The Kizuna Coast: A Rei Shimura Mystery (Rei Shimura Mysteries Book 11) Read Online Free PDF

there.”
    “Given the panic at airports, the ferry is your best shot. I’ll put together the itinerary for you, including this supergreat restaurant for black noodles near the ferry building.” Michael sighed. “These secrets I’m sharing. Where’s your laptop? Let me get the ticket for you with my mileage points. I’ve been hoarding them for a reason.”
    “Actually, that can wait. There’s a marital concern that’s much more important.”
    “What?” Michael looked quizzical, until I kissed him again and began unbuttoning his shirt.

    When I’d married Michael, Richard had warned me that the relationship would subdue. The sexy spark would burn out along with spontaneity and real passion. But I liked the long-term sexual availability that came with wedlock. Who cared if Michael fell asleep right after dinner on a Friday? He would have lots of time on Saturday morning.
    To my surprise, marriage had brought a new kind of sexual freedom. How liberating to trail my left hand with its proper-looking gold band and diamond solitaire along a body that had been promised to me for richer and for poorer, in sickness and in health.
    How long until we have this again?
I wondered as we ran holding hands into the cottage and slid down on the low platform bed. Part of the charm of our life was learning each other’s ways, for we hadn’t been that intimate before marrying. In fact, we were following romantic patterns of much older generations. Not that we were old-fashioned; not at all, I thought as our legs twined together. Over and over, the fan rushed cool air over the bed, billowing the white cotton sheet above us like a canopy, making the erotic experimentations underneath feel all the more secret. And making love now was important. I wanted Michael to know I wouldn’t toss him aside for my old life in Japan.
    When we were through, I lay spent in my husband’s arms. I wondered how I could possibly leave him. But then I thought of the eventual reunion. How sweet it would feel to have each other again. We’d have years of this life together.
    Michael wasn’t going anywhere, and I was certain I’d be back soon.

Chapter 5
    T he noodles weren’t exactly black, but the broth was: black from soy, spices, and long-simmered beef. I knew upfront that Michael’s favorite Korean dish wasn’t vegetarian, but I was too tired from traveling to search for alternatives. And I could use some extra iron for what lay ahead.
    It was just two days since I’d taken Mr. Ishida’s call. Michael was more anxious than ever because the nuclear reactors were still spewing, and even the Japanese government had agreed to a greater evacuation zone. Yamagawa, the Tohoku town where I believed Mr. Ishida was staying, was just ninety miles from Fukushima. It hadn’t been evacuated, but I knew that could happen. If a new radiation boundary was drawn in the next day or two, I might not be able to meet him there, making my whole trip unnecessary.
    On the brighter side, my Korean Airlines flight to Incheon International Airport was on time and quite smooth. Once I’d cleared customs, I saw Mr. Sook, a scarred, wizened fellow who was one of Michael’s former sources. Mr. Sook drove me to the terminal building in a shiny black Hyundai Equus sedan, insisting I accept an envelope of Korean
won
because the noodle shop didn’t accept credit cards.
    It was hard to figure out exactly how cheap my noodles were, but I had no complaints as I slurped away. I drank glass after glass of water, rehydrating after air travel and preparing for the bumpy ferry ride.
    When I went across the street a half hour later, the line of ferry passengers waiting to be ticketed was crowded with relief workers, luggage, and boxed supplies. I was rolling a small suitcase-on-wheels containing city clothes and toiletries, plus a duffel bag and backpack with gear for Tohoku. Michael had gathered a strange assortment of wilderness supplies that made me feel like a modern-day Daniel