Mother Knows Best
Chapter Four of Mother Knows Best is now live! Story is also posted below. :3
Abstinence.
There had been a time when Sesshomaru would have cringed at the word. In his younger days, nothing had stopped him from having any woman he desired and with the least bit effort. So, how was this particular instance any different?
Barely a breath away from her soft pillow-like lips, luscious, full, and oh-so-willing, Sesshomaru hesitated.
With a deliciously squirming female in his arms, all he had to do was cover her mouth with his and she would completely give in to him. He knew by the sound of her breath and her rapidly beating heart that there was no resistance left in her.
Sesshomaru gave a low growl at the doubt lingering in his mind. Did he have the control needed to stop himself from taking things further? Even the most strong-willed of demons easily fell prey to a woman so willing to be mated.
Had he been the carefree youth of his younger years, he would have taken pleasure in the sweet delight in front of him. Perhaps age had changed him, because he did not trust himself with this beautiful seductress.
Shutting his eyes from the lovely woman in front of him yet still holding onto her arms, Sesshomaru pushed her away from him with a new acquired effort.
"Why are you out here?" Sesshomaru nearly croaked. His voice was broken and throaty, and he swallowed thickly. "Do you belong to the Yakuza?"
"Huh?" The girl said breathlessly and slowly opened her hooded eyes.
"The Yakuza." Trying to change the lilt of his voice was far more difficult than he'd imagined. "Do you belong to them?"
"I-I don't belong to the Yakuza." Came her mumbled reply. A cold wind had decided to make its entrance then, and it blew her cape away from her body, revealing two rosy, upright tips through her cotton tee shirt. It did not help his case in particular.
Sesshomaru cursed, and the girl knit her brows.
"Then why are you out here in the middle of the night? Practically naked!" With a sex-deprived demon just a few feet away from her. He didn't add that, of course.
With knitted brows, she wiggled herself completely free of his hold.
"I'm not naked!" She clipped, but tightened the cloak around herself like a cocoon. "Besides, what does it matter to you if I'm out here? It's a free country, isn't it?"
"What happens on my lands is very much my business. You're better off to come clean about whatever laws you were breaking, before I hand you over to the authorities."
The girls eyes widened like saucers; her mouth opened in an 'o' shape, but she quickly pursed her lips. The extent of her anger reflected in the bright red tint on her cheeks, and with a slight frown she turned her gaze way from him. "I didn't break any laws."
"Then you have nothing to hide." Sesshomaru remarked and watched her frown deepen.
"I'm here to help a friend." She said boldly and faced him. "But I don't want him or anyone else getting into any trouble."
"And this friend typically leaves you alone in the middle of the forest to strip naked in the dead hours of the night?" By the time Sesshomaru realized what his question had revealed, it was too late.
Her eyes widened.
"You were watching me!" She seethed but Sesshomaru cut her off easily.
"I chanced upon you on my usual rounds-"
"And practically seduced me!"
"You seemed willing enough!" Sesshomaru countered.
The girl opened her mouth but when no retort left her lips, she harrumphed and turned her back to him.
"Now, tell me what were you doing here?"
Silence ensued, and then there was a long sigh.
"Well?"
"Fine. I'll tell you, but you have to promise not to tell the authorities. I don't want my friend or the people I live with to get into trouble."
"You have my word." Since he was the point of authority in these lands, there was nothing for her to fear.
With most of her face covered due to the dark mask she wore, it was difficult to make out what she was fully thinking. But her eyes revealed more than the mask could hide; they were searching for something.
With a wave, Sesshomaru gestured in the direction of a comfortable log. Squinting her eyes in its direction, the girl nodded and made her way in the direction his hand had gestured. She sat first and he followed suit. Even though sitting next to her in his very aroused condition was not very comfortable.
"A friend of mine got into some trouble little over a year ago and his past has come back to haunt him. I came here tonight to listen to his part of the story and make sense of it all." She laughed dryly. "And prevent him from making any more mistakes."
Could it be a lover? Sesshomaru wondered.
"You two are intimate?" Sesshomaru bit his tongue but kept staring at the night sky. Chuckling softly, she shook her head.
"No. We're just good friends. I've known him since I was eight."
Sesshomaru nodded.
"Did his trouble involve a local gang or one of the demon clans?" Sesshomaru prodded. If the boy was local he would either have gotten into trouble with one of the gangs or some wealthy demon family. The girl hesitated again, and more silence ensued for several moments. He was getting warmer.
"Not a gang, per se, a gang member is more like it." The girl tucked some stray curls behind her ear. "Listen, I know I've said it before, but I don't-"
"Want to get him into trouble. You can trust me."
"What makes you think I'll tell you the truth?"
"Try me." Sesshomaru responded, confident that he would catch her in a lie if she dared try.
A slight groan escaped her pouty mouth before she sighed and continued. "Over a year ago, my friend, with the help of someone named Sato Onigumo, won a few tables at the Starlight Casino. Before he could walk out with the money, a group of Yakuza run by a redhead named Tseng captured him- but Sato managed to escape. They wouldn't let him walk out alive with the money in hand because they claimed Sato owed them favors. With Sato gone, they forced my friend to do odd jobs for them, otherwise, they would take his life."
The girl paused, but only for a minute.
"He remains in their iron grip to this day. It had been a while since I last heard from my friend so when he called, I was glad to know he was doing well. Most of our friends have moved on, but it's nice that he keeps in touch. At his request, I came to meet him at the casino but I had no idea of the trouble he was in until just now."
As with most cases that involved Yakuza-run operations, the boy's case was no exception. The overlapping of Sato's presence in both her and Rin's story could not be left unnoticed, although he hadn't noticed until now that her scent was thoroughly masked.
"How do you expect to help your friend in all of this?" Sesshomaru inquired. There was little she could accomplish herself, with the exception of hacking into the government database.
The girl pursed her lips and knit her brows in concentration. "I don't have a plan just yet, but I was thinking about accessing the police database to find anything I can on Sato Onigumo. Cross reference his name with any scams that took place out of town, maybe expand my search for his name in other states. Past that, I'm not sure what to do."
As he'd expected.
Sesshomaru faced the full moon and thought for a moment about his options. There was no deception or trickery in the girl's eyes, and he found himself admiring that about her. Although, leaving her to her own methods to help her misguided friend was not something that settled well with him. The girl was crafty, but at heart, an innocent to have so openly confided in him that she was going to hack into the police database. Releasing a deep breath, Sesshomaru shrugged.
"I believe we may be dealing with the likes of an expert scammer. This isn't the first I've heard of Sato Onigumo scamming an innocent, and something tells me it won't be the last."
"It may be the last time he uses his name." She said and rested her chin on her knees.
"What do you mean?"
"My friend heard that Sato had recently passed away. But, when he went to the morgue, the face he saw didn't resemble Sato's. This leads me to believe that perhaps Sato is done with his alias. I'm beginning to think that maybe the morgue could provide me with some more information."
Interesting development, Sesshomaru mused.
"What about your friend? Will he be joining you?"
The girl shook her head. "Tseng's men watch over him like hawks. He can't leave his place without reporting to them directly first."
"He didn't seem to be followed tonight."
"No, we managed to sneak out of the casino undetected."
The Yakuza never take their eyes off their prey. Sesshomaru mulled but kept his doubts to himself for now. The girl cared very much for her friend and while he was clearly intrigued by her, it was the challenge of the case that had him wanting to solve it even more. Details were needed starting with her name and whereabouts, for purely investigative purposes.
"You haven't told me your name yet."
The girl visibly tensed. "I-I can't tell you that."
Sesshomaru looked away casually.
"Do you live nearby?"
Releasing a long breath, the girl nodded. "Yes, just west of here- at one of the estates."
Well within his reach.
Along with his mother, only three other powerful demon clans shared the lands here while everyone else either worked for them or the Yakuza. She clearly didn't work for the Yakuza, which made him wonder if she worked for one of those demon families.
"It must be lonely living by yourself."
"I'm hardly lonely." The girl's eyes lit up just slightly. "My mistress is a lovely, generous lady who lets me out anytime I wish. Everyone else is also kind and helpful; they make me feel like I live at home, even though I don't really have a home of my own."
