Captive in Kyoto

By Deborah Kemp

Page Tanaka becomes involved in the disappearance of a student at the university where she teaches when another student requests her help in finding the missing girl. Soon it becomes evident that this is another in a series of missing women. Page is unwittingly drawn into a dangerous situation when she agrees to help the police. Readers will recognize familiar characters from Kyoto Connection and Kiss of the Geisha who return in this third book in the continuing series where kidnapping and murder once again mix with romance and passion.

Beneath the peaceful and serene beauty of Kyoto lurks a secret world where women fall victim to men who use them for sex and money. Is a serial rapist targeting "gaijin", and holding them captive in Kyoto, or is it part of a bigger plan for white slavery?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 7, 2002
• ISBN: 9781403358875

Deborah Kemp

Deborah Kemp was born in Massachusetts. She received a B.S. degree in Psychology, and then worked as a travel agent for ten years. After traveling extensively, she returned to school, received a Master’s degree in Education, and became a teacher. She and her family hosted several Japanese students, and she began what she calls a "life-long love affair with Japan." She spent two summers visiting Kyoto where she made side trips to other areas of Japan. In writing Kyoto Connection, she combined her years of learning about Japan with her personal experiences in Japan. She continues to teach her students about life in Japan, and is working on her third book, Captive in Kyoto. This book features Page and Kenji from Kyoto Connection and Kiss of the Geisha, as they get involved in the disappearance of an American woman in Kyoto.

Book preview

Chapter 1

It was the first anniversary of my marriage to Ken j i Tanaka, and as I waited for him to come home, I thought about the events of the past year. So much had happened to me since I met him, and though I could barely remember my life without him in it, there were things I wished I could forget. In the space of a year I had experienced the kidnapping and attempted murder of my husband, and I had come close to being killed by a man bent on silencing me. On the other hand, the year had brought the most unbelievable joy and passion to my otherwise quiet life in Kyoto.

I had come to Kyoto over three years ago to teach English, and later began to work as a translator for a large company. Because I was fluent in Japanese, and could both read and write it, I was a considered very employable. I had a graduate degree in Asian Studies, and I had spent most of my life learning the language and culture, so I knew it was time to move to Japan and make use of my degree and background. Even though I knew I wanted to live in Kyoto, nothing could have prepared me for the way I felt when I arrived and settled in. For me, it was coming home. My friends and family didn’t understand the deep attraction I had, or the affinity I felt for Kyoto and the people, but I never questioned my Kyoto connection.

I made a few American friends, as well as some good Japanese friends, and I enjoyed visiting temples and learning about the arts and culture of the city I had adopted. I knew that my world would change the day I met

Kenj i. He was the most beautiful man I had ever seen, and I began to believe in love at first sight. He looked like he belonged on the cover of a magazine, and I couldn’t believe it when he asked me out. I considered myself somewhat attractive, but certainly a far cry from drop-dead gorgeous. My name was Page Queenan, and my blonde wavy hair and green eyes gave away my Northern European ancestry. In a country like Japan, where the majority of people have straight dark hair and dark eyes, I stood out like the gaijin that I was, and there were men who were interested in me for those very attributes. Until I met Kenji, I had a dated a few men in Kyoto, but I had not found anyone interesting enough to hold my attention for long.

Once I got past the physical attraction I felt toward Kenji, I was excited to find how much I enjoyed him as a person. He was intelligent and kind and very funny, and the more time I spent with him, the more time I wanted to spend. He was Harvard educated and fluent in English, so we had no trouble communicating. We often found we needed no words at all to communicate our feelings, and we had the most sensual and romantic relationship I could ever have imagined.

I had no idea how difficult it would be to be married to the only son of a wealthy and prominent Japanese family. Kenji’s parents, Hideo and Akiko, often seemed to think the worst about me, suspect me of things I hadn’t done, and look for a hidden agenda I didn’t have. I never quite knew if I would ever measure up in their eyes, but I suspected I wouldn’t. I truly believed they wanted their son to marry a Japanese girl from a good family, but instead they got me, and I wasn’t going anywhere.

Kenji’s family owned a huge import-export business as well as many other businesses they purchased to diversify. Kenji ran the Kyoto branch of the business, and his graduate degree in Asian Art helped him in his work. He collected rare netsuke, tiny figures used in ancient times as an accessory to the kimono men wore. I had learned so much about art and antiques since I met Kenji. I had a personal interest in textiles, and I often visited the Nishijin orimono, the textile factory where the fabric was made. I loved the silk brocade fabric, and I owned several obis and a kimono made from it.

After Kenji and I married, I left my job and took a position teaching two courses at Kyoto University. I loved teaching there, and the fact that I only taught two courses left me with plenty of free time to travel with Kenji. We often visited his family in Kamakura and Tokyo, and we had traveled to London, Paris, and Boston in the past year. My family lived in Fitchburg, about fifty miles from Boston, but because it was such a long trip from Japan, we didn’t go there often.

