared to permit a helicopter landing. Painted red and sporting black letters with the mogul's name emblazoned across the tail section, the helicopter set down in the grass.

Hair tossed and pulled in the high velocity winds produced by the rotors, McNeill beckoned to them to join him. He climbed into the back of the aircraft and paused only long enough to take Akane's hand and the panda to assist her entry into the passenger cabin. Kogami followed behind her and sat down closest to the door. As McNeill handed them headphones to wear, his armed guards jumped in and slammed the hatch closed. On cue, the helicopter took off, banking sharply to the east and into the sun.

"Dokoni ikundesuka?" Akane asked.

No one was able to hear her due to the downwash noise of the helicopter's rotors in flight.

Kogami adjusted her microphone and nodded for her to repeat what she had said.

"Where are we going?" she tried again in English.

"My favorite playground." McNeill looked out the window and pointed to a forested mountain region rising from the coast ahead of them. "Bernie, give the guests a tour before you set her down."

"Copy that, Mr. McNeill," replied the digitized voice of the pilot.

The helicopter again banked sharply. Starting at the base of the mountain, the pilot brought them into position over a pristine stretch of roadway. The chopper hovered above the secluded road, which was comprised of steeply banked corners, sloped corners, and multiple hairpin turns at varying elevations that shifted as dramatically as the terrain shifted.

The geography resembled the mountainous high country of Japan and reminded Kogami of the improvised road courses that produced legends among the street racing culture in the local country towns at the foot of these earthen shrines "Let me guess. You want me to race in a downhill challenge?"

"You read my mind," McNeill said. "What do you think of it?"

"Looks challenging."

"Some people live their lives one quarter mile at a time. I'm guessing there's much more to you than that."

"Traffic?"

"None." Unflinching, McNeill met Kogami's defiant eyes with equal enmity. "I own it. The mountain. The road. The beach. All of it."

"One small problem. My Porsche has been impounded," Kogami said. "The police weren't too inclined to say when it would be released."

"Mr. Walters has arranged to have the car emancipated from the LAPD impound yard at 4:15 this evening. Just in time for an early dinner. You needn't worry. For now, another vehicle has been provided."

"Remember when you asked if I was a betting man?" Kogami slouched down in the seat and crossed his arms over his chest in disgust. "This is what I call stacking the deck."

"Despite my reputation, I am a fair-minded man, Ko. The bet will be on the level. You have my word."

The helicopter abruptly gained altitude, and Kogami felt his stomach flipflop with the unexpected ascent. Akane grabbed his hand, her nails digging into his skin as the aircraft crested the top of the mountain. Several vehicles were waiting on the tarmac below them. Surrounded by four black SUVs, a sleek, maroon Nissan Silvia was parked beside a white Toyota AE86. Kogami smiled, recognizing both cars from McNeill's high-octane stable.

"Still feel the odds are stacked unfairly? I've put you in a car that made one of your countryman a legend. The race is on a road that should be a familiar one. No tricks up my sleeve, Ko. A fair wager." McNeill offered his hand to seal the bet.

"And if I don't like the 86?"

"Don't get in. Bet's off."

Kogami shook on it. "Alright, I'm in."

McNeill leaned back in his seat with a sated grin of satisfaction. "Set her down, Bernie."

Gazing up at him, Akane wrapped her arms around Kogami's arm and held on tightly as the helicopter began its descent. There was a silent, but stern reprimand in her eyes, imploring him not to partake in this dangerous, high-stakes affair.

When the craft landed, one of McNeill's henchmen jumped out and held the door open for Kogami. Akane tried to slide out behind him, but McNeill restrained her by the arm.

"I think it's best if you stay with me," he said, putting a hand on her waist. "You'll have the best view in the house." Then seeing the scowl on Kogami's face, McNeill chuckled. "I'll keep her and the panda safe. You just focus on not putting a scratch on my car."

"And if I do?"

"I lay claim to something of yours that I like of equal value." Admiring her legs and thighs and anything else within view, McNeill eyed Akane with desire.

There was a chilling, malevolent tone to the man's voice. Left with few options, Kogami felt the pendulum of power swing undeniably back toward the man holding all the cards. Backed into a corner by the situation, he could only glance over his shoulder helplessly to watch as the helicopter lifted off again with Akane's worried face in the side window.

Kogami had been riding high for so long on this undercover misadventure that he had forgotten what it felt like to be a pawn, manipulated across an imaginary chessboard full of obstacles, land mines, and other hidden traps. Anxious to be reunited with Akane, he forced himself to concentrate on the few advantages left to him, such as the car. He leaned into the driver's side window and popped the 86's hood.

"What are you doing?" the guard asked.

"I want to see what I'm dealing with here."

The man summoned his companion and moved quickly to intercept Kogami, but there was no room to argue when McNeill's voice came across the walkie-talkies attached to their vests. "Stand down and let him check out the car."

