The Old Man
By the time they had reached the island the sun had set and the moon illuminated the sky. Yako found it difficult to believe that a place this secluded still had someone living on it. Though she had read of millionaires who like to hide on private islands she never thought she would get the opportunity of visiting one, or what she thought was one.
A car caught the corner of Yako's eye and again she noticed it looked fairly old, First the boat, now the car, what's going on here.
"Mr. Jintao is Mr. Tanaka a collector?"
"Not that I'm aware of, why do you ask?"
"No reason, I just noticed that everything he owns seems to be antique." Yako hoped antique was a better word than old, and that Mr. Jintao wouldn't take it as an insult.
"Mr. Tanaka simply believes that if something is not broke, why should he buy another?"
"Oh…like that old saying if something's not broke why fix it."
"I've never heard that before, but yes that seems to be appropriate."
Yako found it hard to believe that someone hadn't heard one of the most popular phrases in history, but decided not to press on any further.
As they rode through the forest it seemed to get darker far quicker than was normal, though Yako told herself it was because of the canopy from the tress. Rounding a corner the car came up to an iron gate where Mr. Jintao inputted a code. As the car drove through a mansion could be seen from the distance.
The mansion was right out a novel. It was obviously made of stone and had a large double door entrance that could be reached if one walked up the wide stairway. Just like in every mystery novel Yako had ever read the mansion gave off an ominous aura and was illuminated by the moon's rays.
"Mr. Tanaka is expecting you so someone will lead you into the library and you will wait there for his arrival, is that alright with you?" Again his tone left no room for disagreements and so the only thing Yako could say was yes.
The car pulled up to the front and Mr. Jintao got out and opened the door for Yako, while Neuro used the other door. Opening the truck he took Yako's luggage and said, "I will take this to the room Mr. Tanaka has prepared for you."
"Thank you."
Walking up the steps Yako noticed the doors began to open and a female figure could be made out.
""Welcome home Mr. Jintao and welcome guests."
"Miss Matsuri please show Miss Katsuragi and Mr. Nogami to the library and inform Mr. Tanaka that his guests have arrived."
"Right away Mr. Jintao," The maid motioned for Yako and Neuro to follow. As she lead them down a hallway and opened a door on the right hand side she said, "I will inform Mr. Tanaka of your arrival he should be with you shortly," closing the door behind her the maid made her exit.
Yako looked around the library preferring to remain silent rather than talk to Neuro, but it seemed he had other plans.
"Have you noticed anything strange yet slug." A bored expression matched his tone. It was difficult for anything to hold Neuro's interest for a long amount of time.
"The boat and the car were interesting."
"How so?"
"They seemed old, not the used out old more like the new old. The boat didn't have a scratch on it and it seemed like it hadn't been used ever, but it gave off an ancient vibe. The car was the same way, it wasn't used, but it felt old."
"What else did you notice?"
"Mr. Jintao said something that I found odd. He said that he had never heard the saying 'If it's not broken don't fix it', but I feel that everyone knows it."
"Is that all?"
"The only thing left is the house itself. It's taken straight out of book. The structure is more European in style, and it feels like you'd find it in a mystery novel."
"So what do you conclude?"
"This place is like a set. It feels staged, as if someone wanted people to stay away and they made it look creepy so they would."
"It seems you haven't spent all this time in vain slug."
The door knob turned and the door made a squeak as it was opened. Was that there before?
"Hello guests, how was your flight?" An old man dressed in a kimono walked in; short white hair adorned him, glasses that hung low from his nose, and a small smile made him look friendly was the only way Yako could describe him. She left calm and safe like she was around a person that would never harm her.
"It was fine Mr. Tanaka. Thank you for asking." Yako couldn't help but smile at the feelings he brought out from her.
"And you Mr. Nogami?"
"Fine," Yako shot him a look that screamed 'be nice', but Neuro played no attention and looked away with a bored expression.
A chuckle escaped the old man's lips as he said, "You two act just like my wife and I did when we were young."
"Oh no Neuro and I aren-" cut off abruptly by Neuro who played along to the old man's tune.
"Wow what perception Mr. Tanaka no one else would have guessed."
Yako had visibly paled at this point in the conversation. What is Neuro thinking! Did he have something up his sleeve?
"Please Jinsei will do, there is no need to be so formal. Miss Katsuragi you look pale, are you alright? What am I thinking, you must be tired. Since you two are together I will tell one of the maids to put you two in the same room."
"Oh no that will not be needed Mr. Tanaka. Neuro and I aren't really-"
"We don't want to impose Jinsei."
"Nonsense I will not have it any other way. Miss Matsuri!"
"Yes Mr. Tanaka."
"Put Miss Katsuragi and Mr. Nogami in the same room."
"Right away sir," the maid bowed and left in a hurry, probably going to make my life a living hell.
Yako feeling a little queasy already, she had to get her mind off the upcoming torture Neuro would put her through once they were in the same room. "Let's talk about that mystery you hired Ishigaki for."
"Ahh…I have to make a confession first. You see Mr. Ishigaki had to go back Tokyo on short notice, so it will only be the two of you."
I officially hate my life.
"That won't be a problem Jinsei. Sensei is the perfect person to solve any mystery you have." Neuro's smile screamed fake, but Yako wasn't about to call him out in front of Mr. Tanaka.
"I knew it from the moment Mr. Ishigaki described you that you would be perfect."
A blush overcame Yako as she couldn't help but wonder what else Ishigaki said about her. "I guess it can't be helped. So Mr. Tanaka-"
"Please Miss Katsuragi call me Jinsei."
"If you insist… Jinsei," Yako hesitated, but found that the name rolled off her tongue very easily. "What is it that you need help with?"
A knock on the door stopped the old man short, "come in."
"Mr. Tanaka the room is ready."
"Thank you Miss Matsuri," the girl again bowed and left in a hurry.
"It seems that our conversation will have to pick up in the morning. I will see you at breakfast Miss Katsuragi, Mr. Nogami." The old man made is way to the exit only to be stopped short by Neuro.
"Jinsei…"
"Yes, Mr. Nogami?"
"You have a very fascinating library, would it be too much trouble if we come here to do some research."
"Not at all Mr. Nogami. Come anytime you feel like could use some inspiration. It hasn't been used much since my wife passed away."
"Thank you Mr. Tana-Jinsei," Yako answered since she knew very well Neuro would not.
"Miss Matsuri…" within a minute of his call the girl had shown up again.
"Yes, Mr. Tanaka?"
"Show the two of them to their room please." After giving the order the old man left without another word.
"Please follow me."
Yako followed the girl in silence and her heart began to pound in her chest. She had just realized the implications of her and Neuro sleeping in the same room. She began to wonder what kind of night she'd have…