A Visit in Northern Heights (Antifreke)

the sun would be setting down across the horizon, casting a burnt hue across the front of the Baroque style architecture. The gate would slide open, revealing a circular drive way with a fountain in the center. On the the top of the stone fountain was a single cat statue, sitting peacefully while gazing into the sunset. The front door would be pulled open by a tall, slender man in a black suit. His white hair was strictly contrasting the dark clothes he wore. With a quick bow, he would invite the officer in.

"Right this way sir, the family is just sitting down for dinner. You are more than welcome to join us for the evening."

The entrance would be a two story, open foyer with a large burgundy carpet. On the right side was an office that set next to a set of stairs that led to the second floor. to the left was a sitting room and lounge. The man, whose name was Roger, turned and walked towards the back of the foyer. Passing through a rounded door would reveal a twelve foot long table, with four people seated. there were several empty seats, usually left for guests. At the entrance of the head house keeper and the officer, the family would rise.

"Welcome to our home officer, it is a pleasure to have you here tonight. Please, Sit and enjoy dinner with my family. "

Much to my appreciation, the gate opens for me and I roll up my window, continuing the rest of the way into the interior of the yard and about the bending driveway. I park in the front of the estate and cut the engine. Opening the door, I step out and adjust my jacket slightly before closing the door behind me and walking around the vehicle to greet the greeter. I acknowledge the bow with a nod and return a “thank you” when I an offered to follow him into the main building.

Walking into the house, I immediately notice the grand scale that the house beheld. It was much more elaborate than my own home, suggesting the family had a bit of old money. I come to stand before a large table with a few people in attendance. As I am offered a seat, I return, “thank you, you’re very gracious though I won’t be staying long enough to eat. Thank you for the generous offer.” I didn’t know if what I was saying sounded right since I didn’t have much experience around rich people; it seemed bothersome, so I would just talk as I normally would to someone normal and unimportant, like for instance, Sanzon (jab).

I stand to the side of my seat, not sitting down until the family was to sit as well. I didn’t know if that was rude or something along those lines. I speak to the one who addressed me, gauging this person to be the head of the household. “I’m sorry to have come unannounced, but I was in the area having just recently moved in. I’ll introduce myself first, my name is Asei Jyn, and I am the Commissioner of the City’s special police Division. Thank you for such a warm invitation without prior notice.”

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The chair would be pulled out by the head housekeeper before he moved backwards with a quick shift of weight. At the returned name and title of the guest, the family would sit. Several moments later two women in their mid thirties would enter while pushing a small cart. On the cart was several covered trays that would be set neatly on the table before they uncovered the plates. The dinner would be poached seafood with rice, sided with vegetables and homemade bread. The daughter would watch the officer cautiously before taking her first bite. After a moment, the father, a project manager for a medical firm would speak. The mother, a professor of history a the University, would smile politely.

"No worries, we are used to business meetings at the dinner table. We all figured this day would come. We didn't know what he was when she brought home that stupid cat."

They were sharp to know that I was here due to Sanzon. I wondered if they perhaps told him that I would be coming or if they assumed since he was a spirit, then eventually the Division would come knocking on their door. If the answer was the later, then it could be assumed that these people knew of the Division, which would be only slightly alarming. I did not see the direct correlation that would offer that type of information to medical project manager or a university professor. There was always the chance that Sanzon could have leaked information of the Division to them, which would be a distressing realization in itself. It would be understandable that they wouldn’t know what he was since it wasn’t common place for a cat to grow into a full grown man. No normal family, in my opinion, could be prepared for that. On top of that, the candid reference to Sanzon being a cat would alert me that they knew that I should also know about Sanzon and what he was. I would continue taking a tactful route as I comment, “I’ll be blunt; Sanzon’s asked that I check up on you every once and a while. You could say that he’s over protective of this family here. Since I only met with him briefly, I’m not sure how knowledgeable you are about his business and organization. Do you work with him as well?” I would be doing normal phishing since I didn’t bother to look over any information about the family before coming over.

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A light cough would come from the man's lips before he took a bite out of the salmon. A satisfied look came across his lips before he gently sat his fork down. His wife and daughter looked at him with an eire of caution before he returned a gently, casual look. There was nothing to be worried about here in their own home. Instead of changing the subject to protect the interests of the family, he instead tackled the issue directly.

"In my line of work, we are often caught in odd engagements with competitors. When those competitors really want to get the point across, they send in people who can really make things hurt for you. We had no idea how to react when my daughter here was taken from our home, abducted after a night of studying. They even took her two best friends. It's a long story about how he managed to get here, but all of us inside this house know it, and are grateful for his presence. Whether or not he is what he is, he hunted them down and brought our daughter back to us. Ever since then, he has looked out for us whenever we needed it. I figured it was only a matter of time before he was caught or tracked back to us. He hasn't been out to visit in a while, so I assume that he is busy. What he does he keeps to himself, but I have faith that it is working for him. Why exactly are you here, if I may ask..."