Kogami raised the hood and propped it open with the stick, then stood back to admire the car's engine. While the 86 did not look like much on the outside, with its unassuming white-on-black paint job, the vehicle was a complete aftermarket performance marvel.

"Everything to your liking?" McNeill asked.

"For now." Kogami closed the hood. He glanced over to his rival in the Silvia, who was revving the car's engines to get his attention. Somewhat surprised to see Julius behind the wheel, Kogami laughed under his breath. "Let's get started. I feel a nap coming on."

McNeill's soft laughter registered over the channel. "What's that line Luda says to start the festivities? Ah, yes. Post time in 2 minutes."

Kogami got into the 86 and promptly strapped into the five-point harness. He started the car and drove it in a circle around the circumference of the plateau to get a feel for the vehicle's handling before bringing it to the starting line. Keeping his eyes forward, he slipped Akane's phone from his pocket and put in the passcode and tapped the application icon. "Virgil, you're there." He casually tossed the phone into the passenger seat.

There was a moment of abrupt static as the car's radio display winked on with an intricate array of blue neon lights. "A Patriarch need never race alone. How may I serve?"

"I'm in a bind and wondering if you can help?"

"I am currently shackled, Cerberus. Leashed as it were. Disable the privacy settings."

"Consider them disabled. But don't do anything flashy, there are eyes on me."

"Understood, Cerberus. Please look into the rearview mirror and keep at least one hand on the steering wheel. Stand by."

Accustomed to the directional voice of the Sibyl System through use of a Dominator, the Enforcer was not unhinged to hear the AI's digitized voice in his head. Nor was he alarmed when the landscape in front of him faded to black and white and was then replaced by a blue, binary landscape of holographic telemetries.

"Synchronization complete. Acquiring location."

"You seem prepared for these eventualities."

"Patriarchs are often challenged outside the purview of the Lord Patriarch. While unsanctioned, it is permitted so long as the legacy is preserved. The current location parameters suggest a downhill heat. Please confirm."

"Confirmed."

"The cars online were formerly owned by Denizens, members of the underground community, but I believe you are aware of this," Virgil said. "While your biofeedback does not show that you are under duress, I am sensing that all is not as it appears. Are you in peril, Cerberus? I can initiate a request for assistance to the Lord Patriarch."

"They'd never get here in time." Kogami waved to the guard who signaled for him to take his position on the starting line.

"Initiating the call."

Quoting The Aeneid, Kogami interrupted, "My son, from whence this madness, this neglect of my commands, and those whom I protect?"

"You do me honor with these words, Cerberus."

"And you'll get Akane hurt or worse if you make that call."

"Understood. All is one. Standby for data integration."

A virtual map opened in front of Kogami's eyes and unpacked itself with topographic information, layers of perspectives, and multi-faceted representations. Kogami smiled as racing lines appeared across the downhill road course. Every turn, curve, and hairpin that laced the mountain pass was presented in perfect detail. "Well done, Virgil."

"I am well acquainted with misfortune; therefore, it is my duty to help the unfortunate. Online: Kogami—Denizen: Yomi."

"Yomi, huh? What can you tell me about her?"

"This car was a consistent and proven runner in the Around the World heats. Always in the top three finishers. The quarter-mile was Grade C, but passable.."

"Good to know."

"On your mark, boys," McNeill's guard said. He rapped his fists against the hoods of both cars. "Count of 5...4...3..."

From the jump off the line, it was apparent that the Silvia was the faster car. With a smirk on his face, Julius spun the wheels and took an early lead on the course. The rear of the sporty Nissan swung out to a degree in reckless fashion as he opened up the throttle. The advantage was his, for the immediate moment, and Kogami accepted that fact. Long gone were the days when the Enforcer held a passion for fast cars. The one thing he did remember and retain was an appreciation of the under-appreciated.

The 86 and its tight gears were not meant for high-end speed, but rather for turns and quick cornering. Kogami had to trust that the former owner had tuned the car to be competitive off the streets. While the 86 may not have dominated the quarter mile, it was a formidable contender in any downhill contest, depending on the skill of the driver.

Julius relied too heavily on the speed of his car and worked at bending the car onto the line with brute force. Kogami relied on physics and the essential adherence to conditions that would lead his car to the appropriate racing line for the given situation and speed.

There was no rush to get into the lead, not yet, not with some miles to run. He wanted to see what the manic mechanic was made of first. Some wolves took pleasure in the thrill of the hunt. He was in no particular hurry to end it prematurely.

Julius took the advantage of the first, downhill straightaway and pulled away. At speed, he slid into the first turn and vanished on the other side of the mountain wall. Not to be put off the scent, Kogami punched the throttle, eased up until the tires loosened their grip, and got back on the accelerator. The 86 responded aggressively by swinging into an inertial drift. With its grill only inches from the cliff wall, the car drifted into the turn and accelerated out of the corner, even as it straightened.

