Dangerous Souls

Never What It Seems

Chapter 2-Fault

A little earlier...

Buzz, buzz. Buzz, buzz.

Organizing his notes, Kazuya Shibuya was actually about to call the family of the first victim when his phone started vibrating. "It's Kazuya," he answered, pressing the device to his ear.

"Shibuya, I have bad news and unexpected news." It was Atsuchi. Naru could feel his headache coming in at the temples.

"What is it?"

"Bad news is there has been another disappearance, so I will be seeing you shortly. The unexpected news is the first and third victims have also taken up getting outside help..."

***

Present...

"Naru? Mai? What are you doing here?" Takako's mother stopped herself from closing the door.

"I want to ask you the same question," Monk said with a grin. "It's good to see you, Masako."

"You know them?" Takako's mother asked.

"Yes, we've worked together. I can assure you that they keep the utmost discretion in sensitive situations like this," Masako said, placing a hand on the woman's elbow. "I feel it would be best to invite them inside before the media mongrels catch wind of our presence."

Reluctantly the woman relented, allowing the group to enter the apartment. Despite them having gathered for a somber meeting, the apartment was decorated in bright colors and tapestries. A bookcase was set up in the living room area with its top shelf dedicated to crystals and rocks, and fairy and dragon figurines.

Considering this is the girl that slapped me in my dream I thought this place would feel less than welcoming, Mai wondered to herself as she stepped closer to the bookcase. She resisted the urge to pull the book that caught her eye. Reiki for beginners...she probably would've loved to meet Izumi...

"We understand that this is a difficult time for you all, however any information you can give would be appreciated. Even if that information disproves the sightings being Takako's spirit," Monk said as he and Naru sat down in the living room across from the grieving mother. With Lin taking his place standing behind them.

"I've been here since this morning and I have yet to feel any sort of presence," Masako said joining the mother on the couch.

"Masako, Dear, remember you are here to help our client," a woman's voice called from the kitchen. The clicks of her heeled boots announced her arrival into the living room. Dressed in her black suit with her hair slicked back in a ponytail at the nape of her neck, she was certainly playing a vital role.

She looks just like Masako, Mai thought as she turned from the bookshelf. I guess it would make sense that her mother would be with her. Masako is only seventeen.

"I don't believe we've had the pleasure of meeting, I'm Masako's manager, but you can call me Miyu," the woman said giving a slight bow in greeting.

"I'm Narumi Kazuo, we are with Shibuya Psychic Research and we are here to speak to Miss Adachi's parents," Naru said turning his attention back to the grieving mother.

Looks like we'll be adding Yasuhara to the mix, Mai thought from her position at the bookcase. It's been a minute since he used his alias. Not to mention he didn't use it at the bar or the police station, I wonder what made him suddenly decide to do so.

"We understand that there have been sightings of your daughter's spirit at The Blue Room, the bar where she was last seen," Naru began, completely ignoring the look that was sent by the medium's manager. "And seeing as you have called upon a medium such as Masako Hara, is it safe to assume that you have had a sighting of her as well?"