Kirin Mysteries: Kirin, #2

By Kaye Wagner

Charmed and ensnared by a mysterious young detective, Anna finds herself sneaking away from her privileged life once again to meet with Kirin at his bustling agency, eager for him to fulfill his promise to make her his apprentice and teach her the fine skills needed to become a detective. Anticipating her arrival, Kirin sets out with her on another dangerous case, bringing her to the lowest parts of the city and the most dangerous building at its center in a place known as the Lower Third. With gangs, criminals, and other seedy figures up to no good in this apartment building, Anna and Kirin have their hands full with a colorful cast of characters before solving their case, let alone escaping the many threats inside.

Story 03: Dance of the Apprentice

Story 04: In the Shadows of Giants

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pendown Publishing
• Release date: Oct 12, 2015
• ISBN: 9781519956996

Book preview

Kirin Mysteries

By

Kaye Wagner

Text copyright © May 2015, Kaye Wagner

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All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, or stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without express written permission from the author.

Contents

Story 03: Dance of the Apprentice

Story 04: In the Shadows of Giants

Author Notes:

Story 03: Dance of the Apprentice

And they just keep breaking into my room! A cranky young woman said dressed in scantily clad clothes as she shouted down the young Jade. Taking my stuff, it’s just wrong. They need to be stopped. But you lot haven’t even been around to check up on my case, haven’t you?! She said to the attentive Jade as she scribbled down notes into a pad.

I see. Jade said standing by a large oak wood desk where Kirin, dressed in a tight white short-sleeve dress shirt, sat with his head reclined on his armchair while a hat lay over his face as he slept. The scantily clad woman looked on in frustration at the sleeping Kirin before Jade called for her attention. And so, Jade smiled sweetly towards the woman as she glanced at the sofa by the entrance to see three other people sitting in waiting. What is it that you want from us? What services are you looking for us to render in this case of, she said looking at her notes. The local dogs breaking through your fence and tearing apart you’re hanging clothes and belongings. She said looking at the uninterested Kirin before looking back at their client. And if you have any more serious problems, we can provide services more in depth and critical if need be, Ma’am.

And what’s more critical than finding the animals that are tearing up my livelihood? the scantily clad woman said in frustration as she looked at her torn clothes. I can’t go to the Red Light Shows dressed like some haggard street walker. I work in one of the better Courtesan Houses—they won’t let me work there if everything I have is torn to pieces. She said glancing at the sleeping Kirin in aggravation before marching down towards the desk where he sat behind, slamming a fist down onto the finely carved surface of the table, grabbing the attention of Kirin as he nudged forward at the sound, letting his hat tumble down to his chest before falling to the ground as he opened his eyes, giving the angry woman a glance.

Hey, Kirin said with tired eyes. I was sleeping.

I know that. The woman sneered. That’s the problem.

And here I thought it was a solution to fatigue. Kirin yawned to the frustration of the scantily clad woman before the front door of their office cracked open to the sudden appearance of the shy Anna meekly letting herself in. Smiling at her arrival, Kirin ignored the angry scantily clad woman.

Nice to see that you made it, Anna. I thought you bailed on us after our first case. Kirin said to the shy stare of Anna as she wore the glasses and boots Kirin bought for her along with her conservative dress. He looked on pleased by it. And you came wearing your uniform, I’m impressed.

Anna shook her head to his words. Sorry for not coming for the past week, it was a miracle I made it out the first time. I’m still in trouble with my parents for sneaking out during the festival.

No problem. You’re here now. He said looking at her dress. And I like at least half of what you are wearing, the rest I can do away with. So you have that going for you.

Um... Anna looked on meekly as she walked by those waiting on a couch by the large front window of the shop, all of them chatting together while she approached the desk.

Well, Anna said walking over. I’m sorry if you don’t like half of what I’m wearing, but this is all I have. she said glancing at the scantily clad woman by the desk. And I prefer these clothes to anything else really, they’re comfortable.

Of course they are. Kirin replied. Why else would you wear a blouse that ugly and a dress that mind numbingly dull. He said to the snicker of the scantily clad girl before she sharpened her stare towards Kirin.