Immediately, his mother's soiree came to mind. It would be the perfect opportunity to meet with the girl and get to know her on a more personal level. Admittedly, his preferred idea of 'personal' was more hands-on but that would come with time. "Is that why you were wearing a disguise when you got out of the car?"
The girl nodded. "If anyone recognized me, they could use me to get money from my mistress. I couldn't possibly cause her so much trouble, so I have to take every precaution possible. Even though we're not related by blood, I think of the lady as my own mother."
Every precaution including masking her scent. "How long have you known her?"
"Not very long," the girl smiled softly, "but it seems like a lifetime."
"Hm." Sesshomaru leaned back on his arms. With his background, he could make a rock confess its name to him; however, he knew the crafty girl in front of him would recede into her shell if he pushed her too hard. Her devotion to her mistress was strong.
"I'll help you." He finally said, but instead of a bright smile, he received a shocked expression in return.
"B-but why? I never asked for it."The girl deadpanned.
Taken aback at her reaction, Sesshomaru scratched the back of his head. He'd gravely underestimated her. Given his deduction of her personality, she would have risen up to the offer of accepting his help. Perhaps she wasn't as innocent as she appeared to be, which made him question her age. Exactly how young was she? At least in her early twenties by his estimation.
Using a different tact, Sesshomaru sniffed and gave her a sly look. "I'm offering because hacking government network systems is illegal. Second, no morgue will give you any information unless you're a police officer or family member. Third, apart from your understanding of this 'Tseng' fellow, you have absolutely no idea how dangerous he is. For all you know, he and his gang are waiting for you to go around asking questions about Sato Onigumo so they could pounce on you and hold you captive for money. I assume your friend is the only one who's told you his side of the story?"
With her gaze cast on some unknown object on the dew covered grass, the girl worriedly chewing on her lower lip but remained quiet.
"What if he made up a lie to get you into trouble for him? While you're busy helping him, he may connect the clues, find Sato, and hand you over to the Yakuza instead."
At this point, Sesshomaru knew he was pushing his luck, and he was ready for the girl to throw a fit and defend her friend. What followed was - again - totally unexpected.
Unfazed at his apparent questioning, the girl silently stood up and walked away from him. "You don't know me or my friend. I trust him fully, and that's all that matters. I don't want you to be involved in something that doesn't concern you."
If there was such a thing as 'immediate attraction', Sesshomaru felt it hit him like a ton of bricks. Her cool, calm attitude was one to rival his own, and Sesshomaru couldn't help but smirk. The girl was exceptionally beautiful, kind, caring and stubborn. The fact that she so easily rejected him and his offer to help was titillating.
"It bears me to repeat that whatever happens on my lands is completely my concern. If there's a villain going around making lives miserable for the residents of this valley, it's my right to investigate it and set things right." Sesshomaru got up himself and walked in the direction of where the girl was standing. A solemn look on her face as though deep in thought.
She breathed in deeply, and his eyes immediately travelled to the fullness of her bodice, rising and falling in tandem with her breath. "I still don't think it's a good idea."
"We'll just have to wait and find out then." Sesshomaru replied.
The girl became completely silent, and her eyes held a faraway look in them as though she was weighing the pros and cons of his offer.
"Is there anything you need me to do?" She inquired with those full, pouty lips. Quietly and purposefully.
Yes, but not quite yet. Sesshomaru crossed his arms over his chest and looked in the direction of the country road, finding it strange that no cars had yet passed.
"We need to establish a meeting place." Sesshomaru asserted. "Is this spot good enough?"
"It's fine." She replied. "But when will we meet again? What should I do to help in the meantime?"
"Nothing." Sesshomaru responded. The girl frowned again. "For now." Her frown vanished. "I need time to think out our terms if we are to be working together. My colleagues have some very good connections, but they are known to be cunning and at times problematic, so I need you to leave me to my devices. Can I trust you to trust me?"
After a moment's hesitation, the girl nodded.
"Good. Meet me here three days from now and I'll let you know what I've learned. Can I count on you to share whatever new information you come across?"
Cocking one finely shaped brow, the girl seemed to study him hard before walking past him with a non-committal 'sure'.
"Good. Do you need me to walk back with you?"
As expected, she declined and turned her back to him to collect her bag. "No, thanks."
Sesshomaru did not agree but remained silent.
With a keen eye, Sesshomaru watched as she lifted the small backpack and slipped the left arm through it first before slipping the other and hopping slightly so the bag rested comfortably on her back.
"I'll get going then." She announced and waited for his nod before she turned and walked into the bushes.
Once the girl was out of sight, Sesshomaru took to a tree top and followed her until she reached the bright lights of the Yakuza-free fenced community. Had he not been wearing his all black outfit, he would have followed her through the large gates. However, that would mean he had to risk being seen by the other families and that was something he was not ready to do.
Sesshomaru waited long minutes, making sure the girl's silhouette disappeared safely in the direction of her estate before making his way towards the Starlight Casino. At least now he had a name to watch out for when he was there.
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"What is your take on this, Sesshomaru-sama?"
Expertly twirling his pen in his fingers, Sesshomaru sighed heavily. Deciding it was time to rid his thoughts of the lovely forest nymph, Sesshomaru placed his pen on the desk, leaned back in his chair, and shut his eyes to gather his thoughts.
As expected of an accountant from his firm, Naraku had a notable knack for details. However, something seemed off about these phantom bank withdrawals.
"Exactly when did the first transaction take place, Naraku?" Ignoring the disapproving look from his mother, he kept his gaze firm on the projection screen. He was unprepared but that wasn't his fault... well, not entirely.
"One month ago, sir, and the same day every week after that. What I find peculiar is that this person only seems to be withdrawing in batches of $10,000 dollars and nothing more."
"Hm. Our daily withdrawal limit from this particular account is also $10,000." Sesshomaru stated and placed his fingers together as he often did in a pensive mood.
With furrowed brows, Naraku nodded. "The intruder seems to know more about the account than he or she lets on."
"Has the bank's IT department been able to track where the funds had been transferred?"
Naraku adjusted his glasses and shuffled through his pile of papers. "They had tracked the funds to an obsolete account, Sir. It had belonged to one late Sato Onigumo. The bank was able to trace the anomaly of how such an account was authorized to one of the operations managers at head office, and he is currently under investigation by the national police. Past that, the bank is unable to provide us with further information at this time. Although there is some comfort in knowing the bank owner has personally apologized for the odd nature of this unprecedented event and has willingly reimbursed us."
What may appear peaceful and serene to the untrained eye was a storm of immense proportions brewing behind Sesshomaru's shut lids as he delved into his thoughts.
The funds for this account were originally a joint venture between him and his then wife - Kagura. After the divorce, she had fought long and hard to win over an alimony that would keep her sustained for the rest of her life and drain him of his earnings as long as he lived. With cutthroat associates like Kouga and his half-brother by his side, there was little Kagura had squeezed out of him. Without batting a lash, he moved his portion of the funds into a private overseas account while Kagura took her half and left. Even if the woman held a grudge against him for not winning over the alimony, he did not think she had the resources to tap into one of his many overseas accounts.
If there was one truth that Sesshomaru believed in more than anything, it was simply that there were no coincidences. Everything happened for a reason. As such, it was no coincidence that this Sato Onigumo's name had come up three times in less than two days by three completely unrelated sources. First by Rin, second by the enchantress, and third in the form of a phantom bank account holder. This man was definitely a criminal mastermind.
A bad feeling surfaced within him, and for a moment he wondered if there was a connection between Kagura and Sato Onigumo. He would be speculating and that wouldn't do any good. Evidence was vital, but first he needed to connect the dots.
"Close the account and move the funds. There is little we can do now except save ourselves from being hit again." Sesshomaru ordered. There was little he could do from his mother's estate. But, that wouldn't stop him from giving Kouga and Inuyasha a small task to accomplish, which involved a meeting with the bank's branch manager to deliver a message that more accurately expressed his thoughts on the matter.
Both Naraku and his mother nodded their approval. As Naraku continued to read other semi-annual reports, his mother swiftly turned on the mute button on the speakerphone.
Keeping her eyes on her laptop screen, she lifted a questioning brow. "Are you sure that this is the work of some common thief?"
"I have my doubts, but we have to let the police do their job." Sesshomaru shrugged.
