Uncle Hidetoshi paused for a moment. ‘I’ve got no idea what kind of mess you’ve got yourself into, but I know a cheap business hotel you could consider.’

CHAPTER 11

THE KATSURAGI HOTEL

The hotel Uncle Hidetoshi had recommended was on Akakawa’s border. From the outside, Katsuragi Hotel looked like a humble establishment. It was only five storeys high and the exterior paint was no longer fresh. The architecture itself appeared dated. Shoji walked in and saw a woman in a kimono at the reception counter. The traditional garment reminded him of his mother. Not many women wore kimono every day. In front of her stood a small Christmas tree, a nod to the festive season.

‘Good afternoon.’ The woman bowed to him. ‘How may I assist you?’

‘He’s staying here for a week,’ a man answered.

Shoji turned to see Uncle Hidetoshi getting up from one of the sofas in the lobby.

For a moment, he was taken aback by his uncle’s changed appearance. He was thinner and more haggard than the last time they had run into each other in Fukuoka, around six years ago.

Uncle Hidetoshi had been in town for a couple of days. Shoji was wandering aimlessly around the shopping mall after school when they bumped into each other. They had a quick catch-up over a cup of coffee — mainly his uncle talking about his boring new life in Akakawa. It was then that Uncle Hidetoshi told Shoji to contact him if he ever needed any help. Shoji thanked him, even though he wasn’t sure if they would ever see each other again. But now, Uncle Hidetoshi was the only person who could help him.

Shoji was about to greet Uncle Hidetoshi when the older man gestured for him to keep quiet.

‘Detective Oda, it’s been a while.’ The receptionist greeted Uncle Hidetoshi as she handed Shoji a form. ‘Please fill in your details here.’

‘Mrs Katsuragi, my apologies for imposing on you, but this young man is being targeted by a violent and persistent admirer. We’re still investigating, but we’d like to keep him safe and hide his identity. Would you mind exempting him from the formalities?’

She frowned. ‘I’m so sorry to hear that. It must be distressing.’ She took back the form and smiled at Uncle Hidetoshi. ‘I understand. We’ll follow the usual procedure.’

‘Give him one of the rooms on the fifth floor. That level still isn’t in operation, is it?’

‘That’s correct, but the rooms there haven’t been fitted with a television.’

‘Don’t worry about that.’

‘Well, then …’ She took a key from her drawer. ‘Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you need anything.’

‘Thank you for your help,’ Uncle Hidetoshi said, taking the key from her.

She bowed to Shoji. ‘Enjoy your stay.’

Shoji returned her bow before following Uncle Hidetoshi into the corridor. His uncle knew exactly where to go. He had probably accompanied other guests, who — like Shoji — were hiding from someone.