Sorry it's been so long everyone. I will try to update much, much sooner. It's difficult when your muse abandons ship and leaves you blank. Maybe I can find some music to inspire me or something (I'm certainly open to suggestions). I read over this a couple of times, but whatever mistakes are made were made as a result of exhaustion. Insomnia sucks...
Haunted Echoes
Chapter 5: Hot Tea and Tempers
Precisely 8 a.m. the next morning Mai and Takigawa were sitting in the SPR's office on a rather plain, overly stuffed beige couch. Lin greeted them before entering his employer's office for an impromptu meeting.
Mai and Monk found it difficult to believe much less swallow the fact that Naru was in charge instead of Lin. How was this possible? It was rather obvious that Lin was the elder, evident by his mannerisms and appearance. Both men, however, possessed a wealth of knowledge and a vast vocabulary. Naru seemed to enjoy a sadistic pride in throwing it in her face every opportunity afforded. Sighing, she impatiently wished they'd hurry so business could be addressed and they could leave.
Takigawa leaned back into the cushion, every limb sprawled in an open, relaxed position, a smile on his face. In other words, his posture and manner belied the tension and emotions brewing under the surface. Mai had known him long enough to see beneath the calm exterior. He was a little nervous, as was she.
He leaned over, lightly grasped her tiny hand and whispered, "It'll be alright, Mai. I'm right here and won't be going anywhere."
Her muscles actually began to ache from her rigid position: back ramrod straight, legs pressed tightly together, one hand resting in her lap while the other was held by her dear friend. His words were of some comfort. So far, he'd been one of the rare exceptions in that he never left her despite the curse haunting her rather limited circle of friends.
She gave a tight, small smile. "Thanks Monk."
A door opened and Naru stood in the opening, dark blue eyes glinting harshly under the bright office lighting. "Are you capable of making tea?"
Did she know how to make tea? Laughable. What girl didn't know how to do this. Mai was positive he was asking her; Takigawa appeared incapable of such a simplicity, yet she knew better. The man was a genius at hiding talents he wanted to keep from those outside his acquaintance.
A cold voice snapped her back to attention. "Mai, tea? Do your abilities extend to something as minimal as this?"
"Do yours", she fired back hotly. "If it's something you consider minimalistic then shouldn't you be able to handle such a menial task?"
Low chuckles slipped from the man at her side, a hand over his lips to help smother the sound, failing miserably and Naru glared coldly at them. "Ouch", he whispered. "Way to burn someone, Mai. Not that it wasn't deserved" He wholeheartedly approved. The young man needed an attitude adjustment in the worst way.
Mai sighed and relented under Naru's icy gaze. "Yes, I can make tea. I drink it all the time, in fact, why?"
His next words irked her further.
"Mai, tea", he demanded.
Large brown eyes widened, shock clearly in their depths, her jaw fell slack and her limbs trembled in barely checked rage. How dare he presume to order her around?! The gall of him! She wasn't his employee to command, even then there were limits. Heat flooded her face, feeling the signs of her explosive temper. She inhaled quickly, exhaled sharply.
"Excuse you? Who are you to make demands? I'm not your servant nor your employee, so you haven't the right."
A sinking feeling fell over her taking in the arrogant, knowing expression on his face. He knew something he wasn't telling. An eyebrow arched, a smile lifted a corner of his lips, confidence etched in its execution. He knew something alright. Mai fought back the urge to get up and slap the look from his handsome face.
"Actually, you are employed in my service. Yesterday you accepted a challenge. A challenge- might I remind you- to work here, to see if you possess the faculties to grasp the reality of our job. To see if you are able to handle yourself in all aspects of our chosen vocation. And when you entered the door this morning, your acceptance was finalized and your servitude in its first stages."
Her jaw dropped open. What? Seriously? Even Monk's face bore a surprised look.
"Now, tea." He disappeared back into the office, closing the door behind his tall, lean figure and leaving the shocked couple behind.
"Damn," Takigawa muttered. He urged Mai to fight her killing urge and just do as their alleged "boss" asked.
"Asked," she questioned. "More like ordered. Fine, I'll go make his stupid tea, and I hope he chokes on it, the conceited ass!"
She rose hastily, feet making small pounding steps on the thick light brown carpet.
He cringed hearing objects banging angrily in the kitchen, aware of the powerful consequences of her ire. Naru better beware if he knew what was good for him. The young man probably didn't care either way. This might be somewhat entertaining, Monk thought, pondering the future fireworks between Mai and Naru. Gene had never riled her so in the entire time he'd known him; maybe it was time for sparks of a different kind.
A smirk touched lightly upon Takigawa's handsomely chiseled face.
Lin and Naru exited his office and joined him in the sitting area just as Mai brought out the tea and sat the tray down with a little more force than required causing the delicate china to rattle, teapot shaking and spilling a few drops of the beverage.
Naru ignored her show of temper and quickly began to outline his expectations for her and Monk.
"You'll assist Lin with transporting and setting up all essential equipment. You'll also be responsible for taking temperature readings and creating schematics of the dwellings we'll be investigating." His gaze turned to the monk. "And you...you'll be responsible for assisting in the above plus exorcisms as we see fit."
Takigawa sputtered and coughed. "Exorcisms?"
How'd the little twerp discover his past, his abilities? A bad feeling hit him like a ton of bricks. There were few things in this world that required exorcisms. He truly didn't want to expose his dear friend to the harsh and possible harmful reality. A notion pulled at him, told him, that Mai's suffering was far from over.
"Exorcism? What employment do you dabble in?"
Lin quickly explained. "Paranormal research and investigations." He went on to describe it in greater detail until Naru halted him.
"We have a case already that seems straight-forward and rather simple. A haunting. Our client is being haunted by a spirit. Objects vanish and reappear in different places, temperature changes, visual distortions, various noises such as doors slamming, footsteps throughout the domicile and voices whispering. As I said, it's rather simple, should be quickly and easily resolved and should pose no threat or harm to you, Mai."
Monk glared at Naru. He spoke coldly as their employer. "I keep hearing the word should, not won't. I want Mai safe; she's suffered enough."
"I can't entirely guarantee her safety. This line of work is not without risks." He gestured towards Lin with a thin pale hand. "You and Lin will be there to assist in that regard. Lin is well versed in spiritual warding and protection."
During their conversation Mai sat quietly, pondering their words. Willingly exposing herself to the supernatural, the two men unaware of her gift, frightened her somewhat. But if she could aid them in ridding their client of said ghost and easing their mind, their life, she felt a responsibility to use her talent. She gave a small smile and whispered quietly, "I'll do it."
Naru smirked. Lin looked relieved. Monk seemed apprehensive.
"When do we start?"
"We'll meet here at 7a.m. in the morning so we'll have plenty of time to arrive at our client's dwelling, set up all necessary equipment and tour the house in its entirety. You three will load up everything needed tonight. Lin will direct you and answer whatever questions you may have, if any." He stood quickly. "Now, if you'll excuse me I have a few calls to make and other tasks to accomplish."
Lin watched stoically as Naru left them, his door closed with a quiet click, silence prevalent in his wake. "If you'll follow me we'll begin."