FILE 9: THE BOOKSTORE PART 2

Gumiho was waiting outside. He sprung up as the door swung open and I appeared.

"Well? How did it go? Are they okay now?" He bombarded me. I saw his tail wagging. I held up the book. "He didn't take it too well. But I did get a book."

His tail dropped in disappointment. Well, what did you expect? I'm not some miracle worker, you know. We trudged along back to my house, him giving me dirty looks as I paused to speak to a lady.

Hey, it's a habit of mine. Before entering my house, he abruptly stopped.

"I'll give you seven days. If things have not changed between them by then, consider yourself failed, and I won't pay you," he said coldly. I halted in shock. Seven days?

This might take weeks! Fixing a relationship between families isn't a stranger's job, you know.

And I want that diamond! I bowed and lied, "No need to worry, I have never failed a case." I gave my brightest grin. I hate this guy.

He looked doubtful at me before turning back into his fox form and vanishing. I turned and went inside to a waiting Mars.

He was upset with me as he saw the book I had bought and the news he received.

"What does that mean?" he demanded as he pointed a paw at the book. "I knew your flirtation would come back to bite you. Now Mr. Baek is angry, making things even more difficult!" he scolded me.

Feeling wronged, I protested, "I didn't do anything. He jumped to a conclusion on his own. And he wanted me to buy a book, so I grabbed the first one that caught my eye. It's not my fault what it's about."

But Mars didn't believe me and lay on his cat bed with his back turned towards me. Why is today such a bad day? I sulked.

I approached Baek Books a few times in the next few days, but I got such a bad reception each time that I gave up on the father, so I tried the daughter, Mi Cha Baek.

After searching the internet, I found her email on a business website. It seems she works for a private electric company as a manager. Not knowing how else to advance, I pretended to be a client and wanted to have a meeting. 

She replied over an hour later, and we scheduled a meeting for the next day. It suits me; I had too much bad luck today. Happily, the day passed quickly, and our meeting drew nearer. I viewed myself in the body-length mirror.

Everything seemed perfect. I wore the blue suit that my mom had tailored for me for church. My hair was brushed back, and I sprayed on my cologne. It was almost time.

"Are you going on a date?" Mars commented as I once again checked my hair in the hallway mirror. "A meeting," I answered curtly. 

I slipped on black shoes and waited. "All right. You look good. Now go do your job," Mars complimented, looking irritated. Mars was back to his old self.

Satisfied, I went to our meeting place in an Uber. No way was I walking in a suit. It was in a coffee shop that wasn't too far, just in case. After paying the driver, I waited at the entrance. She hadn't shown up yet. 

I was still early for a few minutes, but I didn't mind since I kept drawing admiring looks. She finally showed up in her car, a Toyota. Not bad. She stared at me after I climbed out. I briefed her on what I would wear so she knew who to look for.

She just couldn't miss me. I bet she was struck by my handsomeness. Coming to her senses, she came smiling, her hand out. We shook hands and went to a table.

"Were you surprised when you saw me, Ms. Baek?" I teased. She blushed. "No, not that. You look like the guy from the store. Maybe it's a coincidence."

Our order came in, and we got down to business. "I hear you want to change your electrical lines in your house. It will be very expensive, and I need to advise you that the construction company we're partnered with will also be called in," she explained seriously. 

I sipped my chocolate milkshake.

"That's nice," I said, not really interested. Mi Cha frowned. "Please take this seriously. It could take weeks, depending on the wiring. Are you listening?" Not really. 

I sighed and pushed away my shake. I then told her the truth. "Please don't get angry now, okay? The real reason I contacted you was because of this," I started.

For the next few minutes, I told her the story, causing her to scowl. Uh, what are you scowling about, exactly? I felt a bit anxious but went on anyway.

When I finished, she remained quiet. "To be hired to stop someone from arguing is something I have never heard of. You say it's a friend of my mom's?" I nodded.

She sighed. "He must be a very good friend of hers. Listen here, running the bookstore is only making my dad even more depressed. He hasn't stopped shaking since she died.

I thought a new change of pace might be good for him. He can leave the shop to younger management. He can even come in once in a while to check up on them if he wants to.

But he's so stubborn! He'll die if he keeps this up. I already lost my mother; I don't want to lose him too," she sniffed.

Darn it. This is more difficult than I thought. I comforted her, asking for some time. And she didn't hold a grudge against my deception. She even brushed it aside, thinking it was irrelevant. 

"Your dad is furious at me for some reason. I think he believes I'm after you or something. What should I do to approach him?" I asked her.

"Oh, that's easy. My dad will forgive anyone who gives him a box of tobacco. The expensive kind. He'll be very impressed, I'm sure. Just don't make him angry again," she advised.

"Got it," I affirm.

Later, we said our farewell on a good note, and Mi Cha gave me her number in case I needed to contact her. Is it just me, or are things going too smoothly?

