“Akiko? It’s Satomi.â€

“Satomi?â€ Akiko was surprised. Why would Satomi be calling her?

“How are you doing?â€

“Er, OK. How are you?â€

“I’m fine, thanks.â€ There was a pause. “Look, this is a little awkward. Your work uniform still belongs to the company, and Mr Kanayama has started making noises about wanting it back.â€ Akiko pulled a face. That was true. She didn’t want to go back to the office, though. “I don’t suppose you want to go back to the office, though.â€ Satomi had read her mind.

“No, not really.â€

“Mm. Anyway, I came over to your flat to pick them up, but you’re not here. The tenant knows nothing about you.â€

“Oh.â€ She went to the flat? Akiko was surprised. “No, I’m…â€ For a moment, Akiko didn’t want to say where she was, worried about what Satomi would think. Then she decided she was being silly. Satomi already knew she wasn’t in the flat. “I’m living at Tamao Shrine at the moment; do you know where that is?â€

“At the shrine? Really?â€ Satomi sounded surprised, but not, as far as Akiko could tell, shocked. “Yes, of course I know where that is. Is it convenient if I come over now?â€

“I suppose so.â€

“OK. See you in a little while.â€

Akiko put the phone away, wondering why Satomi was taking so much trouble, and was about to go into the house when she became aware of someone approaching.

“Ah, Ms Tanahata. Is the priest around?â€ It was Mr Wakabayashi. Akiko could see the kegare gathered around him like smoke, the light of smouldering embers twinkling in the depths of his jacket.

“I’m not…â€ she began, but Shiraishi saved her the trouble by appearing from the office.

“I’m here, Wakabayashi. What do you want?â€ The priest wasn’t even trying to sound polite.

“I thought I’d renew my offer. I’m even willing to add another 5% to the price. What do you say? I’m sure there are much better things for you, for both of you, to do with your lives than look after a failing shrine.â€

“It’s not failing.â€

“Oh? Plenty of ujiko, then?â€ Akiko winced, and looked away. The smoke from Wakabayashi’s jacket was drifting in the direction of the shrine building, and the clouds overhead were thickening ominously. Akiko stepped back, to bring herself under the eaves of the house, before Tamao rained his displeasure again.

“<em>That</em> is none of your business. We have the kami to serve, and that’s enough.â€

<em>It certainly is, </em>thought Akiko, glancing again at the shrine building as the first drops of rain began to fall.

“You are sure I can’t tempt you to abandon this pointless task?â€

“<em>Pointless?</em>â€ Shiraishi sounded really angry now. “<em>You</em> might not be able to see any point in serving the kami, but I assure you that the point is perfectly clear to <em>us.</em> Now, I’ve told you many times that I will not sell. Get off the shrine property before I call the police.â€

It had started raining as Shiraishi spoke, and Wakabayashi shrugged as he put up his umbrella.

“It’s your loss, Revd Shiraishi. You will wish you had taken my offer, I can assure you of that.â€

“Get out, and stop threatening me!â€ Wakabayashi did not respond, just bowing and walking out of the shrine, passing Satomi on her way in.