"I can't believe it's almost the end of the year already," Coco said, stretching her arms over her head. "How long have we been studying anyway?"

Chiharu looked at her phone. "Wow. We've been at it for four hours already. No wonder my stomach has been growling. It's an hour past lunch."

Haruhi pulled herself out of the law book she was reading. "Maybe for our study session tomorrow, we should reserve the large private room at the restaurant and have food brought in at regular intervals."

"That would be a good idea for the rest of the week," Takashi agreed.

"Rene, do you want to start lunch while I call the restaurant and make the reservations?" Kyoya called across the room.

"Sure thing," Rene replied, getting up from the table and catching himself on the back of his chair. "Just give me a minute. My legs fell asleep."

"I'll help by making the salad," Estee offered, standing up from her place by Hikaru and trailing her fingers across his shoulders on her way to the kitchen.

"Haruhi, could you help me with this last chemistry problem?" Shiori asked. "It just doesn't look right to me."

"Sure. Let me see." Haruhi read through the information and pointed to the second line. "I think you missed a piece of data."

"Oh, right. I see it now. I'm not used to such intense study sessions. My eyes are getting bleary." Shiori shook her head as she revised her answer.

"Hey, Mitsukuni?" Rene called, poking his head through the doorway from the kitchen, "Do you and Takashi have any rice we could borrow?"

Mitsukuni looked up from his notebook. "Huh? Rice? Sure. I just bought a bag. How much do you need?"

"Two cups should do. My shopping is slated for this evening and I can return it then." Rene returned to the kitchen and said over his shoulder, "I'll get the chicken curry started."

"I'll be right back." Mitsukuni stood up, kissed Reiko's cheek, and headed for the door.

"Hey, Coco, it just hit me that you and Estee are conversing very well in Japanese now," Haruhi commented.

"Yes, Edo and Ataru's language program works great. We really don't need them in class as translators anymore, which is great because Edo is anxious to start offering their business with the immersion program as well as translation services."

"It's good to hear that you don't need them in class," Kyoya said. "I know Ataru was worried about that since she is still at the hospital providing translation for the Vietnamese official who collapsed at the airport during Spring Break. The police are still investigating exactly what poison was used that made him so ill and killed his staff translator."

Takashi added, "I'm glad that Atsuhiro's friends at the airport thought to call him for Ataru's assistance. It could have caused an international incident if she hadn't been there to inform the medics that he was allergic to the medication they were about to administer."

"How did she know that anyway? Did he tell her?" Kaoru asked.

"No, he was too weak to say anything. It turned out that she had met him during one of her father's diplomatic missions. I can't remember what Ataru said about the circumstances, but that issue came up and the information stuck with her," Takashi explained.

Hikaru chuckled. "Hey, Kyoya, how many businesses has the Hinan family invested in so far?"

Kyoya smirked. "I don't have that information readily at hand. Even then, it would depend on whether you mean fully owned or partnerships. I know exactly what my own holdings are, but not the family's."

"Maybe the management team should look into that this summer. We can evaluate the efficiency of what we have and that may provide insight into other avenues of investment," Haruhi suggested.

"Not a bad idea. But we won't spend more than a week on that project. We do need some down time after the grueling year we've had," Mitsukuni commented, rejoining the discussion after completing his errand.

"Speaking of grueling, Kyoya, when's graduation?" Takashi asked. He clapped Kyoya on the shoulder and continued, "Hard to believe you're graduating a year before Mitsukuni and me."

"Ever the overachiever," Haruhi teased, kissing her significant other on the cheek.

"Look who's talking, little miss I'm-a-junior-already," Kaoru said. "Not to mention three years of internship under your belt already and you haven't even begun law school."

All Shiori could do was sit and seethe in silence. "Did they forget I'm here? Why are they talking like they are on the Hinan family management team? How will I ever get a word in edgewise to suggest the game so Wataru and I can put our plan in motion?"

"To answer your question, Takashi," Kyoya interjected, "graduation is Tuesday after finals week."

"Hey, that means we can make it to Ren's first birthday party next Sunday," Chiharu exclaimed. "I've been looking forward to it. I found an adorable block puzzle for him."

Rene poked his head in from the kitchen. "It's only been a year?" he questioned.

"Yes, only a year. But what a year it's been!" Hikaru responded as he pulled Estee into his lap when she returned from helping Rene in the kitchen.

"I know what you mean," Coco stated enthusiastically. "It wasn't even a year ago when Estee and I met you guys. Now we've nearly finished our first year in university and we've learned Japanese."