Rolling her eyes to the heavens, his mother looked at him sheepishly. "You mean to tell me that this entire incident doesn't strike you in the least bit odd?"
"It is odd, mother, and highly unsettling. But I'm not about to intercede the police; they have to do their jobs first." Sesshomaru reaffirmed. The last thing he needed was his mother intervening in his investigation. As had been the case for the past several hundred years, she would continue to remain unaware of his other self and his activities.
Disapprovingly shaking her head, his mother sighed deeply and unmuted the speakers.
"Will that be all, Sir? Madam?" Naraku asked, to which his mother simply nodded.
"Thank you, Naraku."
"That'll be all." Sesshomaru replied and leaned forward to disconnect the video conference with his accountant.
Despite having so much to do, Sesshomaru held back his excitement. There was a certain thrill that came with being a hands-on detective- a thrill he had been craving for a long time.
Now was his chance to get back in the game.
Patience, he reminded himself. As a temporary distraction, he decided to do some light reading before going back to his room for much needed sleep. There was much to be accomplished tonight.
"How is Rin making out?" Lady Inukimi inquired as she grabbed a random ledger and busied herself with going over its contents. He doubted it was for the actual purpose of balancing his books, however.
"She's not very technical." Sesshomaru responded, going over Rin's report, his expert eyes easily finding several common errors. What would have easily aggravated him in the past made him feel somewhat concerned for the girl. With her sordid past and hardships, she'd never had many opportunities.
"You just need to get used to working with her, koinu. Did I tell you she fixed my dress last night? Oh! It fit on me like a second skin. Not to mention her knack for picking the right colors is just wonderful! I was the belle of the ball last night at the opera."
"Surely, it wasn't just the opera that had you seeing stars." Sesshomaru remarked, and his mother had the decency to blush. Clearly the lady had had a very good time.
"The caller was bearable." His mother shrugged impassively, and whatever giddiness she felt was hidden behind an unflappable facade. "Anyway, why don't you work with her instead of just giving her things to do? Mentor her a bit? Rin works better one-on-one."
"At this rate, I have no choice. Especially if she'll go around rearranging the library on company time." Sesshomaru grumbled.
"Is that right?" Eyes wide like saucers in excitement, his mother's mood had changed like the wind. "It's about time that boring old place received a woman's touch."
"Mother, it's not what you think-"
"I'll hear nothing of it, Sesshomaru! The library is in dire need of a serious makeover." The deadset look on his mother's face was addling.
"You misunderstand-"
"Jaken!" She yelled over her shoulder. She had picked up her laptop and was about to head out, but the annoying toad demon appeared at her feet.
"My lady." He bowed, breathless from his quick run.
"Ready the Royce. The library's being reno'd, and we need to meet with the contractors. Bring Rin with you." The lady picked up her belongings and hurried out the conference room, leaving a trail of flying papers everywhere and the kappa at her heels.
Before he had a chance to explain that a change in decor was not the cause of his vexation, the lady had disappeared well out of his sight.
Setting his gaze on the pile of papers in front of him, he opened another draft letter and resumed his task of correcting Rin's mistakes. As his eyes drooped shut, he remembered that sleep was not the only thing on his priority list; he had yet to go over Kouga's findings on Rin's case. The girl had a good heart, but why she had to rearrange his books was beyond him.
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The first few hours in the library hadn't been nearly as fruitful as she had hoped. Memories of the incomplete kiss became very complete in her dreams; therefore, sleep had been close to impossible. Heck, she was exhausted.
Drafting letters for the firm's clients was a nightmare. Distraction was the understatement of the year; she had no semblance of concentration and, hence, decided she could care less if she made a million mistakes. She groaned; that would earn her a biting lecture from the one person she had been avoiding all day. Leaving all her paperwork in the conference room for review, she had rushed back to the library to video chat with Kagome.
"... And now I'm here." Rin sighed in exasperation and looked intently at her friend's sympathetic face. Not a moment later, Kagome's big blue eyes became teary.
"Oh, Rin! I'm so sorry for everything you've been through! Oh, I just wish I could hug you! But since I can't, I'll just give you a virtual hug." Kagome sobbed and leaned forward to hug the
computer screen.
"Thanks, Kagome." The silly gesture warmed Rin's heart.
"Don't you ever hide things from me again!" Kagome wiped her eyes but smiled soon enough. "Makes sense now why you adore Sesshomaru's mother so much. The woman is like your fairy godmother."
"Yeah, I guess you could say that." Rin replied with a smile.
"So," Kagome said, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips. "Did Sesshomaru make out with you last night?"
"Kagome!" Rin glared, but felt her cheeks heat.
Kagome laughed. "I know. I just thought that maybe you'd remember some juicy details."
"There are none. Also, this will never happen again because I will not meet with him. I expect to help Kohaku on my own, figure out Tseng's role in this, find Sato and ask him why he did what he did. I-I just don't know what to do!"
Rin sighed heavily and let her head fall to the desk. She had just confided EVERYTHING to Kagome.
"Hey. Take it easy, Rin. Breathe, okay?" The blue eyed girl sounded worried and while Rin groaned in response, she was grateful for Kagome's shoulder.
A much overdue vent had been in order, especially after Sesshomaru had caused a huge rift in any plans she had been thinking up. His willingness to help her came as a not-so-pleasant surprise. How she managed to keep a calm and cool facade was beyond her... The whole time she had been on her toes, fearful to trip and fall. What if she'd let any information slip that would lead him to believe that she was his secretary? She couldn't imagine.
Thankfully he had been distracted enough not to ask very specific questions, but that alone had baffled her. Could a simple face mask have hidden so much of her true self? If only he had seen through the crack of the story she was weaving, she would have been in big trouble.
"Besides, it's not like he recognized you. Hm, although it does surprise me. The mask is one thing but your voice-"
Not yet looking at the screen, Rin waved a hand in the air. "I tried to sound different. Change the tone of my voice. Apparently it worked."
"Apparently. Even then his canine nose-"
"I was wearing a scent masking charm. You can get them online these days. Apparently that worked as well."
"Apparently, because if Sesshomaru found out it was you-"
"All hell would break loose! I know." Rin groaned loudly.
"Why don't you just come clean?" Kagome inquired.
Rin's head shot up and she glared again. "Sure, and tell him that I go around dressed like a fifty something old man because I don't want the Yakuza to notice me?"
"Hm." Kagome knit her brows and tapped a finger on her chin. "Why did you dress up as an old man?"
"When I turned eighteen, Kohaku and I decided to go to the casino, to celebrate by playing the slots and getting drunk. I soon learned that Yakuza and demons alike are hunting around for young girls to lure them into working for them. Promising them money and other gifts. Turned out many local girls ended up falling for their trap, because they don't have much going for them in the countryside. I wasn't ready to give up life, so I decided to go there in disguise each time. It kept the unwanted attention away from me."
"Hm, interesting." Kagome nodded.
"So, yeah. I'm so confused and unsure about everything."
"Don't be. Just go with the flow. Sesshomaru has a lot of connections that he could use to help you. I know you think he's a cold hearted snob - and he is - but he's offered to help you! Sesshomaru never helps - much less offers to help - anyone unless he thinks they're being genuine. Give him a chance, Rin. This may be your lucky break. You'll finally get to put the past to rest."
"I guess." Rin replied passively. Folding her arms on the table, she cradled her head in its folds.
In actuality, Sesshomaru hadn't really agreed to helping her, he had agreed to helping the mysterious woman of the night.
It would have been so much easier had he kissed her and gone his own way. She had been prepared for that but not the care and concern she saw in his eyes or the knight in shining armour routine.
"You know," Kagome began softly, "Sesshomaru helped me and Inuyasha through some of our tough times and never asked for anything in return. I bet he would have helped you even if he had found out the woman from last night was you. Sure he would have been upset, but he would have gotten over it. Much of his cold and harsh personality happened as a result of his divorce, but something tells me he won't be cold for long."
Peeking through her folded arms, Rin narrowed her eyes at her peculiarly cheery friend. She had too many conflicting feelings about Sesshomaru as it was, and the last thing she wanted to think about was how warm she had felt last night.
"I better get going, Kagome, the books won't put themselves away." Rin stated, choosing to end the topic.
"Okay. Keep in touch." Kagome replied with a wink.
