A/N: Here we have it! Chapter 29! We're nearing the end of the case...one more day left! I imagine it will still take 6 more chapters to finish things, but still- it seems so strange after all this time. As always I want to give my most heartfelt thanks to you my dear readers. Thank you for waiting. For sticking with me. Your reviews and comments mean so much.
Day Eight
1:45pm
The Miyuki Theater
Hey, you know how to open the dressing rooms?
Seconds stretched.
Mr. Sachi gave no immediate answer.
Mai wasn't even sure if he had heard the question.
"Ah- " Bou-san started again,"you okay there, Mai?" he asked, taking her elbow, and helping her to her feet. Seeing her nod, the monk continued, addressing their onlookers, realizing an explanation might be in order, "She's clumsy like that sometimes. We were just stopping by for the dressing room keys...but, sorry- are we interrupting?"
The spell over Mr. Sachi broke. He pulled at his cufflinks, seeming to need the moment to collect himself, exasperation now skittering over his features.
"Actually, this was a private conversation..."
"Private? Nonsense. You're the people Joji hired, aren't you?"
Across the room, Mr. Miyuki had stood to face them. Though elderly, the man was tall and imposing. Held in his gaze, Mai suddenly understood why Mr. Sachi had been a stuttering mess minutes before.
With Bou-san's murmured, yes, sir- Mai knew he felt the same.
"You've been here an entire week. Just what have you been doing..?"
"Investigating...there are things- they need confirming..."
"But you know that my nephew, Takuya Miyuki- is among us."
Mai didn't know how it happened, but suddenly she was staring directly into Mr. Miyuki's eyes.
The family resemblance was so uncanny. It was as if the Mr. Miyuki she knew was standing before her.
Naru's not here.
There are no cameras.
Mai's lips moved of their own accord, giving her most honest answer since arriving in Nozomi.
"Yes, he is."
Mai instantly felt both relief and burden, the reality of her words sinking in.
Mr. Miyuki's spirit was among them. She knew. Nozomi knew it. But what they didn't know...
He's not the one haunting this place.
It's not his wrath we're dealing with.
Mai clenched her jaw, the weight of her responsibility pressing against her chest.
I have to solve this case before time runs out!
Mr. Miyuki's next words echoed her racing mind, his stern tone a goading call to action,
"Good. Then finish the job. Return this theater to it's former glory."
Mai swallowed, nodding, unable to speak under the pressure of the man's stare. Fortunately, that pressure was redirected at Mr. Sachi in the next instant, Mr. Miyuki collecting his jacket, he addressed the playwright.
"You have business to conduct. I'm leaving. I'll see you tonight."
"Ah- yes. I will see you then," Mr. Sachi replied with a hasty bow at Mr. Miyuki's retreating back.
Mai stood with her head bent out of respect, her mind still buzzing with the weight of her admission, her hands squeezed at her sides.
But you know that my nephew, Takuya Miyuki- is among us.
Yes, he is.
But just as there were duel sides of a coin, there were duel sides of this case, and no sooner had Mr. Miyuki passed through the door, then Mai felt it, the pull of her intuition- her gaze drawn to the desk in front of her. There two small boxes sat. One was familiar, with silver wrapping paper torn open.
Nari's gift...?
As if drawn by the same strange pull, Mr. Sachi. absently picked up the second box. It was about the same size as the silver one, black and velvet covered. Mai instantly recognized it's shape: a ring box.
For who...?
An answer pulsed through Mai. Her brows furrowed at the strength of her knowing.
Miss Miyuki.
"So, you need in the dressing rooms then?" Mr. Sachi said, speaking in the silence of Mr. Miyuki's departure, recalling his business.
"Kind of hard to investigate them if we can't get inside," Bou-san answered, glancing at Mai for her support. Seeing her odd expression, her threw her a wondering look. But she missed it, her attention completely absorbed by the fiddling of Mr. Sachi's fingers, tapping the box...running across the top...snapping the lid open and closed. Mai's heart jumped at the chance to get a glimpse of what was inside...but no luck.
"I apologize for the inconvenience," Mr. Sachi replied, though his tone wasn't overly apologetic, "Since there will be no play at the theater tonight, the backstage area is closed. We lock the dressing rooms when not in use- but it's an easy enough fix, I'll follow you out."
At this invitation, Bou-san turned and headed towards the door. Mai watched Mr. Sachi set down the velvet box. Bou-san took Mai's elbow,
"Hey...earth to Mai, you copy?" he murmured out of the corner of his mouth. Mai blinked, finally tearing her gaze away.
"Uh, yeah," she mumbled, the monk tugging her along, out of the office. Mai glanced over her shoulder one last time as Mr. Sachi exited right after them, her stare boring into the desk and the two boxes she was leaving behind.
The three of them walked down the hall. Naturally, Mr. Sachi took it upon himself to fill the gap in conversation.
"I knew you believed."
"Hm?"
"In Mr. Miyuki's spirit."
Bou-san's eyebrows raised. He attempted to catch Mai's eye- but it appeared that she had lagged behind, Mr. Sachi now beside him, a smirk spread across his lips.
Bou-san rubbed at the back of his neck,
"Er- that's not an official stance."
"Not official? Is she not an official member of your team?"
"That's just one opinion."
Mr. Sachi's smirk stretched into something sour,
"And it's your boss' opinion that matters...is your company a democracy or a dictatorship?"
Bou-san twisted around, looking for Mai, again searching for her help- explain yourself!
But Mai was oblivious to her partner's silent plea, her consciousness still lingering back in the office. Mai's foot steps slowed of their own accord. She had fallen back, the monk and the playwright walking ahead. She just needed a reason...any reason...
Mai wrung her hands together, struggling to formulate an excuse, when one stopped her in her tracks. She glanced down at her clasped hands, in dawning realization. She was missing something.
The thermometer.
That's it.
"-so you're saying you won't share your opinion, even unofficially?"
"Oy, Mai!" Bou-san called over his shoulder to her, cutting off Mr. Sachi mid-interrogation, "What are you doing?"
Mai felt a pang of sympathy for the monk at his suffering expression, but she waved him away,
"Don't mind me, I just remembered...we didn't temp this area. I'll take a few and catch up with you."
Mai could see confusion replace Bou-san's discomfort, he knew they hadn't come to that part of the theater to investigate...
The monk opened his mouth to protest, but Mai met his eyes and shook her head, waving him away again, this time more meaningfully.
"It's fine, I'll be quick...promise!"
The monk stared down the hall at her, Mai could sense his hesitation...but letting out a breath, he relented.
"Be really quick."
Mai nodded with an unspoken promise in her eyes: I'll tell you everything later!
The monk acknowledged the playwright next to him, "Let's go."
"Please lead on, my time is precious."
Mai watched carefully as the pair made their way up the hall. The moment they turned the corner, Mai turned around.
Her heart racing at her daring, Mai returned to Mr. Sachi's office. Driven by some invisible force, she entered the empty room. There, tossed under one of the chairs near where she had fallen, was the thermometer and the temperature chart.
Mai bent down and picked them up, but while they were an excuse to go back...they weren't her reason for being there.
The ring box.
Mai gravitated towards it. There it sat. This was her chance. She approached the desk, carelessly depositing thermometer and chart on top if it in her rush. She reached, and her fingers closed around the box. It was soft and with a snap, she popped it open. Mai inhaled in surprise. Inside, nestled in a pillow of red, was a ring...an exquisite ring. Mai was no expert, but she knew a diamond when she saw one. And sapphires. Two flanked the diamond. They sparkled, even in the low light.
What...?
Why would Mr. Sachi have such a ring?
Was it a gift?
Who would he give it to...?
Mai's ears rang with the screaming of her intuition. The same answer reverberated through her heart.
Miss Miyuki.
A floor board creaked behind Mai. She jumped and whipped around, pressing back against the desk.
"Mai?"
Mr. Sachi stood in front of her. Mai felt her blood pound through her veins, a single word shoot through her mind.
Caught.
Seconds that felt like eternity passed- Mr. Sachi didn't seem to react any certain way, he just stared questioningly at her,
"What are you doing here? Don't tell me you're supposed to temp my office? I can tell you, it's the least haunted room in the theater, the most frightening thing to happen here is when I open the bills."
He...didn't see?
Blocking his view, Mai turned towards the desk- she clumsily shut the velvet box and pushed it towards Nari's gift. She grabbed at the thermometer and temperature chart, and facing the playwright, waved them at him in answer,
"No, it's just...I forgot these here."
"Ah," Mr. Sachi nodded, walking around the desk, "That makes two of us. I went off and forgot the dressing room keys."
"Oh," Mai said, looking on as the playwright opened a top desk drawer. Nonchalant, he took the black ring box and set it inside, his hand re-emerged with a set of keys.
"There we are...now to let you continue your investigation. I hope Miyuki's spirit is waiting in one of those rooms, it would serve him right- not sharing his opinion. But I know yours, you've always known the truth about this place. I can count on you tomorrow to convince your boss, hm?"
Mai blinked at the wink Mr. Sachi sent her. Without waiting for a reply, he breezed out of his office, leaving trail of cologne.
