Chapter 9 – Let's Get Started

"This place is gorgeous," is my only reaction when seeing Mr White's mansion other than staring in absolute awe. Sure, it couldn't compare to the Davis Mansion, but it certainly was spectacular. Most of the outside was painted in light shades of blue and green; the front garden was amazing with many types of plants that I had never seen before. There were many trees surrounding the place that it almost seemed like a large cabin in the middle of the woods.

"Why thank you young lady," says a voice from the front porch.

There stood a middle aged man with a bright smile on his face; his light brown hair was greying at the roots and his chocolate eyes were warm. One look at this man and I knew he would be a nice client, unlike so many others that we have had. "You're welcome Mr White," I reply with a smile.

"Mr White, this is Mai Taniyama, my future daughter-in-law," says Martin with the last part a slight whisper, but I still heard it. "She's also my son's assistant and this is my son Oliver."

Naru stretches his hand forward to shake Mr White's, "Pleasure to meet you both," Mr White says while shaking Naru's hand. "Martin has told me many great things about you young Oliver and of how successful you and your team were over in Japan; so I believe my case is in perfect hands with both you and your father leading the investigation."

"Thank you Mr White, we won't let you down," answers Naru, before he turns to the others and tells them to starts bringing in the equipment.

I followed behind Naru as he followed behind Martin and Mr White towards base. When we finally reached base, I was very happy; there were plenty of power sockets for the equipment, three large couches and a large meeting table where both teams could fit around comfortably. There was even a small kitchenette along the back wall with a kettle that I could use to make tea for Naru; overall, this room was perfect for base and we usually always have a problem with a base given to us.

The others slowly started bringing in the equipment, with two teams doing it; we had the base set up in no time. The down side was that Ryan had a permanent scowl on his face that just wouldn't go away and he glared at me at least every five minutes.

"Michelle, Madoka, Yasu; I want the three of you to head on down to the local library to get a head start on the research and hopefully we can get this done quickly. Masako, I want you and Ayako to walk around the mansion and try to find any spirits. Brandon, Mai, John, Monk, I was hoping the four of you could split into pairs and start taking down the temperatures of every room, with four of you doing it you can get it done faster. The rest of us are going to stay here and get started with what we already have," I thought Naru was bossy when it came to giving orders, but I was wrong and now I see where he gets it from; while giving out orders, Martin left no room for argument.

I followed the guys out with two thermometers and clipboards to take down the temperatures. I was interested to find out more about Martin's team, so John and Monk went to the top floors while Brandon and I did the lower floors of the mansion. "So, how's it like being part of Martin's team?" I ask him.

"Hmm, well, it's pretty interesting most days, but Martin is pretty strict and loves to boss us around, especially Ryan. Though I like to think it's because Ryan is such a stick in the mud," he answers, chuckling at his comment about Ryan.

"Yeah, why is that? I've never met someone as, well, someone like him," I ask.

"I'm not surprised; he can be a bit much. However, I can't give you the full details; I've only been part of Martin's team for a year and wasn't around when it happened. All I can tell you is that it had something to do with a previous member of the team and that's all I know," he replies with a nonchalant shrug.

"I see, it would be nice to know why he keeps glaring at me like that; it's really starting to both bug me and creep me out," I say with a shiver.

"He's like that with most young women now that I think about it; maybe the previous team member was a young woman. No one talks about it though; it took me half a year before Martin even gave me that much."

"Well, I wish he would stop glaring at me like that; I noticed it got even more intense when he found out I was pregnant," I grumble. "What's his deal?"

"Oh yeah, congratulations on that by the way; although, aren't you and Noll a bit young?" he asks.

"I suppose, I'm eighteen and Naru is nineteen, but I like to think we're a bit more mature than other people our age. Seriously, we're even more mature than most of the older members in our team; funnily enough, Masako, Naru and I are the youngest, but still the more mature besides Lin. Have you had a proper conversation with Yasu yet? If not, I warn you now, he is more childish than a five-year-old," I giggle, thinking about all of Yasu's antics.

"Noll is one of the youngest, but still the leader? How interesting," he answers with a smile on his face.

"Well, when the Japanese branch of SPR was made all those years ago; it was just Lin and Naru. When I joined, it was only a few days before the rest became our helpers; they're not actually part of SPR, they're independent spiritualists who just happen to help us on almost every case. However, we're not just a team, well at least to me; they're family. Bou-san is the fun-loving and protective father; Ayako is the caring mother; John is the sweet and caring big brother; Yasu the funning and sometimes annoying big brother; Masako is the spoilt and get on your nerves sister; Madoka is the aunt that spoils you rotten; Lin the quite, but caring uncle; and then there's Naru, the boy next door. That's how I see my team," I always love describing them like that, it always makes me feel better.

"What about you real parents?" He almost takes that back when my face drops momentarily.

"My dad died when I was young and my mum died when I was in middle school, but I was fine; I had a nice teacher who took me in for a few years and then I started living on my own, I've lived on my own up until a couple of weeks ago when Naru and I got together," it's funny how I feel like I can say anything to this man who I only met the other day, he's like a close friend that you can rely on.

"You guys only just got together and are already having a baby?" his shock is all to clear.

"Yeah, is that bad? I mean, we've known each other for a couple of years and we know we love each other, I like to think that's all we need," I smile at him, not in the least worried about the matter. "Well, we've finished with this floor, let's go up to level two."

"Okay," and with that we went upstairs.

Hi everyone, I'm sorry it's been so long since I updated my story, I've managed to do this over a few of my breaks at uni. It's been a while since I updated anything, so I'm wondering if my writing is still okay. Well, we shall see. Anyway, I figured I'd best update since one of my followers in this story brought something troubling to my attention and I'd like to thank them again by updating. It is also thanks to all those people who review saying things like 'can't wait for next chapter' and 'update soon.' Thank you all for your support and still asking for me to continue even when I haven't updated in a while. Thanks again and enjoy,

Seza :)