Epilogue

Seven Years Ago

“You can live in this office until you find what you’re looking for.”

The light streaming from the window bathed the man standing at the back of the stuffy room in a warm, sunny light. He had his back away from Rei as he busily sorted a box full of papers.

“Of course, rent isn’t free,” the man continued. “I’d have you work as my assistant. That means doing anything from cleaning the office, sorting my mail, making coffee, you get the idea. While you’re at it, I’ll teach you the tricks of my trade. Maybe have you accompany Airi in her self-defense lessons. God forbid that girl needs somebody to literally drag her out of the house every now and then.”

Rei’s backpack, the thing that held all of his earthly possessions, slid down from his shoulder and hit the floor.

The Ninomiya Investigation Agency was situated in a rundown building at the bottom of downtown Shinjuku. It was cramped, messy, but it somehow felt warm and comforting.

It wouldn’t be until seven years later that Rei learned the research institute never hired the private investigator. Of course, neither did the police. It was a young Ruby Tennojima, oblivious of her role later in his life, that spotted him sneaking around one of the laboratories. She told her grandfather what she saw, and from there Daiki took interest in what had happened. He contacted a small agency he once heard from the police and from there a relationship was born between the two.

Kazuo Ninomiya turned around and stepped into the light, one eyebrow raised, humor in his eyes, and a goofy grin across his lips. He still wore the funny tie that looked like a red fish.

“Eh, how should I say this?” The detective scratched at his temples, then shrugged. “Welcome home, Rei Tsukihara.”

And just like that, Rei gained a new family.

“Well, don’t just stand there. I’m already swamped with requests, but we’ll ignore all that! There’s this particular one that seems mildly interesting…”