To avoid letting her mind wander anymore, Rin busied herself with a pile of books lying on of the large tables and began organizing them. Many of them were dusty, so she took the end of her large sweater and wiped them clean before placing them back on the shelf. By the looks of it, they had been ignored for a good long while.
Pity, she mused. To have so many books, only to ignore them.
The meticulous task kept her hands busy and she refocused her thoughts on Sato Onigumo. He had been declared a dead man, but how was it that his body had not been his?
Could he be involved with the Yakuza? Even the Yakuza had many factions that didn't always get along. Perhaps Tseng owed another boss some money, and Sato had been working for him? Perhaps Tseng and Sato were in this together, but they hadn't counted on Rin and Kohaku being present during the heist and they were out to get them! There were too many possibilities and not enough evidence.
Rin continued to put the books away and worked hard not to let her thoughts stray back to Sesshomaru, and how he had willingly offered to help her. It wouldn't make sense that he help her purely because of attraction but what other reason could there be?
Rin gasped and a book fell out of her hand. The three others in the crook of her arm also followed in tow with their companion to the marble floor.
Instead of acting so silly, work on a way to use Sesshomaru's information to help Kohaku!
A three day wait was too long for her. The morgue was just a half hour's drive out of the gated community and she had no plans for tonight...
Master Jaken's voice echoed through the halls as he called her name. Putting the rest of the books away, Rin strode towards the hallway.
"Get dressed." Master Jaken informed her breathlessly. "Contractors. Library. Getting. Reno'd."
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"Scam-bait!?"
Inuyasha and Kouga exclaimed in unison over the video conference screen.
Sesshomaru closed his eyes and nodded solemnly. "Precisely. Inuyasha, you recall how we solved the case of the old man who lost $50,000 because of a scam investment fund? The setup will be exactly the same. You and Kouga will have to disguise yourselves as regular run-of-the-mill demons who have come across hard times and just won over $500,000 in the local lottery. If my hunch is right, this Sato Onigumo will come directly to us. I'll ask you to be cautious; he may or may not be using the same alias."
"Sato Onigumo..." Kouga mumbled, chewing on his signature pen while his fingers flew faster than lightning on the keyboard. Jerking back in confusion, the wolf demon blinked. "It says he died about six months back. But-" He continued typing on the keyboard and squinted his eyes. "-on the scheduled day of his cremation, his body went missing from the morgue?"
"Unlikely, because I'm certain the man is not dead." Sesshomaru tapped the tips of his fingers together and recalled not only that Rin had known Sato personally but that the mystery girl's friend also knew Sato; he could easily identify him. "Rin can identify what Sato looked like, and I have another source that I need to convince to help me."
"Another source?" The cut eye on Inuyasha's face was comical, but there was nothing in the least funny about this situation. "Who is it?"
"She's private but reliable. I need you to look up another name for me, a Yakuza member who goes by the name 'Tseng.' Search for gangs on the East side of town. Let me know what you find."
"You do know I run my own firm too, right?" Inuyasha clipped while taking notes in his diary.
"Indeed, and given your lack of business in the past six months, I'd say my offer is a much welcome reprieve from your usual boredom."
"You're paying me for this?" Inuyasha narrowed his eyes.
"In experience." Sesshomaru responded, but he quickly continued before Inuyasha could finish cursing. "Have you made any progress on Rin's case?"
Both Inuyasha and Kouga nodded.
"The girl's clean, boss." Kouga affirmed.
"As a whistle." Inuyasha added. "We haven't located who altered her government records to show that she had been incarcerated for over a year, but she was hardly there for the night until your mother bailed her out. She's been low key and working for you since."
"Hm." Sesshomaru felt an unprecedented anger rise up within him. Seeing the innocent being played for fools wasn't something that settled with him especially because he had the means and the know how to right wrongs. The key to finding Sato Onigumo was also the answer to Rin's past and setting it straight. Not to mention getting a certain lady out of harm's way.
A 'ding dong' sound made Sesshomaru snap his head to attention.
"Pizza's here!" Kouga flashed a toothy smile and disappeared.
"Ya know," Inuyasha began with furrowed brows and folded his arms across his chest, "Your ex kept ranting about something that rightfully belonged to her. Any clue what she's on about?"
"No." Sesshomaru replied effortlessly but shut his eyes while he searched his thoughts for anything that he had promised Kagura. Other than the promise to himself never to marry for foolish reasons again, there wasn't much else that came to mind.
"Hm. She sounded convinced that you kept it in your office in your 'other' safe. I thought you only had one safe in the office."
Sesshomaru breathed deeply through his nose and considered his options. Apart from being his half-brother, Inuyasha was also his attorney. The hanyou would have a conniption but it was better that he revealed everything. "A few months into our marriage and Kagura became concerned that she was having trouble conceiving. One of my specialists suggested options which required me to freeze my semen so that we could try alternative options."
"God damn it, Sesshomaru. Why didn't you tell me this before!?" Inuyasha burst out, lips thinned and eyes wide like saucers.
"In between begging her to share the marriage bed and signing the divorce papers, this wasn't something I wanted to remember!"
Before Sesshomaru realized just how much he'd disclosed, Kouga returned to the screen with a large pizza box. Inuyasha's face appeared solemn.
"So, we were talking something about a private source. Is it a woman?" Kouga wiggled his eyebrows and Inuyasha slapped him upside the head.
"Shut up will ya, Kouga? Sessh, we'll keep in touch."
Sesshomaru nodded and disconnected the video call.
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"I simply love this color, Rin. Don't you agree?"
With a meek smile, Rin studied herself in the bright fuchsia gown with gold trimmings and matching gold pumps. Overdressed was an understatement. Pink was not a color she was fond of. However, because Lady Inukimi was fussing over the fact that Rin only wore boring, drab colors, she had conceded.
From what Master Jaken had explained, she had to join them for an important meeting with contractors to renovate the library. To her surprise, they were now in a private boutique getting fitted for evening gowns instead. Master Jaken was nowhere in sight and Mara was standing quietly in the corner holding a tray of champagne in one hand. Her other arm was folded neatly behind her back.
When their gazes briefly met, Mara suppressed a giggle. Rin frowned slightly.
"Hai, Inukimi-sama. The gown is beautiful, but why do I have to wear it?" Rin inquired as the seamstress lifted her arms to shoulder length and continued taking more measurements.
"Well, because you'll be the star attraction of the night! My friends are dying to meet you! They're all such lovely people, really. You'll have a great time." The lady smiled brightly as an equally fashionable clerk, rivalling the lady in physique, clothes and shoes, brought three more gowns to show off.
"Star attraction?" Rin wasn't liking the direction of this topic.
"Oh, it's just a midsummer's party. Couple of beers, pizza and yummy gossip. You won't regret it! Well, then?" Lady Inukimi walked to her side, wearing a lovely dark green gown. "What's the verdict?"
Rin groaned.
"Whining won't get you out of this one, Rin." The lady intoned while showing particular affection for a midnight blue gown. "Besides, my friends are just old women with way too much time on their hands. And, you needn't worry a bit! Sesshomaru will be there keeping you company."
Rin visibly blanched to the point where the seamstress asked if she was alright. She had gone pale.
"Sesshomaru?" Rin said worriedly with a tinge of fear.
The lady nodded and held her face in both her hands. "I tend to get a bit carried away when I'm in a crowd, but I've told Sesshomaru to take care of you. So, don't fret, you'll be completely safe."
With a small smile, Rin nodded in response. Spending an evening with him was the last thing on her mind. She couldn't even imagine facing him now thanks to her dual personality!
"Excuse me, ma'am. These shoes are your size."
The lady shooed the clerk away and reached for the black pumps. "NO! No. I want the black ones."
"I would be happy to accompany you." Rin affirmed, at least attempting to salvage the situation. "But only if I pick the gown of my choosing."
The lady's face shone brightly in her direction and she clapped gleefully. "How lovely! You-" She pointed to the seamstress who froze on the spot and stared at her from the mirror. "Give the girl her choice of gowns as long as they're pink."
The old lady gave a curt nod and hooked her thumb in the direction of a hallway that looked like a nightmare. It was lined with hundreds of gowns in all shades of pink but Rin was too busy sulking to care.
