Case Two: blood runs colder

  Chapter Six: dinner party murder

  A month passed since Orion Minamoto solved the Satoshi Kagome case. Satoshi Kagome was sentenced to death by hanging a week after his arrest. Miki Tsushima was the only mourning one at the court when he was announced guilty. The officer Takeshi Tokomi didn’t commit any more murders after Satoshi Kagome was arrested and tried. The month has been smooth sailing for Orion after the trial.

  It was a Saturday afternoon, and classes were cancelled for the day. Orion leaned back on his settee with his phone in one hand with his eyes closed. He had an entire day free, but he did not know what to spend it on. Orion was hoping Mari or Satoru would invite him somewhere, but there were no texts from either one.

  That was when his phone vibrated, so Orion opened his eyes to check his notifications. There was a new text message from Amane.

  Umm… Orion, would you like to hang out?

  Orion considered for a moment, before deciding that he would go. Alright. Where would you like to meet up?

  In a few minutes, Amane responded: How about you come visit? I can have my chauffeur pick you up.

  Contemplating for a few minutes, Orion decided to go along. Alright. I’ll give you my address. And with that, he attached his address in the text message.

  Orion got up from the settee and returned to his room to change into something more appropriate: a black hoodie over a white shirt and dark blue jeans. He went over to the door, wore his black sneakers and waited for Amane’s chauffeur by the door. Though, he had plenty of time to wait. It was about twenty minutes before the chauffeur arrived and Orion departed his home, unaware that Mari was watching from the living room window.

  ‘Orion… Where is he going? Wait… Is that Amane’s car? What are they doing together?’ Mari thought, with a pained expression on her face.

  “Welcome, Master Orion,” Mori the chauffeur said, opening the backseat door for Orion.

  “Thank you,” Orion bowed his head before getting in the car.

  Mori returned to the driver’s seat and drove back to the Mizushima estate with Orion in tow. As they rode in silence, Orion checked his phone and noticed two text messages from Amane.

  My chauffeur should be on the way now.

  Are you on the way now?

  Orion typed his response: I just got picked up.

  That’s good!

  Orion contemplated the reason for picking him up to visit. The others haven’t gone to Amane’s home before, but he just figured he was bored, and this could kill time. Deciding not to nitpick someone’s hospitality, Orion dropped his current thoughts and stared out the window for the rest of the ride’s duration.

  The car stopped as Mori got out of the vehicle. He took a few minutes at the gate before returning to the car. The gate opened up at the center and Mori drove straight through and around to the estate front door. He climbed out of the car and opened the door for Orion.

  “Here we are, Master Orion,” Mori said, bowing.

  Orion got out of the car. “Thank you for the ride.” He walked through the front doors but stopped before pushing them. Uncertain what he should do, Orion looked back for Mori, but the chauffeur had already disappeared with the car.

  “Orion?” A feminine voice from the doors.

  Orion turned around to see Amane. She wore a pink kimono with her hair tied up with a cherry blossoms pin and white socks over beige sandals. Orion thought she looked pretty in that outfit.

  “Yeah, I’m here,” Orion greeted his friend.

  “Ah… Um, I’m just dressed like this because—” Amane started to say before Orion interrupted.

  “You look good in that,” Orion nodded. “So…”

  “Right,” Amane said, trying to look chipper. “I… was hoping you could lend an ear.”

  “Oh, just that? That’s fine with me,” Orion said, feeling more at ease now.

  Amane led Orion into the mansion, gesturing to each room such as the guest rooms near the entrance. The two of them passed the music room where a black grand piano was in the center. The next room was Amane’s bedroom, which was a few meters from the music room. Amane continued showing the mansion to Orion when they stopped by the courtyard located at the back of the house. She opened the door and allowed Orion to enter first before following him.

  “So…” Orion repeated himself. “What’s going on?”

  “Well…” Amane started. “I…don’t really have any true friends. Sure, you met four of them on the field trip, but we don’t really hang out. So, I’ve been thinking about you, Mari and Satoru a lot this past month… I’m really scared, Orion. I’m afraid of losing you guys…”

  “Amane…?” Orion cocked his head to one side. “It’s okay. I won’t be leaving any time soon. Neither will Mari or Satoru.”

