Process of Elimination by Arthur T. Bradley

Author:Arthur T. Bradley
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-08-10T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

The VIP suites of the Krakatau Casino Hotel were five-star all the way. Deluxe crystal bars, huge feather beds, Jacuzzi tubs, antique mirrors, coordinated cherry furniture, and gorgeous views overlooking the decadent city below. As nice as the Hotel Mona had been, the casino suite made it look about as plush as a Bangkok whorehouse.

Adam pushed blindly through the room, barely noticing the furnishings or incredible view of the strip below. His only interest was a soft place to lay his head. Glancing at his watch, he saw that it was just past eight in the morning. Twelve hours until the big hoedown at Mr. Greene’s ranch. Just enough time for some shut-eye.

He took a running leap toward the mammoth white-canopied bed, easily large enough to comfortably sleep a fully grown Cyclops. The incredibly soft mattress swallowed him whole. In that moment of being comforted by billows of down feathers, life was good. The last thing he noticed was the handful of fresh rose petals spread delicately across the Egyptian cotton pillowcase.

* * *

The boutique-style restaurant located on the ground level of the train station was famous for serving the best cow tongue in all of Sendai. Their specialty consisted of a large bowl of sticky rice and red beans, some miso soup, hot tea, pickled cucumbers, and several thin slices of expertly seasoned beef tongue. Despite an initial hesitation to try the delicacy, Adam was surprised to find it particularly delicious.

The entire judo class was in attendance, taking up nearly every available seat. The night was to be a celebration to honor those who had been promoted. Adam felt especially proud since he’d been awarded his brown belt, and with such was now recognized as one of the school’s senior students.

There was much laughter and even more sake working its way around the table. Matsumoto moved from student to student, congratulating each on his accomplishment. Rather than offer congratulations to Adam, however, he leaned in close and said, “I would speak with you tonight.”

As the night wore on, students slowly excused themselves—some to get home to wives and children, others to search for a late-night karaoke bar. In the end, only Matsumoto and Adam remained. They sat opposite each other, kneeling at a small table.

Adam sipped a cup of hot tea, waiting for Matsumoto to choose his words. The importance of patience was among the many things he’d learned since arriving in Japan.

After a time of enjoying the newfound silence, Matsumoto said, “In America, when a wife becomes angry, will she shout at her husband?”

Adam was surprised by the question. His teacher was not one for making idle conversation. “Probably,” he answered. “American women tend to be pretty strong willed. Not to mention vocal.”

“How will the husband react?”

“Different in every case. Some might apologize. Others might try to reason with her. Probably most would simply yell back.”

“I see,” Matsumoto said, nodding.

“And in Japan?” Adam asked.

“Again, different in every case. A good husband would first try to overlook the outburst.

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