Hey, forget about her, the scantily clad woman barked. What are you going to do about my case, Mr. big time detective? I heard you actually do work here, so why don’t you start with me.

Boring. Kirin yawned back at her. What you want is child’s play that won’t take me a minute to solve. He scoffed as he looked at the woman. Why don’t you go out and find a clue for a murder for me, an elaborate one, one where the doors and windows are locked with no possible entry of an outsider. Find me an impossible case like that, then I’ll jump at it. Kirin scowled at the girl. How about living an interesting life, full with mystery, one that’s in stark contrast to your hum-drum life of waking up every night in bed with a new client, getting your hair and nails done, gossiping, and repeating the cycle the next morning. Kirin sharpened the look in his eyes as the scantily clad woman looked on with surprise at his venomous language. How about living for once, Kirin continued. To feel a heaviness in your chest and the weight of the world on your shoulders with every minor decision. Have a life like that, and just maybe someone will care enough to investigate it. Kirin reclined in his seat as he glared at the agitated woman. I’m not obligated to jump at your most miniscule of problem, so don’t come to me if fear and terror are not hanging heavy over your mind. You understand?

The scantily clad woman grimaced at his words. You little brat! You think you can talk to people like that?! she clenched her fist in anger before a voice talked over the growing tension of the room.

Excuse me. A familiar voice echoed over the shoulder of Kirin and to the interested eyes of Anna as she saw the smooth walk of Jake, inching his way over in his fitted and stylish slacks and dress shirt. Approaching the armchair of Kirin, he rested a hand on the back of it, gaining his attention. Don’t mind our Detective. He said with a warm smile that changed the scantily clad woman’s disposition as she began smiling herself before twirling her hair.

Um... she smiled at Jake. Nice to see you again, Jake. I was wondering where you were. She looked on feigning as if she were shy.

Sorry for the harsh words of Kirin, Jake smiled at her. But my partner here is overstressed. He pointed to a stack of papers on the table. As you can see, we’re overloaded with cases, and he’s been limited on time. But don’t worry, we’ve recently had an opening and will be able to tend to your needs now.

It’s okay. she replied before looking at Kirin’s unapologetic glare. But every time I see him, he ignores me or he’s asleep, he’s all too entirely disrespectful. Even someone like me wishes for some due respect when I’m paying for services. It’s the least you could do. I mean, if I wanted bad service I’d just ask the creep next door for a massage.

You’re right, Shawna. Jake said walking up to the messy, but still pretty Shawna, picking up her hand to her pleased smile. We’ve been slacking on your case. And because of that, we’ll put yours to the front of our books, we’ll expedite your process. He said to the pleased and flattered look of Shawna before he lowered her hand and pointed towards the still attentive Jade. Please leave any extra details about your case to our manager here and we’ll get back to you by the end of the week. Don’t worry, he said with a warm smile. We’ll get rid of those dogs for you.

Okay. She said a bit satisfied by his words, wearing a seductive look in her eyes as Jake walked away. But Mr. Boss Man, you have to promise to come by the Courtesan Houses in the Night Sector, spend a little time with me sometime, you’ll enjoy it.

Is that so? Jake said pouring himself a drink at the desk before looking back.

Yeah, Shawna smiled as she walked back towards the door. You always see me so messy that you owe me one good look when I’m all made up and beautiful.

I’ll hold you to that. Jake said with a charming look in his eyes as the young Shawna walked by the bookish Anna, who watched the entire scene with interest, seeing the racy looking Shawna stop and talk to another woman sitting in waiting by the couch near the door. By way of this little interaction, she could understand the position of Jake as the business mind and Kirin as the pure talent in the partnership between them. And from the bit she saw, it worked well in both their favors.

Anna, Jake called out to the distracted Anna, catching her attention as she looked back at his inviting smile. You’ve made it just in time for our new case.

Um... Anna stepped up. New case? she looked on in interest before glancing at the bored expression on Kirin’s face.

Yeah, Kirin said as he rested his head on the desk with a sleepy look on his face. What case? he glanced at those on the waiting area couch. I haven’t seen a good case come this way all day, everyone is still coming here with their petty problems.

