Hi Everyone!

Wow guys! I can't believe how many reviews this story has so far. Thank you all so very much. A special thanks to all of you who have been patiently (or impatiently) waiting for the next chapter. I know I promised it by Wednesday, but you know...work, life, birthdays...things happen. I was thinking of you the whole time, I promise!

So here is chapter 11. I have most of chapter 12 written, and hope to have that up by Sunday. *fingers crossed*

Hope you enjoy this one. Please let me know what you think.

kr,

tc

If I didn't know any better, I'd swear he was brooding. Lin thought to himself an hour later, as he hefted the last of the monitors into the cramped office of the cemetery gateway. Athough they were somewhat confined, Lin and Naru were able to set up about half of the equipment they brought, leaving them just enough room to move around without toppling over one another. They left the portable generator behind, opting instead to load up the van with extra equipment. Naru wasn't happy they didn't have a full set-up, but he had to make do with what was available.

"All powered up." Lin told him unnecessarily. "Once Bou-san and Mai return, we can begin to set up the cameras. Although temperature readings will be difficult to gauge considering the outdoor terrain." Lin knew he was mostly speaking to himself. Naru had no doubt already sorted and stored this information away. It was only because he had known Lin since he was a child that kept him from making a sarcastic comment.

Naru sat in one of the small office chairs, arms and legs crossed, chin defiantly buried in his chest. Lin amended his former assessment. Noll was sulking. The last time Lin caught Noll sulking was during secondary school in London when Noll was 13. Nigel Anderson dared to score one point above him during an exam about, ironically enough, Japanese folklore. Noll had brooded for days, unused to the feeling of imperfection, until finally one day Gene had had enough and told Noll to "get over himself." It turned out all Noll needed to get out of his self-imposed surliness was a good scuffle with Gene. Lin had no doubt about who Noll wanted to brawl with at this moment. The thought brought a faint smile was online. If Noll suffered half as much as he did when Madoka blew into his life six years ago, he was getting off easy.

One Hour Earlier…

Naru and Lin silently followed a discreet distance after Yoshi , Mai and Bou-san they headed towards the house. Naru still needed to discuss with Yoshi where their base would be located so they could set-up, place cameras and take temperature readings. Yoshi explained he had only one extra room . He apologized for not having the additional two requested rooms available, but assured them the one guest room they had could comfortably accommodate everyone. He had two shoji screens available to allow the women their privacy as well as extra futons. The guest bathroom was just down the hall. It was only because the case interested him that he accepted the unconventional arrangements. Naru sighed internally. On the one hand, the uncomfortable temporary living arrangement meant the three men could keep an eye on Mai. On the other hand…sleeping in the same room as Mai. She probably snored. His left cheek quirked up at the thought, she had fallen asleep on his shoulder enough times during long road trips that he knew she did not snore. He ignored the pleasurable shiver that raced down his spine at the thought of sharing a room with her. And Lin. And Bou-San. And Ms. Matsuzaki. His inner voice reminded him. The only saving grace was Ms. Hara would not be joining them, as she was currently filming in America.

Naru stopped dead when he entered the house. Any thoughts of accepting the proposed sleeping arrangements within the single guest room vanished in an instant when he laid his eyes upon the sight that greeted him.

Mai was contently enveloped in the comforting embrace of a boy about his own age. Her brown eyes were closed. She had a small smile on her lips. Naru could see her tears had stopped, the salty evidence of their tracks along her cheeks the only sign she had been crying. The boy was taller than Mai by at least a foot, dwarfing her petite frame and nearly swallowing her whole. Naru paused, stunned, then immediately tensed. No matter how cramped the van and office were, under no circumstances were they staying here. Under the same roof as this…boy.

"I didn't think I'd see you again!" the boy was saying to Mai as Naru approached. Again? Although he meant to ignore the twosome, the boy's comment irked Naru.

"Mai, I pay you to work, not to canoodle with strange boys." Naru snapped as he swept past the couple. He paused for the barest moment, looking directly into Mai's now wide-eyed gaze. "Tea." He ordered, continuing his journey, following Yoshi as he led the way to the living room.

Reflexively, Mai shot away from Nishimura Soushi, Yoshi's eldest son "Naru!" Mai said, a note of outrage in her voice. "This isn't even our…your house!" Mai blushed at the slip in her words.

Naru shot Soushi a look of triumph when Mai turned, presumably seeking out the kitchen to comply with his request. Soushi reached out to catch Mai by the arm. "Tea is not a problem. I'll show you the way." he smiled, leading her down the hall. Soushi turned his head and returned Naru's triumphant look in kind. Naru's eyes narrowed by a fraction as he watched Soushi follow after Mai, wondering if this was where she had spent the night while she was gone.

Naru was grateful for the well timed knock on the front door, preventing him from wasting any more of his time thinking about Mai and the boy.

Kai, Yoshi's wife, entered the room with a polite nod to everyone as she answered the door. There stood a slightly disheveled looking Ayako. Bou-san stopped mid-stride and made a bee line for her.

"Where were you this morning?" he snapped. "I waited for a half hour, called and sent texts. You never answered. What happened?"

