Akiko could see that it wasn’t Akira almost immediately, but, judging from the way the priest suddenly stiffened and stopped, Shiraishi realised that it was Mr Wakabayashi first. Akiko was about to excuse herself, when Shiraishi sighed and said,

“Come on. We might as well get it over with.â€

Akiko followed her to the hall, where they both put masks on before sliding the glass door open. Mr Wakabayashi was almost wearing his mask, and his bow, while perfectly proper, struck Akiko as rather perfunctory.

“Revd Shiraishi, I’ve come to see whether you have reconsidered my offer.â€

“I will not sell you the shrine grounds. How many times must I tell you that my decision is final?â€

Akiko stood behind the priest, looking at Mr Wakabayashi and the shrine grounds beyond. Today, she could see nothing out of the ordinary; just a businessman, in a dark suit, and a sunlit lawn beyond. There was no sign of kegare, but she was sure it must still be there.

“Your shrine has suffered a number of heavy blows recently,â€ Mr Wakabayashi went on, “and you must be concerned about whether you can continue.â€

“We are doing just fine, thank you.â€ Shiraishi’s tension was obvious in her voice.

“After the suicide of one of your last supporters, it would be very difficult for the shrine to endure another blow.â€

“<em>What</em> are you suggesting?â€ Now the priest’s anger was clear.

“Just that you might want to take the chance to sell before anything happens to reduce the value of the property.â€

“Are you threatening us, Wakabayashi?â€ His expression was unreadable behind the white mask, but he shook his head.

“Not at all. Merely encouraging you to seize the moment.â€

“Well then. I don’t want you to set foot on shrine property ever again. It is private property, and I <em>do</em> control it. So get out. Now.â€ The last word was almost shouted. Mr Wakabayashi just shook his head.

“I suppose this is only to be expected when a woman is left in charge. Well, I can’t take any responsibility for what might happen.â€ He sketched a bow and left, before Shiraishi could get a response out. She slammed the door shut and pulled her mask off, turning to Akiko.

“The gall of the man! I can run this shrine just as well as any of my ancestors could.â€

“Do you think he really was threatening us?â€ Akiko was slightly worried.

“Not really. He just wants to buy the land.â€

“But, you know, I think he did threaten Mr Takenaka and deprive him of business. And I suspect he had something to do with my being fired.â€

“What?â€ Shiraishi sounded surprised, so Akiko filled in the details of what she and Akira had learned, and about the events at her office immediately before she lost her job. As she spoke, rain began drumming on the roof, getting steadily louder.

When she finished, Shiraishi looked thoughtful.

“Well, maybe he has been trying to drive the ujiko away. But I really can’t see him doing any more than that. I mean, what can he do? Have us killed? Blow the shrine up?â€ Akiko shook her head slowly.

“Well, I suppose not…â€

“You <em>suppose?</em> Oh, come on. This isn’t some gangster film.â€ Akiko nodded, but she couldn’t help remembering the kegare swirling around Mr Wakabayashi. What <em>could</em> he do?

Outside, the downpour continued.