Alone again, Mai placed a hand on her chest, willing her pulse to stop racing.
The ring.
Miss Miyuki.
She had almost been caught.
But it was worth it.
Mai left the office. She stared down the dim hall, empty and silent.
Bou-san...
But the monk would be with Mr. Sachi, and she had said she was taking temperatures. She would need to wait...
Impatient, still jittery from her nerves, Mai busied herself with...taking temps.
I might as well.
Having tromped up and down the hall several times, recording degrees which revealed just how hot the theater had become, Mai decided enough time had passed. With hurried steps, she headed to meet up with her partner. The only problem was, where to look?
Would he still be busy at the dressing rooms?
Or had he returned to base already?
Picturing an irritated and sweaty monk, Mai made her decision.
She would check base first.
It's on the way, anyways...
Reaching base, Mai stopped at the open door and peered inside...a quick survey of the room telling her all she needed to know. No Bou-san, but also...no John, Masako, Lin, or...
"Looking for prince charming? Sorry, he's not back from gallivanting yet."
Mai's disappointment warmed into something hotter.
That Ayako.
The only person there, the miko lounged on one of the couches, elbows deep in a pile of fashion magazines.
Attempting to mask her annoyance, Mai shrugged,
"Actually, I was looking for my partner."
"Well, you've struck out twice then, hm?"
Mai stuck out her tongue and turned to leave the miko to her blatant slacking, but a sudden protest stopped her.
"Hey, where are you going?"
"To find Monk."
"And miss out on your gift?"
Mai paused, leaning against the door frame.
"I thought your presence was our gift?"
"You get a bonus."
Mai's eyebrows furrowed,
"Which is...?"
Ayako smirked,
"The reason for Naru's gallivanting."
And before Mai could even open her mouth, she tossed the magazine in her hand to the table in front of her.
Mai glanced between the magazine in question and the miko. She had seen that expression before. The woman was particularly smug. Mai suddenly reconsidered receiving this gift.
What could have Ayako found in a fashion magazine...?
Mai crossed to the table and stared down at the article Ayako had been reading, the page lying open.
It was an interview. The title: You Oughta Know...Toki Miyuki.
Mai blinked, and then reached down and snatched up the magazine. At that point, Ayako abandoned her gloating attitude and pulled Mai to the couch beside her. She tapped a red nail at a picture of Miss Miyuki that accompanied the article.
"Blonde and leggy. We should have guessed model."
Mai's eyes scanned the interview, picking out words here and there, a burning curiosity driving her. How had it never occurred to her to investigate Miss Miyuki's identity outside of Nozomi?
She's not just Mr. Miyuki's daughter.
"It says here she's a designer," Mai corrected the miko, though she recalled she had thought exactly the same the day she had met her.
"Apples and oranges. The important thing is we have our answer."
The gift.
Mai tore her gaze away from the page, sensing the punchline.
The reason for Naru's gallivanting.
"He wants her as a sponsor."
Some gift.
Mai slapped the magazine closed.
"Ridiculous."
"Is it?" Ayako sat back in her seat, her smugness back in full force, "Think about it. An office in Shibuya isn't cheap, maybe Masako's just not cutting it? Miss Miyuki's a rising star in her industry and has her inheritance...if they struck up a partnership- it would be smart on Naru's part."
Mai stood, heat climbing up her neck,
"So...what? He expels a few ghosts for her and she pays to keep the power on?"
Ayako tilted her head considering,
"Who knows what arrangement they've come up with...?"
Mai dropped the magazine in the miko's lap,
"Ridiculous," she repeated, turning from the couch.
"Hey, don't shoot the messenger-"
"I don't need half-baked assumptions."
"Half-baked?"
Mai waved a hand behind her as she reached the door,
"I'm going to look for Bou-san."
"I'm telling you, if you're not careful she's going to buy her way into his heart before you can say cha-ching-"
Mai marched down the hall, Ayako's final words ringing in her ears. With each step she murmured a firm, ridiculous.
Flustered, Mai wandered the theater. Distracted by visions of shining rings and runways, Mai passed Mr. Miyuki's office without notice, following the curve of the hall until she reached a familiar star. Backstage.
Mai wasn't in a particularly great mood when she located Bou-san, already sweating and having nearly twisted an ankle on one of the cables lying around. The monk's attitude mirrored her own, having already sweat buckets in the stifling heat and preformed several exorcisms on what seemed like thin air.
"Oy," the monk grunted, lacking energy for anything else.
"I found you," Mai greeted, swiping at her sticky bangs, "I can't believe you're still here, you're going dehydrate like this."
Bou-san wiped his brow and opened the second to last dressing room, turning the key in the lock.
"Going to dehydrate? I'm pretty sure I'm already a raisin, but that's beside the point. I'm going to give you the benefit of the doubt and believe you only let me face this oven alone because you discovered something terribly important...?"
Mai's pulse jumped, remembering what she had to share. Quickly she nodded, following Bou-san inside the dressing room, raising the thermometer to scan for temps.
"It's about Miss Miyuki."
"Miss Miyuki? Let's hear it. You'll have to hurry though, I think I might be in the early stages of heat stroke, I'm not sure how much longer my brain cells have."
Mai made a noise of protest, lowering the thermometer, but relaxed slightly when she caught sight of the monk's half smile,
"There's only these rooms left, I think I'll make it. If not, I can always entertain myself by haunting Sachi. Now start talking, Taniyama."
Mai pursed her lips, unamused, but the mention of Sachi stirred her. She was suddenly back in that room, intuition pumping through her veins.
"Did you see it, Bou-san?" she asked, glancing from her temperature chart to the monk.
The monk made a pained face and rubbed at the back of his neck,
"Mai- I told you, brain cells dying. Did I see what...?"
"The two boxes sitting on Mr. Sachi's desk."
"The two...oh, yeah. Nari's gift, right?"
Mai shook her head. She stopped checking temperatures.
"Not the black one."
Bou-san seemed to sense a change, and turned to face her properly.
"No? Then what...?"
"I don't know...I didn't know. I had to find out, though."
The monk stared at her steadily,
"Your intuition?"
Mai met his gaze,
"Exactly."
"So, that's why you stayed behind."
"I went back to the office. I had to check the box."
Bou-san took a step towards her,
"And...what was inside?"
Mai swallowed thickly, somehow the air growing closer than before.
"A ring."
"A ring...?" Bou-san repeated in confusion. Then after a beat, he continued, his brows furrowing, "You said that this was about Miss Miyuki."
"It is."
"The ring is for...her?"
"Yes."
"From..?"
"Mr. Sachi."
"You know this?"
"I do."
"How?"
"My intuition."
Bou-san held up a hand to pause their rapid-fire back and forth,
"Hang on, let me chant."
The monk seemingly preferring to preform an exorcism over thinking through her discovery- Mai's temper flared (is he not taking this seriously?), but considering his endangered brain cells, she let him have his moment. Quietly, she scribbled down a few temperatures as the monk's deep tones filled the room.
When Bou-san opened his eyes again, he fixed her with a searching look.
"What do you think it means?"
Hot and helpless, Mai shrugged.
"It could mean...a lot of things."
"Like Sachi really is a two-timer. Three-timer."
Mai waved a hand, fanning herself. The stale air hardly moved.
"Three-timer?"
Bou-san brushed past her, exiting the dressing room.
"Mai, we've been over this. There's Nari, Masako...and if your intuition is correct, Miss Miyuki. Three."
Resorting to waving the clipboard, Mai let out an impatient huff,
"If my intuition is correct?"
Bou-san scratched the key in the lock to the final dressing room,
"It's not like I don't trust your intuition...but think about it. Sachi give Miss Miyuki a gift? Why would he give her anything but a swift kick out of town?He hates her...he'd be crazy."
Mai fanned herself with more vigor, her irritation growing.
"Crazy in love," she countered stubbornly.
Bou-san gave an exasperated groan, stepping into the dressing room.
"Mai- it's too hot to argue with you, but just let me ask this: is the ring special?"
"Special...?"
"What kind of ring was it?" Cheap from the vending machine...her birth stone?"
Oh.
Mai hadn't considered the type. It's significance.
"Diamond. With sapphires," she answered and had the satisfaction of seeing the monk's eyes go wide in surprise,
"An engagement ring?"
It was Mai's turn to be surprised.
"What?"
"Diamond, with sapphires. That's the traditional style. My grandmother showed me hers once...she said if I ever brought home a nice girl, I could propose with it."
Unbidden, a vision of Ayako flashed through Mai's mind.
Probably not exactly the kind of nice girl granny was thinking of...
Mai shook her head to clear the myriad of images surfacing from the idea of Bou-san engaged, blaming the heat for her delusions, and refocused her attention on what the ring meant for Mr. Sachi.
He's...proposing?
Even in her strongest moments of intuition, this was something Mai had never considered. She had to acknowledge...it seemed like an enormous leap, whatever their relationship was.
In her stunned silence, Bou-san seemed to read her mind, capitalizing on her thoughts.
"Miss Miyuki is trying to take everything he's ever worked for away from him...and he wants to marry her?"