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PLEASE READ AND REVIEW! MANY THANKS!
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Abstinence.
There had been a time when Sesshomaru would have cringed at the word. In his younger days, nothing had stopped him from having any woman he desired and with the least bit effort. So, how was this particular instance any different?
Barely a breath away from her soft pillow-like lips, luscious, full, and oh-so-willing, Sesshomaru hesitated.
With a deliciously squirming female in his arms, all he had to do was cover her mouth with his and she would completely give in to him. He knew by the sound of her breath and her rapidly beating heart that there was no resistance left in her.
Sesshomaru gave a low growl at the doubt lingering in his mind. Did he have the control needed to stop himself from taking things further? Even the most strong-willed of demons easily fell prey to a woman so willing to be mated.
Had he been the carefree youth of his younger years, he would have taken pleasure in the sweet delight in front of him. Perhaps age had changed him, because he did not trust himself with this beautiful seductress.
Shutting his eyes from the lovely woman in front of him yet still holding onto her arms, Sesshomaru pushed her away from him with a new acquired effort.
"Why are you out here?" Sesshomaru nearly croaked. His voice was broken and throaty, and he swallowed thickly. "Do you belong to the Yakuza?"
"Huh?" The girl said breathlessly and slowly opened her hooded eyes.
"The Yakuza." Trying to change the lilt of his voice was far more difficult than he'd imagined. "Do you belong to them?"
"I-I don't belong to the Yakuza." Came her mumbled reply. A cold wind had decided to make its entrance then, and it blew her cape away from her body, revealing two rosy, upright tips through her cotton tee shirt. It did not help his case in particular.
Sesshomaru cursed, and the girl knit her brows.
"Then why are you out here in the middle of the night? Practically naked!" With a sex-deprived demon just a few feet away from her. He didn't add that, of course.
With knitted brows, she wiggled herself completely free of his hold.
"I'm not naked!" She clipped, but tightened the cloak around herself like a cocoon. "Besides, what does it matter to you if I'm out here? It's a free country, isn't it?"
"What happens on my lands is very much my business. You're better off to come clean about whatever laws you were breaking, before I hand you over to the authorities."
The girls eyes widened like saucers; her mouth opened in an 'o' shape, but she quickly pursed her lips. The extent of her anger reflected in the bright red tint on her cheeks, and with a slight frown she turned her gaze way from him. "I didn't break any laws."
"Then you have nothing to hide." Sesshomaru remarked and watched her frown deepen.
"I'm here to help a friend." She said boldly and faced him. "But I don't want him or anyone else getting into any trouble."
"And this friend typically leaves you alone in the middle of the forest to strip naked in the dead hours of the night?" By the time Sesshomaru realized what his question had revealed, it was too late.
Her eyes widened.
"You were watching me!" She seethed but Sesshomaru cut her off easily.
"I chanced upon you on my usual rounds-"
"And practically seduced me!"
"You seemed willing enough!" Sesshomaru countered.
The girl opened her mouth but when no retort left her lips, she harrumphed and turned her back to him.
"Now, tell me what were you doing here?"
Silence ensued, and then there was a long sigh.
"Well?"
"Fine. I'll tell you, but you have to promise not to tell the authorities. I don't want my friend or the people I live with to get into trouble."
"You have my word." Since he was the point of authority in these lands, there was nothing for her to fear.
With most of her face covered due to the dark mask she wore, it was difficult to make out what she was fully thinking. But her eyes revealed more than the mask could hide; they were searching for something.
With a wave, Sesshomaru gestured in the direction of a comfortable log. Squinting her eyes in its direction, the girl nodded and made her way in the direction his hand had gestured. She sat first and he followed suit. Even though sitting next to her in his very aroused condition was not very comfortable.
"A friend of mine got into some trouble little over a year ago and his past has come back to haunt him. I came here tonight to listen to his part of the story and make sense of it all." She laughed dryly. "And prevent him from making any more mistakes."
Could it be a lover? Sesshomaru wondered.
"You two are intimate?" Sesshomaru bit his tongue but kept staring at the night sky. Chuckling softly, she shook her head.
"No. We're just good friends. I've known him since I was eight."
Sesshomaru nodded.
"Did his trouble involve a local gang or one of the demon clans?" Sesshomaru prodded. If the boy was local he would either have gotten into trouble with one of the gangs or some wealthy demon family. The girl hesitated again, and more silence ensued for several moments. He was getting warmer.
"Not a gang, per se, a gang member is more like it." The girl tucked some stray curls behind her ear. "Listen, I know I've said it before, but I don't-"
"Want to get him into trouble. You can trust me."
"What makes you think I'll tell you the truth?"
"Try me." Sesshomaru responded, confident that he would catch her in a lie if she dared try.
A slight groan escaped her pouty mouth before she sighed and continued. "Over a year ago, my friend, with the help of someone named Sato Onigumo, won a few tables at the Starlight Casino. Before he could walk out with the money, a group of Yakuza run by a redhead named Tseng captured him- but Sato managed to escape. They wouldn't let him walk out alive with the money in hand because they claimed Sato owed them favors. With Sato gone, they forced my friend to do odd jobs for them, otherwise, they would take his life."
The girl paused, but only for a minute.
"He remains in their iron grip to this day. It had been a while since I last heard from my friend so when he called, I was glad to know he was doing well. Most of our friends have moved on, but it's nice that he keeps in touch. At his request, I came to meet him at the casino but I had no idea of the trouble he was in until just now."
As with most cases that involved Yakuza-run operations, the boy's case was no exception. The overlapping of Sato's presence in both her and Rin's story could not be left unnoticed, although he hadn't noticed until now that her scent was thoroughly masked.
"How do you expect to help your friend in all of this?" Sesshomaru inquired. There was little she could accomplish herself, with the exception of hacking into the government database.
The girl pursed her lips and knit her brows in concentration. "I don't have a plan just yet, but I was thinking about accessing the police database to find anything I can on Sato Onigumo. Cross reference his name with any scams that took place out of town, maybe expand my search for his name in other states. Past that, I'm not sure what to do."
As he'd expected.
Sesshomaru faced the full moon and thought for a moment about his options. There was no deception or trickery in the girl's eyes, and he found himself admiring that about her. Although, leaving her to her own methods to help her misguided friend was not something that settled well with him. The girl was crafty, but at heart, an innocent to have so openly confided in him that she was going to hack into the police database. Releasing a deep breath, Sesshomaru shrugged.
"I believe we may be dealing with the likes of an expert scammer. This isn't the first I've heard of Sato Onigumo scamming an innocent, and something tells me it won't be the last."
"It may be the last time he uses his name." She said and rested her chin on her knees.
"What do you mean?"
"My friend heard that Sato had recently passed away. But, when he went to the morgue, the face he saw didn't resemble Sato's. This leads me to believe that perhaps Sato is done with his alias. I'm beginning to think that maybe the morgue could provide me with some more information."
Interesting development, Sesshomaru mused.
"What about your friend? Will he be joining you?"
The girl shook her head. "Tseng's men watch over him like hawks. He can't leave his place without reporting to them directly first."
"He didn't seem to be followed tonight."
"No, we managed to sneak out of the casino undetected."
The Yakuza never take their eyes off their prey. Sesshomaru mulled but kept his doubts to himself for now. The girl cared very much for her friend and while he was clearly intrigued by her, it was the challenge of the case that had him wanting to solve it even more. Details were needed starting with her name and whereabouts, for purely investigative purposes.
"You haven't told me your name yet."
The girl visibly tensed. "I-I can't tell you that."
Sesshomaru looked away casually.
"Do you live nearby?"
Releasing a long breath, the girl nodded. "Yes, just west of here- at one of the estates."
Well within his reach.
Along with his mother, only three other powerful demon clans shared the lands here while everyone else either worked for them or the Yakuza. She clearly didn't work for the Yakuza, which made him wonder if she worked for one of those demon families.
"It must be lonely living by yourself."
"I'm hardly lonely." The girl's eyes lit up just slightly. "My mistress is a lovely, generous lady who lets me out anytime I wish. Everyone else is also kind and helpful; they make me feel like I live at home, even though I don't really have a home of my own."
Immediately, his mother's soiree came to mind. It would be the perfect opportunity to meet with the girl and get to know her on a more personal level. Admittedly, his preferred idea of 'personal' was more hands-on but that would come with time. "Is that why you were wearing a disguise when you got out of the car?"