The explanation helps to clear some things up for me. With this, I would realize that Sanzon’s caution did not seem misplaced as it would seem he actually had a reason to wish for the protection of this family. The first strike seemed to already have been taken on the side allegedly, of the Yakuza. This would also shine some light on the passion Sanzon seemed to show against the yakuza elements that he wanted to eliminate. I would assume that his business vision had been tainted and intertwined with his personal life, which was understandable for anyone, or at least any human. My gaze shifts to the daughter as he father explains and then back to the head of the household as he finished. I wouldn’t be able to know how the father felt, but I could understand and appreciate that he felt a certain way and was grateful for Sanzon’s assistance. His words seemed earnest and he didn’t seem to have a reason to lie to the police. When the question comes back to me, I answer, “to assure that you’re protected. As you’ve mentioned, there seems to be some type of syndicate activity at work that isn’t legal. Sanzon came to me about this issue as it did not seem to be getting the attention that it should require. As targets of a syndicate, it’s only natural that you be placed under elevated surveillance and protection. I did not want to increase police presence without informing you directly, since some of our cars may be unmarked for your own protection, so treat this as an acknowledgment that the city’s civil services will work to keep you and your family safe.”

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a sigh of relief would come from the fathers lips while the tense looks across the room subsided. Taking another bite of the salmon while listening to the commissioner, curiosity would take its place. What had their family friend done to warrant assistance from the government, let alone a to get their cooperation in such a matter. The other bothersome subject was the syndicate at play. Did he cross the wrong people, or was he doing something for the greater good. If one believed in angels and demons, it was easy to trust an angel, even if fallen. There were days when prayers alone were not enough to get one through the day. That was when direct influence was necessary by the higher powers.

"The extra protection is greatly appreciated. I trust his judgement with the protection of my family. If he is into something that he can't explain, or that would jeopardize our home to the point of needing assistance, then it must be something serious. Other than stay out of your way, is there anything we need to do to assist your efforts. The last thing we need is unnecessary incidents."

I retort, “You can simply leave everything to us.” I would feign, “unfortunately I don’t have the insight to shed on Sanzon’s business venture’s other than he seems pursing philanthropic efforts. After my department was briefed on your family’s situation, I assured that I would take action, much like I would do for any of the city’s citizen’s who may be under the threat of illegal organizations. I’m sorry it took this long for the appropriate action to be taken to assure the safety of law abiding citizens such as yourselves.” I explain, “due to my responsibilities, I may not be in direct contact with you, but I will check over your situation from time to time until the threat on your family is handled. I will select an officer to be your point of contact and liaison during this time and have either him or her contact you in the future.” I conclude, “Are there any concerns or special items that I or any team watching over you would need to be aware of?”

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the father would think about the question for a moment while enjoying more of the food. There wasn't really anything to take care of out of the ordinary. After the weekend their daughter would return to the university, and both him and his wide worked in the metro. The meal was good, as usual. there was a brief wonder at how long it had been since their spiritual family member had stopped by. They would have to fix that as soon as this mess was taken care of.

"We have several vehicles, and operate on a routine schedule. Dinner is at the same time on the weekends. During the week, I spend most of my time in the metro. We own a high rise condo there, and it's easier to work the week, and return here on the weekends. Our daughter stays at the university. If helpful, we can bring her here and have her commute to the school to restrict public freedom. We've dealt with these types before. Our government has yet to fail us, I trust you with my family's safety."

"Safe Travels, and thank you for your assistance."
The family would continue eating for a moment before standing to dismiss their guest. It was a formal, yet informal sign of courtesy. The head of housekeeping would pull the chair back the rest of the way before moving it to allow room for departure. Keeping silent, he would be ready to escort the young gentlemen from the city out . After all, he was an esteemed guest, and welcome anytime. After he left the room, the family would sit and resume eating, while discussing the changes in their schedules. Surprisingly, there was little rebellion from their daughter, who agreed to the precautions of commuting daily until this issue blew over. Over all, the family was satisfied that they were under the protection of the government, but slightly disappointed and put off that their friend hadn't come to them himself. He was welcome here at all times, even if things were troubled. They would just have to trust that his actions were in the best interest of everyone.

The Head Housekeeper would escort the Commissioner through the house before returning to the main doors. Sliding the left one open, he would speak. "Have a wonderful evening sir." Upon departure, a light bow would be given from the man before he turned and disappeared back inside the home. The family was safe, for now. Hopefully, things would stay that way.

Sent to UYB.