"I know how it-" Mai opened her mouth to protest, but Bou-san held up a hand.
"Let me chant."
Relenting, Mai held her tongue, while the monk began his exorcism. She jotted down a couple more temps, each one showing the progression of backstage becoming the surface of the sun.
What I wouldn't give for a cold spot...
Bou-san relaxed his posture, the last of his chants fading away. He turned his head towards her.
"I just can't make it make sense."
Mai heaved a sigh, tired of being roasted alive...tired of going in circles...
"That's just your lack of brain cells talking, Bou-san."
"Oy," the monk elbowed her as he turned for the door, "I'm being serious here."
"And I'm seriously hot- let's get out of here," Mai urged, unable to spend one more minute backstage.
Mai impatiently waited while Bou-san locked the dressing rooms behind them. Once he finished, she was the first one to throw herself into the hall, positive she was melting. Mumbling curses interjected with Naru and Mr. Sachi's names, the monk joined her.
"Would it kill them to invest in some air conditioning?" Mai whined, plucking at her shirt, still miserable as the hall they were walking down was only slightly cooler than backstage.
Bou-san's head had apparently cooled enough, the heat not dominating his thoughts, he persisted,
"I mean it. It doesn't make sense."
At Mai's uninterested groan, Bou-san touched her shoulder, looking to grab her attention,
"Hear me out. Let's say you're right, that your intuition is one-hundred percent."
Mai blinked, making an effort to drag her mind out of it's heat exhausted state, she turned her head to met the monk's gaze,
"It's is one-hundred percent, go on..."
Satisfied, the monk continued,
"Let's say that Mr. Sachi and Miss Miyuki are living a love story straight out of some teenager's imagination..." Mai wrinkled her nose, but ignoring it, Bou-san continued, "That somehow the love they felt when they were younger endured, that even when separated for years, it was instantly rekindled when Miss Miyuki returned to Nozomi. Let's say even despite the fact that Miss Miyuki returned to close her father's theater, and effectively put him out of a job, Sachi can't let go. He creates this crazy contract, and Miss Miyuki agrees to it, because she can't let go either..."
In spite of Bou-san's dramatics, Mai tilted her head, fully listening now. There was pull to his words.
Intuition.
"So...and?"
Smirking, the monk took a considering pause before continuing, looking thoughtful, and mockingly sentimental...
"So they both use this contract as an excuse to see each other, but as much as the contract brings them together, it tears them apart. The bottom line is that if Miss Miyuki succeeds and there is no haunting, the theater will close, and she will leave, love...and job- over. Hence the angst and tension between them. Mr. Sachi has only so much time to convince Miss Miyuki that there is a ghost and he still has feelings...queue the scene you spied on that night of the festival...you know...when you were manhandled."
Mai rubbed at her temples, attempting to think through her heat induced haze.
The outdoor theater.
Mr. Sachi and Miss Miyuki.
Face to face...
Manhandling.
Shaking her head of thoughts of Naru, Mai grasped at the thread of the monk's narrative,
"So Mr. Sachi has spent this whole festival...attempting to sweep Miss Miyuki off her feet? That's quite a perspective coming from someone who can't see how Mr. Sachi and Miss Miyuki could even make sense."
The monk shrugged,
"Don't you watch TV, Mai? That's how they'd write it if this were a drama. Not so hard to do, but Mr. Sachi and Miss Miyuki's aren't works of fiction. They're two real people...who really seem to hate each other, and have every reason too."
Mai frowned, her expression shifting with monk's stance.
"But-"
"But," the monk pressed on, his point not finished, "there's your intuition. So...it's possible, I'm wrong- right? Maybe the drama storyline I've just cooked up isn't so imaginary...honestly it would be bizarre, but it could make sense. I guess. What doesn't make sense though, is the two of them pursing other people."
Mai pursed her lips,
Not this again.
"If Mr. Sachi's madly in love with Miss Miyuki- enough to propose- why chase Nari and Masako? And on Miss Miyuki's side, why bother getting her hooks into Naru if she's pining after Sachi?"
At the mention of Miss Miyuki connected to Naru, Mai stiffened defensively: the word sponsor flashing through her head.
"Monk, this is Naru. Has anybody ever gotten their hooks in him?"
Bou-san shrugged and shot her a wink,
"Masako."
That Bou-san.
Seeing her eye roll, the monk nudged her.
"In all seriousness, we shouldn't underestimate Miss Miyuki. Two meals is impressive."
Mai crossed her arms,
"You're just like Ayako."
Bou-san grabbed at his chest,
"Hey, ouch. Easy on the insults."
Mai fought to hide a smile,
"If the shoe fits."
The monk dropped his hand from his chest and eyed her curiously,
"Alright, how are we the same?"
Mai hesitated, a sudden debate springing up in her mind.
Should she tell him what Ayako found out?
It was her theorythat lined up with Bou-san's ideas...but that theory was so...
Ridiculous.
Mai cleared her throat and settled on an answer that gave her less of a headache.
"She thinks Miss Miyuki and Naru have had too many meals together."
Bou-san cracked a knowing smile,
"See. It's obvious. Even to Ayako."
Taking strides to pull ahead of the monk, feeling sour (unable to stomach the monk's smirk), she muttered as she passed him,
"What's obvious? You guys need to get your eyes checked...maybe it's an age thing..."
"Oy, Mai- did my last brain cells hear you right-"
They bickered the rest of the way to base, sweaty, red faced, and out of breath, just as John and Masako arrived. They appeared in stark contrast to Mai and Bou-san, but made no comments. John was all bright greetings.
Entering base, Mai passed through the door first. She took a quick glance around the room (Naru..?), and then came to an abrupt halt.
Hip propped against Lin's desk was Ayako, and clutched in her red nails, was Lin's tie. Hearing the commotion of their entrance, she turned her head from the Chinese man and met Mai's stunned gaze with nonchalance.
"Think what you want, but I was just asking him about his new tie." Ayako released said tie, and left the desk. Sauntering past Mai, she continued meaningfully, "It seemed so stylish. I guess what else would you expect from a Hiroko Koshino piece?"
Mai didn't miss the implicating look Ayako threw her, her heart unexpectedly skipping a beat.
Hiroko Koshino.
She had seen that name.
The day before.
Printed across the two boxes that held her lace shoes and dress.
If her gifts really were from Naru like Ayako insisted...
Naru also bought...a tie for Lin on his shopping trip...?
Confused and distracted, Mai found herself in the way as the others filed in. Absently, she felt a set of large hands steer her over to the kitchenette.
"My eyes might be worse than yours, but I think I wasn't the only one losing brain cells backstage," Bou-san quipped, pouring her a cold glass of water. Mai gratefully accepted the cup and took a long drink, not even bothering to talk back.
It was Ayako's sharp tongue that spoke up instead. Getting her first proper look at the monk, she wrinkled her nose as she threw herself on one of the couches.
"Ugh, you're so sweaty. Did you visit the dressing rooms or a sauna?"
"This kind of thing can happen when you actually work" the monk countered, and taking the corner of his white t-shirt, he lifted it to wipe his face, "There, better for you?"
Over the rim of her cup, Mai could have sworn she saw Ayako blanch, but after another sip, the expression was gone. The miko tossed her hair and sat back on the couch,
"Cave man."
"Oh-ho, I hope we aren't referring to me."
Mai blinked, her eyes jumping from Ayako, to Mr. Sachi- who stood at the door, a charming smile on display.
"Knock, knock. I've come talk a little business," here the playwright's smile grew as he flashed Masako a look, "and pleasure."
Inviting himself in, Mr. Sachi came to stand behind the armchair. He faced Bou-san who stood across the room, expectantly,
"Tell me, how were the dressing rooms...?"
There was a loaded pause. Sensing Bou-san's mood, knowing the monk had some choice words about those dressing rooms—Mai quickly took over,
"They were clear."
The playwright's gaze fell on Mai,
"Clear?"
In his stare Mai could read the rest of what he meant: are you sure?
"There was no activity."
Mr. Sachi's bright features dimmed a bit, clearly disappointed in her answer. Mai recalled their exchange in his office,
...but I know yours, you've always known the truth about this place. I can count on you tomorrow to convince your boss, hm?
"What a shame you wasted your time then," the playwright continued, "but surely your confirmations weren't hanging on those dressing rooms, there's been days worth of evidence."
"That will all be determined and announced by our team tomorrow," Lin spoke. The cool finality of his tone leaving no room for argument, Mr. Sachi's impassioned speech was cut off. With a set jaw, the playwright nodded,
"So I've been told."
Mai watched Mr. Sachi's troubled expression, certain that he was remembering his frustrating conversation with Naru earlier that day.
I brought you here to confirm this haunting.
I don't take sides, Mr. Sachi.
"Mr. Sachi, if there's nothing else, my team has work to do," Lin stated, dismissing the playwright.
The Chinese man's direct gaze was normally enough to drive anyone away, but Mr. Sachi merely straightened up, his attention turning toward Masako, who had taken a seat on one of the couches beside John and Ayako.
"But, ah- there is more. The pleasure part of my visit."
Mai glanced between the playwright and the medium, Bou-san's words ringing uncomfortably in her ears.