I glanced down at my watch and saw that it was noon. Kenji said he would be home early so we could celebrate, and I was really looking forward to seeing him. I looked around the living room of our beautiful home, and thought I had never been happier in my life. Kenji had designed the house in the Higashiyama hills, and it looked like it had stood there forever. Despite the fact that it looked ancient, it boasted all the modern facilities anyone could want in a house, and I loved it. There were two bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a

Japanese style living room with tatami mats. We often ate our meals in the lovely glassed-in room that overlooked the manicured gardens, or soaked in the huge ofuro tub in our bathroom that also had a garden view.

Since Kenji wanted to have a formal celebration for our anniversary tonight, he had made reservations at a French restaurant. I would have been happy to stay home, but going out to celebrate was nice, too. I looked up as Kenji came in, and I ran to hug him.

Happy Anniversary. I love you so much! He hugged me tightly and bent down to kiss me.

I love you, Page. This has been the best year of my life.

Kenji, are you trying to flatter me so you can seduce me?

He looked thoughtful for a moment. Is it working?

In answer to his question, I took his hand and led him to the bedroom. I couldn’t get his clothes off fast enough, and he quickly pulled off the remaining items. He untied the sash of my cotton yukata, and finally there was nothing between us. I pulled him onto the waiting futon, and he covered my body with his own, and pinned my arms lightly against the soft sheet. I could feel him already hard with desire, but he took his time and kissed my mouth slowly and teasingly. Soon his kiss became deeper, and I pulled him even closer to me. Make love to me now.

You are so demanding, Page, and I am so happy to comply. In an instant, we were joined and I felt the familiar rush of passion and joy I always felt with him. Over and over, he took me to the edge until I could stand it no longer. He whispered ima, now, and together we gave in to our final desire.

I would say our anniversary is off to a good start. I hope it ends the same way.

Chapter 2

What would you like to do now? Kenji asked. We were in the kitchen having a glass of iced lemon tea, and Ken j i came over and hugged me.

I have a surprise for you. We are leaving in a few minutes to go to Hawaii for a long weekend. I nearly dropped my glass at his announcement.

We will be there early this evening, and we will fly home late Tuesday. The only thing left to do is for you to arrange to have Tuesday off. I taught on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but if I took Tuesday off, that would give us from Friday through next Wednesday off. The thought of five days in Hawaii was appealing enough to immediately put in a call to Professor Kitamura. He had hired me, and we have a good working relationship. I often covered for other professors so I knew he wouldn’t object to my request for a day off. When I reached him, he told me he would arrange coverage for Tuesday, and he told me to have a good trip.

Kenji. It’s all set, but I haven’t packed anything yet. Didn’t you say we had to leave soon? Kenji smiled and pointed to the packed bags on the floor. I packed them myself. Whatever I forgot, you can buy there.

How did you manage to keep this surprise from me?

After a year of living with me, Page, you should know I am good at surprising you!

We drove to Kansai airport, which took about an hour, and soon we were waiting in the First Class lounge for our flight.

When we arrived in Maui, I thought it was the most beautiful place I had seen in a long time. Everything was so lush and exotic, and the air smelled like flowers. I had been to Honolulu once, but this was definitely less developed and more beautiful. The resort was on the beach, and our suite overlooked the ocean. I could not think of a more romantic place to spend our first anniversary.

I breathed the scent of the flowered lei around my neck, and felt Kenji come up behind me. He bent down and kissed my neck, burying his face in the fragrant lei.

Are you happy Mrs. Tanaka?

I couldn’t be any happier. I turned to face him, and we kissed.

Are you hungry? Kenji asked. Shall we go to dinner?

Yes. I’m starving. Let’s change and go.

The resort had several restaurants, and the concierge recommended one in particular which was very romantic for our anniversary dinner. A short while later we were seated at a table outside, overlooking the water. Before we could order, the wine steward brought a bottle of champagne to our table. Compliments of the hotel. He opened it and poured for us, then left. Kenji and I raised our glasses, and we both said Happy Anniversary at the same time.

So much has happened in the past year. I can’t believe how much my life has changed since I met you. Kenji nodded in agreement. I feel the same way. My life has become an adventure now!

We were both thinking back to the kidnapping and attempted murder, but we didn’t speak of it. Months later, I was involved in a police case that involved a professor researching war crimes, and I nearly lost my life because of it. We had more than our share of adventure, so I was content with the quiet life we were living now. Of course, flying off to Hawaii was not something everyone did every day, but it was wonderful to be able to do that.

After dinner we walked along the beach, and I remembered the night he proposed. You proposed to me on a beach just like this except it was Okinawa not Hawaii. Kenji smiled and looked like he was remembering, too.

You married me the next day.