The girl nodded. "If anyone recognized me, they could use me to get money from my mistress. I couldn't possibly cause her so much trouble, so I have to take every precaution possible. Even though we're not related by blood, I think of the lady as my own mother."
Every precaution including masking her scent. "How long have you known her?"
"Not very long," the girl smiled softly, "but it seems like a lifetime."
"Hm." Sesshomaru leaned back on his arms. With his background, he could make a rock confess its name to him; however, he knew the crafty girl in front of him would recede into her shell if he pushed her too hard. Her devotion to her mistress was strong.
"I'll help you." He finally said, but instead of a bright smile, he received a shocked expression in return.
"B-but why? I never asked for it."The girl deadpanned.
Taken aback at her reaction, Sesshomaru scratched the back of his head. He'd gravely underestimated her. Given his deduction of her personality, she would have risen up to the offer of accepting his help. Perhaps she wasn't as innocent as she appeared to be, which made him question her age. Exactly how young was she? At least in her early twenties by his estimation.
Using a different tact, Sesshomaru sniffed and gave her a sly look. "I'm offering because hacking government network systems is illegal. Second, no morgue will give you any information unless you're a police officer or family member. Third, apart from your understanding of this 'Tseng' fellow, you have absolutely no idea how dangerous he is. For all you know, he and his gang are waiting for you to go around asking questions about Sato Onigumo so they could pounce on you and hold you captive for money. I assume your friend is the only one who's told you his side of the story?"
With her gaze cast on some unknown object on the dew covered grass, the girl worriedly chewing on her lower lip but remained quiet.
"What if he made up a lie to get you into trouble for him? While you're busy helping him, he may connect the clues, find Sato, and hand you over to the Yakuza instead."
At this point, Sesshomaru knew he was pushing his luck, and he was ready for the girl to throw a fit and defend her friend. What followed was - again - totally unexpected.
Unfazed at his apparent questioning, the girl silently stood up and walked away from him. "You don't know me or my friend. I trust him fully, and that's all that matters. I don't want you to be involved in something that doesn't concern you."
If there was such a thing as 'immediate attraction', Sesshomaru felt it hit him like a ton of bricks. Her cool, calm attitude was one to rival his own, and Sesshomaru couldn't help but smirk. The girl was exceptionally beautiful, kind, caring and stubborn. The fact that she so easily rejected him and his offer to help was titillating.
"It bears me to repeat that whatever happens on my lands is completely my concern. If there's a villain going around making lives miserable for the residents of this valley, it's my right to investigate it and set things right." Sesshomaru got up himself and walked in the direction of where the girl was standing. A solemn look on her face as though deep in thought.
She breathed in deeply, and his eyes immediately travelled to the fullness of her bodice, rising and falling in tandem with her breath. "I still don't think it's a good idea."
"We'll just have to wait and find out then." Sesshomaru replied.
The girl became completely silent, and her eyes held a faraway look in them as though she was weighing the pros and cons of his offer.
"Is there anything you need me to do?" She inquired with those full, pouty lips. Quietly and purposefully.
Yes, but not quite yet. Sesshomaru crossed his arms over his chest and looked in the direction of the country road, finding it strange that no cars had yet passed.
"We need to establish a meeting place." Sesshomaru asserted. "Is this spot good enough?"
"It's fine." She replied. "But when will we meet again? What should I do to help in the meantime?"
"Nothing." Sesshomaru responded. The girl frowned again. "For now." Her frown vanished. "I need time to think out our terms if we are to be working together. My colleagues have some very good connections, but they are known to be cunning and at times problematic, so I need you to leave me to my devices. Can I trust you to trust me?"
After a moment's hesitation, the girl nodded.
"Good. Meet me here three days from now and I'll let you know what I've learned. Can I count on you to share whatever new information you come across?"
Cocking one finely shaped brow, the girl seemed to study him hard before walking past him with a non-committal 'sure'.
"Good. Do you need me to walk back with you?"
As expected, she declined and turned her back to him to collect her bag. "No, thanks."
Sesshomaru did not agree but remained silent.
With a keen eye, Sesshomaru watched as she lifted the small backpack and slipped the left arm through it first before slipping the other and hopping slightly so the bag rested comfortably on her back.
"I'll get going then." She announced and waited for his nod before she turned and walked into the bushes.
Once the girl was out of sight, Sesshomaru took to a tree top and followed her until she reached the bright lights of the Yakuza-free fenced community. Had he not been wearing his all black outfit, he would have followed her through the large gates. However, that would mean he had to risk being seen by the other families and that was something he was not ready to do.
Sesshomaru waited long minutes, making sure the girl's silhouette disappeared safely in the direction of her estate before making his way towards the Starlight Casino. At least now he had a name to watch out for when he was there.
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"What is your take on this, Sesshomaru-sama?"
Expertly twirling his pen in his fingers, Sesshomaru sighed heavily. Deciding it was time to rid his thoughts of the lovely forest nymph, Sesshomaru placed his pen on the desk, leaned back in his chair, and shut his eyes to gather his thoughts.
As expected of an accountant from his firm, Naraku had a notable knack for details. However, something seemed off about these phantom bank withdrawals.
"Exactly when did the first transaction take place, Naraku?" Ignoring the disapproving look from his mother, he kept his gaze firm on the projection screen. He was unprepared but that wasn't his fault... well, not entirely.
"One month ago, sir, and the same day every week after that. What I find peculiar is that this person only seems to be withdrawing in batches of $10,000 dollars and nothing more."
"Hm. Our daily withdrawal limit from this particular account is also $10,000." Sesshomaru stated and placed his fingers together as he often did in a pensive mood.
With furrowed brows, Naraku nodded. "The intruder seems to know more about the account than he or she lets on."
"Has the bank's IT department been able to track where the funds had been transferred?"
Naraku adjusted his glasses and shuffled through his pile of papers. "They had tracked the funds to an obsolete account, Sir. It had belonged to one late Sato Onigumo. The bank was able to trace the anomaly of how such an account was authorized to one of the operations managers at head office, and he is currently under investigation by the national police. Past that, the bank is unable to provide us with further information at this time. Although there is some comfort in knowing the bank owner has personally apologized for the odd nature of this unprecedented event and has willingly reimbursed us."
What may appear peaceful and serene to the untrained eye was a storm of immense proportions brewing behind Sesshomaru's shut lids as he delved into his thoughts.
The funds for this account were originally a joint venture between him and his then wife - Kagura. After the divorce, she had fought long and hard to win over an alimony that would keep her sustained for the rest of her life and drain him of his earnings as long as he lived. With cutthroat associates like Kouga and his half-brother by his side, there was little Kagura had squeezed out of him. Without batting a lash, he moved his portion of the funds into a private overseas account while Kagura took her half and left. Even if the woman held a grudge against him for not winning over the alimony, he did not think she had the resources to tap into one of his many overseas accounts.
If there was one truth that Sesshomaru believed in more than anything, it was simply that there were no coincidences. Everything happened for a reason. As such, it was no coincidence that this Sato Onigumo's name had come up three times in less than two days by three completely unrelated sources. First by Rin, second by the enchantress, and third in the form of a phantom bank account holder. This man was definitely a criminal mastermind.
A bad feeling surfaced within him, and for a moment he wondered if there was a connection between Kagura and Sato Onigumo. He would be speculating and that wouldn't do any good. Evidence was vital, but first he needed to connect the dots.
"Close the account and move the funds. There is little we can do now except save ourselves from being hit again." Sesshomaru ordered. There was little he could do from his mother's estate. But, that wouldn't stop him from giving Kouga and Inuyasha a small task to accomplish, which involved a meeting with the bank's branch manager to deliver a message that more accurately expressed his thoughts on the matter.
Both Naraku and his mother nodded their approval. As Naraku continued to read other semi-annual reports, his mother swiftly turned on the mute button on the speakerphone.
Keeping her eyes on her laptop screen, she lifted a questioning brow. "Are you sure that this is the work of some common thief?"
"I have my doubts, but we have to let the police do their job." Sesshomaru shrugged.
Rolling her eyes to the heavens, his mother looked at him sheepishly. "You mean to tell me that this entire incident doesn't strike you in the least bit odd?"
