“It’s evil.”
Footsteps behind us made us turn.
An old man had appeared, wearing stained workman’s overalls and a conical straw hat. His face carried deep lined, unreadable. Maybe a caretaker for the property, though it didn’t look like much care went into it.
“You’re her,” he said, eyes fixed on me as he stepped closer. “I remember you.”
“Did you work for the Sakamotos?” I asked.
A faint smile. “What’s left of them.”
He stared at us. We stared back. Neither side willing to move the conversation forward.
He started to walk away but stopped. “Don’t stay too long. Places like this don’t like to let people leave a second time.”
Jiro stiffened beside me. “What do you mean by that?”
The man tipped his head. “You left once before. Running, from what I heard. And now you’ve come back.”
He started walking.
“Wait,” I called. “Who’s selling this place?”
He didn’t look back.
“You already know the answer.”
4
Later, back at the apartment, I still couldn’t shake the old man’s words, that I already knew the answer.
What was he implying? That the Sakamoto estate was selling the property? A family member? Anyone with a working brain would assume so.
Or was I the fool for needing him to say it out loud—needing him to say it was Reina—just so I could believe I wasn’t turning batshit crazy?
“I can see the wheels turning in your head,” Jiro said, dropping onto the sofa beside me.
I leaned into him. “I keep thinking about what that man said.”
“Forget it, Akiko. What does he know?”
I shrugged.
“What’s more important is how you feel. Was it worth heading out there?”
“I’m not sure. Seeing it gone gave me some closure, I guess… but?—”
“But you want hard proof about Reina.”
I sat up. “Yes. I know it sounds weird, but I need to know. I need something.”
“Okay,” he said slowly. “Say you get it. Undeniable proof that she’s dead. Then what?”
“I don’t know.” My voice cracked a little. “I haven’t thought that far ahead. Jiro, what if I’m really losing it? What if this is just my life now, chasing shadows?”
He pulled me close and kissed the top of my head. “It’s impossible for you to go crazy. You’re already there.” He chuckled.
I pulled away and gave him a look, smacking his arm. “I’m serious.”