If Mr. Sachi's madly in love with Miss Miyuki- enough to propose- why chase Nari and Masako?
"I have a special invitation to extend to..." Mr. Sachi's eyes were bright again, his fingers drummed on the back of the armchair playfully, "...you, dear Masako."
Dear...?
There was a cough beside Mai. She didn't have to look to know Bou-san was pinning her with a meaningful stare.
Two-timer.
"Mr. Sachi," Masako started, but the playwright held up a hand,
"No, don't thank me yet- give me a chance to explain. On this day of the festival the theater takes the night off. While Nozomi preforms on stage, we hold our annual sponsors dinner. It's a black tie affair, and I'll need someone sparkling by my side. Of course, it only makes sense that you would be my plus one."
"Mr. Sachi," Masako began again, "your invitation is very gracious-"
Mr. Sachi grinned, "It's exciting- isn't it?"
"But I will have to decline," Masako finished, her eyes and voice- firm.
This answer was not something the playwright expected, but after a moment his confusion softened into something like understanding,
"Ah, see- this is what is best about you. You're a celebrity that never puts on airs, it's so refreshing."
"Mr. Sachi, you misunderstand me."
"No, no- I get it. Yes, this dinner is private and very exclusive, but fret not, I wouldn't let you end up the talk of the town."
Mr. Sachi's reassurances flowed on in a confident stream. Masako let him speak, lips pursed.
"Any strings I decide to pull are totally excusable. You're invited, you belong with me."
"I find I belong with my team, actually," the medium countered.
"Your team..?" The playwright cleared his throat, "Six more invitations would be- well, it really is an exclusive dinner...I'm afraid the limit is a plus one."
Masako persisted as though the playwright hadn't spoken,
"It is amazing how popular this festival is. I must thank you, Mr. Sachi, for your generous accommodations during this busy season."
Mr. Sachi's eyebrows lifted at this change in conversation, a look of satisfaction filling his features,
"It has been my honor."
"I met with your kind housekeeper this afternoon, and she helped me put everything to rights. I hope to have the left the room in the same condition in which it was given."
Mr. Sachi blinked,
"Left...?"
Masako, sitting in her regal folds of emerald kimono, met Mr. Sachi eyes with cool poise,
"I will no longer trespass on you. I'll be staying elsewhere."
"But- what is this? There's still another day left...where could you go?"
"I appreciate your concern, but I have found a place."
There was a beat. Mr. Sachi's gaze shifted. Mai followed it, moving from Masako...to John.
He thinks...oh.
Under the pressure of Mr. Sachi's stare, John looked up, but at the same time- Masako stood, effectively becoming a barrier between the two. The medium inclined her head towards the playwright.
"Again, thank you for your hospitality."
Mr. Sachi was being dismissed for a second time. Grudgingly, he took his cue.
"Very, well. The day is growing short and I still have work to finish. If you reconsider, your room...the invitation...still stands open. Just say the word."
With as much dignity as he seemed to be able to muster, Mr. Sachi tugged at his cufflinks and stalked out the door.
Masako sat in a flutter of richly embroidered fabric, her chin raised defiantly. There was an uncertain silence. And then monk broke it, coming to sit on the edge of of the armchair Mr. Sachi had just vacated.
"So you've moved out, huh?"
"I have."
"And you'll be staying in John's room?"
"Yes."
"With John?"
Masako opened her mouth to give another short affirmative, "Ye-" but caught herself, and colored slightly.
Seeing Masako flustered, John hurriedly cut in- rubbing at the back of his neck, he smiled a bit sheepishly at the monk,
"Actually, I wanted to ask you if I could stay in your room for tonight...and tomorrow?"
A smirk tugged at the corner of Bou-san's lips. He didn't answer immediately, for a moment appreciating the two looks directed at him across the couch. Masako's tense and challenging (daring him to say no), and John's smile growing more awkward.
"If we're going to share a room, I have to warn you. I'm a blanket hog."
John met the monk's teasing with relief and countered him easily,
"It's a good thing I brought my sleeping bag then."
The strange tension Mr. Sachi's presence had brought, dissipated. Leaving her vantage point by the kitchenette, Mai came to properly sit in the armchair Bou-san was hanging off of, just as Lin turned in his seat to address them.
"Should I record your answer officially?"
Mai glanced from the Chinese man to Bou-san, who asked,
"What answer?"
Lin returned his attention to his computer, fingers already working the keys.
"The answer you gave Sachi. There was no activity at the dressing rooms, is that correct?"
"No, not a thing...unless you count my spirit leaving my body."
Mai patted the monk's arm sympathetically. She understood the torture of those dressing rooms all too well.
"And Matsuzaki-san?"
Mai watched Ayako pick up a fashion magazine and start flipping through it. Mai had the unsettling feeling that the miko had other things on her mind than reporting out.
Is she searching for that article...?
"I had a nice walk. This place is the boonies. There are some very old trees here, many of them alive and healthy. Plenty of energy to draw from, but I can't figure what that would matter to Naru?"
Ayako's question hung in the air unanswered as Lin typed away. He said no more. With a careless shrug, the miko continued to scan the magazine in her lap.
"You know, you really shouldn't have thrown Sachi away so quickly."
These words clearly directed at Masako, the medium leaned to stare around John, unamused.
"Excuse me?"
"I'm just saying. I know you count on your celebrity, but do you really have the confidence to go up against a model?"
And at this the miko held up her magazine, hanging it open on a familiar page.
Masako's eyes narrowed at the picture of a smiling blonde, "Miss Miyuki...?"
"She's not a model," Mai protested, suddenly feeling warm again.
That Ayako.
The miko nodded agreeably,
"Oh, that's right. My mistake. It's those long legs that confuse me. She's a designer. A successful designer."
The armchair Mai sat in creaked. Bou-san stood and crossed over to Ayako, snatching the magazine from her hand. Unfazed, the miko let him have it.
"No way...I never thought about what she did for a living...Mai, did you know about this?"
Mai picked at a loose thread on the armchair, sulking. It had never occurred to her either.
I should have thought of it sooner.
"Ayako broke the news earlier. Sorry, I forgot to mention it."
"It sounds like she's fairly famous, stores in Ginza have picked up her label..." the monk murmured, speed reading through the article. He was interrupted by a hand yanking at his arm.
"Let me see that," Masako demanded, pulling the monk down next to her. Bou-san nearly sitting on John in the process, Ayako was forced to hurriedly make room for the priest to squeeze next to her.
Slightly harassed, the miko shot a glare down the couch before continuing on,
"Just imagine the money she has to throw around...I wonder if Naru is enjoying his lunch with her? I wonder if he's mentioned where his office is, you know what they say about the rent in Shibuya...atrocious."
The magazine snapped shut.
"Ridiculous," Masako objected.
Mai's eyes darted to Ayako's, plainly shouting: see!
Unbothered, the miko persisted,
"What's ridiculous?"
"What you're implying."
Ayako smirked,
"What am I implying? I've said nothing."
Masako tossed her hair,
"Nothing important."
Ayako's eyes flashed, and then she was bodily leaning over John and Bou-san, grabbing the magazine from the medium,
"If it's not important, I'll just go back to my reading."
Irritated at Ayako's petty triumph, Mai abandoned her armchair for the CCTV cameras. As if by habit, her eyes moved to the top left screen, which showed the theater lobby. She stared at the double doors, willing Naru to walk through them...but they remained closed.
What's taking him so long...?
Ayako's theories rattling around her head, all Mai could picture were contracts being draw up...phone numbers exchanged...plans made to meet in Tokyo...Miss Miyuki visiting their office-
Ridiculous.
Desperate to distract herself, Mai refocused on the cameras...the double doors drawing her attention again. That was when she recalled it.
That's right.
Before boiling hot dressing rooms and annoying mikos...she had been in the middle of something.
The test.
Mai glanced behind her at the couch. Chaos reigned. On the end, Masako sat with her arms crossed, looking on, unimpressed, at the scene playing out the next seat down. There Bou-san sat, arm and body stretched over a helpless John as he fought to read more of the article Ayako had stolen back ("Don't lump me in with them, I didn't say anything- let me see!").
Perfect.
Unassuming, Mai slipped back over to the kitchenette where she had left her thermometer and temperature chart. Picking them up, she started walking backward towards the door.
"I just realized I didn't temp the lobby. I'm going to go...do that."
With the commotion on the couch, no one seemed to notice her. Mai was just reaching the door, a satisfied smile in place, when Lin spoke.
"I'll need your charts turned in to me when you're done."
Mai startled, but hurriedly covered it with a polite departing bow, promising to hand over the charts soon. Then, before she could be stopped, she left base.
Padding down the hall, Mai wiped at her forehead.
Ayako's right. It is a sauna in here.
The heat of the day slowly baking the theater, Mai disregarded the thermometer and chart she carried as useless. There were greater odds of Mr. Sachi proposing in front of her than walking through a cold spot.
Temps aren't what I'm here for.
Mai entered the empty lobby, conscious of the cameras. Keeping up appearances, she waved around the thermometer, working her way towards her goal.
The double doors.