"Aren't you the wonder," Kaoru purred, nuzzling her ear.

Reiko piped up, "Okay, we have this week's plans covered with studying at the restaurant and next week's with exams. How about we get together for lunch on Friday after exams and then do something fun together?"

There was a chorus of approvals from around the room.

"Now's my chance," Shiori thought deviously. Tentatively she said, "I have an idea for something fun. Akina told me about it after her photoshoot in Sydney during Winter Break."

"Oh really?" Rene asked with interest.

"Well, her photographer used this game to entice the models to get ready for the shoots promptly because he was tired of wasting his time with divas. It's a scavenger hunt where they collect their outfits and accessories. There are prizes, with the largest prize going to the one who gets ready first. The prizes were usually things like spa treatments, massages, manicures, pedicures…basically things they really wanted," Shiori explained.

Coco bounced up and down. "I've heard of scavenger hunts, Shiori. You're right, something like that would be a lot of fun. We'd just have to adapt it a little to fit our group."

Shiori smiled and continued, "I talked to the photographer later and he said he got the idea from a game he played with friends during university. They would pair up and each group would get the same list of items they had to gather. There was a time limit and the team with the most items collected won. Sometimes there was also a limit of the amount of money they could spend so they would have to get creative to obtain some of the items on their list."

"It sounds like a lot of fun," Mitsukuni said. "Would you be willing to set it up? Create the lists and all that?"

"I can do that," Shiori replied, preening at the attention she was getting. "I can have Wataru help me with the lists too."

Takashi added thoughtfully, "Maybe we should draw for partners rather than just pairing up with our significant others. It might add to the fun for us to get to know each other better."

"I can't believe it. The plan is working out so well. They are falling for it. This will be great," Shiori thought gleefully.

There was a *ding* from the kitchen. Rene stood up and announced, "Lunch is ready. Let's eat."

OHSHC

After an intense week of studying and then finals, the group met at the usual restaurant Friday for lunch. Everyone was looking forward to the scavenger hunt afterwards. Just before they finished eating, Rene's phone rang.

"I need to take this," he said as he stepped out into the hall with a puzzled look.

His expression was downcast when he returned a few minutes later. "I won't be able to participate in the scavenger hunt. My advisor just informed me that there's a problem with my clinical internship for next year. I have to go meet with her right away." He pondered for a moment. "Hey, Wataru can take my place in the game. That way you'll still have six two-person teams."

"I was wondering how to include Wataru and leave one of the Hinan brothers behind. This is perfect," Shiori gloated, while carefully schooling her expression into disappointment.

Haruhi and Kyoya stood up from their places at the table. She pulled Rene into a hug and whispered, "I hope everything gets worked out."

Kyoya squeezed his shoulder. "We'll meet back at our apartment after the game. That way you can at least be in on the finale and find out who wins."

"Thanks, guys," Rene called as he waved on his way out the door. "Have fun. I'll see you later."

After he left, Shiori and Wataru stood up. Wataru announced, "I have six envelopes that contain the list of twenty-four items you have to find and 10,000 yen. You can't spend more than that or you forfeit the game."

Shiori continued, "I have the men's names in this cup and I will draw to assign them as partners to the ladies. As Takashi suggested, you will not be paired with your significant other."

There was some good-natured pouting, especially from the twins, that made everyone laugh.

"Let's begin with Coco." Shiori made a show of shaking up the cup before drawing a name out. "They don't know that I've already determined the matches and this is just for appearances."

She drew out a slip of paper and pretended to read off the name. "Coco's partner for the scavenger hunt will be Hikaru. Hikaru, stand behind your partner's chair."

Kaoru stood up and started to move when Haruhi said, "Uh-uh Kaoru. You can't fool me."

Reluctantly Kaoru sat back down and Hikaru took his place behind Coco's chair.

"Next is Estee's partner…and that will be Mitsukuni."

"Don't worry, Hikaru. I'll take good care of her," Mitsukuni teased.

"See that you do," Hikaru mock growled at him.

Everyone laughed at their antics while Shiori drew the next name. "Chiharu's partner for the game will be Kaoru."

Takashi raised an eyebrow at Kaoru, who swallowed audibly and nodded in response.

"Remember, this is a friendly game that will give us a chance to get to know one another better," Kyoya teased.

Shiori continued, "Reiko's partner will be Takashi."

Kyoya said, "Well, that leaves Shiori with me and Haruhi with Wataru."

