Wild Threshold
Nora was able to get some sleep. After showering and getting ready for the day she noticed a change of clothes left on the bureau. It was a long-sleeved beige coverall, one typically used by gardeners or anyone who worked outside, and a pair of black work boots. Matsuda knocked and said he had brought her breakfast: strawberries, oatmeal, and a glass of water. She wanted to call Rosie just to let her know that she was okay. Now was her chance to get chummy with him to hopefully get her phone back. Speaking softly Nora said, "I was wondering if I could get my phone back." Matsuda stared at her.
"The boss doesn't allow any unauthorized contact," he said plainly. "Please? I mean, I'm not asking for much," pleaded Nora with her hands together. She made sad eyes and pursed her lips. Again, he just stared at her but then he sighed, "I'll see what I can do." Nora smiled widely and said, "Thank you, Mr. Matsuda!" He gave her a frown and exited the room.
When she heard the door open again, it was Kiyohira who stood in the doorway. Her heart dropped and eyes widened. "Listen little girl, you don't make any special requests to my men! You are not a guest here," he lectured. Nora stepped back a little as he began to inch closer to her. "Please sir, I-I was just wondering if I could have my phone back, I only want to let my sister know that I'm okay after that you can take it back," she said as her back bumped against the wall. Kiyohira exhaled in frustration, "No. Need I remind you that you are here on a probationary basis. You don't speak at all unless I say so, understand?" He was now face-to-face with Nora. She felt so small in his presence. This was the first time she saw him standing. He must've been five eleven or so.
She gulped and tried her best not to show fear, "I just want to tell her that I'm fine." Their eyes were locked in a cold war. Suddenly, Kiyohira grabbed Nora by the collar and pulled her toward him. She winced as he examined her face closely. It took so much strength for Nora to hold in her tears. For a moment, it seemed as if he wanted to say something but instead let her go and walked out of the room, slamming the door behind him. Nora, trembling, fell onto the bed.
Who did that girl think she was, Kiyohira thought. Hmph! He exhaled sharply as he thought about her audacious conduct. She was in his house, not some resort! No one had ever done that to him before. She was getting under his skin and he didn't know why. He should've just gotten rid of her but he couldn't go back on his word. She certainly wasn't a looker but she wasn't ugly either. She wasn't his type like the supermodels he goes for. He shook his head. Damn brat!
Entering his office, he pressed the buzzer on his desk. "Yes, sir," answered Matsuda. "Tell the girl to clear the brush around the island and to chop firewood by the shed, I want it perfect," he ordered. "Sir, that's quite a lot of work for a young woman. You'd need an entire crew," he said. "This is the second time that you've questioned me Matsuda, don't ever do it again," Kiyohira gritted his teeth. "Yes sir, I apologize," he backed down. Kiyohira smirked, we'll see if she still has the nerve to make demands.
Nora calmed down. What a cruel man! She did her best in life not to harbor negative sentiments towards anyone but he sure was a piece of work. Matsuda entered the room. "The boss wants you to maintain the premises, come with me," he said. Exiting the house and walking several yards away, Nora looked around and took in the scenery. It was an island and it was beautiful. The conifer trees and ocean air made a wonderful bouquet of scents. They arrived at a large garden shed where Matsuda showed the tools for her to use and told her what needed to be done. Nora was overwhelmed with all her new responsibilities, she worked hard before but never did super intensive labor. She thought that Kiyohira obviously wanted to punish her for earlier. "I'm supposed to do all this work by myself," Nora asked, wide-eyed. Matsuda remained silent and walked away. Nora stood there with her mouth agape. That jerk!
Now that she was alone, Nora decided to scout the island to see if there was a way to get out of here. She carefully surveyed making sure that no one was around. She came across a hanger with several private jets. That wouldn't do, she didn't know how to fly! She kept scanning and she found a docking area with some boats. Jackpot! How hard was it to drive a boat? It couldn't have been that different from driving a car, except with all the water. All she needed was to find the keys and the right time to execute the break. Before returning to the shed, she noticed a seemingly abandoned ramshackle house in the woods. Seeing it made her feel a certain type of way, she couldn't explain. She wanted to go in and explore but she didn't want to risk being caught away from her duties so she didn't.
Matsuda reported back to Kiyohira, informing him that the girl was put to work. He wanted to see her expression right now. That ought to knock her down a peg. Matsuda felt a little guilty but he didn't dare to share that.
"I'm going to the capital for a few days, I want you to keep an eye on the girl. Make sure she doesn't do anything stupid," Kiyohira said as he gathered some things in his office. Matsuda bowed, "Yes sir, have a safe journey."
Matsuda came to fetch Nora at nightfall. She managed to clear much of the surrounding area and put the green refuse in garbage bags. She also chopped several logs for firewood. Matsuda was impressed, he thought the girl would give up but she actually did it. Nora was covered in dust and filth. She was exhausted and just wanted to shower and go to bed. "What do you think," she asked. "You sure talk informally, you should know your place unless you want the master to be angry," Matsuda scolded her. "Come on, cut me some slack, Mr. Matsuda," she said. She sensed that under his exterior there was a softy. He just grumbled.
She knew she had to get on his good side in order to find those keys. The sooner the better.
"Master, she actually did it and very well, I might add," Matsuda told Kiyohira over the phone. Kiyohira looked out the window of his office overlooking the Tokyo skyline. He was a little upset that she managed to actually pull through, making him feel like a fool. He also wanted to respect her tenacity. He didn't answer Matsuda, just thanked him for the update.