  “O-Oh…” Amane looked down and then up at Orion, meeting his eyes. “T-Thank you, Orion… I…I just… am terribly afraid. I appreciate what you just said, but I still can’t help but feel afraid.”

  Orion walked over to Amane and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Hey, it’s alright to feel afraid. But remember we’re not going anywhere.”

  “A-Ah… Y-Yeah, you’re right,” Amane nodded, holding back her tears. “Mmm, you’re right.”

  As Orion was about to respond, his phone vibrated a few times. It was a phone call from Erika Fujioka, the Chief Superintendent of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department. Looking at Amane who looked away, Orion picked up the call.

  “Orion here,” Orion spoke to the phone. Amane leaned forward closer to Orion.

  “Erika here,” Erika said. “I have a favor to ask of you, Orion.” Her voice sounded kind of muffled and like she was in a crowded location.

  “What is it?” Orion asked cautiously.

  “I need you to go to this dinner party by the Maruyamas,” Erika said, continually to sound muffled. “Here’s the address.”

  Orion wrote down the address. “What is this about? Why am I attending a family dinner party?”

  “I got a—feeling that something—will occur there soon— Look for—Kana Maruyama—” Erika said, though this time the line kept breaking up. “Be—careful, there—Orion.” That was when the call was cut.

  “Well then,” Orion said, putting away the phone before turning to Amane. “Um, so would you like to join me for a family dinner party?”

  “Huh?!” Amane said, flabbergasted. “What’s this about a dinner party?”

  “Uhh, Fujioka just called me to attend this family dinner party because something’s going to happen there,” Orion said. “But she didn’t give me a reason or anything. Just a name. The call kept getting cut off.”

  “What’s the name she gave you?” Amane asked, tilting her head to the side in confusion.

  “Kana Maruyama,” Orion replied, stretching his neck.

  “Oh, she’s in our class,” Amane said, remembering the bright, cheery girl in their class but she sat away from Orion and the others. “You really didn’t recognize the name?”

  “Hmm, not at all,” Orion shook his head vigorously. “Well, since you recognize her name, then come along with me. I’m sure we can figure something out about our attendance.”

  “Mmm, alright,” Amane nodded. “I’ll go with you.”

  “Thanks, Amane,” Orion nodded. “Uh… Mind if your chauffeur drives us there?”

  “Of course,” Amane smiled. “Mori will be more than happy to.”

  Amane changed into a more appropriate outfit consisting of a yellow blouse, black skirt with matching red Mary Janes. The two departed Amane’s house and went to the SUV with Mori standing beside the car. They boarded the vehicle as the chauffeur drove the duo, riding in silence with their thoughts heavy on this mysterious dinner party.

  Meanwhile in Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, an elderly man sat at his desk in his study. He was scribbling on a piece of paper while his manservant stood to his right in silence. His hand moved nonstop on the sheet until he looked up and placed his pen on the desk. Looking to his manservant, he said, “Hiyono, please call the rest of the… family. Tell them to come over on Friday night.”

  “Yes, Master.”

  With that, the old man was left alone in his study. He did not resume writing but instead, rested his chin on both hands. He had a huge announcement to make to his offspring. They must expect a stipend when he, Gombei Maruyama, passes away. But alas, that will not happen! Gombei intended to write everything off to his faithful manservant Hiyono Kurosaki. He had already informed his lawyer but unfortunately his lawyer was in Kyoto at this moment.

  Gombei stretched his old limbs and resumed writing his letter. In fact, this was his will he intended to give to his lawyer. His arthritis wasn’t good at times, so he wanted to get the words down before he was unable to write anymore. He closed his eyes for a few moments.

  “Master.”

  Gombei opened his eyes again and found Hiyono. “Yes?”

  “All have been accounted for. They will be here Friday evening,” Hiyono reported stoically.

  “Thank you, Hiyono,” Gombei said. “You’re good to me. Really good…”

  “At your service, Master,” Hiyono continued in his stoic manner.

