#sprghosthunter

…line break…

The famed anthropologist, Oliver Davis, gazed at the pile of damaged bones. Upon first glance, he assumed at least half of the skeleton was missing. Perhaps more. The skull itself wasn’t even fully intact. Then again, he had no reason to be surprised. The body had been doused in acid…

“How strange…” Oliver knelt down, pointing a gloved finger at the remainder of the mandible. “There are no teeth, and judging that the majority of the damage was done by hydrofluoric acid, it’s likely they were removed prior to disposal.” 

“Great, seems like we’ve got ourselves a cautious killer.” Mai rolled her eyes.  “We can’t get an i.d. without dentals.”

Oliver raised a brow, “Don’t worry. It may take me a day or two, but I’m certain I have enough to work with to provide useful information pertaining to identify the victim. For instance, based on the size and shape of the mastoid process,” he reached out to touch the side of the skull, “this is a male.”

Mai blinked. She then crouched beside Oliver.

“Okay. That’s…helpful…” Her shoulder brushed against his as she steadied herself.

Oliver huffed, “It’s more information than your forensics team could have provided.” Before Mai could retort, he continued. “This man is also of Asian descent, most likely, given the shape of the occipitals. He was likely between 173 and 178 centimeters tall.” Directing Mai’s attention to the partial femur, Oliver smirked. 

“What?! But more than half of it is missing! There is no way you can tell!” Mai huffed.

“Look,” he pointed to the bottom portion of the remaining bone, “we have the bottom, and here,” he moved his hand, “we have a section of the pelvis. We can make an educated guess as to the length of the femur, and therefore, we can estimate his height.”

Scoffing, Mai jotted down the details in her notepad, “Anything else, Dr. Narcissist?”

Shrugging, Oliver took a look at the skull again. He tilted his head as he brushed away debris.

“I would estimate the age of this man to be between nineteen and twenty-five.”

Mai frowned, “Huh? Wait a minute, didn’t you just describe yourself?” She nearly threw her hands up, “Naru! This is serious! I’m not one of your interns you play head games with!”

Oliver shook his head, “I have given you accurate information pertaining to this set of remains. It is purely a coincidence I am a match to the description I have offered.”

“Naru…”

He sighed, “What reason would I have to lie?”

Rising to full height, Mai turned away. She clenched her pen, until her knuckles were turning white.

She uttered to herself, “You’re the one that likes screwing around with my emotions…why not screw with my work while you’re at it…?”

Deaf to Mai’s comment, Oliver craned his neck back and spoke, “I’m going to have these transported back to the lab. I’ll have someone try and run a DNA sample. It’s also possible that this man’s DNA is on your database.”

Mai curtly replied, “Fine.”

“In the meantime,” Oliver stood, removing his gloves, “I suggest you begin searching through missing persons, and see if you can find any matches with the description you have.”

Eye twitching, Mai snarked, “When did you become my boss?

Frowning, Oliver gestured for his team to come forward. He then returned his attention to Mai. As she moved away from him, he caught a glimpse of her face. It was red, and he was able to spot a wet, shiny streak. 

…line break…

“So, I need to clean the bones for Dr. Davis. Since you’re new, I’ll give you the task. Just be careful not to destroy any evidence,” said one of Oliver’s interns, Takigawa. He offered a box to the latest recruit, John. The younger man accepted the box and glanced inside. He furrowed his brows while observing the goop covered bones.

“I’ve already got the bath you need to soak them in ready,” Takigawa smiled, gesturing towards the room furthest down the hall. “Just keep an eye on them, and let us know if anything unusual happens.”

“Alright…” John cleared his throat, but Takigawa was already halfway across the lab. “Lord have mercy on this poor soul…”

Shifting his gaze up, John peered at the room Takigawa had prepared. Exhaling loudly, John took his first steps down the hallway. As he passed open doors, he caught sight of other interns working on artifacts that looked to be prehistoric. Someone with black, shoulder length hair was taking samples from one of the artifacts, muttering about isotopes. 

Looking to his right, John peered into another room. It was dimly lit. The only distinguishable light came from a single monitor, and all John could hear was some man’s relentless typing. Perhaps he cataloged everything? John had not received an official tour, so he wasn’t too sure.

Another door down was open. He could hear a one-sided conversation. As John glanced inside he saw Dr. Oliver Davis with his back turned. His phone was pressed against his cheek, and the projection on the wall before him rotated between images of a crime scene.

Swiftly glancing into the box again, John confirmed the remains in his arms matched those depicted in the images holding Oliver’s attention. 

John shook his head and continued on towards the last room on the left of the corridor. As he stood in the doorway he studied the room’s orientation. It very much reminded John of his university chemistry lab, but rather than twelve stations, there were only four. At the back of the room, sitting on a table, as Takigawa had said, was a bath ready for the bones.

Carefully, John set the box beside the tank. He reached for the tongs laying nearby and inspected them. Certain they were sterile, he began to transfer the remains from the box to the tank. Each bone fizzed as they were submerged in the clear solution. The residue once clinging to them washed away, leaving them multiple shades whiter than John’s own teeth. Once all bones were in the tank, John stepped to the shelves on the other side of the table in search of a tray. 

Below his field of vision sat a stool. As John moved his legs tangled with it, and he yelped. Crashing to the floor, John reached for the shelf to stable himself. The shelf did nothing to halt his momentum. Instead, it tipped, toppling over top of him, and the glass tank.

Chemicals and other liquid solutions splashed on the floor as glass vials shattered. John shouted out as he covered his eyes, expecting to be crushed by the metal frame. The table on which the tank sat prevented the shelf from reaching the floor, as well as John’s body, however, a few open containers splashed into the bone cleansing bath. The new compound sloshed from the tank and coated John’s wrist and sleeve. 

