Chapter 4: Mystery
1165 Words
Zoe was exhausted when she started her shift. She been up most of the night, but she had achieved what they had set out to do. The only downside was that she looked like a complete wacko to the Akihiko man! “Well, I doubt I get a second date and it is just as well” Zoe thought as she brushed her hair back. She said hi to Jo and started her shift.
Half way through her shift Maria came with a coffee.
“My God Maria, you are a Saint!” Zoe said
“I know! You look exhausted, did you stay up all night with that handsome Japanese man from yesterday” Maria said with a wink.
“Trust me, I don’t think there will be a second date anytime soon” Zoe said With a sad sigh.
“I would not count on it if I were you!” Maria said as she saw Akihiko walking up to the Diner door. He came in and sat down at his normal place.
“Want me to take him? You are on your break” Maria said
“Go on, I be done in 15 mins” Zoe said thankfully and Maria smiled. Maria pulled down her uniform, in order to show off her ample breasts a bit more.
Maria went over to Akihiko’s table. “What will it be today Sugar?”
“Where is she?” Akihko said without looking up from the menu.
“Who sugar?” Maria said playing dumb
“Zoe, where is Zoe?” Akihko said without looking up.
“She’s on her break right now” Maria said
“Good, maybe you could answer some questions then. Is she seeing anyone?” Akihiko said suddenly staring at Maria.
“Zoe? God no! Why you interested in her?” Maria said
“Your powers of perception are most remarkable!” Akihiko said sarcastically
“Glad you think so sugar” Maria said clearly not getting sarcasm.
“It is alright Maria, I take over” Zoe said as she came over.
“You still have 15 mins left” Maria protested.
“Good she can spend them with me. Please bring us two coffees and some buttered toast” Akihiko ordered.
“It is OK Akihiko” Zoe started to say.
“Please” Akihiko said and Zoe nodded. She sat down and Akihnoticed straight away how exhausted she looked.
“You look tired, are you unwell?” Akihiko asked his voice full of concern.
“No, I just didn’t get much sleep last night!” Zoe said wearily.
“Were you with another man?” Akihiko asked suddenly. The thought of another man touching Zoe, made Akihiko suddenly very jealous.
“No, unless you count Bill” Zoe said
“Bill?” Akihiko said frowning. Having another man would explain her odd behaviour.
“That old cat is still alive?” Maria said pouring out that coffee and Zoe grinned.
“Yes he is” Zoe said as she sipped her coffe.
“I be back with your toast” Maria said
“Very funny!” Akihiko said dryly
“The look on your face was worth it, sorry” Zoe said with a shrug.
“Well you must pay for your teasing by coming to dinner tonight at my place” Akihiko said
“Your place, tonight?” Zoe said
“Yes” Akihiko said calmly. His heart was beating a little faster.
“I don’t think I be much company tonight..” Zoe said sadly
“Take the afternoon off then” Akihko ordered
“I can’t do that!” Zoe said
“Why not?” Akihiko said
“Well I can’t afford to and it would not be fair” Zoe said
“Nonsense you have a loads of holiday to take and it is quite” Maria said bringing them there toast.
“It is decided then, I have a comfortable guest room for you to rest in. So drink up” Akihiko said
“What? No I have a perfectly good bed at my house” Zoe argued.
“Yes, I am just been practical and saving fuel” Akihiko said simply.
“Fine! But no funny business” Zoe said
“Funny business is exactly what yoh need” Maria said bring Zoe her bag. “Now go! Jo says it is fine and to remember you are closing up tomorrow”
Zoe took the bag and nodded.
“Come, my house is 20 min drive away” Akihiko said guiding Zoe into his red Volvo. Zoe fell asleep after 5 mins and Akihko phoned Ena.
“Ena, we have a guest coming. Please prepare the guest room and meal for tonight” Akihiko said
“A guest? You mean the women? Blessed be the Gods!” Ena said excitedly.
“Calm down and see you in 15” Akihiko said ending the call.
When Akihiko arrived, he did not wake Zoe up. He carefully lifted her out of the car and placed her on a double bed in the guest room. He softly closed the door and went the kitchen area with Zoe’s bag.He took out her wallet and looked through it.
“What are you doing? Where is she?” Ena said
“What does it look like I am doing old man?” Akihko said
“It looks like you are going through a lady’s personal property!” Ena said disapprovingly as Akihiko got out her ID card.
“Zoe Lewis. Why do I get the feeling that is not her real name?” Akihiko said
“Maybe because you come from a long line of Ninjas?” Ena said with a sigh.
“Run it anyway, see what you can find out about her” Akihko said
“Are you sure?” Ena said
“Why do you ask?” Akihko said
“Because everyone is entitled to a past and a private life” Ena said
“We need to know if she is a spy of the Syndicate” Akihiko said
“A honey trap? I suppose” Ena said not sounding convinced.
“Just do it” Akihiko said And Ena went into a office area in the back of the building.
After 5 mins Ena came back and said “you were right it is a fake name, unless you are dating a 80 year old in the south west. So the one question Remains, who is she hiding from?”
“I don’t know, but I intend to find out” Akihko said softly.
Unbeknownst to them, a red light started flashing on Zoe’s home computer. The screen turned on and a message came on screen:- Alert - Who in the world am I? Ah, that's the great puzzle!
- Writer
