Reminder of the Heart: A Detective's Case - Chapter 4

Jun waited for Sho’s response as a week passed by. When he wasn’t interviewing Mao’s family members and their family’s workers, he was spending time with Mao, monitoring her calls and e-mails. There was nothing suspicious while he was there.

“This is bizarre. Once I arrived here, it stopped. I wonder if it’s because I took off the tap there.” Jun said as he looked over Mao’s shoulders.

Mao blushed because Jun was close to her, “Maybe it was the wire that was installed. Ever since you took it off, I haven’t received anything yet. I talked to Shun about it, too. He’s saying that’s unusual. That would mean the person would have my address and everything though.”

“Yeah… it’s strange.” He looked a bit closer for any encryptions around the computer screen.

“Well, maybe he’s done and didn’t want to-“

Jun cut her off and saw an e-mail sent to her by the same person, “Click on this.” He pointed to the e-mail.

Mao clicked onto the e-mail and it stated:

Subject: You can’t hide

I see you have someone there protecting you, my precious. You can’t hide from me. I may not have the tap now, but I have all your information with me at this time. Too bad I can’t make phone calls to you since you’re home number seems to constantly change everyday. That’s good work with the Witness Protection Program.

“He never gave me a detailed e-mail like this before.” Mao re-read it again.

“Well, we know now that he knows everything about you.” Jun tapped his chin. “He did his research which impresses me.”

“Who cares! This guy is e-mailing me these messages and you’re impressed with it?!?!!?” Mao exclaimed.

“Calm down…” he sighed and looked over the e-mail again.

Mao calmed down and was more scared than frustrated about the situation because it was getting worse. She didn’t want Jun to how she felt because she was used to hiding her emotions from people.

“We’ll have to get to the bottom of this fast. I wonder if he will come after you soon because he knows where you live. It seems he may have an extended plan, though which is odd. I better call Sho now.” He left the room and went outside into the apartment hall. ~ You better answer Sho… ~ He took out his cellphone from his pocket and dialed his number.

Ringing…. Ringing…. Ringing…. ~ I wonder if he’s busy still working on this. ~ He wondered.

Mao looked at the clock and decided to make lunch. ~ What a Saturday! I’m stuck here with Detective Jun. I can’t even get more information about him because he’s been near me the WHOLE time. So frustrating… ~ She got up from her seat and heard the phone. ~ Oh, it must be my parents returning my call. ~ Looking over the phone, she didn’t recognize the number but answered it anyways.

“Hello?” She responded.

“Ah. I get to speak with you this time instead of leaving a message.” The person replied with a disguised voice.

“What the… who are you?” She demanded.

“You don’t remember? I left all those messages before. It was hard to track this number down to finally reach you.” There was a chuckle after.

“Why are you doing this?” She was upset because she knew the person wanted to go after her parents more. Jun walked back into the apartment at that point and wondered who Mao was speaking to. From the tone of voice, it sounded like the perpetrator. He quickly ran next to her to listen on the conversation. Mao was relieved to have him by her side.

“Well, isn’t it obvious? You’re a catch and I’m surprised no man has touched you.” He laughed.

She gulped but was aggravated at this point, “Why don’t you be more direct then, you asshole? You have no right to speak to me in that manner!”

~ Calm down, Mao… crap… just keep him talking… ~ Jun thought and put his hands on her shoulders.

“Don’t speak like that. It makes you unattractive. Besides, if I give everything away, you’re going to report it to your new bodyguard, right? I don’t want that to happen. Who knows… he’s probably next to you, huh?”

Mao wanted to tear him apart but if she reacted more, it would add fuel to the fire, “Fine. I read your current e-mail. What do you want from me?”

Jun saw her expression from being mad to calm in seconds because she knew that he wouldn’t say anything to her if she continued to yell at the person. ~ Impressive. I wonder if this guy will stop soon. I wonder if I have the device that Sho gave to me… ~ He quickly went back to his and checked his bags. “Got it!” After picking up the device, he ran back to her apartment, quietly attached the device to the phone and started recording the conversation. After, he whispered to Mao in the other ear, “Keep him talking.” Sitting down on the couch, he pulled out his laptop and started to track his call.

“What do I want? Well, once I have you, I will tell you.”

“You want to capture me, have your way and then give ransom to my parents?” She sat down on the couch, looking at Jun’s laptop.

“Hhhm… that’s an easy deduction but it’s really not that simple. You see, I’ve been through a lot. I want my revenge but I also want what I desire.” He slyly responded.

“Then why go through the trouble of trying to get to me?” She had to keep him talking.

~ Just about 1 more minute and then I can figure out where he is…. ~ Jun nervously thought.

“Well, my first intentions were not to capture you but when I researched further, I was more curious about you. I can tell that you’ve never been touched and you’re very beautiful. So I must have you in all costs.”

“Ugh. I guess being direct is good, but you’re very disgusting.” She wanted to get off the phone now and vomit because he was making her uncomfortable.

“Hhhmm… looks like my time is up. I have this feeling I’m being tracked and well, someone found me. I will talk to you soon, my precious.” The phone disconnected.

June received the signal before the person hung up. “Interesting. This district is in the hotel district in downtown Tokyo.”

Mao looked over at Jun and paled.

Jun noticed it, “You ok?”

“I hope to not answer the phone again. I…” She put her arms around herself and her eyes started to tear up.

“I’m sorry to have you do what you did.” He couldn’t figure out what else to say and pulled her into his arms for a hug. She stayed quiet and put her arms around him.

~ This feels good. His arms are strong like he really wants to protect me. ~

He had his own thoughts, ~ Well, it’s been a while since I comforted a girl. Mao makes me feel this way… the way I was with Yukie… why? ~

Mao broke the hug away, “Thank you. I know you’re doing your job and I’m glad to help out in anyway. I feel uncomfortable after what the person said. So, please don’t apologize.”

He nodded, “I will find him and arrest him for making you feel that way. Will you be okay while I’m gone, looking for him?”

“Yes. Can I have one request then?”

“Sure. What is it, Mao?”

“Please don’t get killed and call me if you find anything.” She stood up and went over to the kitchen.

He stood up as well, “I won’t and I will call you to check up.” An idea popped in his head. “I also have a good idea as well. I will be right back.” He ran out to his next door apartment.

Mao sighed and took out ingredients for a sandwich. She began talking to herself, “Why is he so attractive? He was a jerk at first, but now, he’s pleasant. I’m glad he’s here…” A smile formed on her lips.

Jun came back with a stun gun and a standard pistol in his hands. “If anything happens, use these for your protection.” He explained how to use the stun gun to her.

“Okay. Thank you very much.” She bowed to him as respect.

“Don’t bow. I’m not your family.” He laughed.

“I’m sorry.” She blushed and continued to make her sandwich.

“Call me if you feel uncomfortable, okay? If I don’t answer, leave a message so I can call back.” He patted her on the head with a smile. She nodded as her smile widened.