Shortly after John yelled for help, Oliver was standing in the room, lost for words. Never had he seen such a disaster in his own lab. 

“What happened here?” He observed a distressed John on the floor before sighting the tank. Oliver inhaled and stepped further into the room. Once close enough to see each item in the tank Oliver brought a hand to his head and cursed.

Bleach….among other things.

“Mr. Brown… Go and get yourself cleaned up…” Oliver kept his tone level. He wanted to be upset and tear into his new intern for ruining his chances of DNA analysis, but Oliver remained calm. He gazed over the table, noticing that a patch of skin on John’s hand was discolored. The stains on his coat were quickly changing in color as well. Oliver hesitated to reach for the young man, but when he saw that the stains were beginning to dissolve the fabric of John’s coat he gasped. 

…line break…

Holding the mandible with gloved hands, Oliver frowned. He had been staring at it for a while, determined to find something he hadn’t yet seen. As he rotated the bone in his hand his cell phone began to ring. He ignored it, as Oliver didn’t care to break his focus. Shortly after the phone ceased its ringing, it began again, much to Oliver’s dismay.

Sighing, Oliver reached into his pocket and answered it, expecting that Mai had called to exchange new information.

“Yes?”

“Has your brother called you this week?” It was Luella. Oliver glanced at his watch and frowned. It was nine in the evening. He had lost track of time again…

Oliver blinked before continuing with his examination, “No.”

“He hasn’t called me. He always calls me on Tuesdays.”

“It’s possible he forgot. Gene is rather irresponsible at times.”

“Noll! Truly, I’m worried! He’s not answering his phone! Or his email!”

Annoyed, the anthropologist set down the remains. He held his phone between his shoulder and ear as he removed his beige gloves.

“I’ll go and check on him then…” Oliver was certain it would be a waste of his time.

…line break…

He gaped as the gears in his mind turned. With a tentative step, Oliver entered the ransacked flat. The floorboards creaked with each step he took and his fingers tightened around the phone in his grasp. He couldn’t find the will to dial for help, not that anybody needed it.

Finally, after shaking his initial sense of shock, Oliver pocketed the mobile device. Directly ahead, he observed shattered glass at the base of the mint-tinted wall. Oliver knelt down before the shards. He pulled a photo of his brother and himself from the jagged rubble and frowned. 

Had… There been… Was there a fight…?

Oliver continued his investigation of the flat, photo in hand. The television in the living room was lying on the floor, portions of the screen surrounding it. The sectional had also been overturned, navy fabric torn to shreds, and the coffee table was snapped in two. 

“Gene… you idiot…” Noll hissed, reaching for the bedroom door, “You better be here…”

But when Oliver opened the door he was greeted by another mess. A broken mirror hung on the far side of the room, offering Oliver a partial reflection. The mattress laid beneath a mangled bed frame, flaunting a number of its internal springs. Clothes were strewn about, and the blinds had been violently ripped from the window.

Among all the damage was no sign of Gene.

…line break…

Mai raced up the stairs of the complex as her team loaded equipment into the elevator. She had been at home, nursing a cup of hot chocolate when Oliver gave her a call. He had been silent while she demanded information, and once he spoke to her, he explained that he needed a team out at Gene’s apartment. The reasoning behind Oliver’s request had Mai dressed and in a car within minutes.

Gene was missing.

As Mai conquered the third flight of stairs, she encountered Oliver in the hall. He was squatting by an open door, staring down. In his hands was a crumpled photograph.

“Naru…?” She was surprised by his vulnerable appearance.

The scientist was quick to stand and compose himself. His expression, as almost always, was vague as he looked at Mai. However, the sapphire coloring of his eyes shone brightly, allowing for a glimpse past his facade. 

“Oh… Naru…” Mai whispered. She moved to hug him, offer some sort of comfort, but he shifted back, away from her.

“I was unable to find his wallet. I assume it was taken… Do you think your team can track his account?”

Mai frowned. Of course they could… and they would… but… Mai knew Oliver would have known that.

“You… think it’s a robbery gone wrong?” She bit her lip.

Oliver shrugged, “I don’t know… but that’s how it appears, minus the fact I was unable to find any traces of blood.” He tossed the small light he had been keeping in his pocket to Mai. 

Mai almost burst, but she restrained herself. He had gone through the crime scene! Without anyone else!

“I’m going back to the lab…” He walked past her. “I want to try and confirm my suspicion.”

Her face drained of all color as she recalled what she had said that morning. The description Oliver gave of the poor man they had discovered… they were similar to Oliver, which meant… it wasn’t impossible for them to belong to Gene.

“Wait!” Mai grabbed onto his sleeve. Oliver glanced at her. “We don’t have the evidence to-”

“We very well might,” Oliver interrupted. “I’m going back now to find out.” He gently removed his arm from Mai’s grasp and continued walking. When her hand latched onto him again, he sighed.

“I’m sorry for your loss.”

Mai released him in an instant, obviously hurt by his offered condolence. She tightened her jaw and raised her hand, ready to slap him. Before Mai could smack her hand against his cheek, she stopped. Her fingers curled into her palm and she turned away from Oliver. 

The damned idiot…

“Here…” Oliver placed a hand on Mai’s shoulder. When she faced him, he placed the picture he had been holding into her breast pocket. “You should be the one to have this.”

…line break…

Mai exhaled heavily as she read through her messages for the tenth time that morning. She hadn’t replied to Naru, nor was she in a mood to humor the thought. She had tried to be…nice to him, and offer him the chance to grieve, but he threw it right back at her with that stupid assumption he had made… The last thing Mai needed to do was upset him, or herself, further.

