Trouble

Prologue

December

Day 1

It's been months since that case. I've gotten over everything that happened and now I'm happy with how my life is going right now. I've been working at my new job and I love it. School is awesome too because I get to hang out with Michiru and Keiko. Plus on the weekends, the three of us will hang out in the morning and then I'll go by the office to visit Mai, Naru, and Lin. Also, I have just enough money to get myself an apartment. I talked to Mai's landlady and she said there was an open room on the floor below Mai's and she said I could have it if I wanted it. She said she'll hold it for me until I get enough money and with my next check, I'll have enough for the rent. I'm super excited to get my own apartment. The landlady just told me that this morning actually and since its Saturday, I'm going to tell Mai, Naru, and Lin about it. I'll admit that Naru actually paid me for the time I helped him and the others with that case and I saved that money up for the apartment. I honestly didn't expect him to and I told him he didn't have to, but he was stubborn about it. I haven't had many incidents like before with that tree branch almost hitting Mai. I only had one and that involved a cat running out into the middle of traffic and the car swerved and missed me by inches. Another four inches and I would've ended up in the hospital again.

I actually saw a shadow of a spirit this time. It didn't look very nice at all. I haven't told anyone about it yet, but I plan to after I tell them my good news. I know if I told them before the good news, we'd be stuck on that topic for awhile and by the time I get to actually tell them, it'll be too late. So that's why I'm heading over to the office right now. I still haven't heard anything from my brother and parents but I'm not surprised and I'm actually glad that they're keeping their distance from me. I don't need their drama crap. I love my life as it is right now and I don't want anything to change it. "Aki, what are you doing here so early?" Mai asked wide-eyed as she set a tea tray on the coffee table. Naru was sitting on one couch and a new client was sitting on the other side.

"Oops, sorry, I'll come back later."

"Actually," Naru said speaking up before I could get out the door. "I have a favor to ask of you." Well that's not something you hear every day. So I turned around and looked at him expectantly. "Kazuo-san here is having some trouble at his middle school and has requested that we take a look at it."

"And?"

"Since Miss Hara won't be able to make it, I was wondering if you would step in and help us out on this case." I frowned remembering the last case I helped them on. I sighed, mentally shaking my head.

"Sure, I don't mind helping you out." He nodded.

"Thank you." I grinned, because I could see Mai fuming inside. He never told her thank you for bringing him tea. It was great.

"It's no problem."

"Thank you all for your help." Kazuo-san said standing up and bowing before leaving.

"Before we get down to business, I would like to share some good news. Lin has to be in here too." I said grinning. Naru sighed but complied and got Lin.

"What is it?" Lin asked curiously.

"I've saved up enough money to get my own apartment. I talked to your landlady, Mai, and she said there was an available one on the floor below yours." I said beaming.

"Congratulations!" Mai said grinning. Lin smiled and pretty much told me the same thing. After about five minutes of Mai asking me questions and me answering them, Naru got impatient and cleared his throat. I rolled my eyes, but smiled.

"Right, business..." Same ol' Naru...