The monster under my bed

Chapter 15: Don't put up a fight

The dining table was lined with candles and the cool air from outside threatened to blow them out. An elaborate vase decorated the table, serving as a centerpiece.

So many things to get distracted by.

Muichirō stuck his hands in between his knees and rubbed them together, feeling nervous. He barely ate anything that was offered to him. Not that he wanted to. Bosman was eating in a way that made everything lose its appeal.

His mind was racing with all the information Boogie and Dutch had forced down his throat. Focus on the conversation. Learn as much about him as you can, get as close to him as you can. Find out all his strengths, weaknesses, what he likes, what he's afraid of. Pick him apart.

Bosman appeared really nice, despite his scarily deep voice. He would ask Muichirō all sorts of questions that one asks a kid. And Muichirō engaged him as much as he could, while asking questions he'd figure would get the man to open up without being too obvious.

He was spying for those two, no doubt.

Bosman was very entertained. He called in his manservants to talk with Muichirō. The boy wasn't enjoying the attention, but he had to pretend. This was all pretend, it wasn't supposed to mean anything.

So he put a mask over his face and smiled.

Bosman was in the shower, and Muichirō was left in Bosman's bedroom. He sat on the bed, hugging himself tightly. There was nothing in the world that could prepare him for what he anticipated. His stomach churned just thinking about it, he was glad he didn't eat a lot.

The butler entered the room abruptly, making him jump. The man handed him a robe and a towel.

"I'm here to escort you."

Muichirō nodded and followed the tall man. The butler took him to one of the guest bathrooms, and after showing him how to operate the faucets, and supplying him with soap, left Muichirō alone.

As the steaming water ran over his small body, Muichirō recalled what Boogie had told him. You do whatever he wants. Don't cry, don't put up a fight. If you do, I'll kill you.

"I want to go home! I don't want to be here!" Muichirō sobbed softly to himself.

Time passed too fast, and he had to get out of the shower before anyone began wondering what was taking him so long.

The butler met him at the door and took him back to the bedroom. He pushed him inside, and locked the door behind him.

The deafening click of the lock was all too familiar.

"Come over here."

Muichirō shivered, hearing the deep voice, and stumbled blindly towards the bed. Bosman sat in bed, reading a book. He placed it on the nightstand and patted the spot on the bed next to him. Muichirō climbed onto the bed and scooted over to Bosman, holding his breath.

"You're very nice company, Muichirō. Best I've had so far," Bosman murmured, pulling the boy onto his lap. "Tell me. What are your parents like?"

Muichirō swallowed. "They're...very nice people. I love them."

"That's very lovely, Muichirō. And your brother?"

"He's nice too."

"Ah. Does he look like you? I know he's your twin."

Muichirō shook his head. "He's angry a lot." He didn't want to paint his brother in a bad light, but he wanted to discourage the official. Don't ask any more questions about him, please.