As Kyoya said his name, Wataru stepped forward. "I will give an envelope to each of the ladies. Do not open them until you are in your cars and ready to go. We've tried to keep the items general so you can be as literal or as creative as you want to be. Meet back at Kyoya and Rene's apartment by three o'clock."

"Come along, Shiori. I fully intend to win this game," Kyoya called as he headed for the door. Shiori grabbed an envelope from her brother and practically ran to catch up.

"I want to win," Coco squealed, grabbing Hikaru's hand and pulling him toward the door as she snatched the envelope Wataru offered.

Estee started after Coco. "Do really think you're finally going to beat me at something?" Retrieving the envelope from Wataru, Mitsukuni shook his head with a grin on his face as he trailed after his partner.

Reiko and Takashi exchanged an amused look before receiving their envelope and exiting the room.

"Well, I guess that just leave us." He handed the final envelope to Haruhi and bowed dramatically. "Shall we sally forth unto battle?"

Haruhi laughed and pushed through the door. "Okay, we're dead last right now. Let's go."

As Kyoya settled into the driver's seat of his car, he started the car and said, "Please read the list."

Shiori started at the top. "Take a video of your partner washing a coin in the Ana Inari Shrine fountain, washed coin (see above), front page of a newspaper, takeout menu…"

Reiko glance through the list and commented, "Some of these will be really easy to get at a nearby park: gingko leaf, rock, pinecone, and pine needles. The other things will take more effort."

"…pink bunny cupcake, picture with both partners and Hello Kitty merchandise, photo of laughing Buddha, ticket stub for the Ueno Zoo. You'd think they had you in mind when they put some of these items on the list," Estee teased Mitsukuni.

"Well, at least I know where to get the cupcake," he replied, skillfully navigating traffic.

"Read me the list again," Hikaru directed as he checked the map.

"Skytree postcard, picture of a temple bell, envelope, push pin. Wait. We actually have one of these already," Coco said excitedly.

"What do you mean?"

Holding up the envelope the list came in, she waved it around and said, "They actually gave us one to start with."

"I wonder how many others are going to realize that?" Hikaru asked chuckling.

"Okay, Kaoru, the last four things on the list are a can of Coca-Cola, restaurant napkin, candy wrapper, and a sakura blossom," Chiharu read.

"Really?" He grinned as he reached into his pocket and deposited two lumps in her hand. "A restaurant napkin and a candy wrapper coming right up."

Haruhi smiled as she read the list. "…recipe, ribbon, sewing needle, and bento box. These shouldn't be too hard to get. If you don't mind, there's a 100-yen store just a few blocks away that we could get most of this without using very much of the 10,000 yen."

Before Wataru could answer, his phone rang. Clicking the Bluetooth in his ear, he answered, "Moshi, Moshi." After listening for a minute, he frowned. "Are you sure it can't wait?"

Haruhi watched Wataru's face, trying to fathom the problem.

"I understand. I need a little time to wrap things up here and then I'll get on the road. Goodbye."

He turned to Haruhi and said, "I'm sorry, but I have to head out right away. I wasn't supposed to start my new job until next week, but something came up and they need me as soon as possible."

"Just drop me off at the store and I'll make my way back to campus," Haruhi suggested.

"No, we're close to my parents' house. I'll just pick up my bags and then drop you back at campus," Wataru assured her.

"I'll just call one of the others to pick me up," she replied. She reached into her pocket and then slapped her forehead. "I left my phone and wallet in my satchel back at Kyoya's"

"Don't worry about it," Wataru said as he parked the car. "I'll be right back."

In other parts of the city, teams were having fun collecting the items on the list and learning more about each other.

"Okay, Mitsukuni, I need to meet Usa-chan. He was really the first Hinan?" Estee asked incredulously.

"When we get back to Hinansho, I'll show you the certificate that Haruhi created for him."

Shiori and Kyoya stood looking at the Ana Inari Shrine fountain. He turned to her and said, "Do you want to film while I wash the coin?"

"Are you sure you want to put your hands in that?" she asked, shivering at the mysterious air about the shrine.

"I washed worse when Rene was starting to learn how to cook. If you're ready?" Kyoya knelt down by the fountain and waited for Shiori to give him the go-ahead.

Takashi and Reiko both stood just off the path under the sakura trees in Ueno Park. Their eyes were closed and heads tilted back as they basked in the gentle breezes through the trees. After a minute, Reiko whispered, "I can't wait to get back to the farm where I can spend time among the plants. I always feel so much more alive there."