  A little way in Shinjuku, Tokyo, a young woman could be seen packing daily necessities and clothing into a medium-sized suitcase. The young woman was named Kaguya Maruyama, aged twenty-eight and married to Yosuke Watanabe for about four years. They didn’t have any kids because Kaguya was a successful fashion designer and Yosuke Watanabe was a succeeding dentist in the main hub of Tokyo. They deemed having kids too detrimental at their current point in life.

  Kaguya finally finished packing and locked up the suitcase. She called out to her husband Yosuke to lift it off the bed and to the door. Tilting her head to the left, Kaguya checked the time: 11:50 AM. There was still time before the family reunion in Shinagawa-ku but Kaguya still liked to be there earlier than later. It bugged her when she was close to being tardy.

  The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

  Kaguya rushed Yosuke into carrying the suitcase as they headed down the elevator and to the parking lot where their silver-colored Mercedes-Benz was parked. Yosuke took the luggage into the back and hopped into the driver’s seat where Kaguya was already seated in the passenger seat. Yosuke started up the car to drive to Shinagawa.

  Meanwhile two hours after Kaguya Maruyama departed her home, another woman was also packing up clothes between the suitcase on the bed and the closet. This one was named Ayane Yoshida who was thirty-nine years old and married to Yamada Maruyama. Yamada was the oldest child of Gombei Maruyama. The couple had an only daughter named Kana Maruyama, who was seventeen years old.

  “Kana, did you start packing yet?!” Ayane shouted from the master bedroom. Kana had her own bedroom next to her parents.

  “Yes, mom,” Kana answered in the same volume. “I finished packing already!”

  “Get ready to leave!” Ayane shouted again. “You too, Yamada! Stop lounging on the TV.”

  Yamada made a grunt and turned off the TV in the living room. The couple lived in a small apartment with a small TV and few necessities. They weren’t poor but neither were they considered wealthy. That’s why Ayane hoped the family reunion would bring some good news, specifically the will considering her father-in-law Gombei was getting on in age.

  Ayane packed the suitcase shut and pulled it to the floor. She slid the suitcase behind her as she exited the master bedroom.

  “Get your behind over here, Yamada, and let’s get going,” Ayane yapped at her husband. “You too, Kana! Get ready to go to your Grandfather’s.”

  “Yes, yes, mother,” Kana said, rolling her eyes and getting off the settee. She went into her room and came out with a small suitcase rolling behind her. “I’m done now, see.”

  “Let’s go,” Ayane urged as the family exited the apartment complex. They walked to the parking lot and got into their gold-colored Toyota Camry. Yamada lifted both suitcases into the trunk and closed it, then returned to the driver’s seat. Ayane was already in her seatbelt in the passenger seat and Kana sat in the back behind Yamada. The family headed off to Shinagawa-ku.

  The two families drove through the highways to the family home in Shinagawa, Tokyo. Kaguya arrived at the house first and was greeted by the valet Daisuke Moriyama. Kaguya and Yosuke stepped out of the car, leaving the keys with Daisuke and walked to the house entrance.

  Upon entering, the house was as they remembered it when they lived there. The living room had three settees with a TV on one wall and a coffee table in the middle of the settees. The kitchen had a glass wall showing the greenery outside and a long table with fourteen seats around it.

  Kaguya turned to the manservant Hiyono. “Where’s Father, Hiyono?”

  “Master is in his study right now,” Hiyono replied.

  Kaguya and Yosuke left the kitchen to head to the study on the second floor. When they reached the study, another family was already inside talking with Gombei. Peering into the door gap, Kaguya recognized Yoshida, the oldest sibling in the family and his wife Ayane. Their daughter Kana was standing behind her parents while they were chatting with their father.

  Kaguya stepped back from the study and started walking to her designated room with Yosuke. On the way, they met with another sibling, Hiyori Maruyama and her husband Hiro Inoue. They had two children named Yukio and Meiko, but the children didn’t come.

  “Oh hello, Hiyori!” Kaguya greeted her sister heartily, wearing an elated expression on her face as she saw her sister. She hadn’t seen her sister in many years since, so she spread her arms out for a light embrace.

  “Oh, it’s you, Kaguya,” Hiyori smiled, returning the embrace before disengaging. “How’s business for you two?”