Jake smiled at his words. Well, those petty problems paid for this building, and the renovations you demanded.

Hey, Kirin looked on defensively. This place was a rat hole before I laid eyes on it, you should be thanking me for changing its look.

And I do, Rin. Jake smiled. But that’s why you have to be patient here. It takes time to find a good mystery for you. And even if you don’t go out to solve these smaller cases yourself, the instructions you leave for me and Jade make it a piece of cake for us. And easing our workload makes it that much easier for us to find the mystery you’re looking for. He glanced at Jade as she finished taking notes before ripping the piece of paper out and leaving it in a near empty basket on the desk by a basket filled with papers.

Done. Jade said with a smile to Jake.

Great job. Jake said looking at the basket filled with notes before glancing at Kirin. And nice work by you Kirin, I’m surprised you actually completed your notes for cases today.

Whatever... Kirin sighed heavily. I only did it because you said you found something.

Isn’t it always like that? Jake said amused. You only do any work in this office unless I offer you some case that meets up to your current interest, which was oddly enough fulfilled this afternoon. He said signaling Jade to take the notes out of the jam-packed basket, to which she did. Besides, it’s all for your benefit, you want the best cases, and I do my best to find them for you.

Then where is it? Kirin said with an impatient look on his face as he slouched onto the desk like a bratty child. Jake, on the other hand, ignored his demanding demeanor, choosing to turn his attention to the attentive Anna.

Hold on a second. He said to Kirin. Before we get into that, let’s give your Apprentice a more proper introduction to things. He said to the annoyed look on Kirin’s face as he watched Jake approach Anna.

You see how we do business here? Jake said to the interested eyes of Anna.

Sort of. Anna asked in thought. I guess you all delegate tasks to each other. She glanced at Kirin. With Kirin taking on the most difficult cases while everyone else takes on the less substantial work with a few notes and directions from him. Is that right?

Jake looked on pleased at her words. Very perceptive of you. he said putting down his cup of coffee as he pocketed his hands. Except for a few details, you’ve really come to understand the work structure of this office. I see why Kirin chose you.

Really? Anna said a bit surprised as she looked at the disgruntled Kirin.

What is it? Jake asked the curious eyes of Anna.

No, Anna said startled by his question before answering. I was just thinking, doesn’t that mean this whole business is centered around Kirin and everything he does? That’s kind of risky, right?

It is. Jake smiled at her words as he stepped up, approaching the suddenly shy eyes of Anna. But then again, his skill is the commodity we’re selling. So it only makes sense the entirety of our work here be focused on his skill. Luckily for you, you get to work beside him today and soak up some of his knowledge. He glanced over to Kirin. Whatever that means.

It means a lot. Anna said defiantly while unable to look into the piercing eyes of Jake.

Okay, Jake chuckled a bit before stepping away from Anna and walking back towards the desk. I hope whatever trouble you might get into for coming out here is worth the hassle of working here.

I hope so too. Anna replied.

Fine. He said seeing the determined eyes of Anna before looking over to the sleepy stare of Kirin. Hey, Rin, It’s time to go to work. He said to the sudden widening eyes of Kirin as he glanced at Jake while still resting his head on the desk.

What do you have? Kirin asked with an impatient glare.

Your handy work with the Mad Bomber has given birth to some peculiar problems in the city. Jake said amused to the clueless stare of Kirin.

What? Kirin replied. I didn’t cause any problems with the Mad Bomber, that trouble was already coming.

Whatever you say, Rin. But I’ve been hearing the opposite from local leaders. Jake stared down Kirin. Do you know what I’ve been doing these past few days? he asked to the clueless stare of Kirin. Cleaning up your mess. I’ve been spending the past few days explaining and reassuring city guardsmen of your actions, calming down Union Representatives about your wild actions, and in general cleaning up the mess you make in the city.

Heh, Kirin chuckled as he kicked his legs back and forth under the table. It’s kind of hard to make a mess of something that’s already this disorganized and chaotic.

Yet you do it every day. Jake smiled, concealing his