"Hn," was Takashi's only response, communing with nature making him the most relaxed he'd felt in months.

Wataru yelled, "Catch," as he threw his car keys to Haruhi. "Please open the truck so I can stow my stuff. Then I'll drop you back on campus."

As she sorted through the keys to find the right one, he quietly placed his load on the ground and slipped up behind her. When the trunk opened, he pushed her in and grabbed her hands, quickly slipping and tightening a zip tie around them. Then he did the same to her feet before placing tape across her mouth.

Retrieving his keys from where they had fallen next to her hip, he smirked, "Change of plans. You're going on an adventure with me. Don't worry about your precious Host Club, Shiori will be there to help them through their disappointment and feelings of betrayal."

Haruhi growled in frustration. "How could I be so naïve? Rene and Kyoya are going to be mad at me again, just like when I got thrown off the cliff in Okinawa." She took several deep breaths to clear her head. "Now, I just need to remember what Tachibana, Hotta, and Aijima taught me how to break free from zip ties and how to escape from a car trunk."

"Kaoru, thanks for remembering the 100-yen store that Haruhi showed you. Between that and the park, we have almost everything now," Chiharu said.

"What do we have left?" he asked.

"Let's see. There's the video and coin from the Ana Inari Shrine fountain, photo of laughing Buddha, pink bunny cupcake, and picture of a temple bell."

Kaoru glanced over at her with a grin. "How much time do we have left?"

Chiharu checked the timer she'd set on her phone. "We have just over an hour."

"Plenty of time. Let's go."

"How does Kaoru keep up with her?" Hikaru groaned to himself. "I'm already exhausted and I've spent less than an hour with her."

"The 100-yen store was sooo much fun. I'll have to get Kaoru to take me back there sometime," Coco chattered. "I think we can get the rest of the things on our list at Ueno Park. There's the…"

Hikaru grimaced inwardly as a throbbing headache started behind his left eye.

An hour later, Wataru stopped at a gas station to fill his tank and plot his course on a map. "Let's see. I want to avoid the population centers as much as possible. If she escapes out in the country, I can catch her. In the cities, people will be watching and wondering what's going on."

Haruhi felt the car stop and she could tell by the smells and sounds that he was getting gas. "I'll have to be ready next time. It's hard to get in the right position in this trunk to get the leverage I need to break the zip ties on my wrists."

Once he was back on the road, Wataru decided, "I'll let her have a bathroom break at the next gas stop in two hours. A school friend of mine owns that station, so there won't be any awkward questions."

Wiggling around, Haruhi was able to reach the wiring for the taillights even though her hands were bound. "Now, if I can just pull the right wires like Atsuhiro showed me, maybe the police will see the nonfunctioning taillight and stop him so I can make my presence known."

Rene answered the knock on his door. "Kaoru and Chiharu, how did the game go?"

"Are we the first ones back?" Chiharu asked.

"Yes, you are. Of course, there's still a half hour before the deadline," Rene remarked.

"Would you check our list to be sure we got everything?" Kaoru said, handing Rene a small basket full of items.

"I can do that. Hey, that's a way I can participate in the game," Rene replied with a grin.

Rene had just finished sorting through the basket and checking items off when there was a knock at the door.

"I'll get it," Kaoru offered. He opened the door to find Estee and Mitsukuni with their collection of treasures.

"Were you guys the first ones here?" Estee asked.

Kaoru grinned. "Yes, we beat you." As he started to shut the door, he heard a voice call, "Don't close that door." He looked to see Coco running down the hall toward him. He braced himself as she flung herself at him.

After Kaoru kissed Coco and set her back on her feet, he looked around and asked, "Where's Hikaru?"

Coco giggled. "He said he needed a few minutes. He'll bring our stuff up when he comes. I think I wore him out."

"Well, that will give Rene time to check off Estee and Mitsukuni's items first," Kaoru murmured as he led Coco into the living room.

Chiharu was just bringing bottles of water from the kitchen when there was another knock on the door. "I'll get it," Coco chirped as she dashed to the door and flung it open.

"Welcome back," she called to Takashi and Reiko who were supporting an exhausted looking Hikaru. "I'll take these to Rene to verify," she said as she plucked the bag from Hikaru's hands.

Hikaru just shook his head in bemusement as he dropped into one of the chairs at the dining room table.