  “It’s dandy,” Kaguya replied. Her hands wrapped around each other as she spoke. “How are the children?”

  “They’re fine,” Hiyori answered. “They’re with Hiro’s parents for the weekend. I just have a feeling something might happen this weekend…” A worried expression was visible on Hiyori’s expression as one hand went up to the right side of her face.

  “Are you still superstitious?” Kaguya asked with concern in her voice. She remembered Hiyori was always the superstitious one of the family since childhood. It was rather nostalgic to learn she was still the same.

  “I’m…serious,” Hiyori said hesitantly. “I just hope I’m wrong.” Her eyes wandered to the other end of the hallway, where the rooms for the elder siblings were located.

  “I’m sure you’re wrong, dear,” Hiro tried to reassure his wife, putting a hand on her shoulder and ruffling her hair lightly. “It’ll be fine. Don’t worry.”

  That was when Hiyono appeared in front of the two families. “The Master is ready.”

  “Oh! Thanks, Hiyono,” Kaguya bowed her head. “See you later, Hiyori.” Kaguya and Yosuke departed for the study.

  Hiyori and Hiro decided to go to the kitchen after having rested in their room for a bit. When they got downstairs, their final sibling had arrived but without their children. It was Kaede Ito and Takeshi Maruyama, aged thirty-four and thirty-six respectively. They had two children named Satori and Maeko, who were with Kaede’s parents. Kaede and Takeshi were seated on the settee in front of the coffee table with a white pot of tea and two cups.

  “Good afternoon, Takeshi, Kaede,” Hiyori greeted her sibling and his spouse with a smile. She remembered Takeshi to be the reckless one of the children while growing up. It was nice to see that Takeshi has calmed down for the most part with a beautiful wife and lovely children.

  “Oh, it’s Hiyori!” Takeshi responded in kind, extending a hand. “How are you these days?”

  “Good afternoon, Hiyori,” Kaede bowed her head respectfully. She avoided eye contact for some reason. Perhaps it was simply shyness. Even as her head came back up, she looked to the side than at anyone.

  “We’re good! Your children didn’t come either?” Hiyori asked as she took a seat by the nearby settee with Hiro. She smiled sweetly at her brother.

  “No, they didn’t want to come,” Takeshi explained. “All the better. You know how Father is.”

  “Yeah… I also just had a feeling something bad was going to happen this weekend,” Hiyori warned.

  “O-oh, really?” Kaede asked nervously. Her eyes went to Hiyori momentarily but immediately went to the teapot a second later.

  “It’s just a feeling,” Kaguya tried to reassure her sister. “It’s probably nothing.”

  “It is nothing, dear,” Hiro repeated himself from earlier. “It’s all going to be fine.”

  The two families went on various topics as it had been ten years since they all came together. It was during the time before all the adults moved out of the family house, which was around ten years ago. Now the place is lively once more, for just the weekend.

  A few hours later, the families were assembled around the living room waiting for dinner. The women sat together on the settee except for Ayane who stood off by herself near the entrance to the dining hall. The men were gathered in the living room by the glass wall, chatting about work and politics.

  That was when the doorbell rang. Hiyono moved silently to the door and spoke a few sentences to the newcomers. He then stepped back into the mansion and addressed the family.

  “Kana Maruyama? There are guests for you,” Hiyono announced stoically.

  Kana got up from the settee with a confused expression on her face. She wasn’t sure who would know about her in her Grandfather’s house let alone know about her. As she walked to the door, her eyes widened at her guests. It was Orion Minamoto and Amane Mizushima standing looking a bit uneasy.

  “Orion? Amane? What are you two doing here?” Kana asked, still surprised at her guests.

  “Come over here and I’ll tell you,” Orion gestured to Kana. He didn’t want anyone else to know why they were here. As Kana approached him, he whispered into her ear. “The Chief Superintendent told us to come here and seek you out. Something’s happening here.”

  Kana gasped audibly. “W-Wait… One of my aunts was saying just that… What is going to happen?”

  “I can’t tell you because I don’t know,” Orion replied, still in a whisper.

  “Can you get us in for the… dinner party?” Amane whispered.

