Chapter eight

"Alright, who needs a bathroom break? I will take the women one at a time," Sango projected her voice over the crowd. Kikyo, Kagura, Rin, Kaede, Shoga, and Kanna all raised their hands. Sango sighed. "Who needs to go the most?" Kanna moaned but did not speak. She was still threatened by Miroku's comment. Her lip makeup was expensive. She didn't want it disturbed.

"Very well," Sango sighed. "Walk behind me and keep your steps in my tracks. Do you understand?" Sango stressed "steps in my tracks" as she stared at Kanna. Kanna nodded.

The two of them left to go to the bathroom. Once in the bathroom Kanna lifted her arms and looked at Sango.

"You can talk now," Sango undid one side of the cuff.

Kanna looked disgusted at the remaining wrist cuff. "I won't run off Detective. It's just so unsanitary."

Sango considered the situation and removed the cuff. "You are still under arrest, am I clear?!"

"Yes…." Kanna paused but then added, "Ma'am."

Sango stepped back and allowed Kanna some privacy as much as could be allowed in the limited space. After washing her hands, Kanna thrust out her wrists to Sango to recuff. Sango considered but then decided it was possible Kanna had learned her lesson. She pushed the woman's wrists to her side. "Just behave."

Kanna nodded and followed her back to the salon. Kanna sat in the seat next to Rin.

The other women had determined the order they needed to go to the restroom and soon all of them had taken their turn.

"Your turn Miroku," Sango pointed. "I'll watch the guests while you escort the men."

Immediately Bankotsu chortled and pointed to Miroku. "Always suspected you'd be an escort someday," Bankotsu teased Miroku.

Miroku blushed. "Just for that wise-ass comment you go last." The men chortled again and soon Miroku was leading them one by one to the bathroom.

At the table Kanna attempted to make conversation with Rin.

"I was rude earlier, Rin. Sorry," Kanna fidgeted with her skirt.

Rin turned her direction, her eyes red from crying, but a hint of a benevolent expression on her face. "I forgive you," Rin looked at the skirt Kanna was fidgeting with. "What a nice pattern," she commented. "It looks like a field of flowers. I really like flowers."

Kanna had overheard Rin discussing her hobby of flowers with her father earlier that evening. It had surprised her that they had a common interest in flowers. Kanna's interest was mostly about medicinal use of flowers. She was curious as to Rin's interest. "Oh, do you like flowers? How interesting. What's your favorite?"

Rin was a bit surprised by the change in Kanna's attitude but then what was normal about this evening anyway. "I love roses."

Kanna smiled. "So, all those roses out front.."

"Yes, they are of my doing." From that point Rin spoke of her roses and how she talked her father into letting her plant them and how they needed garden staff to help when she left and on and on Rin spoke. Rin was relieved to speak of something she loved. It kept her mind from Kagome's murder.

Kanna kept asking Rin questions about roses including what type of fertilizer she used on them and where she kept it.

Sango noticed this odd conversation; however, she could only keep an ear open to it as there were other things to watch in the room. Her friend Inuyasha had now crumbled forward resting his head on the dining room table.

"Inuyasha? Are you okay?"

The inuhanyou rose his head briefly and fluttered his eyes open. They were blood shot.

"I'm just exhausted. I have jet lag from my last group of flights. Now Kagome is dead…," Inuyasha sighed. "I just can't believe it." Tears welled in his eyes again.

Sesshomaru watched. Cautiously he put a hand on the hanyou's shoulder. "Rest on the table, little brother. I'll watch over you."

Inuyasha sobbed.

Kagura put a hand on Sesshomaru's shoulder to offer a sign of physical support. Sesshomaru looked up at her and shrugged her off.

"Not now, Kagura. Can't you see how upset InuYasha is? He needs my attention right now."

Shocked to the core, Kagura stood watching the two brothers. Her therapist mind went into overdrive. 'What is going on here? I know that InuYasha is grieving, but what is up with Sesshomaru's attitude,' she pondered, worrying her lower lip with her teeth. 'Grief is different for everyone. To find a close friend so violently murdered, I guess it would throw anyone off balance a bit. With that thought, Kagura decided to let it slide... for now.

Jakotsu had been preoccupied glaring at the occupants of the room. Sango observed his furtive glances. She was looking forward to interviewing him. Perhaps with his conspiracy-mindset he may even have a lead she hadn't thought of.

She reviewed her list. She still needed to talk to Lord Naraku and his nurse, Bankotsu, Jakotsu, Myoga, Jaken, and Shoga. She wondered what they would be able to tell her. If they could shed some light on this murder. She looked over the remaining witnesses. She noticed Shoga whispering to Myoga. 'I'll start there as soon as Miroku returns.'