‘I’m in big trouble,’ Shoji told Uncle Hidetoshi.

‘Tell me more,’ the older man said. ‘Start from the beginning.’

Shoji began to recount how he’d moved with Yoko to Akakawa and what she’d told him about the job, right up to the strange phone call. Uncle Hidetoshi listened intently, nodding occasionally and mumbling at appropriate times.

After Shoji had finished, Uncle Hidetoshi was quiet, seemingly deep in thought. Shoji fidgeted with his fingers. Though he felt better after sharing his predicament, the unease lingered.

Quite some time passed before Uncle Hidetoshi spoke. ‘I think I understand what you’re trying to say. You took this questionable job at this shady company owned by Kazuhiro Katou and broke your agreement with your employer. After that, all these incidents happened.’

‘That’s right.’

Uncle Hidetoshi scratched his chin. ‘What makes you sure that the fire was their handiwork? Do you have any proof?’

Shoji shook his head. ‘But I know it was them.’

‘So, it’s a gut feeling.’ Uncle Hidetoshi hesitated for a moment. ‘I do hope you’re off the mark. Because if it is indeed Kazuhiro Katou’s doing, then your life is in danger. I need time to investigate this properly.’ He stood. ‘In the meantime, please remain here. As long as you don’t go out, you should be all right.’

‘I’m not sure if I can afford to stay longer than one night.’

‘I’ll handle that. The hotel is cheap, anyway. Also, normally only the first and second floors are in operation, so there shouldn’t be any other guests on this level. Just to be safe, though, don’t go anywhere. Wait in your room until I return.’

‘I still need to buy food, and I don’t have any other clothes.’

‘I’ll ask Mrs Katsuragi to give you a simple meal, and I’ll get you something to change into. Don’t leave your room. Lock the door and use the safety bolt. Don’t open the curtains or make any noise. Stay as hidden as possible. You got that?’

‘Yes.’

After Uncle Hidetoshi left, Shoji wasted no time undressing. Despite the chilly weather, he was sweaty. Standing in the shower cubicle, he let the water gush down from overhead. It felt so good. He pumped the shampoo and worked it into his hair.

Perhaps Yoko had managed to escape somewhere after she saw the apartment building on fire. She could be waiting for him in a safe place. A sense of relief slowly filled him, but it was quickly washed away. He was fooling himself. He had no idea where she was.

Shoji came out of the bathroom with the towel around his waist. He threw himself on to the bed and fell asleep, exhausted. When he woke up, his stomach was rumbling. He got up and gathered his dirty clothes from the floor. A note peeked from under the door.

Dear Shoji,

I’ve left some clothes and food outside the door.

Uncle Hidetoshi.

Shoji retrieved the items. A carton of instant noodles and some new clothes: two V-neck T-shirts in black and white, a mustard-coloured sweater, a pair of dark jersey pants, and a pack of briefs. Everything was too big, but he could live with that. He tore the labels off and put the clothes on. After that, he made himself a cup of yakisoba-flavoured instant noodles using hot water from the bathroom. Instant food had never tasted so good.