The bane of her existence in Nozomi.
They hadn't affected her the night before.
Yet, in the light of day...
She was already curious about them, but Naru's sudden interest intensified her own. His new device from Tokyo. The EMF Detector. What had it revealed...?
I want to know.
Mai lingered near the double doors, but hesitated getting any closer. Attempting to steel herself to the dangers of reaching out her hand, a cold sweat dotted her neck. Still, she gripped the door handle.
I have to figure this out.
Mai's full stomach seemed to twist as Mai turned the door handle. The door cracked and in the open space Mai felt the warmth from the outside hit her in the face. Mai was overcome with a wave of light headedness- but she remained put, gritting her teeth. Her free hand reached through the door, testing...
There it was. The same crackle of energy as before. The hairs on her arm raised as if touched by static electricity.
"Mai?"
Mai stumbled back a step, her head whipping around.
Mr. Sachi stood across the lobby.
"You're not leaving yet, are you? It's not even five."
Head and stomach still swimming, Mai swallowed and managed a small, "Um-"
Impatiently, Mr. Sachi waved her over, a silk royal blue handkerchief in his hand.
"If you're searching for relief, believe me- it's not any better out there. Look, you have a call. Come take it."
Mai blinked, closing the double doors.
A call?
Mai approached Mr. Sachi,slowly recovering her composure.
"A call...for me?" she asked, confusion cutting through her dizziness.
"Well, not you specifically. They asked for Shibuya-san. But since he's not here, you'll have to do."
"Did they say who it was?"
"No, but I saw it was a Tokyo number."
Tokyo?
Mr. Sachi gestured for her to follow him and he spoke over his shoulder at her with more than a little irritation,
"Long distance calls aren't cheap. I hope your boss knows I'll be deducting this from his investigation fees."
Mai followed Mr. Sachi around the ticket booth counter, and there sat an old time rotary phone off the hook.
Mai set down the temperature chart and thermometer she carried. She picked up the receiver.
"Hello?"
"...Mai?"
Mai's eyebrows raised and she stared at the phone before putting it back to her ear,
"Yasu?"
"What a surprise!"
"No chiding!"
"How are you doing? Eaten up by mosquitoes yet?"
Mai grinned, feeling Yasuhara's teasing smile through the phone,
"Actually, I don't think they like me much."
"Lucky you."
"Hey, so why did you call...?"
"Ah, that's right- I was supposed to talk to Shibuya-san. Is he around?"
Mai's grin soured a bit,
"He's out right now."
"Oh..."
At Yasuhara's hesitation, Mai started to reassure him,
"He should be back any minute. I can have him call you-"
But Yasuhara was already speaking over her in mischievous delight, "I guess that means I get to give you all the dirty details."
Details?
Mai's eyes widened, her confusion beginning to clear.
Did Naru put Yasuhara on a special project?
Mai's clutched the phone in anticipation.
"I'm all ears."
"Are you sitting Taniyama? It's some juicy stuff."
Struggling not to sound too eager, Mai was about to press Yasuhara to just hurry up already when she caught a flash of blue out of the corner of her eye.
"Yasu, hold on a moment."
Mai's hand covered the receiver and she faced the playwright that stood just to her left, dabbing his face his face with his handkerchief, listening.
"Mr. Sachi, is there something else..?"
The playwright paused his dabbing.
"It's a long distance call. I can't have you on there forever."
"I'll make it short."
Mr. Sachi pursed his lips, seeming reluctant to budge, but as another bead of sweat slipped down his temple, he finally relented. Muttering at the heat (so stuffy back here), he left the ticket booth, giving Mai one last warning.
"Be sure to tell your boss. I won't pay."
Satisfied that there were no longer any eavesdroppers, Mai uncovered the phone.
"Yasu, you there?"
"You took my advice and got a chair, huh?"
"I promise I won't swoon," Mai insisted, "What did you find out?"
Yasuhara chuckled over the line,
"Don't make any hasty promises until you hear all the details. Anyways, I really hope this gets me some extra credit with Shibuya-san, you know just because school's out for the summer doesn't mean I'm not busy."
"Extra credit...for what?" Mai persisted, pacing as far as the cord would allow, her mind racing.
"You know. Making phone calls, crawling all over Ginza. I finally got in contact with the label. My inquiry got some awkward answers. Apparently, the designer is currently on a hiatus. Which for me, is code for things aren't great financially. There wasn't a summer collection and there won't be one for fall either."
Mai stopped her pacing, Yasuhara's words hitting her with force. Maybe she did need that chair?
Designer?
Is Naru investigating... Miss Miyuki?
Yasuhara, warmed up to his report, easily continued despite Mai's stunned silence. Once again, she sensed his smile as he spoke,
"Ah, and that reminds me. When you see Shibuya-san...Mori-sama wants to know the results of his special shopping trip. Though, I supposed you could tell me just as well...?"
If it were possible, Mai felt her skin burn hotter. Ayako's teasing voice rang in her ears.
Your rich lover.
"Oh, I've gone and put you on the spot- how rude of me," Yasuhara went on, but his tone was anything but repentant, "It's okay, you can keep your blushing secrets, I'll go straight to the source later."
"I'm not blushing- I have nothing to blush for!" Mai managed to sputter out obstinately, at a loss at how this conversation had taken such a turn.
"My mistake, you'll have to excuse me. Well...maybe my second report will put me back in your good graces? I really hit the jackpot with this one. Mr. Miyuki has a been a fascinating subject."
Mai's heart skipped a beat.
"Mr. Miyuki?"
"I know it's a warm sunny afternoon, but stay with me Mai. Yes, Mr. Miyuki. He's an incredible old man. I kind of aspire to be him now."
Alive.
Mr. Miyuki's uncle.
Naru's looking into him too...?
"Hey, hey- no dozing off. I promise this one is worth the listen," Yasuhara scolded at her lack of response.
"I'm sorry, I'm listening- go on..." Mai urged, her heart rate slowly returning to normal.
Confident that he had her attention again, Yasuhara cleared his throat, and began,
"Mr. Hiroshi Miyuki, the uncle to Mr. Takuya Miyuki, and great-uncle to Miss Miyuki. He's a legend. Known as the Sleeping Dragon, he's amassed great wealth in his youth from running his own private insurance company. Twenty years ago he decided to trade insurance for politics, and became mayor of Nozomi. Forbearing any health issues- he's looking to be reelected for a fifth time next year."
Here Yasuhara paused for effect, and Mai- sensing that she should be impressed, didn't have to fake her astonishment.
"He's the mayor? He must be almost as important to Nozomi as Takuya Miyuki."
"Exactly! I think his close relationship with his nephew really opened the hearts of the people of Nozomi to him. He's certainly done all he can to do keep Takuya's memory alive...even sharing his messages from the other side."
A sudden chill rolled across Mai's skin. She frowned into the phone,
"How...how would he do that?"
"His wife. Thirty years ago on a trip to Quebec, he met a French-Canadian psychic medium, Rosalie Pelletier. Sparks flew, despite their age difference- she was twenty-five and he was forty. They were married the next summer and he brought her back to Japan."
Mai's heart was pounding again.
"He married a medium?"
"Different, isn't? But what you should know about Mr. Miyuki is that he has two defining traits: he's a philanthropist, and innately superstitious.He's careful of inauspicious days, numbers, symbols. He heeds intuition, folk-tales...and- naturally, his wife's advice."
Mai's mind wandered back Mr. Sachi's office, earlier that afternoon. The dignified old man staring her in the eye, claiming that the spirit of Takuya Miyuki existed.
He knows.
"Can his wife see Mr. Miyuki's spirit?"
"Not, exactly...Rosalie, now respectfully known as Madame Miyuki, apparently has the ability to channel Takuya Miyuki's spirit. Mr. Miyuki regularly converses with his nephew this way."
The phone slipped in Mai's hand. Her lips parted in surprise.
Channel?
Mr. Miyuki can communicate with others...besides me?
"I told you, jackpot- right?" Yasuhara gloated, "And all of that dug up in just the forty-eight hours I had. Imagine if Shibuya-san gave me more notice?"
"Yeah...jackpot," Mai agreed, jostling the phone back in place, attempting to match his enthusiasm in her overwhelmed state, "You really deserve that extra credit."
"Thanks, Mai. Ah, after what I've learned about this case, I really wish I was there with you guys. Mr. Miyuki must be furious with Miss Miyuki for trying to close the theater. He never had children with Rosalie, it seems those theaters are like his own kin. Rumor has it he even had Takuya take out insurance on each location,a quarter of a million-"
The floor board directly behind Mai creaked. Irritation flashed through Mai (that Mr. Sachi!) and she turned to throw a glare over her shoulder at her intruder- but gasped instead. The scent of tea. She was suddenly nose to nose, shoulder to chest, with Naru.
Instinctively, Mai's urge was to jump back- but her hip was already pressed against the ticket counter. Stuck, she could only watch as Naru reached up and...took the phone from her. Stubbornly, Mai made to hold on, but his fingers closed over hers had her skin searing with a heat that had nothing to do with the temperature of the room...and helplessly she let go. Using the slack from the phone cord, Naru stepped away from her. Desperate to put more space between them, Mai slid down the counter.
