((ready to kill me yet? Nothing worth having is every easily obtained. Won't it make it better in the end? Anyway I own nothing. I'm looking for someone to run my final idea by so if you want to help please PM me. Also there's a poll in my profile, please check it out. ))

It was roughly eight am when Lin arrived at the SPR office. he had woken around six to find that Noll wasn't in the apartment they shared. Hoping that the stupid git had gone to see Mai and fix whatever had caused the rift between the, he felt his heart stop when he realized that the young man had been in his office working instead.

When the apartment had been empty this morning Lin had hoped that there was a chance that this morning's meeting could be avoided but now it was apparent that it was more necessary that ever. He knocked lightly on Noll's door and saw the other man reviewing tape from what looked like the Hines's home. As he looked over Naru's shoulder he could make out Adia Hines's room. This was more recent though because David Hines could be clearly heard on the tapes. Ofcourse! The nannycam bears. They hadn't been lost. Noll and left them on purpose.

"You have an nine am appointment. Sit. " When the playback paused Lin took that as his signal to continue. "I do hope you'll be on your best behavior. This is a very important meeting. I'll come get you when they arrive." He turned to go but was stopped as he reached the office threshold.

"Who's the client?"

"Oh, it's not a client." he said and walked away. If Noll wanted to know he could bloody well get up and come to him for a change. He was going to pull Dr. Oliver Davis's head out of his own ass one way or another. Shutting his door to allow him some privacy he sank down into his office chair and pulled out his cell phone.

He's here. Should I have anything ready for your arrival?

When his phone vibrated with the response he grunted and pushed it away. He turned on his own lap top and began to download the latest field reports from London for review.

Takigawa considered himself to be a pacifist. He didn't approve of violence if there was any other way and most of the time there were numerous other ways of how to deal with things. The thing with Naru and Mai though, that was inciting him to violence. While he sat in the back of the cab he absently fingered the little palm tree key chain that Ayako had gotten him in the air port before they were forced to return to try and find Mai. One day he'd get back to the white sandy beach and crystal blue water. He'd make that stuck up jerk pay for it once he took what he did to Mai out of his hide.

Mai. He groaned for the hundredth time in an hour. This whole thing with Mai had him feeling like he'd failed his little sister. WHile not blood both he and Ayako loved her. He missed the carefree girl they'd all met at her school a little over four years ago. First he finds out that she hid her rape from him for years and now she's gotten another heart break courtesy of Oliver Davis.

When he'd first found out that their Naru was Oliver Davis he thought it made a lot of sense but he'd grown bitter and resentful over the years. While he'd had his reasons there was no denying that the young doctor had used him and everyone else at the Japanese SPR. He had respected Dr. Oliver Davis as the authority on things paranormal.

After seeing Mai hurt by him twice now he held nothing but a desire to do bodily harm towards the great doctor. As his cab arrived in front of his destination he paid the driver and exited the car. He cast an unsure glance towards the building and squared his shoulders. Taking a breath he started towards the front door.

"Here goes nothing.." he mumbled under his breath as he reached the elevator and keyed in his choice.

At two minutes till Nine Oliver heard the small bells over the office's front door chime to announce the arrival or someone. He waited to see if Lin would greet their guest and a moment later her heard Lin's deeper voice saying something. Why were they being so quiet? This was odd.

Everything was off today. First the visit from Gene; the first such visit in over a year, then Lin's vague announcement when he'd arrived a little while ago and now the whispering voices in his lobby. He didn't like when things weren't going as planned. Life had a plan. It was supposed to go a specific way. His plan had been perfect.

He'd reopen his office. Sweep Mai off of her feet and she'd be madly in love with him. She'd work again part-time or full-time and they'd live upstairs. Then after taking her home for the holidays he's purpose with Martin's Mother's ring and they'd wed. They'd work full-time together; with her becoming an investigator after finishing her education and life would be perfect. Why the hell wasn't she following his plan. He'd even allowed her for slight variations on the plan. She could choose to move to a different place, or if she didn't want to get married that was acceptable. He'd even have let her decorate their living quarters. Women liked that kind of thing.

He was irritated and he felt off-balance. Gene's appearance early this morning had really upset him. Hadn't he done enough? Pausing his video playback he gathered his notebook and walked towards his office lobby. When he opened the door the sight of the person standing there with Lin was enough to stop him in his tracks. Hoping his extreme shock did not register on his face he sat smoothly in one of the overstuffed chairs and made eye contact with his guest.

"Hello Martin. How are you finding Japan today?" His father at him and remained standing. With a final look at Lin the older man focused his entire attention on his adopted son. Before he could ask why he'd come half way across the world his father answered him.

"I've come to audit the newest branch of BSPR. You've been here roughly two months and have only worked one case and poorly at that. I'm trying to determine if this branch is indeed in need of being open and if you are the best man to run it. I'll be observing you the next few days." Oliver's stomach lurched. This was something he'd never planned on. His father had never treated him like a rank and file BSPR employee but apparently that was changing now.

"Of course Father. If you'll excuse me I'm currently reviewing some important video but if you need anything please let Lin or myself know." With that he returned to his office and let the door shut softly behind him. Would Martin really remove him as head of this branch? If he did would he be forced to return to London? As he sunk down into his chair the weight of all this settled heavily on him. If he left Japan he'd have no chance of bringing Mai to her senses.

Making a choice that was certain to change everything drastically one way or another he went to his window and made quick work of climbing out his fire escape. He needed some time alone. When he reached the street he considered for a moment then began walking. It would be awhile before he was missed and he had to do some very important things with that time.

Mai knew that she should have called either Ayako or Masako to come with her to this appointment but she really wanted her big brother. While the man was clearly uncomfortable with having kept it a secret from his new wife and with where they were he placed a comforting arm around her. Whenever Mai would start to tremble he'd give her a squeeze and it would help with her anxieties.

As the the time crept by her stomach churned more and more till she felt afraid she would vomit on the carpet. As she felt herself start to sway the former monk leaned over and whispered to her softly "You ok? We can leave and find out some other way." She gave him a weak smile and he gave his own.

"No, this is the best way. Thanks Monk." she leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes. Drawing in a breath to try and help herself relax she heard her name being called. She gave him a scared look and the rose together. As they made their way back the monk held her hand tightly in his own, neither one speaking till they reached the room and entered. Once it was closed Mai bit her lip and looked at her surrogate brother.

"I guess you think I'm pretty stupid huh?" She shook his head and smiled at her.

"Not you sweetheart. Never you. It's going to be ok, no matter what ok?" She nodded at him without making eyes contact. As they sat down to wait Mai watched the clock.