Koji - The White Dragon - 6. Chapter 6

Chapter 6: A Silence He Cannot Ignore

I - Koji makes Andre wonder

“Koji Sukiyama. What is his role in all this?” Andre paced his hotel room. “And the way he ran off, as though he couldn’t stand me. How maddening, n'est-ce pas?”

“What’s maddening is watching you make a hole on the carpet,” Luc replied. “Please forget him, and focus on the problem at hand, Andre. We’re in a cluster fuck.”

“What else is new?”

Andre moved to the coffee table where Luc sat, gadgets of all kinds cluttered before him.

They had finally made it back to their hotel. Luc insisted on a few hours of sleep before they could talk about the briefing at Hotel Ume.

Too tired, Andre agreed.

Luc woke him eight hours later, with a knock on his bedroom door, and the scent of coffee from a cart laden with food.

Andre now sat across Luc. It was almost one o’clock during the day. Luc was sliding his finger over the tablet screen.

“Sakura’s case is bigger than we thought. We can’t meddle from the outside. It will make us look suspicious. We have to help the investigators at Hotel Ume,” Luc said, when Andre had a few sips of his coffee. “I know you wanted quiet, but that’s not going to be possible.”

Andre met Luc’s gaze.

“Henri’s case is progressing too fast.” Luc sighed. “They’re going to start a search for him, soon. The amount of money poured into the shipping business allows for it. The children found in Kobe were to be shipped out of the country, probably to Europe. The case is career-making for any investigator.”

“You never have good news for me,” Andre complained.

Luc lifted the tablet with a slight smile.

“I got information from one of the investigators last night,” Luc said. “It seems that once Koji Sukiyama is involved in a case, resolution comes in very fast.”

“Why?” Andre asked, curious about the man with eyes so blue they haunted him.

“Don’t know, great intuition?” Luc asked. “Anyway, we have a date in an hour with an Ogun Sato. They are all very curious as to why we are interest in Sakura. I think we should tell them a bit of the truth.”

Andre nodded.

“Not all of it though, it will be hard to explain why a suspect’s brother is involved in the search.”

Luc took his own cup of coffee and sipped.

“We can say Sakura’s mother asked us to help find her daughter.”

“That is true.”

Luc grinned.

“We can include an incentive. Are you willing to go all in?”

Andre narrowed his gaze at Luc. This whole trip to Japan was costing him money. Each day spent searching for a solution for Henri kept him away from the family business.

“I suppose pouring funds into such a vital investigation is essential,” Andre said.

Andre stared into his coffee.

Well, at least it would buy him time with the mysterious Koji.

Luc studied him.

“Still thinking about Koji?” Luc asked.

Andre couldn’t help it. The sight of Koji hurrying out as though Andre had done something bothered him. He wanted to know why. Wanted to look into those blue eyes again. There was something so ethereal about them.

Ethereal…was that the right word?

“He makes me wonder,” Andre mused.

***

II – Koji Gives a Startling Confession

Gion was busy during the day. Tourists browsing the many shops and museums, Koji followed an English couple into a wood block museum. He paused to admire the pieces on display, using the tranquil setting to anchor himself. His gift was getting stronger, and though he hadn’t told Saya, the effects were getting harder to hide.

Pausing by a set of wood block prints depicting stars in the sky over a turbulent sea, Koji allowed in all the noise in Gion. Conversations filled his head, people doing business, tourists asking for directions, their excitement and anxiety on equal level.

Whispered words, a sense of fear in them, Koji closed his eyes, concentrating on the fear.

“Did you see what they looked like?”

“They were dressed in black, hoods over their heads. It seemed like army, but who can tell? Children are going missing. I don’t let mine out carelessly.”

Koji opened his eyes and wasn’t surprised when Tomoyo shoved a pair of dark glasses at him. Putting them on, Koji looked around the shop hoping no one had noticed. Nodding to Tomoyo that it was time to leave, she smiled at the owner of the shop, and pointed to the woodblock print Koji had touched.

Koji left her purchasing the woodblock prints and stepped out into the warm day. Taking in a deep breath, a throb already developing in his head. He wondered how long he could keep this up.

“What did you hear?” Tomoyo asked, when she came out of the shop.

“Someone saw a kidnapping, but they couldn’t see the faces. Let’s go to the Toshiro home.”

“They run a sushi shop,” Tomoyo said, as they started down the street. “Your eyes might startle them, Koji.”

“You do the talking then, pretend I’m blind,” Koji joked with a small grin.

Tomoyo adjusted the bag she now carried from the little museum shop.

“Koji, this is exhaustive for you. Do you see why Tama worries?”

Koji sighed.

“I know he worries, but it’s also tiring for me when he treats me like his little prisoner.”