Estee left the living room to check on him, knowing what a whirlwind her sister could be. Seeing his expression, she stepped up behind him and started massaging his shoulders. "Quite a handful, isn't she?" Estee murmured in his ear.

"How ever did you handle her? She's worse than Rene was in high school after Kaoru and I would wind him up over something or other," Hikaru moaned.

Feeling him relax, she stopped massaging and patted him on the shoulder. "Practice."

After a few minutes, Rene announced, "I've checked everyone's collections and they are all complete. We're just waiting for Kyoya and Shiori as well as Haruhi and Wataru."

Just before three o'clock, the apartment door was opened by Kyoya. "Here we are with five minutes to spare," he announced.

"I'm checking everyone in," Rene called, taking the box from Shiori.

"Is everyone else already here?" Kyoya asked.

Takashi said, "We're still waiting for Haruhi and Wataru."

"I thought they might be the first ones back," Kaoru commented. "Haruhi would easily know where to get most of the things on the list. She'd also know the fastest routes."

"Maybe Wataru got lost or turned around," Shiori suggested. "He has been out of the country for four years."

"We'll give them a few more minutes before we declare the winners and hand out the prizes," Rene declared.

OHSHC

At three thirty, Kyoya called Haruhi's cell phone. As soon as he dialed, a ringtone was heard from a corner of the living room. Rene followed the sound and found Haruhi's satchel sitting in the corner. Opening it, he found her cell phone just as it stopped ringing.

Kyoya and Rene exchanged a glance. "She must have left it here when we went to lunch," Rene commented. "Her wallet is here as well."

Trying not to appear alarmed by the information, Kyoya asked, "Shiori, would you call your brother?"

Shiori pulled out her phone and pretended to click a number on her contact list. After an appropriate amount of time, she said in a puzzled tone, "It's going right to voicemail. I wonder if he forgot to charge his phone again."

Looks of concern were starting to appear on faces around the room. "I hope nothing has happened to them," Chiharu voiced.

"Like what?" Coco asked with a gulp.

"Traffic jam, car breakdown, flat tire," Estee replied, ticking the items off on her fingers.

"It's a brand new car," Shiori commented. "Maybe there's something peculiar about it he didn't know and it won't start or something. If his cell wasn't working, he would probably call the house because he wouldn't know any other numbers."

"Why don't you call your house and ask?" Mitsukuni prompted. "Please put it on speaker so we can all hear."

"Okay," she said as she initiated the call and then laid the phone on the arm of the sofa so everyone could gather around.

"Nanjo residence," the butler intoned as he answered the phone.

"This is Shiori. Have you heard from Wataru?"

"Indeed I have, Shiori-san. He was here about two hours ago to collect his things. He said that he received a call to report for work as soon as possible."

"What about the young lady that was with him?"

"I did not see her, but Wataru-san mentioned that he had to drop a young lady off at Tokyo University on his way out of town. By the way, will you be needing me to send a car since your brother has left you stranded?"

Kyoya spoke up. "We will be sure she makes it home safely."

"Very good. Shiori-san, your parents wish for me to remind you that you need to be home by six to prepare for the dinner party."

"Understood. Thank you for the information and the reminder. I'll be home soon." Shiori disconnected the call.

"If he dropped her off, where is she?" Rene asked worriedly.

"Maybe she's trying to complete the scavenger hunt on her own," Reiko suggested.

"How could she without her phone and wallet?" Chiharu wondered.

Worry creased Kyoya's forehead. "I'm going to call the campus police and ask them to check security footage around campus. Maybe it will show which way Haruhi went after Wataru dropped her off."

"Good thinking," Takashi commented with an approving nod.

Feeling anxious, Kyoya stepped into the kitchen to be alone to make the phone call. There was an uneasy feeling in his gut, but he didn't know what to make of it.

"Campus police," the bored officer answered.

"This is Kyoya Hinan. I am trying to locate Haruhi Fujioka. Supposedly she was dropped off at the campus some time after one fifteen this afternoon."

The officer was about to launch into a lecture about not using the campus police to locate your missing girlfriend when his eyes were drawn to a photo and note tacked prominently on the call board. The photo was of Haruhi and the note read, "Take threats seriously." Remembering the re-training and new procedures implemented just after Winter Break, he replied, "That will be a lot of security footage to view. It could take some time because I'm the only one in the office right now."

"May I send over my security team to assist you?" Kyoya offered.

"That would be most helpful. I'll get the footage cued up for their arrival."