"I hear you're looking for extra credit. It would probably help if you reported to the right person," Naru spoke into the receiver, his stare cutting back over to Mai.
At end of the counter, despite her flustered nerves, Mai met his gaze defiantly.
That Naru.
Even having heard Yasuhara's report, the one-sided conversation that followed, was confusing. Frustratingly cryptic and short, the call was ending before Mai could even begin to glean anything further.
"I'll tell Lin to look for the e-mail. Thank you."
Naru set the phone on the hook. The air in the room seemed to thicken. Yasuhara no longer a third party, they were alone.
Mai's thoughts were a disorderly jumble of case revelations, but somehow the first thing out of her mouth was:
"How was lunch?"
Naru turned his head, his eyes finding hers.
"Satisfying."
Mai looked away from him, plucking at her shirt, fuming from the inside out.
"I see."
"How was your conversation with Yasuhara?"
Mai's eyes snapped back to his. Her expression shifted.
Checkmate.
She just managed to stifle a smirk.
"Satisfying."
Naru's attention fell on his shirt cuff. Working it open, he began rolling his sleeve.
"I see."
Mai's pursed her lips at his nonchalance. She waved a hand, stirring the hot air around her face.
"I can't stand it," she declared, grabbing at her forgotten thermometer and temperature chart lying on the counter, "I'm going back."
Naru finished rolling his sleeve, and started on his other.
"Go ahead."
With a dissatisfied huff, Mai left the ticket booth, her boss following after.
The walk back to base was silent, though Mai's thoughts were loud.
The dates with Miss Miyuki.
The EMF detector.
The project for Yasuhara.
She needed explanations.
As if he could hear her thoughts, Naru suddenly spoke.
"Something on your mind?"
Unnerved as always at how her boss seemed to read her so well, Mai crossed her arms, her clipboard tucked against her chest- and glanced back at him. She took her chance.
"I didn't know Mori-san was in town. Did you see her in Tokyo?"
Mai watched Naru closely.
She didn't ask about the special project.
There was another explanation she needed more.
"It must have been a long call for Yasuhara to have time to gossip. Yes, she met me at the office. "
He went back to the office?
Mai's curiosity and irritation spiked. Naru had still neglected to tell them anything about his sudden trip to Tokyo.
Mai pressed on in determination.
"He said you visited Ginza. What were you doing there?"
The dress and shoes.
The second the question left Mai's lips, the righteous fire burning in her veins spread into something more self-conscious. Ayako's words still taunted her.
Your rich lover.
Mai's steps slowed as her heart rate picked up. The scent of tea grew stronger. Naru brushed past her shoulder. Seeing that she had come to a stop, he halted, facing her.
"Mori-san had some shopping to do. Why?"
At his unaffected expression, Mai mentally chastened herself.
This was Naru.
What did she expect?
Head clearing from whatever heat induced fantasies she had of romantic confessions, Mai mirrored his indifference. She crossed her arms tighter and shrugged,
"I just wondered."
The subject at a dead end, Naru turned and continued up the hall.
Trailing her boss, in a bitter mood that she told herself was because of frustration and not disappointment, Mai was relieved to see the door to base come into view.
I need a glass of waterand to talk to Bou-san.
"What happened to that dress? You never said."
Mai surfaced from her thoughts. She stared at the back of her boss' head in surprise.
Is he asking about...?
"I didn't know you cared."
"I'm curious."
"I gave it to Ayako."
"Can it be fixed?"
Mai swallowed. Was it just her or was Naru's voice softer?
"She thinks so."
"Good."
Good?
Mai blinked, her heart fluttering. She opened her mouth to persist (maybe her confession fantasies weren't empty after all...?), but they had reached base. Naru passed inside without another word.
There was a chorus of greetings.
"Naru, you're back."
"Did you enjoy lunch?"
"We were going to send a search party...have you seen- oh, Mai."
Entering base, Mai quickly made for the kitchenette. Bou-san, having moved back to the armchair, got up and followed her. Filling a cup from a pitcher of water, he tilted his head at her.
"Still boiling out there, hm? Your face is red."
Mai exchanged the thermometer and chart she held for the cup in Bou-san's hand. Glad to use the heat as an excuse for her flushed cheeks, she nodded.
"Unbearable."
Across the room, Mai watched Naru approach Lin. They spoke in the infuriatingly low and mysterious way they usually did. Bou-san nodded towards them.
"I wonder what they're talking about? Maybe Miss Miyuki shared a recipe?"
Mai missed the monk's teasing smile. In perfect seriousness she answered,
"Yasuhara's report."
Bou-san raised an eyebrow,
"Yasuhara...?"
Naru's attention shifted, his eyes locked with Mai's. Startled, she nearly choked on her water.
He can't read my mind.
He can't.
"Mai," Naru spoke, "do you have the temperature chart?"
With reluctance, Mai traded back with Bou-san. Taking the clipboard and thermometer, she brought it to her expectant boss.
"Thank you," Naru murmured, flipping through the pages. Once finished, he looked up and addressed them all.
"No activity. None in the hall of mirrors, the stage, the dressing rooms. Is that right?"
John shook his head, "There wasn't anything unusual."
"We encountered nothing," Bou-san corroborated with a shrug.
"Is that surprising at this point?" Masako remarked, her stance enduring.
Naru's gaze fixed on Ayako, "And Matsuzaki-san? What did you discover?"
Legs crossed, Ayako's nails tapped- bored, against her knee, "What did I discover...?"
The miko's stare dropped to the pile of magazines on the table in front of her. A small smile suddenly tugged at the edge of her lips.
Ridiculous.
Mai's heart stalled in her chest.
She wouldn't dare.
As if she could sense her nerves, Ayako met Mai eyes. She winked, and continued.
"The surrounding property is all old growth. The energy here is rich and plentiful."
Mai leaned against Lin's desk in relief.
That Ayako.
"I don't know why you're interested though?"
Naru regarded the miko with crossed arms. Mai could feel a snub coming, but just then Bou-san spoke.
"What I'm interested in is what you think? You've heard all our reports. Is the theater haunted...?"
Ayako shot the monk a dark look for stealing the conversation, but remained silent. It was a question she also curious about. The room waited for the answer with baited breath.
"We'll be investigating until five o'clock tomorrow. I won't make a premature judgment."
Mai released her breath with a sigh.
That Naru.
"I can tell you twenty-four hours won't make a difference," Masako insisted, and with impatience she stood up,"Are we finished here for today?"
"Yes. Lin and I need to be heading back. We have an event to attend tonight."
Mai froze in the middle of placing the thermometer in it's equipment box.
"An event?" Masako repeated.
No way.
"They will be holding a formal dinner here at the theater."
Mai spun around, her grip on the thermometer in her hand dangerously tight.
"Thesponsors dinner?"
Naru raised an eyebrow at her,
"You know about it?"
Ayako, thoroughly amused, helpfully supplied the answer.
"Mr. Sachi invited Masako, but she turned him down."
Masako's eyes flashed at Ayako. Her expression softening, she raised a sleeve and looked to Naru.
"It's not that I didn't want to go. If you need a plus one, I would be fine with it."
That Masako.
Mai clenched her jaw at the skill of the medium in front of her.
You'd be more than fine.
"Thank you Hara-san, but I have no need. I will be going as a guest of Miss Miyuki."
Mai snorted to herself.
He's the plus one.
Ayako clucked her tongue,
"Too bad. Well, have a great time. We'll just be at the Inn thinking of the fun you're having. Maybe the Kokus will make us something special for dinner like...cold porridge?"
Ignoring the miko's commentary, Naru dismissed the rest of the room.
"You may go. We'll meet here early tomorrow morning. Come ready for a full day."
Mai turned back to the case she had open and made to set the thermometer inside...but it wouldn't seem to fit. With irritation, she shoved it in at different angles.
Naru's going to the sponsors dinner.
With Miss Miyuki.
"Careful."
Standing beside her, Naru took the thermometer from her hands.
"These are expensive, and you owe SPR enough."
Mai, forced to shuffle a few steps over in order not to be in his way, stared as he placed it in right the first time. Color heightened from both his proximity and her annoyed mood, she murmured,
"You should be more worried at how expensive long distance calls are..."
"Oy, Mai- isn't this yours?"
Mai blinked and turned towards the monk who was holding up something velvet and green.
Nari's dress.
I forgot.
"I brought it to return to Nari," Mai explained, quickly crossing the room and snatching it away from him.
"I remember this one. Weren't you wearing it that night when what's-her-name, you know- the crazy old loon- locked you and Naru in that closet together?" Bou-san persisted, rubbing the soft fabric between his fingers.
Wise Obasan's trap.
Unable to help herself, Mai shot a look back at her boss. Was he thinking of it too? But it seemed Naru wasn't paying any attention, his focus on the wall of cameras beside him, preforming one last check. Lin had gathered his laptop, and the two headed for the door. With a simple reminder not to be late the next morning, they were gone. Masako was quick to follow, announcing that she would see them all at dinner, though she did spare a soft departing thank you toward John. The young priest lingered behind.