  “Mmm, I think so,” Kana said contemplatively. “I’m sure Grandpa wouldn’t mind, but my family might… Well, no loss in trying.”

  Kana led the other two toward the living room, where the entire family were seated together. Kana took a deep breath before she began. “Um, these are my classmates and… they’d like to join us for dinner.”

  “Oh? Dear Kana’s friends?” Ayane said with a snarky tone. “Why didn’t you tell us in advance?”

  “Uhh... Mom… They…just arrived, I’m sorry,” Kana said despondently.

  “Now, now, Ayane,” Hiyori interrupted. “It’s fine with us for your friends to come over. But do let your Grandfather know too.”

  “Of course, Auntie Hiyori!” Kana responded cheerfully, then led Orion and Amane to the stairs. They climbed the stairs to the second floor while discussing school-related subjects as they walked. As they reached the next story, Kana turned to the right to the head of the household’s study where she knocked on the door. She announced her name before entering with her classmates upon hearing her Grandfather’s voice.

  “Hello, Grandfather,” Kana bowed to which Orion and Amane bowed as well. “My friends just came by and… I was wondering if they can stay here for a bit.”

  “Oh, Kana, is it? That’s perfectly fine,” Gombei answered with a smile on his face. “I will arrange a room for the two. It does not affect what I’m about to announce in any form.”

  “Thank you, Grandpa!” Kana said with great joy in her tone and facial expression. She turned to Orion and Amane. “Well, um, I guess we should return to the living room.”

  When the gong was heard, the three students walked back to the living room, meaning the head servant Hiyono was announcing dinner time. The three jogged their way back to the living room and into the dining room.

  “Grandpa said my friends can stay,” Kana announced to the family. “Umm, Hiyono, mind setting up two more chairs and dishes?”

  “Of course, milady Kana,” Hiyono bowed before retreating to the dining room to pull out two chairs. Then he put two plates on the table where Orion and Amane sat together.

  The families sat together at the table as assigned by seniority. The last one to arrive was Gombei who was taking his time going down the stairs. The moment he arrived, he stood at the head of the table and raised a toast.

  “I welcome you, my heirs and friends, to my humble abode,” Gombei said formally. “Now, please eat.” He then took a seat slowly with the help of Hiyono.

  The family ate the food in silence as per usual, considering not everyone got along. Kana wished she hadn’t come along but her maternal grandparents were unavailable this weekend. Family reunions were always on the tedious side for Kana’s paternal side. But seeing two classmates made the dinner less boring.

  Kana stood up and at that moment, all the adults stared at her including her own parents. She pushed aside the chair and started walking away when her mother grabbed her hand.

  “Where are you going, Kana?” Ayane asked sharply, looking annoyed. “We’re still eating.” She had put down her chopsticks on the dish while gripping Kana with the other hand tightly.

  “I’m done eating, mom,” Kana replied stubbornly, trying to pull her hand loose from her mother. “You’re hurting me.”

  “You sit right back down, young lady,” Ayane said in a harsh tone, getting up from her seat.

  “Come now, she can leave the table if she wants,” Kaguya said soothingly, putting down her chopsticks on the table. She had a serene smile to soothe Ayane.

  “No, I will not have it like that,” Ayane responded in kind, ignoring the smile. She refused to let go of Kana’s hand. “This is not how I raised you, Kana!”

  “Let her go,” Gombei suddenly said. “It’s fine. I have something to announce with the parents only so she can go relax in the living room. As with her friends.” Gombei had a rare smile on his face as he gestured to Kana to leave the kitchen.

  Kana pushed the chair into the table and bowed to her Grandfather before leaving the room. Amane was about to rise from her seat when Orion pulled her wrist to gesture that they were staying. Gombei looked at everyone at the table. Nodding once, Gombei reached out his hands to the family.

  “I would like to hereby declare none of you as my heirs,” Gombei announced boldly. He had the biggest smirk on his face as he said that. “My bequest will not extend to any one of you!”

  With that, Gombei got up and waved to Hiyono who came over in a few seconds and assisted the elderly man to his study. The rest of the family sat in silence. No one dared to speak or move. Everyone’s thoughts were on Gombei’s sudden announcement about basically disinheriting all of them. None of them was going to inherit from his will. It was preposterous.