“I’ve known you two for ten years now,” Tomoyo said. “Ever since Saya brought me to the estate and gave me a home. You’re my family and the last thing I want is you unhappy, Koji. You’re a brother to me, you know that.”

“I know.” Koji gave her a sideways glance.

He valued Tomoyo’s constant support. She made life with Tama easier to handle. So, he owed her a bit of truth.

“When I was younger, Nii-san’s protectiveness was endearing. It meant a great deal to me, and still does, but now—”

Koji broke off as they approached the sushi shop belonging to the Toshiro family.

“I have a lot of questions about our past, about our parents and how they died. I need information. The only way to get it is out here. Tama does his best to stop it, he won’t tell me the truth but his attempts to stop me won’t make me give up my search.”

“But you know how your parents died,” Tomoyo said, puzzled. “Yuki Takino murdered them, with the help of his black-market organizations. For money, Tama and Saya have both explained. You have read the police reports.”

Koji stopped in the middle of the street, turning to Tomoyo.

“Why would he need to murder our parents for money when he has tons of it? What about the barrier over the estate? Why would mother make it? Why can’t I remember her? I know her from pictures, but I don’t remember her, when I should—”

“Koji,” Tomoyo frowned.

“I was eight years old when she died. I should be able to remember her as I grew up. I can’t remember her. She is a blank space in my head and it frustrates me. I—I sometimes feel like she is alive.”

Koji swept fingers through his hair, gripping soft strands tight for a minute, feeling insane. He breathed out then glad to have his thoughts out in the open.

Tomoyo gaped and the expression on her face was enough for Koji to guess she thought him certifiable.

Koji regretted his confession instantly.

“Don’t look at me like that. I shouldn’t have told you. Look, forget I said it.”

“Why would you think that, Koji?”

“I said forget it,” Koji said, dropping his hands to his side. Pedestrians walked around them, their gazes curious. Koji sighed and shook his head. “Don’t go telling Tama what I just said. He might really lock me up in my room. Let’s concentrate on the task at hand.”

Koji started toward the sushi shop, shaking his head. He could not imagine why he had blurted his deepest suspicions out. His mother being a live was a thought that filled him of late, and it bothered him more than he could define.

After all, he knew where his parents were buried. He visited their graves often when he was home.

Coming to a stop at the sushi shop entrance, Koji allowed Tomoyo to go in first. The place was busy with customers. Tomoyo recruited help from one of the shop’s assistants. The young man smiled and led them through the back to the Toshiro main house. Most shops in the Gion area were family owned. Koji loved the set-up, and imagined he would have loved growing up in such an open setting, instead of the gilded cage that was home.

Kaede Toshiro came hurrying out of her house to the courtyard when the assistant called her. She looked eager, no doubt thinking they were here to bring her good news. The assistant hurried back to the shop and Tomoyo took Koji’s right hand.

The gesture surprised him. He had not thought she would take his joke seriously.

He was to play the part of a blind man.

Kaede reacted accordingly. She helped Tomoyo lead him into the Toshiro house, and helped settle him on a comfortable cushion at the low table in the middle of the living room. Kaede rushed off to get refreshments while Tomoyo sat beside Koji.

When Kaede came back with a tray laden with sweet cakes and green tea, Koji allowed Tomoyo to do all the talking.

“Kaede-san,” Tomoyo started, lifting the bag of woodprints. “Please accept this.”

Kaede took the bag, placing it aside, without looking inside.

“Thank you. Please, have some tea.” Kaede urged.

“Thank you.”

Tomoyo pressed a cup into Koji’s right hand, and he brought it up to his lips for a sip.

“We’re here about the investigation into your granddaughter’s disappearance,” Tomoyo said, keeping her tone gentle. “The police thought we might be able to help find her. I hope you don’t mind our intrusion.”

“But who are you?” Kaede asked, her gaze turning wary.

“We’re from a private organization that specializes on investigating difficult cases,” Koji said. “We are here to help.”

Kaede looked at them conflicted, but her worry for Sakura won. She didn’t care who found her granddaughter, as long as Sakura was found. Kaede nodded her acceptance, and Tomoyo prompted her into talking about Sakura.

Koji used the easy flow of conversation to explore Kaede’s memories. His eyes safely hidden behind dark glasses, he had no fear that their changing color would surprise Kaede.

Worry weighed on Kaede, a heavy rock on her soul. She found it hard to breathe. She blamed herself, and thought there was something she could have done to stop her granddaughter’s kidnapping.

Koji frowned, following the thread of guilt to the day Sakura disappeared.

Kaede woke up, made breakfast as usual for Sakura. Sakura’s tutor came to help her with homework. Kaede left them working and went to the sushi shop to help. After the tutor left, Kaede asked one of the girls at the shop to take Sakura on a walk because the day was lovely. Sakura disappeared in the park. Kaede regretted the decision to let Sakura go out that day.