"It is odd, mother, and highly unsettling. But I'm not about to intercede the police; they have to do their jobs first." Sesshomaru reaffirmed. The last thing he needed was his mother intervening in his investigation. As had been the case for the past several hundred years, she would continue to remain unaware of his other self and his activities.
Disapprovingly shaking her head, his mother sighed deeply and unmuted the speakers.
"Will that be all, Sir? Madam?" Naraku asked, to which his mother simply nodded.
"Thank you, Naraku."
"That'll be all." Sesshomaru replied and leaned forward to disconnect the video conference with his accountant.
Despite having so much to do, Sesshomaru held back his excitement. There was a certain thrill that came with being a hands-on detective- a thrill he had been craving for a long time.
Now was his chance to get back in the game.
Patience, he reminded himself. As a temporary distraction, he decided to do some light reading before going back to his room for much needed sleep. There was much to be accomplished tonight.
"How is Rin making out?" Lady Inukimi inquired as she grabbed a random ledger and busied herself with going over its contents. He doubted it was for the actual purpose of balancing his books, however.
"She's not very technical." Sesshomaru responded, going over Rin's report, his expert eyes easily finding several common errors. What would have easily aggravated him in the past made him feel somewhat concerned for the girl. With her sordid past and hardships, she'd never had many opportunities.
"You just need to get used to working with her, koinu. Did I tell you she fixed my dress last night? Oh! It fit on me like a second skin. Not to mention her knack for picking the right colors is just wonderful! I was the belle of the ball last night at the opera."
"Surely, it wasn't just the opera that had you seeing stars." Sesshomaru remarked, and his mother had the decency to blush. Clearly the lady had had a very good time.
"The caller was bearable." His mother shrugged impassively, and whatever giddiness she felt was hidden behind an unflappable facade. "Anyway, why don't you work with her instead of just giving her things to do? Mentor her a bit? Rin works better one-on-one."
"At this rate, I have no choice. Especially if she'll go around rearranging the library on company time." Sesshomaru grumbled.
"Is that right?" Eyes wide like saucers in excitement, his mother's mood had changed like the wind. "It's about time that boring old place received a woman's touch."
"Mother, it's not what you think-"
"I'll hear nothing of it, Sesshomaru! The library is in dire need of a serious makeover." The deadset look on his mother's face was addling.
"You misunderstand-"
"Jaken!" She yelled over her shoulder. She had picked up her laptop and was about to head out, but the annoying toad demon appeared at her feet.
"My lady." He bowed, breathless from his quick run.
"Ready the Royce. The library's being reno'd, and we need to meet with the contractors. Bring Rin with you." The lady picked up her belongings and hurried out the conference room, leaving a trail of flying papers everywhere and the kappa at her heels.
Before he had a chance to explain that a change in decor was not the cause of his vexation, the lady had disappeared well out of his sight.
Setting his gaze on the pile of papers in front of him, he opened another draft letter and resumed his task of correcting Rin's mistakes. As his eyes drooped shut, he remembered that sleep was not the only thing on his priority list; he had yet to go over Kouga's findings on Rin's case. The girl had a good heart, but why she had to rearrange his books was beyond him.
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The first few hours in the library hadn't been nearly as fruitful as she had hoped. Memories of the incomplete kiss became very complete in her dreams; therefore, sleep had been close to impossible. Heck, she was exhausted.
Drafting letters for the firm's clients was a nightmare. Distraction was the understatement of the year; she had no semblance of concentration and, hence, decided she could care less if she made a million mistakes. She groaned; that would earn her a biting lecture from the one person she had been avoiding all day. Leaving all her paperwork in the conference room for review, she had rushed back to the library to video chat with Kagome.
"... And now I'm here." Rin sighed in exasperation and looked intently at her friend's sympathetic face. Not a moment later, Kagome's big blue eyes became teary.
"Oh, Rin! I'm so sorry for everything you've been through! Oh, I just wish I could hug you! But since I can't, I'll just give you a virtual hug." Kagome sobbed and leaned forward to hug the
computer screen.
"Thanks, Kagome." The silly gesture warmed Rin's heart.
"Don't you ever hide things from me again!" Kagome wiped her eyes but smiled soon enough. "Makes sense now why you adore Sesshomaru's mother so much. The woman is like your fairy godmother."
"Yeah, I guess you could say that." Rin replied with a smile.
"So," Kagome said, a mischievous smirk playing on her lips. "Did Sesshomaru make out with you last night?"
"Kagome!" Rin glared, but felt her cheeks heat.
Kagome laughed. "I know. I just thought that maybe you'd remember some juicy details."
"There are none. Also, this will never happen again because I will not meet with him. I expect to help Kohaku on my own, figure out Tseng's role in this, find Sato and ask him why he did what he did. I-I just don't know what to do!"
Rin sighed heavily and let her head fall to the desk. She had just confided EVERYTHING to Kagome.
"Hey. Take it easy, Rin. Breathe, okay?" The blue eyed girl sounded worried and while Rin groaned in response, she was grateful for Kagome's shoulder.
A much overdue vent had been in order, especially after Sesshomaru had caused a huge rift in any plans she had been thinking up. His willingness to help her came as a not-so-pleasant surprise. How she managed to keep a calm and cool facade was beyond her... The whole time she had been on her toes, fearful to trip and fall. What if she'd let any information slip that would lead him to believe that she was his secretary? She couldn't imagine.
Thankfully he had been distracted enough not to ask very specific questions, but that alone had baffled her. Could a simple face mask have hidden so much of her true self? If only he had seen through the crack of the story she was weaving, she would have been in big trouble.
"Besides, it's not like he recognized you. Hm, although it does surprise me. The mask is one thing but your voice-"
Not yet looking at the screen, Rin waved a hand in the air. "I tried to sound different. Change the tone of my voice. Apparently it worked."
"Apparently. Even then his canine nose-"
"I was wearing a scent masking charm. You can get them online these days. Apparently that worked as well."
"Apparently, because if Sesshomaru found out it was you-"
"All hell would break loose! I know." Rin groaned loudly.
"Why don't you just come clean?" Kagome inquired.
Rin's head shot up and she glared again. "Sure, and tell him that I go around dressed like a fifty something old man because I don't want the Yakuza to notice me?"
"Hm." Kagome knit her brows and tapped a finger on her chin. "Why did you dress up as an old man?"
"When I turned eighteen, Kohaku and I decided to go to the casino, to celebrate by playing the slots and getting drunk. I soon learned that Yakuza and demons alike are hunting around for young girls to lure them into working for them. Promising them money and other gifts. Turned out many local girls ended up falling for their trap, because they don't have much going for them in the countryside. I wasn't ready to give up life, so I decided to go there in disguise each time. It kept the unwanted attention away from me."
"Hm, interesting." Kagome nodded.
"So, yeah. I'm so confused and unsure about everything."
"Don't be. Just go with the flow. Sesshomaru has a lot of connections that he could use to help you. I know you think he's a cold hearted snob - and he is - but he's offered to help you! Sesshomaru never helps - much less offers to help - anyone unless he thinks they're being genuine. Give him a chance, Rin. This may be your lucky break. You'll finally get to put the past to rest."
"I guess." Rin replied passively. Folding her arms on the table, she cradled her head in its folds.
In actuality, Sesshomaru hadn't really agreed to helping her, he had agreed to helping the mysterious woman of the night.
It would have been so much easier had he kissed her and gone his own way. She had been prepared for that but not the care and concern she saw in his eyes or the knight in shining armour routine.
"You know," Kagome began softly, "Sesshomaru helped me and Inuyasha through some of our tough times and never asked for anything in return. I bet he would have helped you even if he had found out the woman from last night was you. Sure he would have been upset, but he would have gotten over it. Much of his cold and harsh personality happened as a result of his divorce, but something tells me he won't be cold for long."
Peeking through her folded arms, Rin narrowed her eyes at her peculiarly cheery friend. She had too many conflicting feelings about Sesshomaru as it was, and the last thing she wanted to think about was how warm she had felt last night.
"I better get going, Kagome, the books won't put themselves away." Rin stated, choosing to end the topic.
"Okay. Keep in touch." Kagome replied with a wink.