"I guess I'm going back with you," he said, nodding at Bou-san- a winning smile lighting his features.
"Oh. That's right, roomie," Bou-san agreed good-naturedly.
"You sure you want to return this one?" Ayako remarked, on her way out, pointing at the dress in Mai's arms, "You may just need it tonight if you hope to get an edge over a certain super model."
"Designer," Mai corrected stubbornly, "and I'm giving it back."
Ayako shrugged,
"Do what you want, but it's three meals now...isn't it?"
With the last word and a smirk, the miko passed through the door.
That Ayako.
"It is three...I wondered," Bou-san murmured.
Mai fussed with the dress she held, picking at nonexistent lint.
"So...?"
"It's just- you know what they say about the third time. It's a charm."
Unamused, Mai did not share in the monk's grin, but catching John's curious look- she feigned one and spoke under her breath.
"It doesn't matter. There's Mr. Sachi."
Following her lead, the monk lowered his voice, and leaned closer.
"Ah, I'm glad you brought him up. Lover boy. What did you think of his invitation? Mighty flirty if you ask me. I'm telling you, it doesn't make sense. "
Mai chewed at her lip obstinately,
"There's the ring."
"Maybe it's for Masako?"
Mai fought to keep her grin, exasperation creeping in,
"Not possible."
Bou-san's next words however, caused her to falter.
"Nari then."
Mai's lips parted. Her brows furrowed, incredulous.
"Nari-?"
"Now there's something that does make sense. Sachi has proposed to her before. Maybe he's finally trying to set things to rights?"
"By flirting with Masako?"
"I never said he was good at it."
"What about Hara-san...?" John suddenly spoke. He leaned against the arm of the couch, looking between them, interested.
Mai felt her cheeks warm, embarrassed at having left John out of their conversation. The monk must have felt he same, because he quickly answered,
"Masako..? I was just saying that I hope she got moved in okay?"
"I brought her things to my room, and took what I needed for the next day," John assured, his easy smile telling Mai he took no offense at their private whispering.
Mai glanced back at Bou-san. She still had things to say (Nari?) and he still had questions to ask (Yasuhara?), but she pursed her lips and let them go. Later, she mouthed at the monk. He nodded and then, turning to John- brightly suggested getting out of there.
"What are we doing hanging around? It's almost dinner, let's go."
The three of them leaving last, Mai gave the room a once over, her eyes catching on the stack of fashion magazines on the table...
Half tempted to pluck the issue from the top and spirit it away, keeping it from Ayako's scheming hands- Mai shut the door to base in a huff.
Ridiculous.
The monk ahead of her threw her a wondering look,
"You alright?"
"Just hot."
Mai passed through the theater's double doors, squeezing the monk's arm. Mercifully, there was a light breeze as she stood at the top of the stairs collecting herself, willing her stomach to settle and the floor to stop spinning. She concentrated on the sun that was sitting lower in the sky, it's searing rays beginning to wane.
"Are you doing okay, Mai?" John called back, seeing that she wasn't behind him.
Mai waved off his concern with a weak smile,
"Just the doors."
"Still bad, huh?" Bou-san spoke, supporting her as she hung on to his arm, "Yeah, it's been getting to me too. There's this dull throbbing in my head."
"It wasn't like this...last night," Mai answered, between deep breaths.
Bou-san's tilted his head, "When?"
"When I came back to the theater."
"Ah, your secret rendezvous with Naru. You know you never did fill me in on that."
"Sorry, monk. Later, I promise." Mai pleaded, finally trusting her equilibrium enough to release his arm and step down the stairs.
"So...you're saying the doors didn't bother you last night?" the monk persisted, letting her off the hook. He stuck close, watching so that she didn't lose her footing.
"Not at all."
"Really?"
"Really."
Clearing the stairs, Mai was beginning to feel more like herself. Reaching a cross roads in the center of the festival grounds, she adjusted the dress she held, and turned her attention to her next destination.
"I'm going to go see Nari."
Bou-san looked in the direction of the Inn, "I guess we're headed back...unless you want us to come?"
John nodded, the offer open.
Mai shook her head, "Nah. It'll be a quick trip. I'll see you soon."
The three of them parted with waves and plans to meet at dinner. Mai wound through the stalls that were being opened in preparation for the festival crowds that would descend on them in only a couple of hours. There were more people out than Mai expected, and she had to bow and excuse herself around busy young men and old women in aprons yelling orders. The old women in particular had Mai ducking her head and hurrying on- the dread of running into Mrs. Koku at the front of her mind.
Arriving safely in a break from the festival stalls, Mai wandered down a side street that opened up into a residential area. There, on end of a row of houses- sat the Motoshi home. Mai approached the front door, awash in the growing gold tones of the setting sun. Mai knocked, reminded of the last time she had come.
Mrs. Motoshi hadn't greeted her kindly, but they had just spent a friendly afternoon together...surely she would be welcome this visit?
Mai needn't have worried. With pleasant surprise, Nari opened the door.
"Mai? How nice to see you! Please come in."
The actress stood before her in a floral silk robe, half of her long dark hair curled and the other half pinned up- clearly in the middle of something. Mai hesitated, and extended the velvet dress towards Nari as explanation for her coming,
"I'm sorry, this is probably bad timing- I can just leave this and go."
Nari accepted the dress, but then turned and ushered Mai inside,
"It's perfect timing, actually. My mother has gone to get my dress from the seamstresses, and it's so hard getting ready alone. You can keep me company and give me your opinions on things."
In the face of such friendly entreaties, Mai could only smile and relent, following after the actress.
"What is the occasion?" Mai asked politely, as Nari lead her through the familiar living room where she had tea and revelations just the day before, Nari's movements graceful even despite the bulk of the boot on her foot.
"There's a special event tonight at the theater."
Of course.
"The sponsors dinner?" Mai guessed.
"Oh- you've heard of it. Yes, that's the one," Nari nodded, seeming excited as she opened a door off of the living room. It was a door Mai had stared at, but could not enter last visit. Now she was being eagerly beckoned across the threshold.
Nari's space was exactly like her. Dainty, prettily decorated. Some of her mother's shrine had traveled to her walls, but it was only a modest fraction- her most favorite awards and achievements. At the back of the room a wrought iron daybed sat directly under a large window which showed a darkening amber sky outside.
"This dinner happens only once a year, during the festival," Nari continued on, sitting down on a plush stool in front of vanity made of solid oak. Spread out on it's surface was all the paraphernalia she needed to get ready.
"Every influential person from the next three towns over at least will be there. Let's see, who will be on the list..."
Nari took a thoughtful pause, her fingers tracing her makeup selection.
"My dress the seamstresses made for me is purple, do you think this is the right shade of red?" she suddenly asked, turning to Mai, holding up a tube of lipstick.
"Um," Mai began, out of her depth. She thought the color looked like something Ayako would pick, and even though she didn't always agree with the priestess, Mai did admire her bold taste, "I think it will really stand out."
Mai's simple and honest answer seemed to do the trick, as Nari smiled with satisfaction and set the lipstick aside.
"Perfect, I'm no wallflower. Anyways, I got distracted- sorry. The guests. It will be quite something, a who's who. Mr. Miyuki attends in honor of his nephew and will most likely bring his lovely wife."
"Madam Miyuki?" Mai spoke, her heart catching in her chest.
The woman who channels Mr. Miyuki's spirit.
"That's her. You've become a regular Nozomi-lite, Mai. Did you know she's a medium? She's such an interesting person, she always says the most accurate things. Gives me the chills."
Nari held a gleaming pearl earring up to one ear, then traded it for a gold stud in the shape of a rose. Going back and forth between the two, she went on,
"I'm assuming Miss Miyuki will be there. Though I don't know why? What does she care about the theater's finances...if she has her way tomorrow, there will be no theater."
Mai frowned.
Miss Miyuki will be there.
With Naru.
Nari met Mai's eyes in the mirror and set down the earrings, her cheeks reddening.
"Goodness, that came out wrong. I wasn't trying to put you on the spot, I swear- I was just venting."
Mai shook her head, her own cheeks turning pink, being caught scowling over Miss Miyuki.
"No, no- I didn't think you were. I was just...lost in thought," Mai explained, attempting to clear the misunderstanding.
"I think your boss will make the right announcement tomorrow, I'm not worried," Nari murmured, visibly relaxing again, reassured she hadn't given offense.
Mai swallowed stiffly,
I hope he does.
Nari began opening and closing drawers in her vanity, looking for something. She chattered as she searched around.
"I like the pearl earrings, don't you? I think they will go excellently with...ah- here."
Nari pulled out small cushion, inserted with various rings.
"This pearl ring will be the perfect match. Listen to me though, I'm boring you will all of this when you want to hear the rest of the guest list. Certainly we will see the Kokus there, at least Mr. Koku. Though, I suspect Niko will come as well. And naturally...there will be Mr. Sachi."
Mai stared at Nari's hand, her pearl ring shining there on her finger. Not a diamond one, set with sapphires.
That Mr. Sachi.
"His parents will be there too," Nari said, putting away the cushion and reaching for a tray of perfume.
