Snippet #2379298

Darren had his appointment with the two possible tenants for the empty flat he was renting out. He made his way early and stood outside the building waiting for Sasaki and Choi to arrive. He was curious about the two opting to view the place at night. While Darren waited outside, Ezra watched him from the above window. He smiled uncontrollably at the sight of Darren. He was so happy to see him.

Sasaki and Choi arrived at Ezra’s flat and greeted Darren as he waited for them outside the building. “Hello, I’m Okada Sasaki, and this is Jin-sang Choi. We’re here for the viewing.” Sasaki introduced the two.

Darren smiled and shook their hands as he greeted them. “Hi there, I’m Darren Gottschalk. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Shall we have a look, ya?”

“Sure.” Choi replied. The group went into the building and into the Flat.

“It has a really nice view and it’s pre-decorated. “ Darren said as he unlocked the door and stepped in after opening it up. To Darren the flat was empty of anyone else but himself, Sasaki and Choi. However Ezra was there standing right next to him. Ezra smiled and waved at Sasaki and Choi, who had to act as if he weren’t there.

“I love the décor. The view is beautiful. I wouldn’t want to change a single thing here.” Choi said pleasantly.

Sasaki watched as Ezra stared at Darren with a somber look of intense longing. It was the first time he’d seen anything other than a smile or look of excitement on Ezra’s face. There was much more to Ezra and Darren’s past relationship than Ezra had mentioned. “How did Ezra die exactly? He’s too young to have died of natural causes, maybe he was sick and passed away. Or perhaps he had an accident or even worse murdered.” He wondered silently.

Darren, in response to Choi’s comments on the décor of the flat, answered Choi, “I’m glad you like it. The previous co-owner of the flat loved that view. He said it inspired him to write and create. But it never did me any good, for me it simply a pretty view. Maybe you two will have better luck than me.” Darren said with a chuckle.

Sasaki then focused his attention to Darren rather abruptly, “Was the former co-owner a writer or an artist? What happened to him, if you don’t mind me asking.” Sasaki was a cunning man and he knew this was his chance to piece things together. Ezra suddenly looked startled. He wasn’t expecting Sasaki to investigate as he did. Ezra was simply nervous to talk about his past and his death. But he was more nervous to hear what Darren’s response would be. What would Darren say about him?

“Oh, um yes he was a writer. He wrote mystery novels. His name was Ezra Unherhill, have you heard of him?” Darren replied in a rather delayed manner. He looked a little deep in thought suddenly.

“The name is vaguely familiar but even here in the UK I tend to read Japanese novels still. His name ‘was’ Ezra Underhill?” Sasaki inquired further with a rising intonation.

“Um, Yes Ezra died, over a year ago.” Darren seemed to stare off into space as he replied.

“Oh dear, I’m so sorry to hear that. I hope I didn’t bring up a sore subject!” Sasaki was very curious to scope out Darren’s reaction to Ezra’s passing.

“No no, it’s alright. He was my friend. Honestly he was my best friend. He was always more successful than me. I looked up to him for his ambition. It’s a shame his life ended so prematurely… Sorry, I should stop prattling on! Please pardon me!” Darren seemed a tad jarred by the subject of Ezra. Sasaki wondered what puzzle pieces were missing still. Ezra’s eyes looked teary. Choi looked concerned for Ezra.

Choi decided to change the subject and announce that they would rent the place. “Well, I like this place and if it reflects Mr. Underhill’s sensibilities then I’m sure I’d like him too.” Choi said with a gentle smile.

Darren replied, “Great! I’ll get the paper work out of my car. Please wait a moment, I’ll be right back. Sorry for the inconvenience!” with that he rushed out of the flat and down the stairs.

Sasaki turned to Ezra and apologized, “I’m sorry for prying. I just wanted a few answers from an outside source. I wanted to figure him out a little. I didn’t mean to cause you any harm.”

“It’s alright. I know you were looking out for me. I just wasn’t ready to hear the words ‘Ezra’s Dead’ come from him… It just feels so, final. You know, I died in an accident in a church. I was there to pray after an argument with someone… I can’t quite remember. However I was kneeling at the alter to pray and the next thing I knew a statuette had fallen from a ledge and struck me on the head. They said I bleed to death before the ambulance could make it in time. That’s how I died. Sounds pretty silly right?” Ezra began to sob and the electricity flickered a bit in the flat.

“No no no… not silly at all.” Sasaki replied and hugged the ghost tightly to him. It had been so long since he’d received a hug. Sasaki’s embrace was very nice. Ezra felt his sadness simply blow away like leaves in the wind.