Nah, it's just my imagination. I waved down a taxi, and we went our separate ways. "To Nampo Underground Centre, please," I directed the driver. It's time to buy a gift for Mr. Baek.

It was almost lunchtime when I visited the bookstore again. I held his present tightly in my hand and breezed in, the doorbell ringing and announcing my presence.

"Welcome to Baek-oh it's you," Baek scowled. I coughed, feeling awkward. 

I held out the box. "I'm sorry for last time. Here's some Esse I brought for you. I hope you'll forgive me," I apologised. He grabbed it and took a deep breath.

"The smell is so fresh," he sighed. "Okay fine. You're forgiven," he said shortly while he pocketed the cigarettes.

"Thank you, sir. Now, about the other day, we need to talk," I started hesitatingly. He froze. "You're still going on about that. Now see here, don't be so meddlesome and stay away from my daughter," he threatened. I gave a small smile.

"Well, we already met so-" He gazed coldly at me. "What's your game? Are you after the inheritance? Think you can get money if you marry my daughter?" I was taken aback.

I started laughing. It only provoked Baek. "What's so funny?"

"I'm, haha, I'm sorry. But you got the wrong impression," I chuckled as I wiped tears from my eyes. I continued after calming down, "I really want to find a solution to your problem. Really. I'm not here for your inheritance," I assured him. 

I adore money, but not enough to steal or scam others. I absolutely hate that orange jumpsuit. Baek squinted at me scrutinising, but he finally believed me.

"I bet you talked to her about it, right? What did she say to you, Mr. Meddlesome?" 'Haha, very funny,' I thought sarcastically.

"It's Nathan McNeill. And she's worried about your mental health. She says that working in the bookstore might cause your death.

She's afraid to lose you, so she thinks it's better to retire and relax instead of working. And I agree with her," I added. He listened as he typed on his computer. I waited in silence before he spoke.

"I already know that. It's just needless worry for a child. I'm doing fine." he snapped. Then he sighed. "She should concentrate on her own life and find happiness. She shouldn't worry about me. I won't go anywhere."

Baek had completely mellowed down. What is up with today? It's as if I drew a lucky ticket. The old guy was busy working, so I decided I'd try again tomorrow.

Or tonight. That darn cat has forced me to break into the bookstore to speak to the ghost of Soo Baek. 

If I get caught, I'll curse that cat for eternity! It was over three am as I sneaked my way inside the dark store.

Mars had given me a skeleton key that could open any lock anywhere, so I had no problem slipping in. My SENSE and SHADOW were activated so I sneaked in like a proper cat burglar. 

Mars assured me I wouldn't appear on cameras, so I quickly switched off the CCTV before trying to reappear for the next several minutes. I still need to train more.

My eyes shimmered gold in the silver moonlight as I peered around. To no surprise, several spirits were hanging around. A small cat spirit watched me curiously, so I approached him. 

"Did you see an old woman that used to work here? Name's Baek Soo, pretty short, grey hair, likes telling stories to children?" I described her as the cat who examined me with wide green eyes.

[The missus? I used to be her pet a long time ago. She keeps to herself in the back nowadays,] he meowed.

Thanking him, I moved soundlessly to the back room, where they kept the stock. I gently turned the knob, used the skeleton key after finding it locked, and darted inside silently.

[Who's there?] A female's voice called out. It was Soo. She didn't look like I pictured her. She stood tall and had a pretty face, despite being old.

Her grey hair was cut short, and she wore a nightgown, probably what she wore in her last days. She looked quite afraid of my intrusion.

I held up my hands in surrender, "It's fine. I'm not here to harm anyone or steal anything. I wish to speak to you, Mrs. Baek," I said gently.

Her mouth twisted as she peeked at my burglar outfit. "Well, yes, uh, this was necessary. But I'm not here to take anything, I promise!" 

I bowed sincerely. [If you say so. How can you see me? My family overlooks me no matter what I do,] she asked, interested. Oh good, down to work.

I faced her and tapped my glowing eyes. "I have an ability that allows me to see ghosts. That's my line of work, you see. To exorcise ghosts, not break into stores."

[Oh, that sounds intriguing. Your eyes look beautiful. So what is it that you want to talk about, Mr?] Having calmed down, she was now more inquisitive. Naturally, my eyes look amazing. I myself am an amazing creation.

I absent-mindedly flicked my hair and smiled, making her also smile instinctively. 

"Nathan. A friend of yours asked that I settle the dispute between your daughter and husband. He was disturbed since it affected you badly, and he thought you might be happy if they got along again," I explained. 

She looked surprised. [A friend? Who would ask you to resolve a family matter? And how does he know I'm still in the shop? I don't know of anyone that can see ghosts,] she said, confused.

"It's someone who always comes to listen to your stories. He's kind of special," I replied evasively. She wouldn't believe me even if I told her. [Oh, I see,] she said in understanding.

Relieved, I continued, "Do you mind if I ask personal questions?" She shook her head, so I started. "Tell me everything about your husband."