To avoid letting her mind wander anymore, Rin busied herself with a pile of books lying on of the large tables and began organizing them. Many of them were dusty, so she took the end of her large sweater and wiped them clean before placing them back on the shelf. By the looks of it, they had been ignored for a good long while.
Pity, she mused. To have so many books, only to ignore them.
The meticulous task kept her hands busy and she refocused her thoughts on Sato Onigumo. He had been declared a dead man, but how was it that his body had not been his?
Could he be involved with the Yakuza? Even the Yakuza had many factions that didn't always get along. Perhaps Tseng owed another boss some money, and Sato had been working for him? Perhaps Tseng and Sato were in this together, but they hadn't counted on Rin and Kohaku being present during the heist and they were out to get them! There were too many possibilities and not enough evidence.
Rin continued to put the books away and worked hard not to let her thoughts stray back to Sesshomaru, and how he had willingly offered to help her. It wouldn't make sense that he help her purely because of attraction but what other reason could there be?
Rin gasped and a book fell out of her hand. The three others in the crook of her arm also followed in tow with their companion to the marble floor.
Instead of acting so silly, work on a way to use Sesshomaru's information to help Kohaku!
A three day wait was too long for her. The morgue was just a half hour's drive out of the gated community and she had no plans for tonight...
Master Jaken's voice echoed through the halls as he called her name. Putting the rest of the books away, Rin strode towards the hallway.
"Get dressed." Master Jaken informed her breathlessly. "Contractors. Library. Getting. Reno'd."
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"Scam-bait!?"
Inuyasha and Kouga exclaimed in unison over the video conference screen.
Sesshomaru closed his eyes and nodded solemnly. "Precisely. Inuyasha, you recall how we solved the case of the old man who lost $50,000 because of a scam investment fund? The setup will be exactly the same. You and Kouga will have to disguise yourselves as regular run-of-the-mill demons who have come across hard times and just won over $500,000 in the local lottery. If my hunch is right, this Sato Onigumo will come directly to us. I'll ask you to be cautious; he may or may not be using the same alias."
"Sato Onigumo..." Kouga mumbled, chewing on his signature pen while his fingers flew faster than lightning on the keyboard. Jerking back in confusion, the wolf demon blinked. "It says he died about six months back. But-" He continued typing on the keyboard and squinted his eyes. "-on the scheduled day of his cremation, his body went missing from the morgue?"
"Unlikely, because I'm certain the man is not dead." Sesshomaru tapped the tips of his fingers together and recalled not only that Rin had known Sato personally but that the mystery girl's friend also knew Sato; he could easily identify him. "Rin can identify what Sato looked like, and I have another source that I need to convince to help me."
"Another source?" The cut eye on Inuyasha's face was comical, but there was nothing in the least funny about this situation. "Who is it?"
"She's private but reliable. I need you to look up another name for me, a Yakuza member who goes by the name 'Tseng.' Search for gangs on the East side of town. Let me know what you find."
"You do know I run my own firm too, right?" Inuyasha clipped while taking notes in his diary.
"Indeed, and given your lack of business in the past six months, I'd say my offer is a much welcome reprieve from your usual boredom."
"You're paying me for this?" Inuyasha narrowed his eyes.
"In experience." Sesshomaru responded, but he quickly continued before Inuyasha could finish cursing. "Have you made any progress on Rin's case?"
Both Inuyasha and Kouga nodded.
"The girl's clean, boss." Kouga affirmed.
"As a whistle." Inuyasha added. "We haven't located who altered her government records to show that she had been incarcerated for over a year, but she was hardly there for the night until your mother bailed her out. She's been low key and working for you since."
"Hm." Sesshomaru felt an unprecedented anger rise up within him. Seeing the innocent being played for fools wasn't something that settled with him especially because he had the means and the know how to right wrongs. The key to finding Sato Onigumo was also the answer to Rin's past and setting it straight. Not to mention getting a certain lady out of harm's way.
A 'ding dong' sound made Sesshomaru snap his head to attention.
"Pizza's here!" Kouga flashed a toothy smile and disappeared.
"Ya know," Inuyasha began with furrowed brows and folded his arms across his chest, "Your ex kept ranting about something that rightfully belonged to her. Any clue what she's on about?"
"No." Sesshomaru replied effortlessly but shut his eyes while he searched his thoughts for anything that he had promised Kagura. Other than the promise to himself never to marry for foolish reasons again, there wasn't much else that came to mind.
"Hm. She sounded convinced that you kept it in your office in your 'other' safe. I thought you only had one safe in the office."
Sesshomaru breathed deeply through his nose and considered his options. Apart from being his half-brother, Inuyasha was also his attorney. The hanyou would have a conniption but it was better that he revealed everything. "A few months into our marriage and Kagura became concerned that she was having trouble conceiving. One of my specialists suggested options which required me to freeze my semen so that we could try alternative options."
"God damn it, Sesshomaru. Why didn't you tell me this before!?" Inuyasha burst out, lips thinned and eyes wide like saucers.
"In between begging her to share the marriage bed and signing the divorce papers, this wasn't something I wanted to remember!"
Before Sesshomaru realized just how much he'd disclosed, Kouga returned to the screen with a large pizza box. Inuyasha's face appeared solemn.
"So, we were talking something about a private source. Is it a woman?" Kouga wiggled his eyebrows and Inuyasha slapped him upside the head.
"Shut up will ya, Kouga? Sessh, we'll keep in touch."
Sesshomaru nodded and disconnected the video call.
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"I simply love this color, Rin. Don't you agree?"
With a meek smile, Rin studied herself in the bright fuchsia gown with gold trimmings and matching gold pumps. Overdressed was an understatement. Pink was not a color she was fond of. However, because Lady Inukimi was fussing over the fact that Rin only wore boring, drab colors, she had conceded.
From what Master Jaken had explained, she had to join them for an important meeting with contractors to renovate the library. To her surprise, they were now in a private boutique getting fitted for evening gowns instead. Master Jaken was nowhere in sight and Mara was standing quietly in the corner holding a tray of champagne in one hand. Her other arm was folded neatly behind her back.
When their gazes briefly met, Mara suppressed a giggle. Rin frowned slightly.
"Hai, Inukimi-sama. The gown is beautiful, but why do I have to wear it?" Rin inquired as the seamstress lifted her arms to shoulder length and continued taking more measurements.
"Well, because you'll be the star attraction of the night! My friends are dying to meet you! They're all such lovely people, really. You'll have a great time." The lady smiled brightly as an equally fashionable clerk, rivalling the lady in physique, clothes and shoes, brought three more gowns to show off.
"Star attraction?" Rin wasn't liking the direction of this topic.
"Oh, it's just a midsummer's party. Couple of beers, pizza and yummy gossip. You won't regret it! Well, then?" Lady Inukimi walked to her side, wearing a lovely dark green gown. "What's the verdict?"
Rin groaned.
"Whining won't get you out of this one, Rin." The lady intoned while showing particular affection for a midnight blue gown. "Besides, my friends are just old women with way too much time on their hands. And, you needn't worry a bit! Sesshomaru will be there keeping you company."
Rin visibly blanched to the point where the seamstress asked if she was alright. She had gone pale.
"Sesshomaru?" Rin said worriedly with a tinge of fear.
The lady nodded and held her face in both her hands. "I tend to get a bit carried away when I'm in a crowd, but I've told Sesshomaru to take care of you. So, don't fret, you'll be completely safe."
With a small smile, Rin nodded in response. Spending an evening with him was the last thing on her mind. She couldn't even imagine facing him now thanks to her dual personality!
"Excuse me, ma'am. These shoes are your size."
The lady shooed the clerk away and reached for the black pumps. "NO! No. I want the black ones."
"I would be happy to accompany you." Rin affirmed, at least attempting to salvage the situation. "But only if I pick the gown of my choosing."
The lady's face shone brightly in her direction and she clapped gleefully. "How lovely! You-" She pointed to the seamstress who froze on the spot and stared at her from the mirror. "Give the girl her choice of gowns as long as they're pink."
The old lady gave a curt nod and hooked her thumb in the direction of a hallway that looked like a nightmare. It was lined with hundreds of gowns in all shades of pink but Rin was too busy sulking to care.
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PLEASE READ AND REVIEW! MANY THANKS!
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