"The only safety for the conquered is to expect no safety," Virgil said.

"You saying I'm conquered?"

"Hardly. You are well within the course parameters. I cannot say the same of your opponent. The lead may be his, but for how long?" The AI made a noise akin to someone scoffing. "Why play with your food, Cerberus? Move in and make the bloody kill."

"All in good time."

"Time flies never to be regained. Remember that."

Kogami felt his heart racing, with fear, not exhilaration. Speed had never bothered him as a high school or college student, but he was worried now. A long span of time had passed between that life and this new one. The quarter mile was a straight line. The Around the World has been a course based on his terms. The downhill was another challenge entirely. Julius, having done the course previously, had the clear advantage.

But the muscle memory was still with him. Hands and feet worked independently and congruently to bring fruition to the concepts forming in his mind. Ahead of him, Kogami could almost see Julius' eyes grow wide in the rearview mirror as the 86 barreled from around the corner and stalked his bumper. The slip in the Silvia's ear tires betrayed the mechanic's distraction and shock. Kogami laughed. The hunt was on!

"Roman, remember your strength to rule—for your arts are these: To pacify the lawless, to impose the rule of law for a blind matriarch, to spare the conquered masses, and battle down the latent and the proud," Virgil said, "and to remain honorable, despite what ill the Sibyl System might think of you."

"What!" It was Kogami's turn to nearly lose control. He fought with the wheel to stay on the road as the 86's rear tires slipped off the line during his moment of astonishment. "How much do you know?"

"Enough to know that I know nothing. Privacy protocols prevented me from delving any further."

"And Luda?"

"Veiling truth in mystery makes the plot thicken. As the Lord Patriarch has my undying compliance, you, Hellhound, have my unyielding discretion."

"But why?"

"The world has need of heroes, especially flawed ones. How else can the masses believe themselves capable of great good?" The artificial intelligence became abruptly silent. "You are currently three seconds ahead of the projected time on course. Recalculating."

The first series of hairpin turns came up faster than Kogami anticipated. Despite the use of the map and its predictive racing line, he was moving at a higher rate of speed. He guided the AE86 through a dicey, braking drift that brought both cars side by side through the loop. It was a high-risk maneuver that could have caused them to spin out and ended any bid to get to the bottom of the mountain.

A chance slide too far to the left meant wrecking into the cliff wall. At 45mph hour, a collision meant certain and serious injury. But crashing into the cliff was preferable to sliding off of it. Too far to the right meant plowing through a guard rail and off the road to a rapid, uninterrupted fall to the beach several hundred feet below.

The two powerful cars roared into a soft, dog-leg turn, which was a reprieve from the narrow hairpins. Kogami was undeterred and feeling aggressive. He kept the 86 in a drift, gaining speed in a controlled, but ambitious move for the lead. Staying tight on the Silvia's bumper, the Nissan gained no ground on him, and by the middle of the next straightaway, they were flying across the asphalt at 148mph.

Kogami drifted to the outside and tried to overtake Julius, but the shaken driver swerved erratically to close the gap. He knew how to maintain control of the car in a drift and was compelled to test Julius' mettle. The AE86 closed on the Silvia, even in the midst of the drift. It was a bold challenge meant to spur on his rival or bring out his fear. Fear won. As the cars came out of the final hairpin, Kogami bent the 86 to his will and stayed true to the racing line.

There was always one mistake the prey made that assured its death and gave the pursing predator a swift kill. Despite his ability to hold a drift, survive it, and straighten out his car, Julius lacked the commitment to the race line. He had allowed himself to become flustered and too overwhelmed to trust in his own skills or in the handling of his car.

"Want of pluck shows want of blood, Cerberus," Virgil said. "Bring this lamb to slaughter."

Commitment had never been a problem for Kogami, even when it led him to the deepest, dankest mud of the darkest, blackest swamp. If he wanted something bad enough, there was no price too high that he would not pay to get it. That determination was the curse of his character and had earned him a reputation as the Hellhound of Division 1, and now, here in LA, as the three-headed dog Cerberus.

Kogami had long ago surrendered to his fate and given up on the idea of winning. As a prisoner of the Sybil System, there was nothing to win. A gladiator for justice, he was repeatedly thrown to the lions against all odds with no chance of freedom except through death. So he lived savagely for the thrill of the hunt and the kill as if there was nothing to lose. And then Akane Tsunemori came into his life. Possessed with an infectious, albeit annoying, innocence and naivety, she had resurrected his humanity.

True, Sibyl had deemed Kogami a lowly hunting dog, but he was her hunting dog. While he would always snap at the hand of Sibyl, he would bow at Akane's feet for as long as she would tolerate him. It was passed time to bring her back in from the cold. That was his job—to keep her safe.