I could never refuse you anything! I stopped suddenly. I wanted to get you something for our anniversary that you didn’t have, something you wouldn’t buy for yourself. You are not the easiest man to buy for, but I hope you’ll like what I got. He looked at me, waiting for me to continue. I had a star named after us. There was a registry where you can pay to own a star, and I thought that sounded romantic even though you don’t really own a star. I have the paperwork and certificate showing where the star is located, but I left them at home. Kenji kissed me tenderly.

That is the most romantic gift I have ever received. When we get home, we will look for our star together. Oh, that reminds me. It would appear we think alike. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a box. Happy Anniversary. Inside was a slender gold necklace with a star hanging from it. The center of the star was a huge diamond, and there were smaller diamonds all around it that sparkled in the moonlight. Kenji put it around my neck and stood back to admire it. It looks beautiful. You are my guiding star.

Kenji was the most romantic man I had ever met, so I wasn’t surprised by his words. It was strange that we had both chosen to honor our anniversary with a star, but it seemed perfect to us.

Back in our suite, we changed for bed and got into the huge bed together. This is much bigger than our futon. There’s so much room that I could be way over there, and you would not be able to reach me. Kenji rolled on top of me and laughed. There is not a bed big enough to keep us apart. He began to kiss me, and as I responded to his deep kisses, I felt him hard against me. We ended our anniversary making love just as Kenji had hoped we would earlier that day.

Chapter 3

We spent our mornings swimming and relaxing on the beach, our afternoons making love, and our evenings dining and dancing and making love again. One day we went to the top of the Haleakala Crater, and another day into the fishing village of Lahaina. Since we would lose a day going back to Japan, we left late on Tuesday, which meant we wouldn’t get home until Wednesday evening. The time passed much too quickly, but it had been a wonderful vacation.

It was hard to get up Thursday morning and get ready for work, but Kenji was already up, so I dragged myself into the shower. He was getting dressed for the office when I came out of the bathroom, and I stopped to look at him. He looked at me quizzically.

What are you doing? I grinned at him and said, I’m looking at your body. You’re tan and strong, and I wish I had time to seduce you right now.

Kenji moved closer to me and tugged on my towel. I would be happy to oblige you.

I’m sure you would, but I already missed teaching on Tuesday, so I have to go in on time today. Kenji shrugged. Okay, maybe later.

I put my arms around him and kissed him with an intensity that surprised him, but I pulled away when I felt his response. There’s no maybe about it! He groaned. You make me crazy, Page. He kissed me goodbye and left for the office, while I finished dressing and had a cup of tea.

Like clockwork, Fukuda, my driver, was waiting for me. Kenji had hired him last fall as kind of bodyguard for me, but he kept him on the payroll permanently doing all kinds of jobs for us. Often, he drove me to the University because Kenji didn’t like for me to take buses. Before I met Kenji, I could only afford buses and subways since taxis were out of my price range. Even though I had a license to drive in Japan, I rarely did.

When I got to my tiny office, Professor John Becket was already there. We shared the cubicle, and got along quite well. He was a visiting professor from England who had taken the place of another visiting professor who had died.

Good morning, Page, or should I say aloha?

Good morning, John. I see you’ve been talking to Professor Kitamura.

You’re looking tanned and relaxed, I must say. How was Maui?

It was wonderful. How are things here?

Things are the same as always. It’s been hot and rainy. Everyone is ready for a break but that won’t come till the end of next month.

We chatted for a few minutes, and then I rushed off to my class.

After my last class of the day, one of my students came up to me and asked if she could talk to me. Fumie Katsura was an excellent student, and I enjoyed having her in my class. She seemed upset, and I wanted to help if I could. Let’s go talk in my office. I knew John had a class at this time, so Fumie and I could talk alone. Tanaka-san. I am worried about my friend, Linda Jackson. She’s an exchange student from America, and we take many classes together, and often go out after class. I haven’t seen her for days now. I went to the apartment that she shares with another foreign student, but she hasn’t seen Linda either.

Could Linda have taken a trip home to see her family?

Fumie shook her head. No, she was planning to go home at the end of July during our break and return in September. She wouldn’t have left early.

I thought about her concerns, but thought there must be a logical reason.

Maybe she had to go home early due to illness or death in her family. It could’ve been something unexpected that she didn’t have time to tell you. Did you call her in America?

Fumie shook her head. No, my English isn’t good enough to call her family. I would make them worry.

Fumie and I were speaking Japanese, and I knew how she felt. If she called the family and couldn’t communicate well, she might upset them for no reason. I was reluctant to call for the same reason. I would have no trouble communicating, but I tried to imagine how her family would feel getting a call from a stranger in Japan asking where their daughter was.

Have you or her roommate gone to the police yet?

Again Fumie shook her head. "It has been four days since we have seen her. I thought maybe she went away with a boyfriend or something, but she should be back by