Mai could tell her mood had dampened a bit, anxious eyes peering out of her bright face as the actress held one of the perfume bottles to her nose.
"The really important guests will be your team, though. You're coming, right?"
Mai made an effort to keep her voice casual.
Three meals.
"My boss was invited."
"I see," Nari acknowledged, though she seemed to see a lot more than Mai hoped. Her anxious eyes softening into ones of understanding.
She thinks our situation is the same.
Mai privately refused the comparison.
Naru is not Sachi.
I am not Nari.
But there was one common denominator that gave her pause.
Miss Miyuki.
"Mai?"
"Hm?"
"Do you know what this day represents?"
Mai thought back to that morning, pointedly blocking out her sad excuse for breakfast- recalling the meeting.
"Gratitude."
"That's right. And as a token of gratitude..." Nari put down the perfume bottle she was testing and reached over for a pile of papers on the corner of her vanity. She riffled through them, then landing on the one she wanted- she smiled,"here is my gift to you."
An invitation spelled out in gold lettering was extended towards Mai.
The sponsors dinner.
"Oh, no. I couldn't- this is yours," Mai started to protested, even as Nari was shaking her head.
"Nonsense. I don't need an invitation. I'm the Miyuki theater's lead actress."
"But..." Mai persisted, "I'm not a sponsor. I don't really have a reason for being there."
Nari tilted her head, the question in her eyes demanding: are you sure about that...?
Naru.
Nari was generously trying to orchestrate an opportunity for her to cross paths with her boss. If Mai was being honest with herself, she was half tempted.
"Of course you have a reason," Nari persuaded in Mai's thoughtful silence, "you will be there as my guest. My mother is always so busy rubbing shoulders, you can keep me company like you are right now."
Nari's delicacy in not mentioning Naru, made Mai smile. Encouraged, Nari continued,
"And I can introduce you to the who's who, like Mr. Miyuki's wife."
Mai's heart jumped.
Madam Miyuki.
"Please say you'll come?" Nari pleaded, placing the invitation firmly in her hand.
The benefits of yes flashed through Mai's mind. She would have the chance to take Naru off guard. To watch Mr. Sachi- and see if he brought the ring. She would be able to meet the only other person who could communicate with Mr. Sachi's spirit. Could she afford to pass this up...?
"Since you put it that way..." Mai agreed, an agenda building in her head.
Nari beamed.
"Perfect. Dinner is late. We can meet outside the theater, let's say...seven o'clock?"
"Sounds good."
"Will you need this then...?" Nari asked, holding up the dress Mai had returned.
Ayako would say so.
"No, it's alright. I have my dress from last night."
I hope.
"That lovely lace one. Wasn't it sent all the way from Tokyo? I swear I heard something about it...well, anyways- I'm rambling, I should let you go. You need to get ready."
On that note, Mai let Nari lead her from the room- hiding her flushed cheeks. At the front door, in a flurry of friendly waves and polite bows, they reconfirmed their meeting spot, and Mai stepped out of the Motoshi home- invitation in hand.
Marveling at her luck, Mai hurried across the festival grounds. Desperate not to squander this opportunity, her mind raced with what was ahead.
First things first, she would get to the Inn.
The sunset transforming into inky darkness at the edges of the Nozomi horizon, Mai still had to wipe at her forehead, the air seeming to cling to the heat of the day, pressing on Mai's skin, warm and sticky. Thinking longingly of a shower, she practically ran through the food stalls, keeping her head down...just in case...
Arriving at the Inn, Mai could see things were in full swing, people already heading out for the night. Mai was grateful, there would be witnesses if she was accosted passing the front desk. But the Kokus, busy with other matters, were nowhere in sight.
Relishing her streak of good luck, Mai slipped through the lobby with a relieved sigh. Entering the hallway lined with guest rooms, Mai made directly for Ayako's door.
Mai knocked in series of quick raps, "Ayako, it's me."
There was movement behind the door, and then the miko was standing before her...in a bathrobe.
"Mai?"
"Did I come at the wrong time?"
"I'm going to shower."
"I just came for the dress," Mai explained, stepping past the priestess.
"About that..." Ayako began, closing the door behind them.
Mai turned around, not liking the sound of her tone.
"What?"
Ayako's lips twisted into an apologetic pout,
"Sorry, but it still needs time to soak."
Unlucky.
Mai sat on the corner of Ayako's bed.
"But...what will I wear then?"
Ayako propped a hand on her hip,
"The green dress."
"I gave it back."
"I told you to keep it."
Mai crossed her arms obstinately,
"You told me to wear it to lure Naru from Miss Miyuki."
"It's the same difference," Ayako argued, equally as obstinate.
After a moment of stubborn silence, the miko stalked over to a packed suitcase behind her, muttering.
"You never listen and then just expect me to work miracles. That stain may never come out..."
Mai shoulders dropped, her temper dissipating.
"I'm sorry. It'smy fault."
Ayako gave a dismissive huff, unzipping the suitcase.
"Don't despair yet."
Mai watched as the miko dug through piles of folded clothes, "You're going to give me one of your dresses...?"
"Not give exactly. A trade. You tell me what's that paper you're crushing in your hand, and I find you something to wear."
That Ayako.
With a jolt, Mai stared down at the curving gold letters, the words you're invited just visible through her fingers. It occurred to her that she hadn't thought this far.
Should she tell Ayako?
When Mai didn't respond, Ayako lifted her head, looking up from her rummaging,
"What...? Is it that important?Now I'm really curious-"
Ayako stood up straight, waiting expectantly. Mai pursed her lips, holding on to the invitation defiantly.
But before either side could challenge the other, the stand-off was broken by a sudden knock. Mai jumped and Ayako cursed.
"Housekeeping," a voice announced.
Ayako and Mai exchanged glances, and the miko moved to the door. Opening it, a young man stood outside holding a pile of towels.
From her vantage point on Ayako's bed, Mai saw the man's eyes widen in surprise, balking at the miko's bathrobe.
"What is it?" Ayako asked, unfazed, "I didn't call for housekeeping."
The man seemed to gather himself, a slightly disgruntled expression replacing his awkwardness.
"No, ma'am- I was sent here. Someone demanding you be brought fresh towels."
And with that the staff member held out the stack for Ayako to take, muttering.
"I may work here, but I'm no lackey at someone's beck and call..."
Ayako accepted the towels, her brows furrowed in confusion.
"Next time, if you wish for room service- you should order it yourself. These towels will be charged to the other room. I will be going now."
The young man gave a curt bow and turned to leave, but then a hand caught his sleeve.
"Wait a second," Ayako protested, "which room will be charged?"
The man frowned down at the red nails clutching him,
"Room 10, ma'am."
"Room 10...?"
Mai stood from Ayako's bed, following the conversation with interest.
Bou-san.
"Ma'am, if that's all- it's almost time to open the dining room, and I am needed for other tasks."
"That's all," Ayako dismissed, releasing her grasp.
With a departing bow, stiffer than before- the young man quickly disappeared down the busy hallway.
Mai stared at the miko's full arms with raised eyebrows. Ayako stared back, clearly dumbfounded.
"That Monk ordered me towels?"
Mai crossed over to the miko, inspecting the thin white cotton.
"Just in time for your shower. Maybe it's his gift? You did say you were out."
Ayako pulled a face at this suggestion.
"Since when does he listen to anything I say?"
Mai shrugged, "Maybe he has selective hearing?"
"Hey, where are you going?" Ayako demanded as Mai stepped past her.
"My room."
"What about a dress?"
But Mai knew what she actually meant: what about that paper?
No trade.
Mai's hand went behind her back and she saw the miko's keen eyes follow it.
"You heard him, we don't have much time. They're opening the dining room soon, and we both still need to get ready. I'll just have to find something."
"Find what? Half your clothes are dirty and the other half are in the wash," Ayako countered, but Mai (wiser than that staff member) couldn't be stopped- already out of reach. With a wave, Mai turned her back on the foiled priestess. Though, she couldn't help but echo her sentiments.
Find what?
In two hours she would be attending the sponsors dinner in a t-shirt and jeans.
No. Think Taniyama, there must be something...
Mai's mind worked furiously as she passed through a thinning crowd of people on her way to her room, a desperate idea materializing just as she made it to her door.
Nari.
What if I asked for the green dress back...?
Mai paused in doubt, her hand on her door handle
No. I couldn't.
But then her eyes traveled next door. Room 13.
Three meals.
Mai squeezed the door handle.
That Naru.
Mai gave a firm twist, and stepped through her door- her decision made.
Nari won't mind. I'll shower and go ask her.
But in the next instant, Mai's plans changed. Turning up the oil lamp, everything the light touched was cast in a warm orange glow, but something on Mai's bed stood out- stark white.
A dress.
Mai gravitated towards it, her lips parted, her heart beating in her ears.
Reaching out, Mai ran her fingers along the elegant pleats that ran up the entire dress, from skirt to bodice. That was when she noticed it. The note.
With burning curiosity, Mai picked it up. Written on the Inn's stationary in careful handwriting, Mai read:
They say you should save the best for last. I hope you enjoy the gift.
-Niko