“Hey, so, got some news.” Yasu knocked on the doorframe before entering Mai’s office. “The techs say they couldn’t find any traces of blood. No hairs, or other fibers. Whoever did this is super clean… But, it’s weird. I mean, it looks like there was a brawl in there, and there’s not a trace of anything. You would think… if someone put up that kind of a fight…”

Mai sighed, “Maybe…it was staged to look like that? Was anything of value taken?”

Yasu shrugged. “Can’t say for sure. Maybe he had a stash of cash no one knew about, or drugs?”

“Gene didn’t keep drugs.” Mai raised an unamused brow. 

Holding up his hands, Yasu sighed, “I’m just theorizing here. Besides, I don’t think you could be one hundred percent certain of that. People hide things from each other.”

“Yasu…” Mai groaned. “So, if we aren’t sure anything valuable was taken, and there wasn’t a fight… why trash the place? If this guy is smart enough to basically dissolve a body, then they should be smart enough to properly stage a robbery. What other motive could there be for that kind of destruction?”

“Whoa,” Yasu gave Mai a sideways look, “did you just say dissolve a body? What does that have to do with Gene?”

Mai blinked as she leaned into her chair, “Ah, I got a text from Naru. The bones, he got a partial from them. It’s a partial match to his DNA.”

“Oh shit…” Yasu’s face fell. “So… that… that was Gene?!”

Mai nodded, knitting her fingers together as she choked out, “Yeah. Seems so.”

“Ah damn… So, is Naru holding up okay?”

Mai glared, “I don’t know… And I’m not taking the time to find out right now. We have a lot of work to do if we want to catch his murderer. Checking on Naru’s feelings, if he even has them, isn’t going to get us any closer to solving this case.”

…line break…

“Kaneyuki Miyama is coming by the lab today,” spoke a dark haired woman from behind her hand. “I heard he’s looking to sponsor another one of Naru’s archaeological ventures.”

Ayako smirked, “Really? Do you know if he’s still single?”

Maskao chucked, “Oh please, don’t tell me you honestly find him attractive? He’s so pale, and always looks rather sickly. And we aren’t even mentioning the fact he’s easily double your age.”

“Oh, of course not! But the guy is loaded! I mean, the money that guy has to blow on Naru’s research?! Didn’t you see how many zeros were at the end of that last check?”

“Ah,” shaking her head, Masako continued, “you’re looking for a sugar daddy then.”

“I guess you can say that. It’s not like I would be taking total advantage. He would have the company of such an attractive woman,” assured Ayako.

Masako replied with a snort, “Oh please, you may be half his age, but I don’t think you look young enough to be his sugar baby. That, and you have quite the temper. You could put off Satan himself!”

Ayako’s thin eyebrows twitched, “Why you-” 

“Girls,” Takigawa interrupted them as he strode into the lounge. He wagged a finger at them and spoke with a sing-song voice, “There isn’t any need to argue over nothing! Besides, you’re totally too old to be a sugar baby, Ayako! Old men have plenty of wrinkles! They don’t need to stand by a woman who’s got an equal number of them! ”

THWACK!

“Ow! What was that for you old hag?!” Rubbing his head, Takigawa glared at the woman armed with an oversized, leather purse. 

“Call me “old” one more time and I’ll do it again, you stupid buffoon!”

“Let me remind you that I’m the head intern for a reason here, and it’s not because I’m lacking intellect!”

“Oh, but you’re lacking common sense, that’s for sure Mr. I got my ass stuck in a priceless Egyptian sarcophagus!”

“It wasn’t like that, hag, and you know it!”

THWACK!

“Ow!”

Embarrassed by her fellow interns, Masako stood up, “Well, since you two insist on fighting like an old married couple, I think I’m going to go. Someone with at least an ounce of class needs to be by Naru’s side when Kaneyuki arrives.”

“Who said you had class?!” shouted the arguing duo as Masako made her exit. The young woman paid no mind as the two continued on with their loud, immature bickering.

…line break…

“I don’t care to see him. We can reschedule.”

“But Naru!” Masako gasped, “He’s here to fund your next project! You can’t just send him away!”

“I have more important things to work on.”

Hands on her hips, Masako scoffed, “Like what?! That body Mai dumped on you? An hour away from it isn’t going to do her investigation any harm! This guy is already dead, and you said yourself Mai doesn’t have any reasonable leads and-”

“We think it’s Gene.”

She froze, and her cheeks paled. Gene? How could they have reached that conclusion? How was Oliver so calm about it?! 

Making eye contact, Masako whispered, “I… I didn’t… Naru I’m-”

Oliver didn’t allow Masako to continue with her sympathies. “It’s fine. Why don’t you handle Kaneyuki with Takigawa? Give him my notes regarding the potential dig site, and promise him that I will reach out to him personally to set up a meeting at a later date.”

…line break…

“Ah… I see. So, the last set of remains we have belongs to a teenager named Sakauchi?” Yasu asked Mai. He tried to sit up, but Mai quickly scolded him before resting a hand on his shoulder. 

“Yeah. Gene said that was the name of the guy that was there before him. Supposedly Gene saw what happened. Naru’s got a team working on a partial facial reconstruction to compare with the photo in missing persons.” Mai glanced at the anthropologist. He sipped on his tea and nodded.

“And what about the other remains? Do we have any idea how many people died?”

“No,” Oliver answered. “We have no way of identifying them. As for a body count, it is impossible to know. I’m sure if a field team went out to his dumping ground they would find traces of remains. But, if I were to guess, he easily had over forty victims. Possibly even more.”