  Yamada suddenly stood up. “Father’s not right in the head. That’s gotta be why he said all that. But surely, he’d leave something for us… right? Who else would he leave everything to?” Yamada asked nervously, his voice shaking slightly. Sitting back down, he picked up his chopsticks and started playing with them.

  Takeshi stood up as well with a determined expression on his face. “You’re right. He can’t just leave us out of his will.” He started to move toward the living room.

  “But he just said it,” Kaguya argued rationally. “He seems pretty sane so far, so what evidence do you have that he’s “not right in the head”?”

  “Are you on our side or his?!” Yamada countered aggressively, balling up his hands into fists. He looked ready to pounce on the next person.

  “Of course I’m on yours,” Kaguya said smoothly, leaning back in her chair. She looked around her siblings and their spouses, all of which looked uneasy.

  “Oh dear… we were hoping to receive some of Father’s assistance soon too…” Hiyori said slowly, her face looking troubled and pale. She put a hand on her forehead and leaned back into her seat.

  “Are you having financial difficulty, Hiyo?” Kaguya asked kindly, standing up to walk over to Hiyori.

  “Um… to be honest, yes…” Hiyori answered slowly, looking away from everyone. Then she looked down at her hands. “Yukio… Meiko…” Tears threatened to fall from her eyes as she moved her hand down to her cheek. “We need the money…”

  Her spouse Hiro reached out and placed a hand on her shoulder. “It’ll be okay, hun.” He gave her a small squeeze.

  “You don’t know that! Father’s abandoning us all!” Hiyori suddenly shouted, getting out of her seat. “We’re going to be doomed if Father doesn’t help us! What don’t you get about that?!” Hiyori’s hair flew behind her as she got out of her seat.

  Kaguya reached Hiyori and placed a hand on her other shoulder. “Sweetheart, I’ll try to help you as much as I can, so please calm down.”

  Hiyori turned on Kaguya, shouting: “Oh, of course, you with your successful business and your husband’s practice! I don’t need your help!” She flung Kaguya’s hand off her shoulder.

  Hiro got out of his seat and tried to pull Hiyori away. “Hun, stop it.”

  “None of you understand!” Hiyori screamed at everyone around the table. Her face was flushed red with anger and fear.

  At this time, all the adults had stood up around the table. Ayane walked slowly but confidently over to Hiyori and when she reached the other woman, Ayane raised her hand and slapped Hiyori.

  “Will you just shut up?” Ayane scorned. “You claim no one understands you but you’re not the only one struggling financially. You’re not the only one who needs Father’s support! Kaguya’s the only one who is completely independent!”

  Hiyori held a hand to her cheek where she was slapped. “I…” Her eyes fell down to the floor, unable to face any of her siblings.

  “Don’t you go forgetting it,” Ayane said aggressively. “I don’t need any of your apologies either. I’m going to my room.” And with that, Ayane practically dragged her husband Yamada along to the stairs.

  “I, too, will go to my room,” Kaede muttered as she left with her husband.

  Kaguya was silent but tugged on Yosuke’s arm to signal departure. The two walked to the living room where Kana was watching some anime on TV. Kana glanced up at the new visitors.

  “What’s going on? Why is everyone leaving separately?” Kana inquired. As she was not in the kitchen, she was oblivious to what had transpired there just now.

  “Hiyori had a breakdown and then your mother calmed her down. Harshly,” Kaguya explained as she took a seat on the nearby settee. Yosuke took a seat next to her.

  “Mom did? Wow…” Kana said in disbelief. She stared at the coffee table. Her mother rarely helped someone calm down; in fact, she was more likely to trigger someone further.

  “Are your parents struggling financially, Kana?” Kaguya asked.

  “Mmm… I suppose we are. Mom’s working, dad’s working, and I’m in school. We have money coming in, but I think we’re spending it as they come so we don’t have any savings,” Kana said thoughtfully.

  “Don’t you want more money?” Kaguya asked as she leaned forward, looking at the young girl. She knew young girls always wanted more money for clothes and makeup.