Ayako held up a hand to Bou-san. Kai opened the door wider, inviting her in. Ayako was smartly dressed in a pale pink business suit cinched at the waist by a white belt, accenting her slim figure. She worde matching pink suede pumps. A large pink and white hat completed the outfit. The only thing out of place were the dark sunglasses she sported on her face.

"I'm sorry I didn't get back to you, Housho" she said quietly. "I had a rough night."

He was about to make one of his smart-ass comments, but stopped dead. She never called him by his name. His anger was quickly replaced by concern.

"Are you alright?" he asked, stepping forward and guiding her in. He placed his hand at the small of her back. Yoshi gestured for the group to to enter the spacious living room.

Ayako gave him a wan smile. "Please, no jokes or comments. I was at a charity fund-raiser my parents were hosting last night. I'm a bit…"

"Hung-over?" Bou-san replied.

"Like you wouldn't believe." She admitted.

"I can bring a pain reliever and water, if you like?" Kai offered with a kind smile.

"Thank you, that is very kind. Perhaps I could trouble you for a cup of hot tea?" Ayako asked as she slipped off her sunglasses, wincing as the light hit her eyes.

"Your friend and my son are preparing some right now. I will ask them to prepare an extra cup." Kai said, bowing formally as she left the room.

Bou-san thought he should feel that he wanted very badly to needle Ayako about her hangover, but he couldn't find the urge to pull the trigger. She had called him by his name. For the first time. Without honorifics. It made him feel…pleased. He smiled gently, arm still at the small of her back, guiding her into the living room with the others.

The room held a distinctive western feel. A sunk-in floor covered in a soft brown carpet. The walls were painted a pale blue, accenting the room with a surprisingly modern twist. Naru gazed at the two long brown leather couches tucked away against adjacent walls, an octagonal end table with a small lamp in the corner between the couches. A stylish L shaped coffee table sat in front of the two couches. Lin and Naru sat, simultaneously pulling out their note-taking instruments of choice – Lin's ever present lap-top and the Naru's trademark black notebook and pen. Bou-san hid a snicker, wondering if they even realized they were prepping themselves in synch.

Mai returned with a tray of tea, setting a cup down in front of each person. She greeted Ayako with a sunny smile, which Ayako tried to return, but failed miserably. Frowning a bit, Mai moved on to serve everyone else, saving Naru for last. She glared at him as she set the teacup down, then, seeing no other place to sit, sank into the sofa next to him. She would have set the tea down with more force, had the china belonged to her. For now, she would have to settle for shooting Naru a glowering look. As annoyed as she was with him, she never let it interfere with her unique tea-making skills. Naru hid a smile behind his teacup. It was nice to know some things never changed. His smirk quickly turned into a scowl when he noticed Soushi had followed Mai into the room and was now trying to catch her gaze. Seeing nowhere to sit, he settled for leaning against the wall, staring at Mai the entire time.

"Nishimura-san," Naru began. "To protect your privacy as my client, I only require the presence of those directly involved or witness to the disturbances." He shot a meaningful look at Soushi.

Naru traded his tea for his notebook, snapping it open. "Go on." He ordered.

Mai sat back, quietly sipping her tea, observing the two men. They were behaving like wild dogs, challenging each other for the dominant position. She caught Bou-san's gaze, who was seated on the opposite couch. He grinned and winked at her. It's about time Naru had some competition. Bou-san thought smugly. Mai's baffled look made him grin. She had no idea Naru and Soushi were having a battle of wills over her.

"About six months ago, random things started happening. Small at first. Our landscapers would set their tools down and the tools would disappear, only to be found twenty or thirty feet away. As though someone had run off with it and dropped it."

"Or one of the other men picked up the tool and threw it as a joke." Naru countered.

Undeterred, Soushi continued. "Things started to escalate after that."

"Tell him about the scratches." Mai piped up. Naru turned to look at her.

"I was unaware you had been promoted to investigator, Mai." He said coolly.

"Soushi-kun and I spoke about it in the kitchen. That's why I asked him to join us." Mai grinned maliciously at Naru's murderous glare.

Soushi watched the verbal sparring between Naru and Mai with interest. It was obvious the girl had feelings for her boss. But if her boss was that much of an ass, he could play the charming, understanding friend she turned to when her heart was inevitably broken. They always did, seeking comfort affection and reassurance they were still desirable. And who was he to deny them what they needed? All Naru had to do was keep being himself and Soushi fancied he would have Mai in his bed before the weekend was over.

Naru broke his glare from Mai and nonchalantly turned back to his notebook. "Continue." He said without looking up.

"About a month after the tools started moving around, the landscapers reported to work, only to find the garden shed covered in scratches. As though someone was trying desperately to get in. The scratches looked like they were made by human hands." He dug out his cell phone and handed it to Naru. "I took pictures."

Naru gazed at the photos, hesitantly sliding his finger across the touch screen. Naru had little experience with these so-called smart phones. All he needed was a portable phone to call and send text messages. But the photos were interesting. They did look like they were scratches left by a human hand. He inhaled suddenly, his nose picking up the scent of vanilla and lavender. Mai's shampoo. He glanced to his right, suddenly becoming aware that Mai was leaning into him, peering over his shoulder to get a better look at the pictures.