Mai held a hand to her head, “It’s so sad… that he got away with it for so long.”

“I agree,” Yasu said, “but think about it. He can’t hurt anyone else. This whole saga is over.”

“Yeah. Thank god.” Mai glanced at Oliver as he took another sip of tea. When he caught her ogling at him she turned her face away and blushed profusely. 

“Well, looks like you two sorted everything out. I’m a bit sad I missed it,” Yasu simpered.

“I have no idea what you’re-”

“Yes. I believe we’ve fixed things.” Oliver placed his hand over Mai’s. The young woman’s face grew darker in color.

“I don’t think I was made aware of this!”

“Ah, still dense as ever,” Gene called from the door. He held out a bouquet of flowers. “Sorry I’m late. Had my first appointment with the psychologist… 

“No need to apologize. You brought flowers for me, after all,” Yasu quipped.

“And who said they were for you? Maybe I brought them for Mai?” jeered Gene.

“Oh please, I saved your ass.”

“And Mai saved yours,” Oliver reminded Yasu.

Gene set the flowers in the vase on Yasu’s bedside, ignoring his brother, “But you know, I don’t mind giving you a piece of my ass as a thanks. Once you’re out of here, anyway.”

“Huh…?” Mai looked dumbstruck.

“Oh for god’s sake Mai, you’re a detective,” Oliver rolled his eyes.

Mai put a finger in Oliver’s face, “And you knew?! Then…then why did you say that?! We could have avoided all this drama had you not been so stupid!”

“Hey Mai,” Gene patted her shoulder, “remember that Noll is just as thick as you, oaky?!”

“Oh, he’s thick alright!”

Yasu coughed, “Anyway… Thanks for the flowers. Means a lot.”

Facing Yasu, Gene beamed, “No problem! Really, I should be indebted to you for the rest of my life.”

“Maybe we can make that arrangement,” Yasu wiggled his eyebrows.

“Okay… I’m out…” Mai clapped her hands together as she stood. “I’ll be seeing you guys later.”

Oliver followed after Mai as she exited the room. He glanced at his brother and nodded before pulling the door shut.

“Mai,” he called. 

The woman spun around, “Yeah?”

“Why don’t we go and get lunch while those two idiots entertain each other?”

Mai frowned as she tapped a finger to her chin, “Hmm… I don’t know…” She then grinned before nodding, “Alright. But you’re buying!”

…line break…

“You can hear me, right Naru?”

Oliver cupped his hand over his ear and retorted, “Yes. Your voice is quite shrill, Mai.”

“Naru… please take this seriously. We don’t want you getting hurt, so checking the equipment is really important.”

He rolled his eyes and dropped his hand back down to his side. 

“So,” Mai continued, “we’ll be right behind you, and constantly watching. And if something’s up, or you feel uncomfortable, let us know ASAP, okay?”

“Alright.” Oliver stepped outside. He cast a glance towards the black SUV Mai and Yasu were operating before turning his attention to the dark sedan that pulled up to the curb. The back window rolled down, offering Olvier a view into the car. Kaneyuki was sitting inside, smiling at him.

“I’m glad you decided to accept the invitation, Dr. Davis. Please, take your seat and we’ll be off.”

Oliver opened the door. As he slid inside the vehicle he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. He turned his body towards the elderly man as he pulled the door shut. With a fake grin, he replied in the kindest tone he could muster, “My research is important to me, Mr. Miyama. I apologize for declining your offer the other day. It has just been a rather busy week.”

Kaneyuki nodded. “Yes. I imagine things get busy when the bureau infringes on your talents. Did you, by chance, finish with your forensics on those remains?”

Oliver nodded. “Yes, and I believe an arrest has been made.”

“Naru! What are you doing?!”

Oliver ignored Mai’s voice. He had been told to extract as much information as possible. He wanted to see Kaneyuki’s reaction and lower his guard, in case he was the potential murderer.

“Oh, really?” Kaneyuki’s smile widened. He laced his fingers together and leaned against the leather seat. “That’s wonderful news. They are quite lucky to have you as a resource.”

Noting the other passanger’s posture, Oliver angled himself so Mai’s camera could record it. “Yes. I am unsure how many murders would go unsolved had it not been for my intervention.”

“Dozens, I’m sure,” chuckled Kaneyuki.

Nodding in agreement, Noll changed the subject, “Speaking of intervention, you expressed interest in funding my next project.”

“Yes,” the man faced Oliver, “but I do have one request. Your next dig site is in Slovakia?”

“It is. Does something specifically interest you?”

“Indeed. You see,” he leaned uncomfortably close to Oliver, “I have quite an interest in Csejte Castle.”

Csejte Castle? Oliver thought it was a strange interest. The stories surrounding it were all rather grim. And Kaneyuki hadn’t specified any true interest in his last excavation. Nor had he stipulated that Oliver search in a particular area.

“You have an interest in Elizabeth Báthory?” Oliver raised a brow. It was the only thing that made sense. Csejte Castle wasn’t well-known for anything else.

“I suppose it’s a rather embarrassing admission, but yes. I find her story quite fascinating. I was hoping you could spend a little time excavating the area, in search of her unmarked grave, and… original accounts of the incidents. It’s rumored that she had a diary. I would very much like to add something like that to my personal collection.”

…line break…

“Mai… this is weird…” Yasu said. He looked at her before focusing on the road again. “You had a dream about this guy bathing in blood, and now he’s bringing up Elizabeth Báthory? I’m skeptical that it’s a coincidence.”