"Thank you." Kyoya ended the call and returned to the living room. "I am going to brief the security team and have them assist campus police in reviewing the security footage. I will be right back."

The apartment fell silent as the door slammed and his hurried footsteps could be heard retreating down the hall.

OHSHC

Meanwhile, on a country road north of Nagoya, Wataru pulled into a gas station run by a friend from high school. After getting gas in the car, he pulled it around to the side of the station. Opening the trunk, he said sarcastically, "I hope you've been enjoying the ride. I thought you might need a bathroom break. Here's how things are going to work." He pulled her up and hoisted her over his shoulder. "I will carry you to the bathroom in the owner's office. Once you are inside, I will cut the zip tie from your hands. When you've completed your business in there, you will open the door and extend your hands so I can put on a new zip tie. Don't bother trying anything. The owner is a friend of mine."

Haruhi scowled at him as he cut the zip tie. "At least he didn't see what I did to the taillight wiring. Now how was it that Tachibana explained the best way to present my wrists for zip ties so I can easily remove them?"

After she finished using the toilet, she washed her hands and stared into the mirror for several minutes. "I can do this. I will do this. Dad needs me." She took a deep breath to steady her nerves and then squared her shoulders. "I will listen for my opportunity and then I will take it. I will get home to Dad and Kyoya and all the others."

Feeling more in control, she opened the door and stuck her wrists out, remembering to tense her arms and hold her fists side-by-side to create slack for later. Wataru unceremoniously threw her over his shoulder again and returned her to the trunk. "Be a good girl," he smirked before closing the lid.

Once the car was back on the road, Haruhi relaxed her arms, opened her fists, and placed her palms together. Just like Tachibana had shown her, there was room to wiggle her hands out. Next, she used the tail of the zip tie from her hands to release the bar that latched the tie on her feet. "Now I can get somewhat comfortable. There's not a lot of room in the trunk of a sports car," Haruhi mused.

OHSHC

"I'm sorry, Kyoya-sama. We checked all the footage from one o'clock until four o'clock. Fujioka-san is not there," the head of the security team reported at four thirty.

The uneasy feeling morphed into a knot in his gut. "I have to find her. I can't lose her." He took a deep breath before he replied, "Thank you for checking. I think I'll contact Inspector Yoshinaga and see if there are any police reports of accidents."

Kyoya squeezed his eyes shut, braced himself against the wall with his left hand, and gripped the phone in his right. "Please let her be okay."

When he opened his eyes, he saw Mitsukuni watching him with a look of concern. "What did they say?" he asked.

"No sign of Haruhi in any of the security footage." Kyoya sighed. "I'm going to call Inspector Yoshinaga and have him check hospitals and police reports."

Patting his shoulder comfortingly, Mitsukuni said quietly, "Reiko and I are going to drive Shiori home. We'll be back soon."

"Tokyo police station. How may I help you?" the dispatcher said as she answered the call.

"I need to speak to Inspector Yoshinaga. This is Kyoya Hinan."

"One moment while I connect you.'

"This is Inspector Yoshinaga. To what do I owe the honor of this call, Kyoya-san?"

Kyoya's voice was tight as he said, "Haruhi is missing. We were doing a scavenger hunt to celebrate the end of the year. She was paired with her roommate's brother, Wataru Nanjo. We haven't been able to reach either of them. The butler at the Nanjo estate reported that about fifteen minutes into the game, Wataru was called back to work early and had to leave right away. According to the butler, he intended to drop Haruhi off at the campus. We checked security footage from one to four and there was no sign of her being dropped off." He paused to take a breath.

"And you would like me to check hospitals and accident reports to be sure nothing happened between the Nanjo estate and Tokyo University," the inspector surmised.

"Yes, sir," Kyoya responded in relief.

"Give me a little time to look into it. I will call you back within the hour."

"Thank you, sir," Kyoya said before the line went dead.

OHSHC

"Mitsukuni?" Reiko asked tentatively.

"Yes, Love?" he responded.

"Did anything about Shiori strike you as odd?" she pressed.

Tilting his head and pondering the question, though his attention remained fixed on the road as he drove back to the apartments from the Nanjo estate. He finally replied, "Something did feel a little off, but nothing I can put my finger on."

"She didn't ask us to notify her if we hear anything of her brother or Haruhi. I just have this feeling, like something has darkened her aura over the past few months. I think I started to notice it around Valentine's Day."

"Maybe she just expects that we will contact her." Glancing at his significant other from the corner of his eye, he asked, "Do you need time alone for contemplation?"