Koji touched Tomoyo’s right arm. Tomoyo paused in her easy questions to allow Koji to talk.

“Kaede-san,” Koji said. “Tell me about the girl who was with Sakura when she disappeared in the park.”

“Oh,” Kaede’s tone faltered. “She won’t come to work anymore. I’m unable to comfort her until we find Sakura.”

Koji understood her regret.

“What is her name? Can we talk to her?” Koji asked.

Kaede got up and moved to a small desk in the corner. She wrote out the girl’s name and her address and brought back the card. She handed it to Tomoyo.

“Don’t be hard on her,” Kaede said, wringing her hands on her lap. “I have tried not to be, but—it’s difficult to keep my wits about. I worry about my Sakura. It’s too hard to look at Maki and not blame her.”

Koji frowned when a wave of anger flooded Kaede. Anger was always too strong, so defeating, he breathed out and closed his eyes.

“Where is Sakura’s mother?” Koji asked.

Kaede’s eyes filled with alarm. Then she carefully schooled her reaction.

“She’s always working,” Kaede said, her tone careful. “Her job does not allow her to come home often.”

“Would she take Sakura without telling you?” Koji asked, curious about this absentee mother.

Kaede hesitated, and then shook her head.

“No. She would tell me.”

Koji felt doubt fill Kaede and he wondered even more about the mother who wasn’t here worrying about her missing child.

“Is she still at work?” Tomoyo asked.

Kaede sighed.

“Yes. I have asked her to come home, but she says it’s easier for her to keep busy.”

“Understandable,” Tomoyo said, though Koji doubted she thought so. “Well, Kaede-san, thank you for your time. I promise that we will do the best we can to find your granddaughter.”

“But—,” Kaede started to protest, and then stopped.

“Will you keep me informed?” Kaede asked. “The police keep saying they are looking. There is no news on Sakura and it’s very frustrating.”

Tomoyo stood, taking Koji’s arm to help him to his feet.

“We will do the best we can to keep you informed,” Tomoyo assured Kaede.

After a quick goodbye, Tomoyo led Koji out of the shop and out to the street.

“An unavailable mother,” Koji frowned. “Does that strike you as weird?”

“Maybe her company is strict, it happens,” Tomoyo said, reading the address on the card Kaede handed her. “Life is hard on career women, Koji. Too much time off and they may lose the job. I hope you get more from Maki Kiyamoto.”

Koji watched Tomoyo search for the address on her phone. She found it in less than half a second. Koji smiled and followed her into a busy street filled with tourists. His thoughts on a woman who still worked despite her missing daughter.

***

III – Andre meets Koji Again

Maki Kiyamoto lived in a small apartment tucked into a hostel unit. She was attending Kyoto University, training to be a teacher. She worked at the Toshiro sushi shop, but all that mattered to Andre, Luc, Hisao, and Ogun was that Sakura disappeared while under her care.

“Have the police questioned her?” Andre asked. “Why do we need to do it again?”

“We’re not here to question her,” Ogun replied, his answer too cryptic even for Andre.

Andre met Luc’s gaze, shaking his head.

Ogun was trying Andre’s patience since the moment they met him.

“Why are you looking for Sakura?”

That was Ogun’s first question when they met him and Hisao at a small jewelry shop in an alley.

Luc answered Ogun, telling him Sakura’s mother had asked them to find Sakura.

One single piercing gaze leveled at Luc, and then Andre, and Ogun had shrugged. He urged them to follow him, and that was the extent of their talk.

“What are we doing here?” Andre felt compelled to ask, as they climbed short stairs to Maki’s front door.

Ogun opened the door without knocking, leading the way into a messy tiny house. Dishes piled on counters and in the sink. Clothes on the single couch, and the floor. The bed was unmade. Maki had obviously not cared about chores in a while.

“To get this,” Hisao said, taking a framed photograph with two smiling women. “Is this it, Ogun-san?”

“Yes.”

Ogun took the photo frame and led the way out the back kitchen door into the back of the building. Andre stopped short when he looked up and saw a woman standing on the ledge of the five-floor hostel building. She looked ready to jump. The fall would be damaging.

Surprised, Andre felt fear fill him when he saw Koji sitting on the ledge beside Maki.

“Shit,” Andre said, already running, following Ogun and Hisao up the fire escape to the top of the building.

They found a woman in black jeans and a green t-shirt held together with fancy safety pins standing at the entrance. She held out a hand when Ogun started to head toward the two on the ledge.

“Stop,” she said. “You will ruin it.”

“We need to help—” Ogun started.

“You will complicate the situation,” the woman said.

“Tomoyo?” Ogun asked.

