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

In Which: Mai Is Hot And Bothered

Day Eight

1:45pm

The Miyuki Theater

Hey, you know how to open the dressing rooms?

Seconds stretched.

Mr. Sachi gave no immediate answer.

Mai wasn't even sure if he had heard the question.

"Ah—" Bou-san started again,"you okay there, Mai?" he asked, taking her elbow, and helping her to her feet. Seeing her nod, the monk continued, addressing their onlookers, realizing an explanation might be in order, "She's clumsy like that sometimes. We were just stopping by for the dressing room keys...but, sorry— are we interrupting?"

The spell over Mr. Sachi broke. He pulled at his cufflinks, seeming to need the moment to collect himself, exasperation now skittering over his features.

"Actually, this was a private conversation..."

"Private? Nonsense. You're the people Joji hired, aren't you?"

Across the room, Mr. Miyuki had stood to face them. Though elderly, the man was tall and imposing. Held in his gaze, Mai suddenly understood why Mr. Sachi had been a stuttering mess minutes before.

With Bou-san's murmured, yes, sir— Mai knew he felt the same.

"You've been here an entire week. Just what have you been doing..?"

"Investigating...there are things—they need confirming..."

"But you know that my nephew— Takuya Miyuki— is among us."

Mai didn't know how it happened, but suddenly she was staring directly into Mr. Miyuki's eyes.

The family resemblance was so uncanny. It was as if the Mr. Miyuki she knew was standing before her.

Naru's not here.

There are no cameras.

Mai's lips moved of their own accord, giving her most honest answer since arriving in Nozomi.

"Yes, he is."

Mai instantly felt both relief and burden, the reality of her words sinking in.

Mr. Miyuki's spirit was among them. She knew. Nozomi knew it. But what they didn't know...

He's not the one haunting this place.

It's not his wrath we're dealing with.

Mai clenched her jaw, the weight of her responsibility pressing against her chest.

I have to solve this case before time runs out!

Mr. Miyuki's next words echoed her racing mind, his stern tone a goading call to action,

"Good. Then finish the job. Return this theater to it's former glory."

Mai swallowed, nodding, unable to speak under the pressure of the man's stare. Fortunately, that pressure was redirected at Mr. Sachi in the next instant, Mr. Miyuki collecting his jacket, he addressed the playwright.

"You have business to conduct. I'm leaving. I'll see you tonight."

"Ah— yes. I will see you then," Mr. Sachi replied with a hasty bow at Mr. Miyuki's retreating back.

Mai stood with her head bent out of respect, her mind still buzzing with the weight of her admission, her hands squeezed at her sides.

But you know that my nephew— Takuya Miyuki— is among us.