What was Tatsu thinking?
She was no little girl. When I arrived back in the main living room following a shower and what might qualify as a brief rest period even though I’d spent most of it online, I stood still, shocked. A tall, willowy woman approached. She could have easily graced the cover of a fashion magazine with her slender body, long legs, and waist-length black hair. She wore skinny jeans, and a green, silky halter top paired with silver, high-heeled sandals. Her almond-shaped brown eyes glowed with warmth, but there was a keen intelligence in them. She smiled, and I noticed her bow-shaped lips. She reached out a hand.
“You must be Jin’ichi Hattori. I’m Misao.” She spoke with a perfect American accent. It was clear she’d grown up in the states. She grasped my hand which seemed to have found its way forward of its own volition.
“Yes.” I kept my comment to a minimum as I looked down at her, but not far down as she was quite tall.
She looked like she wanted to laugh. We were currently the only two people in the living room. “I can see your confusion, and we only have a moment before we’re interrupted, so I will be quick. Mister Tatsu has briefed me on the situation. I’ve prepared your itinerary, and as soon as lunch concludes, we’ll leave here on the premise of me driving you to your ‘meeting’. I’ve already given Ty the afternoon off.”
“Ty?” I had no idea to whom she referred.
“Daddy’s chauffer. That’s why you need me.” She stepped back and turned toward the opposite hallway.
“Wait!” She stopped and looked over her shoulder at me. “You’re my contact?” I asked. My surprise could not be disguised.
“Yes. I am. Is that a problem?” If thunder clouds could gather in a person’s eyes, then Misao’s were preparing to unleash a storm.
I raised my hands in a gesture of surrender. “I meant no offense. My apologies. It’s just that Tatsu did not offer any specifics.”
The sun began, once again, to shine from the horizon of her glorious eyes. Wait. Did I just think of her eyes as glorious? Get yourself in check, John.
“Nor did he give many details about you.” She ran those eyes down my body, and then back up looking me in the eye once again. She was definitely raised American. The boldness of her action gave that much away.
“Then how can you possibly help?” I could not, for the life of me, figure out just what Tatsu was thinking. This young woman looked like a model and spoke in the most forthright manner. She was charming, but not someone I would consider any kind of an asset in regard to my work. What was her angle?”
A slow smile spread across her face, and I felt my body tighten pleasantly in response.
“Oh, you’d be surprised,” she said, “but we’ll get to that after lunch. Follow me.” She turned away and walked through the stucco archway.
I was left with no choice but to do her bidding.
Lunch was a laborious affair with Rosa serving up traditional Mexican food. Ken thought it would add to my experience in my short time in the Alamo city. Enchiladas, Spanish rice, and fresh avocado filled my plate. Respectfully, I ate, not wanting to offend anyone. I spied Misao out of the corner of my eye. The edges of her full lips twitched with amusement. I could see she assumed I’d never eaten Mexican food before. This was not entirely true. Having lived in New York, I’d been exposed to Puerto Rican cuisine, and also a fair amount of Spanish food. This was more authentically Mexican, but the flavors of chilies and cumin along with garlic, onion, and oregano were not unfamiliar. I was, however, unused to so much dairy, and the amount of cheese in the enchiladas was overwhelming.
When the meal concluded, she spoke up.
“Father, Mr. Hattori shared he has a meeting downtown, and since Ty is off for the afternoon, I’ll be dropping him off on my way to run a few errands.” She pushed back her chair and stood.
Ken smiled, nodding his head. “That is very good.” He looked at me. “Misao is a blessing, always looking out for others.”
I smiled and got up. “And I appreciate her offer for the ride.” Rosa approached, taking my plate. “Lunch was delicious. Thank you for such a wonderful meal.” I saw her smile just before she ducked into the kitchen. Ken grinned and continued sipping his red wine.
“Just wait until dinner. Rosa is a masterful cook.” He started to rise but I held up my hand to stop him.
“Please do not trouble yourself. My meeting may go on for quite some time. I believe they’re providing dinner for us,” I lied easily. It would not serve for Ken to be expecting me back for dinner.
He remained seated, sipping his wine, and gave a small nod. It seemed he was disappointed, but that could not be helped.
“I understand. My home is yours as you need, Mister Hattori. If you require anything when you return, simply ring for Rosa from your room. She lives on the property and will take care of you.”
I offered a small bow and then picked up my jacket, following Misao out to the driveway.
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