Mai nodded. “I agree. And the fact he wants a personal diary of hers to himself? It’s odd.” She waited a moment, listening to Naru and Kaneyuki speak. As the two discussed plans to dig around Csejte Castle, she pushed the button on the monitor on the dashboard.

“Hey Naru, this Báthory thing… see if you can’t find out why he’s so interested. I’ve got a hunch this ties into our investigation.”

Yasu sighed, “I really hope you’re wrong, Mai.”

“Yeah… me too.”

…line break…

“Your home is… interesting,” Noll commented. He looked towards the staircase that hung from the ceiling. It didn’t reach the floor. The last step was roughly an arms length over his head. “May I ask why you’ve chosen such… a unique design?”

Kaneyuki strode ahead of Oliver. “This design was inspired by the Winchester Mansion. I have a taste for the more unusual sights.”

Mai bit her nails as she watched the video feed. “Yasu… I don’t like this. I think we need to pull Naru out.” She continued to watch as Oliver followed after Kaneyuki through various hallways. There were multiple doors at random locations throughout the mansion. Some were horizontal, diagonal, and missing knobs or handles. Oliver nearly tripped, as one has been on the floor.

“Oh, I apologize! Do watch your step!” Kaneyuki had reached towards Oliver to steady him 

Mai shifted closer to the screen when Oliver refused assistance. She inhaled deeply as Naru continued to follow after Kaneyuki. Once they reached an open door, Kaneyuki disappeared inside. Oliver cautiously followed.

The camera focused, adjusting to the dim lighting. Two arm chairs sat before a lit fireplace. A table with an empty wine glass sat between them. Off to the far right of the brick furnace was a closet. One of the doors was slightly ajar, offering a view into complete darkness.

Mai’s face dropped. She had seen the room before, in her dreams. It was a complete carbon copy of the image her mind had conjured. Smashing the call button, Mai allowed her instincts to take over. “Naru! Get out of there now!”

Yasu yanked Mai’s arm away. “Mai, he can’t just run! That would totally give him away! Besides, even though it’s really creepy, there isn’t any conclusive-”

“I saw this exact room in my dream! That door, it’s not for a closet! It leads into a long hallway! I know it does, and if Naru goes down it he’s dead! I don’t care if we have evidence or not at this point! Naru has to get out of that house!” she yelled at her partner before jamming the button again. “Naru, don’t follow him anywhere else!”

Holding a hand to his head, Yasu grabbed Mai’s cell phone and dialed the scientist. He at least needed an excuse to leave. Yasu planned to make up some story about needing Oliver for an interrogation… something like that.

The line rang, but Yasu didn’t hear Oliver’s phone ringing through the camera feed. Rather, Oliver was maintaining conversation, stalling for either Yasu or Mai to intervene.

“Oh, you must see my historical collection of the macabre! I’m sure you’ll find it fascinating!”

Yasu cursed, calling Oliver again - hopefully a signal would get through.

“I’m sure I would find it to be interesting, but we could take a look at another time. I’d rather finish our negotiations regarding your sponsorship. Though I have made time for you this afternoon, I must return to the lab. I’m expected to give a presentation to the bureau on Monday.”

Mai held her breath, hoping that Kaneyuki would escort Oliver out of the mansion. Oliver had given Kaneyuki a good reason to believe killing Oliver in that moment was a bad idea. He was expected to be somewhere related to the bureau within the next week, and Mai knew Kaneyuki was careful.

“Oh, please, just a moment! It won’t take long!”

Unable to understand Kaneyuki’s continued insistence, Mai gave Yasu a troubled look. The profile she had built of Kaneyuki… it appeared to mean nothing at all!

“Another time,” Oliver’s tone was slightly more forceful. 

Kaneyuki’s features darkened with Oliver’s unwillingness to comply. Mai swore he had made eye contact with her through the camera. His nearly back irises instilled fear deep into her bones.

“Come along, Dr. Davis. I sincerely promise you will find it interesting.” His tone was chilling.

Oliver had stepped back. The camera shook as he was pushed forward. He struggled, dropping to his knees and he yelled, “Let go!”

“Oh shit…” Yasu cursed.

“We’re going in now! Call a team for back up!” Mai pushed the call button one last time, assuring Oliver they were on the way.

…line break…

Oliver lost his footing as he was forcibly escorted down a long, dark hallway. He tore a hole through the knee of his trousers upon falling. His shoulders burned as he was jerked upwards via his biceps. He yelled, demanding to be released. Neither of the two men on his sides yielded, rather, they followed behind Kaneyuki, pulling Oliver along.

Led into a garden of dead shrubbery, Oliver narrowed his eyes. A dried branch sweeped over his cheek. He bristled at the contact. Fidgeting, he dug the soles of his shoes into the stone pathway. His efforts didn’t do much in slowing his escorts. Oliver only managed to twist his ankle. 

They approached a large door shortly after Oliver injured himself. Kaneyuki had stopped, placing a hand over the iron surface. He threw a nasty grin in Oliver’s direction. Oliver countered with a scowl. Before Kaneyuki pulled the latch on the door, Oliver thought he heard a voice coming from the other side. Straining his ear, he blinked. He thought he recognized it. It sounded much like his own.

The door was pulled open, hinges protesting with a squawk. Oliver was pushed forward. He lost his balance as the strong hold on his arms was released and tumbled to the floor. His palms pressed against cool tiles as he lifted his head. On the edge of his vision, Oliver saw movement in the far corner. Focusing his gaze, Oliver recognized his double, who was very much alive.

“Gene?!” Oliver sputtered out of genuine shock.

“Noll! Noll, you have to get away!” 

A slick, slimy voice sounded inches from Oliver’s ear, “Didn’t I tell you that you would find my collection interesting?”