  “Mmm… no, not really. I mean I guess I’d just buy more clothes but that’s a dumb reason to want more money,” Kana shook her head.

  “That’s a surprise,” Kaguya said with a smile. “Not many girls would say no to more money. They want more clothes, perfume, et cetera.”

  “I guess so,” Kana shrugged. “I… have a set of friends I look up to who I would like to be like.” Kana blushed deeply, thinking about those friends, Orion and his group, who had just entered the living room where the others were.

  “That’s nice,” Kaguya smiled. “Would you like—”

  The sentence was interrupted by Hiyono who came in out of breath and unlike his usual stoic manner. He was panicking and running around the living room like a lost little child.

  “What happened, Hiyono?” Kaguya asked as she stood up, walking to Hiyono.

  Hiyono stopped running around and rushed over to Kaguya. “Oh, Lady Kaguya! The Master! His room is locked, and he won’t answer the door. I’ve been trying for twenty minutes now. What should I do?”

  “Hmm…” Kaguya thought out loud. “Call the men out. We’ll knock the door down.”

  “Okay, Lady Kaguya! I will get the men,” Hiyono bowed as he left the living room and to the second floor.

  “What do you think that is?” Yosuke asked curiously.

  “I’m not sure. Maybe Father just passed out in his study. Hard.” Kaguya suggested. “But you must help out the other men too, dear. Let’s go upstairs.”

  The two got up from the settee and Kana got the same idea, to follow them to find out what’s wrong with her Grandfather. Orion and Amane rushed upstairs to where the study was. As they reached the study, the other family members were waiting outside. Hiyono came out of the waiting crowd when Kaguya showed up with Yosuke, Kana, Orion and Amane.

  “They’re all here, Lady Kaguya,” Hiyono reported, standing stiff in front of the young woman.

  “Good,” Kaguya nodded.

  Kaguya walked forward and called the men over to the study’s door. The four men leaned away from the door at first and then after a count of three, all four men slammed their bodies on the door. The door remained taut. The men slammed their bodies against it again and the door started to shake. With another slam, the door broke down completely and everyone leaned in on the study.

  In the middle of the study was the desk and Gombei leaning forward with his face on the desk. There could be seen a darkish fluid dripping from the desk and onto the floor. No one dared to move just in case Gombei was going to wake up.

  Eventually Yosuke and Yamada walked up to the desk, only to discover the darkish fluid was blood. They covered their mouths with their hands and with the other hand, moved the body. The body simply slouched backwards onto the chair, the blood flowing from his neck and onto the floor.

  “Don’t touch it!” Orion shouted, walking up to the body slouched on the desk.

  Kaede screamed while Hiyori fainted right on scene and Hiro hurried and caught his wife. Ayane stared in disbelief as her daughter reached out to her, but she merely shook the hand away. Kaguya stepped back a bit and looked lost in thought. Takeshi had disappeared from the group.

  Kana took a step forward when Yamada warned against her.

  “Don’t, Kana,” Yamada warned. “We have to preserve the area for the police.”

  “Police?” Kana said out loud. “Orion is here, and he’s here on behalf of the police.”

  “I request everyone to step away from this room,” Orion said authoritatively as he walked forward with Amane following behind him. “I would request Yamada and Yosuke to stand guard at the entrance. Do NOT LET ANYONE (except the police) into the study. Please call Fujioka, Kana. Come help me, Amane.”

  “Got it,” Amane nodded. She stepped to the side of body and tried her best to assist Orion to study the body without touching it before the police came.

  Kana looked back once at Orion and Amane. ‘Why is Amane helping out? Are they… dating? Oh, gods no…’ Kana thought as she left the study. ‘They can’t be… Orion…’

  “How can I help you, Orion?” Amane asked her friend.

  “Be on the lookout for any curious bystanders and make sure no one comes in here,” Orion instructed his good friend. He then returned his attention to the body. Leaning forward, he observed a wound in the chest where the heart would be. ‘Might be an instantaneous death…’ He examined the rest of the body as best he could but there didn’t seem to be any other wounds on the body, especially not with the blood soaking through the clothes.

  “I’m afraid we’ll have to wait for Fujioka,” Orion said to Amane who was keeping watch over the door.