"No! I feel the need for us all to be together tonight. There is an uneasiness when I think about her right now."

Mitsukuni laid a hand on her knee. "Maybe Kyoya heard something while we were gone."

"I hope so," she whispered, clutching his hand.

OHSHC

Haruhi felt the car slow and stop. The smell of gasoline was almost overpowering. She reached for the zip ties she had threaded through the trunk release, waiting for the opportunity to open the lid and bolt for freedom.

Before she could move, she heard shouting. "Wataru is arguing with someone and they're right outside the trunk. No escape this time. Hopefully the next stop won't be his apartment in Okayama." Though muffled, she could hear the argument clearly.

"I don't care who your friends are, you will pay for the gas. Any shortages come out of my pay," argued the attendant in a whiny voice. "I'm only working tonight so he could take his girlfriend out."

"Fine. Here's your money." Wataru slammed his door and pulled out of the gas station so fast he sprayed gravel all over.

OHSHC

At six o'clock, Kyoya's phone rang, showing the caller to be the inspector.

"I know you probably won't think this is good news, but hear me out," Inspector Yoshinaga began. "There have been no reports of traffic accidents and no one has been admitted to any of the area hospitals matching Haruhi's description or without identification."

Kyoya could barely breathe as he responded, "Thank you for checking."

Rene stepped up and wrapped an arm around his brother's shoulders. "Any news?"

"Only that no news is good news," he whispered, trembling as the stress of the past few hours caught up with him.

"Otou-san, come to the living room and sit down." Rene gently led Kyoya to the living room and settled him on the loveseat. "Don't worry. We will find okaa-san…"

"I know we will, but I don't know where to look next." Kyoya placed his elbows on his knees and held his head in his hands.

Everyone gathered around the loveseat and each laid a comforting hand on Kyoya.

OHSHC

Haruhi had drifted into a restless sleep in the trunk of Wataru's sports car. A change in the movement of the car jolted her from her slumber. "I hope this is another gas stop rather than arrival at his apartment." She placed her hand on the zip ties connected to the truck release.

Wataru called out to the gas station attendant. "Fill it up."

At first Haruhi thought she would miss another opportunity, but then she heard the attendant respond arrogantly, "You're not from around here. How do I know you're not police or a rival syndicate?"

"These gas stations are owned by a high school friend of mine. Let's go into your office and give him a call."

Haruhi breathed a sigh of relief as the voices died away. After waiting to the count of 60, she pulled the release and eased the trunk open. Dusk was starting to fall but there was just enough light for her to see a barn about 100 meters away.

"I'll never make it without being seen," she muttered to herself. Then she realized her eyes were adjusting to the low light and she notice a ditch just six meters away that led right past the barn.

Taking one last look around to be sure Wataru was not returning to the car yet, she slipped out and removed the zip ties from the trunk release. She was startled by the sound of a rumbling nearby until she realized it was a truck on the nearby road. Using the noise of the truck as cover, she closed the trunk firmly and bolted for the ditch.

OHSHC

Reiko and Chiharu exchanged a look and then headed to the kitchen. "I know no one feels like eating, but we should fix something," Reiko stated.

"How about soup? Everyone should be able to handle that and it won't take long," Chiharu suggested.

They worked together in silence, each lost in their own thoughts about their missing friend, though both along the same line. "What will we do without her?"

Twenty minutes later, they carried trays with mugs of soup into the living room and passed them out.

Kyoya stared into the mug in his hands and murmured, "I can't eat…"

"You will eat," Reiko ordered. "You need to eat and sleep so that you can think straight. Yours is the best mind among us."

Chiharu could tell that others wanted to make the same declaration as Kyoya but dared not in the face of Reiko's determination. "Drink your soup and then we'll settle down for the night. We will attack the problem fresh in the morning," she stated, drinking her own soup as an example.

Estee and Coco collected the empty mugs while Mitsukuni and Takashi arranged pillows and blankets. The sisters quietly conversed in French while they washed the dishes and cleaned the kitchen. "How could Haruhi just disappear like that?" Coco asked.

"I don't think she disappeared. I think she is being prevented from coming home," Estee replied through clenched teeth.

"Why do you say that?" Coco prodded.

"Mostly just a feeling," Estee mused.

"We just met her last year, but it seems more like we've known her all our lives," Coco said.

"I know what you mean," Estee replied. "Let's get some sleep so we can help figure out a way to find her and bring her home."

