Chapter 2

The Client's Abode

The journey to the client's residence, in the suburbs of the city was long and tiring. It was night by the time they reached there. As usual mai slept throughout the ride. Naru didn't give the slightest hint whether he was happy or annoyed that his lazy assistant was sleeping on his shoulder. He was his usual quiet, thoughtful self. In the middle of the journey he would suddenly get a whiff of mai's hair. 'Ah…. lavender?' he would wrinkle his nose and wonder.

Finally, the trio arrived at the site of investigation. Lin steered the van through short and neat driveway and parked the van in front of a three-storied, medium-sized, whitewashed summerhouse. It was one of those house you can see on the beachside. On the front side of the house was a small, compact and a beautifully kept garden.

Mai looked at the well lighted house with awe. The chilly night air blew through Mai's hair making her shudder, yet the surrounding gave her a sense of comfort and security, which made her wonder how something terrible can happen in such a peaceful place with a harmonious neighborhood. Before Mai could continue in her reverie of the house, Naru's cool voice got her attention.

"Mai, stop daydreaming and get down."

"Sorry. I'll be right there." Mai replied.

After everybody was ready, Naru climbed the porch and rang the doorbell. They could hear the chime echoing through the house. After a minute of silence, some shuffling was heard behind the door and the latch was removed. The door opened to reveal the most beautiful young lady they had ever laid eyes on. Her beauty was Asian. Her round tan cheeks were smooth and clear. Her gold colored skirt and white blouse simply looked dazzling on her small well curved body.

Large black eyes curiously peered at them from an equally black bangs. She looked strikingly attractive with her long jet black heavy hair combed in a long braid.. Her full lips moved in a quick motion

"Um… what do you want?" she asked in a low melodious voice

"I believe we were called by Sakamoto-san to investigate this house" came Naru's swift reply.

"Are you the SPR team?"

Naru replied with the affirmative.

"Please, please come in. I was waiting for you."

Mai was all the while wondering about the house and the woman. To Mai she seemed like a very wealthy and beautiful girl and she spoke Japanese very well. She also seemed like a kind and gentle and a calm person. 'Naru is always the first one to talk. I wanted to talk to her too. Ah maybe he couldn't wait to speak to such a stunning girl' Mai thought, a little dejected.

They were led by the woman into a spacious, and comfortable living-room. The living room was divided from the dining room, on the right by a decorative mahogany divider. On the left of the room near the wall was a massive set of stairs leading up. Though there were many furniture and artifacts, the room didn't appear to be cluttered but gave serene and a free feeling. The girl motioned for them to sit down in the large leather sofas, which was seated against the wall in a L-shape. There were to other single settees on the side and in the center a center-table.

Mai registered these things with interest and was bright enough to point out the imported objects.

"I am Sakamoto Kurasu's wife, Rachel." she bowed introducing herself. 'ah… the Indian' Mai thought

"I am Kazuya Shibuya head of the SPR and these are my assistants, Lin and Mai." Naru took the lead. Lin and Mai bowed in return. The client's wife surprisingly didn't look shocked, which was expected from every client they met. Mai resolved to ask her later, when they get more friendly, that why Rachel was not surprised.

"My husband is not home from work yet, he'll be in any minute now. Anything you may want to discuss, please talk to him." Surprisingly her Japanese was fluent and clear, which was difficult to accept as she was new to the country.

As if on cue, the doorbell rang. Rachel jumped up and rushed to the door, making her dress swish with her movements. She opened the door and in came a tall man. He was no where near Lin's height but he was tall. He had a closely cropped brown head and kind hazel eyes. But Mai thought those eyes could look stern when they want to. They might even become violent.

The man came into the room and Naru and the others stood up. "Sakamoto Kurasu" the man said. "kazuya shibuya, president of SPR" Naru introduced himself for the second time. And both the men shook hands. After everybody was seated again Rachel went to get the guests tea.

"Now Sakamoto-san, if you could explain everything that has happened, " Naru began" we could start the investigations right away. Please begin with your family history." the client looked vary and tired but nonetheless went on to explain.

"Ten years ago, I went to India for an educational tour. Immediately I fell in love with the country. So after finishing my studies, I left Japan and settled in India as a leather businessman. Fortunately, I made huge profits. Then I met my partner's sister and we both fell in love with each other. Then after our marriage little Rawl was born." By this time Rachel came in and served them tea. Before the client could continue Mai popped up a question.

"But where is he? I haven't seen him around" she asked curiously, for which she received a nudge on her side from Naru for being so nosy and interrupting the conversation.

"I am sorry but I put him in bed already. He must be asleep." Rachel answered with a small smile at Mai.

"Pardon my assistant's rudeness, please continue with the details Sakamoto-san." Naru urged unwaveringly.

"Yes. And these problems started when my wife was pregnant. It was like this……" sakamoto-san thought a moment, contemplating on how to continue. "You see….." before he could carry on with his talk, a sharp blood-curdling scream pierced the air.

Before they could even bat an eyelash and register what was happening, Rachel had jumped up and was running up the wooden staircase, her feet thumping against the wood, shouting "RAWL..!"

(A/N: That was a cliff-hanger. sorry I was late, but I have tests everyday so its hard to keep track. Is the length alright?. Is this chapter too vague? Please tell me. And thanks for the reviews and keep reviewing. Bye bye. )

- Shams-chan