As Michiru flies over the Pacific Ocean in the back of the small float plane, she lets herself sigh with contentment. Not only is it relaxing to be able to get away from the office and the big city for a few days, but it was always satisfying to be so close to the water. She sometimes believed that she would have been happiest as a mermaid.
When the plane lands, Michiru is not too surprised to see that Taylor is waiting for her.
"Ah, Miss Kaioh. I told you we'd meet again," he greets with a conspiring wink."Ms. Tenoh is in a meeting right now, but she'll be ready for you by the time we reach the cottage."
"Thank you, Taylor. It is nice to see you again, so soon." Fixing her hair and pulling her sunglasses down, Michiru follows the big man to his sports car, and takes a seat in the front.
"You know, you've really had an effect on Ms. Tenoh," Taylor blurts out as he accelerates onto the highway. "She's been listening to your CDs all week."
"Is that so?" Michiru laughs. "Well I guess that helps with my royalties." Seeing the quiet road ahead, Michiru settles back into her seat, allowing herself to get more comfortable. "And how have you been, Taylor?"
"Pretty good. Busy as usual. It can be hard to keep up with Ms. Tenoh's schedule."
"Don't you get any time off? It doesn't seem fair for you to work the same hours as a CEO."
"Hmm, I wish. But let's just say that I owe Ms. Tenoh as many hours as she needs."
"Oh really?" Michiru gazes at Taylor and tries for more information. "Why is that?"
"Ah, Miss Kaioh. I've been warned about you nosy reporters. And I think I've said too much already. Let's just listen to the radio, eh?"
"If you insist..." Michiru relents, though her curiosity is peaked. What kind of strange business was Haruka running?
Barely half an hour later, they arrive at their destination. They aren't exactly at a cottage, at least from Michiru's point of view. They are at a mansion, complete with a double garage, beautiful high windows on both levels of the building, and even a small fountain on the front lawn. Michiru reaches over to open her door, but sees that Taylor has already beaten her to it.
"Welcome to Chateau Tenoh," Taylor says with a flourish, gesturing grandly with his arm. "I wish you a most pleasant weekend. I'll be back to collect you on Sunday. And I guess I do get that time off now, so thank you."
"You're...most welcome?" Michiru offers, waving goodbye and then pulling her suitcase towards the front door. Remembering a similar circumstance from just a few days prior, Michiru reaches up to ring the bell, and waits to enter the lion's den once more.