OHSHC

Wataru was just a block from his apartment building when he was pulled over by a police officer. "Is there a problem, sir?" he asked nervously.

"Do you know that your taillights are not working?" the officer inquired.

"That's odd. This is a brand new car. I just bought it last week. I'm just a block from my apartment. I'll park it for the night and contact the dealership in the morning," Wataru offered.

"Sir, please open the trunk," the officer ordered.

"So close, and yet so far. How am I going to talk my way out of this?" he wondered as he opened the trunk. He had to school his surprised expression when he opened it and found it empty. "How? When? Where?" he puzzled.

The officer stepped up beside Wataru and looked into the trunk. "It looks like someone pulled the wires out."

Thinking quickly, Wataru responded, "Probably my sister's cat. That little nuisance is forever chewing and pulling wires. It probably got in when I stopped at my parents' house to pick up my luggage. The butler opened the trunk, but I put my things in the back seat so I could reach them. I guess I should have looked closer before I closed the trunk. At least the cat didn't get trapped."

The officer looked skeptical at Wataru's explanation, but there was no evidence to the contrary. "I will let you off with a warning since you are so close to home. Be sure to get them fixed as soon as possible."

"Thank you for bringing it to my attention," Wataru replied. "I will get it taken care of tomorrow." He waited for a minute until the police car pulled away. He took a deep breath and leaned his forehead on the steering wheel. "That was close. I'll have to call Shiori tomorrow and let her know Haruhi got away somewhere along the way."

OHSHC

Haruhi snuggled deeper into the hay, trying to get warm after crawling nearly 100 meters through a water-filled ditch to get to the barn. "I doubt any of the guys would have been able to accomplish that little feat," Haruhi thought mirthfully. "At least the reeds, water, and mud obscured any tracks I might have made."

The barn appeared to be storage for a crop that had not been harvested yet. Cobwebs were evident but not enough to give an abandoned air to the building. "How am I going to get home? That conversation I heard between Wataru and the gas station attendant leads me to believe that a yakuza syndicate is in control of this area. If they find me, they will no doubt demand a ransom. I will not let them do that to me…or my friends."

Listening closely, she realized she was hearing the soft sobs of a child. She crept closer to the sound and peaked into the storage bin to see a boy about eight years old. "Are you okay?" she whispered.

The boy started and whipped around to face her. "Who are you? What are you doing here?" he demanded, keeping his voice as low as he could.

Looking around, she slipped into the storage bin so they could talk without being overheard. "I'm Haruhi. I escaped from someone who kidnapped me. Can you tell me where I am?"

The boy eyed her suspiciously. "How do I know you're telling the truth? Do you have any identification?"

She chuckled. "No, I don't. Do you really think a kidnapper would let me keep my identification?"

He pondered for a moment. "I guess not. By the way, my name is Keiji."

"Good to meet you, Keiji," Haruhi replied. "Will you tell me what's wrong?"

"I wasn't crying!" he said emphatically.

"Okay. But when I escaped, I heard the kidnapper talking to someone. Is there something going on around here?" she prompted.

Hearing noises outside the barn, Keiji lunged at Haruhi and placed his hand over her mouth. They both froze in place as voices came closer.

"I know he's around here somewhere," stated a gravelly voice.

"He's probably just hiding so he can cry about his sister some more," a nasally voice answered. "If you wouldn't kick him every time he cries, he probably would stop disappearing."

"Alright. Whatever," the gravelly voice replied.

The nasally voice continued, "He'll be back in the morning to make breakfast, just you wait and see."

The voices and footsteps trailed off into the distance.

When they were sure the two were gone, Haruhi raised an eyebrow at Keiji and he moved his hand away from her mouth.

Wrapping his arms around his knees, Keiji stared at the ground as he said, "They were talking about my sister Hinako. She's probably about your age. When they first showed up, they grabbed her to cook and clean for them. My father said they tried to have their way with her—whatever that means—and then all the girls disappeared. The strangers blamed us for the disappearance, but we didn't know where they went. We suspect that they sold all the girls into slave labor and they claimed it was us just in case word got out."

Haruhi could feel her anger rising with each word Keiji spoke. Keeping her anger in check, she laid a gentle hand on his shoulder and asked softly, "What can I do to help?"

His head popped up and he looked at her in horror. "We need to get you out of here before they find you. I remember how broken Hinako looked and I don't want that to happen to you."

Haruhi opened her mouth to answer Keiji, but she was interrupted by a gruff voice drawling, "Well, what do we have here?"

19