“Koji’s almost talked her off the edge.” Tomoyo took the photo frame from Ogun and handed it to Andre. “He said you should take it to him.”

“Me? Why?” Andre asked, taking the photo frame.

“I don’t know,” Tomoyo said. “Go.”

Andre gave Luc, who had come up behind him, a skeptical glance. Gripping the photo frame in his right hand, he walked up to the slender young man sitting on the ledge of the building, and the girl who looked ready to jump.

***

IV – Koji Performs a Small Experiment

Koji pushed through Maki’s dark resolution, willing her to stop. Not to choose the fall, but to think of her mother. Finding a spark of hope was hard when all Maki felt was that she had failed everyone.

Failed herself.

“Maki, remember your mom. Her smile when you go home to visit her,” Koji said, keeping his tone conversational. “You don’t have to worry about what she will say. I will make sure you have nothing to be ashamed of Maki.”

Koji felt a small tinge of hope start but it was faint. His head hurt from trying to take on some of Maki’s pain. So heavy was the burden on her heart, he could barely breathe at the weight of it. Maki’s emotions were chocking. Her despair hard to take.

Then silence enveloped him, pulling him out of the dark, bringing him relief.

Andre.

“Koji,” Andre said, in a soft voice, as though afraid if he spoke louder, they might jump.

Koji hid a laugh and held out his hand to Andre.

“Give me the photograph,” he said in English.

Andre pressed it into his hands, and didn’t leave. Koji was grateful for it. He needed reprieve from Maki’s dark pain. Turning to Maki, Koji showed her the picture of her and her mother smiling into the camera.

“Do you remember this day, Maki?” Koji asked. “Tell me about this picture. Isn’t it beautiful?”

Maki sighed, her gaze on the picture. Tears spilling down her cheeks.

“It was the day I entered university,” Maki said. “She was so happy, so proud…”

“She still is,” Koji soothed. “I think we should get off this ledge, so that you can help us find Sakura. Don’t you think so?”

“We’ve tried everything,” Maki said, her voice ringing with frustration. “Everyone thinks it’s my fault—”

“It’s not,” Koji said. “And I will help find Sakura, Maki. Please trust me, can you do that?”

Maki held his gaze for a full minute, judging his sincerity.

Koji smiled at her then reached out with care and wrapped his fingers around her left ankle.

Koji closed his eyes, testing the silence still enveloping him. He pushed through it, wanting to read Maki’s memory of the day at the park. The silence opened like a veil, taking him specifically into Maki’s memory. Keeping the noise out.

For a moment, a clear picture filled his head of Maki and Sakura playing in the Gion Park. Sakura had gone to slide with the other kids when Maki got a message on her phone. Maki sat on a bench to read her message, and when she looked up from her phone, Sakura was gone.

The silence slid back pulling him away from Maki’s memory.

Koji let go of Maki’s leg feeling drained.

“Andre, help Maki off the ledge?”

Andre wrapped a strong arm around her waist, lifting Maki off the ledge to place her on solid ground. Ogun and Tomoyo hurried forward to take Maki, and Andre turned to Koji.

“What about you?” Andre asked, moving to stand right behind Koji. ‘Do you like the view?”

“I need a minute,” Koji said.

Liquid slid down his left nostril and he reached up to wipe it off. His fingers came away with blood and he sighed.

“I might have overdone it.”

“Overdone what?” Andre asked, leaning over his shoulder to peer at Koji’s face.

Koji turned his head away to hide the blood.

“Do you have a handkerchief?”

Andre reached into his pocket and held out a blue one, with an L embroidered on the corner. Koji took it fast, and pressed it to his nose. He pressed hard, hoping the nosebleed would stop.

When it felt under control, he turned to Andre, only to have Andre wrap a strong arm around his shoulders. One moment he was sitting on the ledge, the next, he was lifted up and standing, looking up at Andre Lacome.

Andre tilted Koji’s face up, a frown appearing when he saw the blood on Koji’s left nostril.

“What did you overdo?” Andre asked, his eyes stormy.

Koji pushed Andre’s hand away from his chin and shook his head.

“You wouldn’t understand,” Koji said, taking a step away from Andre.

He was starting to like the silence in his head. The relief of not having other people’s thoughts in his head was so tantalizing.

“What are you?” Andre asked, his gaze intent on Koji.

What a question, Koji thought.

“Even I don’t know sometimes,” Koji answered, with a slight smile. “Thank you for coming here.”

He started to turn away, but Andre held on to his left arm.

“Are you running again?”

Koji glanced at the spot where Andre held his arm. Heat sipped into his skin, Andre’s heat.

“I still need to talk to Maki,” Koji said.

“Right,” Andre let go of his arm. “I—”

“You may come along if you want.”

Koji headed for the fire escape, a part of him hoping that Andre would follow.

***