Wet: Overflow by Zenobia Renquist Page B

title for himself. He took me from my resting place in the family shrine, brought me to America, and then dumped me down a well.”
    “But his diary said --”
    “Lies. All lies. I was there. I saw it all happen. Ichiro Mizuno betrayed his family and has had his descendants dancing around like puppets on a string to carry out a revenge he doesn’t deserve.”
    “But… but…”
    Lulu’s heart went out to the man. Being confronted with the truth seemed to break his spirit. He slumped in the water with his head bowed. She placed her hand on Hotsuma’s shoulder. “That’s enough.” She asked Takumi, “Right? You’re done? This is over?”
    Takumi nodded and then shook his head. “Waste. A complete waste. We were always taught Ichiro Mizuno was usurped and he ran from the family to save his life.”
    Hotsuma said, “Ichiro Mizuno was a spoiled, willful brat who took things too far. But I bear him no grudge. His actions set in motion my meeting with my wife.” He threaded his fingers with Lulu’s and brought her hand up to his lips. “I wouldn’t have known this joy or gotten my new freedom if not for his selfish act.”
    While Lulu wanted to bask in the glow of Hotsuma’s words, she couldn’t tell if he spoke the truth or was lying for Takumi’s benefit. He’d already lied and told several half-truths that all sounded genuine. Was this another?
    Takumi said, “I’m done. We’re done. It’s over.”
    “Good.” Hotsuma released Lulu’s hand and then pointed at Takumi. The man rose above the water to stand on the surface. He looked scared. Hotsuma said, “You and your family will leave quietly. Onsen will re-open next Saturday, and your family members will not show up to work.”
    “Of course.”
    “If any of you ever think to cross me or mine again, consider one thing -- the world is seventy percent water, and I’ll use it against you.” Hotsuma dropped his hand against his side.
    Takumi fell into the water and then disappeared.
    Masato rose up and walked across the water to the edge of the pool. “The Babas are on their way out the door. Each of them dry as bone and scared shitless. Good job, Uncle.”
    Hotsuma said, “Let’s hope they never call my bluff. I can only manipulate water within a two-mile radius. And the farther away it is, the less I can do.”
    “They won’t chance it.”
    Lulu walked away, headed for the master bedroom and much-needed rest. The biggest obstacle had been cleared. There was one left, but she didn’t have the mental or physical strength to deal with it. Not yet.
    She entered the bedroom, closed the door, and then locked it. If Hotsuma or Masato wanted in, they could bypass the lock easily. Her hope was that they wouldn’t. She trudged to the bed, crawled beneath the sheets, and curled into a ball.
    A dull ache started in her shoulder, reminding her of the past and making her worry for the future. Hotsuma and Masato had worked together to solve the family crisis, but would that cooperation continue when the issue of their relationship became the topic? Lulu fell asleep thinking about her feelings for Hotsuma and for Masato.

Chapter Ten
     
    The next morning, Lulu felt refreshed but scared. She opened the door slowly and peeked out. Neither Hotsuma nor Masato were in the living room. She left the room, headed for the balcony. That was where she’d left them last night. It was silly to think they would still be there, but she went anyway.
    The balcony was empty. Lulu pushed open the glass doors and enjoyed the cool morning breeze and the way the rising sun made the water of the hot spring sparkle.
    “Good morning, Lulu.” Hotsuma walked out of the water. His suit should have been soaked, but it was dry.
    Behind him, Masato formed a body and walked toward her across the surface of the water.
    She said to Hotsuma, “I see you’re making good use of your renewed talent.”
    “Elevators are too slow. I wanted to be here when you woke so we could talk.” Hotsuma