Oliver snapped his head back to see the malicious glint in Kaneyuki’s eyes. Before he had the chance to respond or move to his feet, he was dragged further into the room by a clump of his hair and thrown into the corner adjacent to Gene.

“No! Let him go!” Gene shouted. Oliver’s twin dove towards him, but was jerked back by his restraints. His chafed wrists began to ooze a sticky red and his shoulder gave an audible pop. Wincing, Gene strained himself, trying to get as close to Oliver as possible

Struggling against the men binding him in chains, Oliver caught sight of a ceramic bathtub. Deep set, copper red stains were streaked across its surface. His fight grew more frantic as he began to understand Kaneyuki’s actual plans. 

During his resistance, Oliver’s phone was stolen from his pocket. The camera on his collar and the small earpiece in his ear canal went unnoticed, though Oliver suspected his connection with Mai and Yasu had been severed. He hadn’t heard anything from them…

Once fully restrained, Oliver’s phone was passed to Kaneyuki. 

…line break…

“You have at least seven different sets of remains,” Oliver mused as he peered inside the box Yasu handed him.

“Seven?!” Yasu blurted, “We thought it was only four! How can you tell just by glancing?!”

Oliver deadpanned, “I’m good at my job.” He placed the box onto his desk and removed the file that had been included. As he scanned the pages, he asked, “I assume Mai isn’t far behind you. What else have the two of you got?”

“Ah,” Yasu rubbed the back of his neck, “it’s just me. Mai’s doing her own stuff at the moment.”

Mai… wasn’t coming…?

Oliver’s eyes glazed over with shock for a brief second. As he moved to sit, he removed his glasses. Placing the files in his lap, he continued, as if the information hadn’t bothered him in the least.

“I see. Is there anything else I need to know?”

“That you can’t easily deduce, no,” Yasu sat across from the scientist, “but there is one thing I think I should tell you.”

Listening, Oliver slouched back. “Alright.”

“Stop fucking with Mai’s feelings.”

“I don’t believe I-”

“Oh yes you do,” Yasu interrupted. “I know all about what happened after the last case we worked with you wrapped up. I don’t know what you did this time, but whatever it was, you hurt her.”

“I didn’t do any-”

“You clearly did something, Naru. Mai’s got buttons. You know that. By the looks of things, you pushed one pretty hard.”

Oliver looked away. He truly believed that he hadn’t said anything wrong to her… but… recalling the previous night, he realized he might have struck a nerve with Mai. He had only offered her sympathy… and a photo. What had been wrong with that?

“So, that’s all. You’ve got everything we have. Call me if you find something new.” Standing, Yasu offered a bright smile. As he turned, he smacked straight into the man that had walked through the doorway. His glasses fell to the floor and he stammered, “Oh, I’m sorry, sir!”

The man replied as Yasu knelt down onto one knee and blindly reached for his glasses, “It’s no trouble.” He turned his sunken eyes to Oliver and grinned, “Dr. Davis, I do believe we had a meeting scheduled for today.”

“I believe one of my staff explained to you that I was busy,” Oliver replied. The anthropologist closed the folder resting on his lap when he caught sight of his potential sponsor gazing at them. 

Yasu rose to his feet shortly after clutching his essential eyewear. As he was cleaning the thick framed lenses, he squinted, looking at the man before him. He recognized the man through his blurry vision as Kaneyuki Miyama. Yasu recalled meeting him briefly at a fundraiser Oliver had his interns organize several months prior. Kaneyuki was also a notable business man in the region. He owned several industrial sites and was a well known philanthropist. His most sizable donation to date had been made to the local children's hospital. The man practically had it built and staffed.

“Yes, she did, however, I was hoping you had a moment to reschedule. I would like to invite you to my estate this Friday afternoon. We can discuss your next project, as well as the substantial funds I plan to offer.” Kaneyuki slid a boney hand into his pocket and offered Oliver a card. He glanced up at the security camera as he moved closer to the anthropologist. Rather than an actual camera, only two wires hung from the wall. With a frown, Kaneyuki turned his attention to the artifacts littering Oliver’s work space. The corners of his lips twitched into a forced smirk.

Yasu, glasses properly positioned, observed the man’s behavior as he stared at the remains Oliver had been studying. It struck Yasu as odd. 

“What a fascinating project. May I ask what it is?”

Reaching for the card that had been offered, Oliver sighed, “That is classified information, I’m afraid. As for this Friday, I don’t believe I will be finished with this.”

Kaneyuki didn’t look at the scientist. Instead, his gaze continued to hover over the partial remains. “Just for lunch then. I insist. I’ll send a car for you.”

Oliver glanced at the agent still standing in his office. Though Oliver’s understanding of social interactions was limited, he thought Kaneyuki was acting strange. Never before had Kaneyuki displayed such interest in any of the ongoing work for the bureau. Yasu met Oliver’s eye and silently conveyed a warning. Something really wasn’t… right about Kaneyuki.

“I will have to decline,” Oliver stated, breaking eye contact with Yasu.

Chuckling softly, Kaneyuki attempted to persuade the young scientist again, “Only for an hour. I assume it shouldn’t take any longer than that.” He turned his dark colored eyes to Oliver.

“Mr. Miyama,” Oliver rolled backwards, adding distance between himself and Kaneyuki, “There are more pressing matters that warrant my attention at the moment. As soon as I am finished assisting in this investigation, I will contact you.”

…line break…

“So, Naru said it looked to be from seven victims?” Mai repeated to Yasu. 

“That’s right,” Yasu replied, leaning against the exterior of the building. “But I noticed something strange. So, you know Kaneyuki Miyama?”