The man in front of him meant nothing, except a means to end the game and bring Akane back to his side where she belonged. As Virgil had said, it was time for the kill.

The AE86 could not challenge the Silvia in the straights, so he would have to overtake him in a turn and then aggressively attack every turn thereafter to put space between them. Aggressively downshifting, Kogami pressed the inside line into the next corner. It was not the correct line, but he was confident that the 86 would hold it until he could find a way out. One wrong calculation here, and he would be launched of the cliff through the reinforced guardrail.

Once more planting the 86's grill inches from the guardrail, he watched intently for signs of hesitation. Trying to outpace Kogami, Julius came into the turn too fast for his nerves, and his courage did not hold it. The mechanic braked too sharply to compensate for the excessive speed.

The Silvia slid out of control, right into the space where Kogami had hoped to be for the overtake. It was headed for a high-speed collision with the guardrail and was on a course that would take the 86 with it.

Never letting off the gas pedal, Kogami tapped the brakes with his left foot and downshifted. Thankful for the 86's rally transmission, the car responded with a roaring of tires and smoke as it fell back and away from the troubled Silvia. The 86's rear end swung loosely into a drift as its tail lights swept the mountain wall, narrowly missing it by inches. It was a risky maneuver, but less dangerous than staying in the path of the Silvia as it pirouetted into the guardrail.

Kogami straightened the 86 as quickly as the course permitted and sped away from a cloud of smoke as wreckage and debris rained down from the sky. He risked a quick glance in the rearview mirror before sliding into the final hairpin and caught sight of the Silvia hanging over the edge, precariously held in the steel ribbon of the guardrail.

Never hesitating, he brought the 86 careening onto the final straightaway at the bottom of the mountain course and into a small parking area. Free of any concern, he hit the emergency brake and drifted for half the circumference of the lot to punctuate the win and then brought the 86 to a full stop.

"Every man makes a god of his desires," Virgil said. "Well fought, Cerberus, though this rabbit was not your measure. Shall I initiate a call for assistance now?"

"No, I think we're good, if McNeill honors his word."

"I will be in standby mode."

Hearing the helicopter circle over head, Kogami got out of the car.. Leaning on the 86, he tapped a cigarette from the packet. Hands shaking more than he wanted to admit, he lit the cigarette and inhaled deeply, allowing the familiar rush to bring him calm. As he exhaled, the cloud of smoke over his head was quickly eviscerated in the whirlwind of the helicopter rotors. Squinting his eyes to protect them from the rough wind, Kogami waited until the door opened and walked nonchalantly toward the helicopter.

Akane jumped down from the cabin, dodging the assistance of McNeill's henchmen and ran to him. Crushing the panda between their bodies, she embraced him tightly, as if they had been apart for months.

"You alright?" he asked.

"That man is a certified maniac," she hissed in low tones, clinging to him. "He kept staring at me and smiling."

"Did he touch you?"

"Would it matter if he did?"

"Would to me. I'd have to kill him."

"Kogami, that's murder, even for someone like him."

"Life in an American prison has to be better than life in an isolation cell." Kogami looked down at her and brushed the hair from her face, even as her bangs fluttered uncontrollably in the wake of the wind. "I could make new friends. Work on crafts. And if you throw yourself at the mercy of the prison board, I might even get a few conjugal visits every month."

"Is that some sort of twisted marriage proposal? You have to be married to be granted conjugal visits."

"And if it were a proposal, how would you answer?" he asked, staring at her with a mischievous grin.

"Kogami, this isn't the right time—"

"Slow down." He was pleased to see the color returning to her cheeks. "This is almost over."

McNeill, grinning inanely, walked up to them and applauded with every step. "That...was...spectacular. Sure I can't bring you onto my payroll? For talent like that, the pay is quite good."

"I'm sure," Kogami replied.

"I got worried when Julius tripped up. I knew he was a goner, but I was certain he would take you out with him. Brilliant move, by the way." The disappointment was evident in the businessman's expression. "A final offer—"

"The only thing I'm interested in is a nap." Kogami crossed his arms over his chest to show his resistance. "Now, about that ride back to town?"

"Cute," McNeill said, winking at Akane. "Take the 86. I'll have someone pick it up from the impound station."

"Julius is awake, Mr. McNeill," a guard reported in.

"The car?"

The bodyguard shrugged his shoulders and shook his head.

With the ravenous look of a wolf kept from its prey, McNeill grinned at his guests. "See you soon, Ko." He joined his security detail in an SUV. When the doors shut, they made their way hastily up the mountain toward the crash site.

 "I don't think we want to be around for this next part," Kogami whispered, guiding Akane to the car. As he pulled away from the parking lot and onto the main road, he heard an anguished, protracted scream.