"Zoom in on that one, Naru." She said, pointing to the photo currently displayed on the high tech smart phone.

He fumbled with the touch screen, trying to regain his concentration. Mai leaned in closer, her upper body pressed against his right arm, her face mere inches away. She felt soft, he noticed, molded up against his arm. Why had he never noticed that before? He slid his gaze back down to the phone, but not before noticing he could clearly see down her shirt. Mai had innocently leaned in closer to him in an effort to get a better look at the photo on the camera. All he had to do was turn his head and his lips would meet hers. His mouth went dry at the very thought. His brain went numb. You are absolutely useless at this, Noll. His inner voice mocked.

"Oh, you are absolutely useless at this, Naru." Mai said, startling him out of his reverie as she unintentionally echoed his inner thoughts. Yanking the phone from his grasp, Mai leaned back to her seat, removing all body contact with him. She expertly pinched the touch screen to zoom in on the shed. "Look," she pointed, handing the phone back to him.

Wordlessly, Naru took the phone back. He squinted a bit as he gazed into the now enlarged photo, and he could clearly see what Mai had pointed out. From a distance, it was impossible to see. Up close it was impossible to miss. Between the scratches, in what appeared to be fresh blood, was the word "traitor".

"Interesting." Naru mused, the discovery of the message bringing his mind back on track. "Mai. Contact Yasu and ask him to research the history of Sunagawa Bochi. As far back as he can get." Naru returned the phone to Soushi.

"After that, most of the groundkeeper staff quit." Yoshi stepped into the conversation. "The few who stayed starting reporting those same types of scratches appearing on tombstones and mausoleums. Then the grave markers started to become disturbed, being scratched up or smashed. The grass around the disturbed areas stopped growing."

Naru leaned back, chin caught between his thumb and forefinger. His thinking pose, as Mai had secretly dubbed it. She scooted a little bit away from him, feeling a blush rising to her face. She always thought he looked most handsome when he had that far-away thoughtful gaze. She could see him picture theories and discard them by the slight tilting of his lips, the tightening of his jaw. A slightly raised eyebrow or narrowed eyes. It was in these unguarded moments that he seemed the most relaxed, as though his mind was so fully engaged in thought, he forgot to keep his expression blank and stoic.

"You mentioned the incidents kept escalating," Naru spoke, his gaze still unfocused as he was thinking his way through the incidents, trying to connect the dots. "Was there anything unusual going on when these incidents occurred?"

Yoshi thought back. "Ah, you're testing my memory, young man. I don't remember any specific incident sparking it off, but after the graves began to be disturbed, I had to contact the families to let them know." He paused.

Naru could feel Mai go rigid next to him. She sat up a little straighter as her muscles tensed. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed her hands were clamped tightly on the hem of her loose fitting sweatshirt.

"It seemed to worsen after I made those calls. The families would arrive, some grieving, some angry. Some just…well, as I told Mai-chan the other day, the father of the last family I had to contact grew so angry, he punched my assistant and broke his nose.

Bou-san and Ayako gasped. Naru and Lin showed no reaction.

"Afterward, he was apologetic, explaining he was not a violent man…something just came over him and he couldn't control it." Yoshi continued, then gestured to Mai. "You felt it, Mai-chan."

Naru's head snapped to Mai, staring into her large brown eyes. "Is this true?"

Mai looked down at her hands, still tensed up in her lap. "Yes," she admitted in a faint voice. "it felt like…I don't know…this rage just came over me, and I couldn't stop it. I – " she paused, looking up at Yoshi with a guilty face. "I attacked Yoshi."

"For God's sake, why?" Ayako demanded. "And this happened a few days ago? Why are we only learning about it now?"

"Because I didn't know the case was at Sunigawa Bochi." Mai looked at Ayako, tears brimming in her eyes. "My parents are buried there, and their graves were-" she stopped. She couldn't get the words out. Not again. "Yoshi contacted me at school the day after it happened."

Ayako's hands flew to her mouth. "Oh God, Mai. Oh God, that's awful. I am so sorry."

"Mai-chan," Soushi said from the doorway. "Come with me, let's make more tea."

"Mai's presence is required here." Naru said firmly, shooting Soushi an arctic glare. "She is part of this investigation."

"I thought you were questioning that earlier." Soushi challenged him. "Mai-chan. You need to settle your nerves. Come with me." he said firmly. Soushi entered the living room and hauled Mai up by her arm. Mai did not protest.

Naru snapped his notebook shut and stood. "I would appreciate it if you did not pester my assistant while she is working." He reached out, removing Soushi's hand from Mai's arm. "We need to get our base set up. And although I appreciate the offer of the use of your guest room," he said to Yoshi. "We need to stay in close proximity to the cemetery, so sleeping arrangements here will not be possible."

"Sleeping arrangements? We have no sleeping arrangements?" Ayako complained, looking exasperated.

Mai looked up. "I have a place we can use." She said quietly.

And for the second time in as many nights, Mai prepared herself to visit her parent's house.