“Of course,” Mai answered. Who didn’t know him? “Why?”

“Well,” Yasu pushed himself off the wall and wandered towards the parking lot, “I think something’s up with him. He stopped by Naru’s lab today. Apparently he’s going to sponsor another dig. Anyway, I sent you a few pictures I snuck while he and Naru were talking. The guy was insistent Naru go to his estate this Friday. It was a bit creepy in my opinion. And on top of that, he kept looking at the remains we gave to Naru.”

“Huh, let me check the images you sent. That does sound a bit suspicious.” 

The line crackled and Yasu sighed, “The dude just really bothered me. And I think he got under Naru’s skin too. Never seen Naru freaked by anyone’s behavior before.”

“Naru? Freaked by some old guy’s behavior? Oh, that’s rich-” Mai paused. She coughed, “Ah, yeah, I see. I just got the pictures…”

“Told you, freaky enough to bother our King of the Dead,” he attempted to lighten the mood, but Mai didn’t react to his antics.

“This picture you got, it looks like he knows something about our case. He’s not even looking at Naru, just the remains… Hmmm…” Yasu could hear Mai shuffling papers before typing on her keyboard. “I’m going to look into him. Finances, employees… the works. Yasu, do you mind following him for a bit? But don’t get too close, of course! You’re right. Something’s up with this guy.”

…line break…

Mai laid in bed, thinking over all the evidence that had been gathered. It turned out that the remains were doused in the same acid as the ones she and Yasu had found. Another fact that had been interesting was Naru’s estimate on age. All the remains belonged to people that were no younger than 25 when they died. It was an odd pattern. Why young adults? What motivation could someone have had to kill young adults over a span of fifteen years?

Mai tossed herself onto her side and yawned. 

Then there was Kaneyuki. Mai still had no idea if he was connected to any of it or not, although her investigation into his business had led to some interesting discoveries. Kaneyuki was a meticulous guy. A few years back one of Kaneyuki’s workers had been caught embezzling, and was understandably fired, but it didn’t stop there. The worker’s two brothers and cousin were fired as well, then all evicted from their rentals, of which Kaneyuki owned. He even forced the extended families of his terminated employees to vacate his properties as well. Mai thought it was just nuts. She thought it was even more impressive such an event wasn’t reported in the media. Mai assumed Kaneyuki had offered up a good deal of money to keep the press out of it. It would have totally blemished his holier than thou image.

Still, there was a lack of concrete evidence tying anyone to the murders. But after hearing what Yasu had described, and looking over the photos he sent earlier that day, Mai had a gut feeling Kaneyuki was involved. His behavior had been more than unusual. Plus, the constant insistence that Naru go to his estate, alone…

Why couldn’t they have met anywhere else? Why had Kaneyuki been so dead set on meeting Naru at his home after catching a glimpse of their evidence?

It was just so fishy.

…line break…

Looking to his left, Oliver observed his brother. There was a small, most healed cut beneath his eye. His shirt hung loosely on his frame, and his once fitted trousers sagged below his waist. Gene’s complexion was also pale, likely due to the lack of sunlight. Oliver failed to notice any other significant physical alterations.

“When did they bring you here?” Oliver asked. He angled himself towards Gene as best he could.

Gene shook his head. “It… was a Thursday… I had… gotten home pretty late from a party, and my place had been totally trashed… I was looking around, trying to figure out what the hell happened when they ambushed me.” 

“It’s been little over a week…” Oliver sighed. Shifting on his knees, he looked up at the single bulb dangling in the center of the room. “We’ll get out of this. Don’t worry.”

Falling into a fit of hysterics, Gene stuttered, “No. We won’t. As soon as they come back… they’re going to… to…”

“Mai and Yasu are on the way,” Oliver calmly assured. “They sent me here, suspicious Kaneyuki had something to do with their current investigation.”

“But Noll!” blurted Gene, “I don’t think they’ll make it on time! And if they get caught, they’ll be killed too!”

“Gene, you need to stay calm. Everything will be fine.”

“No, you don’t understand!” Yanking on his binds, Gene shouted, “He’s insane! He thinks… bathing in the blood of youth will lengthen his life! And recently he heard some rumor that the blood of identical twins has properties of immortality!”

Eyebrow twitching, Oliver offered his brother a befuddled look. How stupid could the guy be?

“He isn’t going to give Mai and Yasu any time to get here! He’s going to-”

Before Gene could finish the door creaked open, drawing the attention of both Oliver and Gene. The two large men that had earlier escorted Oliver entered the room. One was holding a large knife while the other carried a plastic, five gallon bucket.  The bucket was placed underneath the metal table in the center of the room while the knife was balanced on the edge of the bathtub. 

Gene began to tremble as one of the men approached a steel cabinet. Oliver followed his brother’s gaze and watched as a set of yellowing straps were removed and then arranged on the tabletop. One of the worn leather lengths dropped to the floor, the steel latch landing with a clank.

Gene flinched. The scene unfolding was uncomfortably familiar to him. 

As Gene looked back to Oliver his irises conveyed a sense of utter terror.

The twins remained quiet, continuing to watch the men work. Gene was too frightened to speak. Oliver, meanwhile, was worried he would hasten the process if he said anything less than desirable.

“This should be quite fun,” Kaneyuki’s voice rang throughout the room, startling Oliver and Gene. He sauntered inside, a glass of red wine in hand. His formal business attire had been replaced with a floor length, bleached white robe. As Kaneyuki swirled the glass dangling in his fingers, Oliver realized the beverage in his hand was not wine. As the dark liquid sloshed it clung to the upper walls of the glass. An overwhelming metallic scent also dominated Oliver’s senses as Kaneyuki stalked closer.

