Free Alice-Miranda in Japan 9 by Jacqueline Harvey Page B

But I’m certain that the last thing she wants is to come back here,’ Hatsuko said, arching an eyebrow.
    The men nodded.
    â€˜So, today you will track her every movement on this screen and make note of the places that she goes,’ said Hatsuko. ‘And I don’t need to remind you what will happen if you fail a second time.’
    They gulped and chorused, ‘No.’
    Hatsuko stood and stalked out of the room. She climbed the narrow stairwell to the ground floor and locked the small door behind her. A man’s voice startled her. ‘Good morning, Hatsuko. What are you doing down here?’
    Hatsuko swivelled around and bowed at Kenzo. Her mind raced. She’d never run into him here before. ‘Exercise,’ she replied. ‘It is good to walk the long way around some days. And you?’
    â€˜My intentions are far less noble. I’ve come to see if there is any daifuku for my morning tea.’
    â€˜There is a telephone to the kitchen,’ she said, ‘and plenty of eager young women to bring the cake to you.’
    â€˜Of course, but if I at least have to walk here, I don’t feel quite so guilty about my greedy belly.’
    Hatsuko nodded curtly and bowed. ‘I must go.’ She turned to walk away.
    â€˜I think there will be good news today,’ Kenzo said.
    Hatsuko stopped in her tracks. ‘What good news?’ A tingle of excitement surged through her body. She hoped it was the news she had been waiting for.
    â€˜Please walk with me and I will explain.’ Kenzo and Hatsuko headed down the long passageway. ‘Tomorrow the motion that will ensure the family’s future will go before the parliament,’ he said, glancing over at her.
    A smile crept onto Hatsuko’s face.
    â€˜I see you are pleased.’
    â€˜Oh yes, this is perfect,’ she said, nodding. ‘It has been a long time coming.’
    â€˜I am so glad that you approve.’ Kenzo smiled.
    â€˜This will change everything.’
    â€˜It will be a blessing for us all,’ said Kenzo. ‘Kiko should know that her position is secure, but perhaps don’t mention anything to her just yet. Is she feeling better?’
    Hatsuko flinched at the mention of the child. ‘No, she is still poorly. And I must go check on her.’
    Kenzo bowed and Hatsuko hurried along, her heart fit to burst. Soon. She had waited so long and now it seemed that her patience would finally be rewarded.

 
    After a delicious lunch, Hugh and the girls were set to meet Cecelia and Ambrosia in an area called Harajuku, which was famous for attracting young people who loved fashion and manga cartoons. Ambrosia had been interviewing several of the young fashionistas there and one of the designers had offered to take the children on a tour to see the young men and women dressed in their outrageous costumes. When Ambrosia had called earlier to say she couldn’t make lunch, she’d arranged with Hugh to bring the girls over to meet her and Cecelia. The Meiji Shrine was also close by and Hugh thought they might have time to visit there too.
    â€˜I think we’ll pop back to the ryokan and you girls can drop off your shopping first,’ Hugh said as the girls tripped along beside him. ‘Then I’ll order a car.’
    â€˜Really, Daddy? A car? That’s not very adventurous,’ said Alice-Miranda.
    â€˜What do you suggest?’ Jacinta asked her. ‘A flying saucer?’
    Alice-Miranda smiled. ‘Ha ha. I was thinking that we should try the subway.’
    â€˜Oh, I’m not sure about that,’ said Hugh, flinching. ‘I’ve never used it before and none of us speak Japanese.’
    â€˜It can’t be that hard, Daddy. I’ve been on the subway in New York and the three of us have been on the Paris Metro, and it’s a great way to get around,’ Alice-Miranda said. ‘It helps you see the real city – and you said that’s