Ghost Hunters, Lies, & Money (Ghost Hunt Fanfiction)

In Which: Mai's Tea Is Stolen

Day Seven

4:30pm

The Koku Inn

Mai had barely finished signing when the clipboard was yanked from her hands. She watched as Mrs. Koku reviewed the receipt, her expression as if Mai had written a foul word there instead of her signature. Self-conscious, Mai glanced at the clipboard.

"Is there...something wrong?"

The inn keeper grunted.

"PEN."

Huh?

Mai blinked, confused, but then realizing what she still held in her hand, mumbled a quick, "oh, here."

Snatching up the offered pen, the old woman gave one last scowl before shuffling away. With the distinct feeling she was being silently cursed, Mai turned to leave. She had only made it a step though, when a second booming voice filled the lobby. Mr. Koku joined his wife.

"DID YOU DELIVER THOSE PACKAGES TO THAT GIRL?"

"I HAD TO, THERE WAS A RECIPT."

"SHE ACCEPTED THEM?"

"WITHOUT BATTING AN EYE. SHAMELESS. SHE EVEN HAD THE PLUCK TO TRY AND ASK ME WHO THEY WERE FROM. AS IF SHE DOESN'T ALREADY KNOW."

"NOW MY DEAR, SHE MIGHT NOT AFTER ALL. THOSE KINDS OF CITY GIRLS KEEP SO MANY RICH LOVERS, IT GETS HARD TO TELL THEM APART."

What kind of girl...?!

Mai was definitely warm now. She tugged at her hoodie, fighting the urge to share a piece of her mind with the slanderous inn keepers behind her— only past experience held her back. Arguing would do nothing but cause a scene. The last thing she needed was more eyes on her.

Grudgingly, she met the set that were. John's openly curious, but also empathetic. Ayako's side-long, and glittering with interest. Bou-san's amusement was clear from across the room. Reaching them, her head ducked in embarrassment, Mai was surprised to find Lin still standing there. His gaze was impossible to read as usual, but she noticed his attention lingered on the packages in Ayako's arms.

"If you're finished here, we should head in," he spoke, leading the way down the hall. Mai followed after, only too ready escape the lobby.

"Rich lovers, hm?" Bou-san murmured as she past him.

"Shut up."

They arrived at Ayako's room first, but the miko walked by.

"Leave me out of opening these boxes? As if."

Mai sighed, staring at her delivery.

So much for privacy.

But privacy was exactly what she was being afforded. Mai had braced herself for the prying looks and whispers as she returned to her room, but the occupants of the Koku Inn were too busy getting ready to be busy bodies.

They reached John's room next. With the agreement to meet for dinner, the young priest left them. Ahead of them, Lin opened his door.

"I've reserved a table, be there no later than six."

With these instructions, the Chinese man shut his door. Just the three of them, Bou-san and Ayako's suppressed interest and curiosity was given free reign.

"So, what do you think is in there?"

"Expensive shoes," Ayako answered, tapping the box with her nails.