Kaneyuki gazed at his prisoners in delight. He lowered himself and took a sip, much to the disgust of the twins. Noting the change in their facial features, Kaneyuki snickered. He eyed Oliver and leapt in his direction. 

Pushing his glass against the researcher’s lips, Kaneyuki mocked, “It’s the blood of a virgin. Why don’t you give it a try, Dr. Davis?”

Oliver turned his head away, repulsed. Long, sharp nails dug into his chin. His head was forced into position, and the chilled glass was thrust against his mouth again.

“I insist. I don’t want you missing out on the experience.”

As Oliver made another attempt to turn his cheek, the glass crashed against his teeth and the tinny tasting liquid flooded his mouth. Coughing, Oliver contorted, trying to get away from the madman. Blood trickled past his lips and splattered over his clothes while he expelled the offending substance. 

A few drops landed on Kaneyuki’s sleeve and he tsked, “Oh, come now, there isn’t any need to be so dramatic. It doesn’t taste that bad.” He jammed his fingers between Oliver’s teeth and pried open his jaw. Oliver made an attempt to bite down and remove the invasive appendages, but the force holding his jaw apart was surprisingly strong. Tilting the glass at an angle, Kaneyuki poured the aged blood down Oliver’s throat.

Oliver gagged. He jerked at his restraints, desperate to free himself and push Kaneyuki away. In the midsts of his struggle, Oliver inhaled by mistake, and began to choke. Throwing his skull back, Oliver disrupted the flow of the foul fluid. It drizzled over his neck and onto his shirt. Again, he coughed, desperate to purge himself of the lingering taste.

Prepared to continue with Oliver’s torment, Kaneyuki grabbed at his head again. Before he had the opportunity to drain even more blood down Oliver’s throat, he was interrupted by Gene.

“Stop, you revolting freak!” 

A smirk still present on his face, Kaneyuki gazed at Gene. He laughed quietly, “Oh yes, how could I forget? You must be dying to try it as well.”

The moment Oliver was released, he dropped his head, hacking. Red spewed on the tiles beneath him. As his coughs continued, the same inhumane treatment was bestowed upon his brother.

“Ugh, you are both so melodramatic,” Kaneyuki teased. He rose to full height, and to the horror of the twins, downed the remainder of the glass. “It’s really rather refreshing.” He flashed a toothy, crimson smile. “Perhaps neither of you have a sophisticated palate.” 

One of Kaneyuki’s assistants reached out to him and spoke in a gruff voice, “Everything’s ready.”

“Oh, wonderful. Get this one ready.” he motioned towards Gene. Oliver was about to shout, but before he could utter a word, a blood soaked rag was shoved between his lips by the second accomplice. The cloth pushed against his throat, eliciting a muffed gag.

Gene thrashed as he was pulled from his corner. He tried throwing punches the instant his hands were released, but both of Kaneyuki’s men were much stronger than him. Gene’s fight did nothing to prolong the progress of his terminal predicament. It only took them seconds to hoist his body onto the table and tie him down.

“Thank you. Now, if you two will excuse me for a moment,” Kaneyuki waved his two assistants off, eager to begin his twisted ritual.

Both men left to stand outside the door. They closed it as they exited, leaving Kaneyuki and his victims alone.

Taking the sharp blade in hand, Kaneyuki circled Gene. Gene was spouting curses and empty threats; nothing Kaneyuki hadn’t heard before. He ignored him and brushed a hand through Gene’s thick hair. Yanking the adolescent’s head into place Kaneyuki locked eyes with Oliver and flashed his weapon. The silvery blade glistened. 

Oliver shouted. His muted words only echoed inside his own head. 

Stop!

“Enjoy the show, Dr. Davis!

Kaneyuki pressed the lethal blade against Gene’s neck while Oliver futilely pulled against his bonds. He didn’t cut, but just as Kaneyuki was about to slash into Gene’s skin there were two loud bangs. 

Halting his actions, Kaneyuki looked towards the door. While watching the door he heard another gunshot. Knife still in hand, he swiftly moved to the side wall, out of sight from the entrance of the room. Gene, traumatized by his close encounter with death,  turned his head. He could barely see the door as it burst open.

“Hands up Kaneyuki! It’s over!” Yasu came bolting inside, gun drawn. He aimed his weapon at the center table. As his vision adjusted, he gasped. 

Gene was… alive?

He lowered his weapon and took a step closer to his friend. He then caught sight of Oliver wriggling. The scientist was gesturing to the right, but before Yasu could look Gene cried, “Look out he’s-”

There hadn’t been time for Yasu to react before a knife plowed into his upper back. He dropped his gun as he crashed to his knees. Eyes wide open, he looked between the table and Oliver. He felt a sharp pain, and his lungs burned. 

“Yasu!” Gene yelled. He and Noll both resumed fighting their restraints as their captor cackled.

“You really thought you could stop me?!”

Yasu couldn’t reply. He was in a daze, focusing on his shallow breathing.

“What a foolish child you are! No one can stop me! Not even a member of the precious bureau!”

“I don’t think so,” came a collected, female voice.

Oliver craned his neck while Kaneyuki whirled around. The figure in the doorway stepped into the light, clutching a weapon tightly in her hands. Oliver didn’t have a chance to get a good look at the last member of his rescue party before she pulled the trigger on her gun.

A bright flash blinded Oliver momentarily and a high pitched drone rang in his ears. 

As the light dissipated, along with the ringing, Oliver focused his vision on Kaneyuki. The slender man was still standing, though he looked unstable. His arms were hanging at his sides, hands and fingers relaxed. He swayed backwards, allowing gravity to take charge.