Adam the Spirit Master

Chapter 11

The stairs brought me to a cozy living space and a long corridor with a series of doors. The first thing that greeted me was the pleasant scent of flowers. There was an L-shaped leather sofa, with a smallish coffee table in the middle, placed over a beige-colored carpet that looked ideal for a lie-down after a day's work.

It was an underwhelming experience - plain and predictable.

On the coffee table, there is a white vase of yellow Orchids. Several small oils on the walls lend an ambience of comfort and welcome. In the corner of the living space, by the stairs is a standing vase of variegated Chrysanthemums.

"This is where the family sleeps?"

"Yes, this is their private space. They do not like to be disturbed. Seldom, are strangers allowed here."

Ah Hock explained

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. The large living room. My inner voice spoke.

Can I look at all the rooms?"

Hock protested "No, no. Mr Chua will be angry. He does not like strangers wandering around the house." He looked at Visnu "If this is required for your investigation, can you get Mr Chua's permission?"

"Do you have to check the rooms?" May added, "They will see it as an invasion of privacy. John Chua may complain to Visnu's superiors. 

I spotted the momentary look of anxiety on Visnu's face.

"Fine. Maybe I don't need to. My apologies" I turned to May "Ok?" I said, "Let's go back to the first floor."

When we were back on the first floor, I requested

"Can I walk over to the big living room?"

"Come, we can walk over. You will like the living room."

Once we were back at the spacious living space, I studied the features. The living room were moderately furnished given the family's wealth. There was a set of rose wood furniture with crimson cushions and right in front was a wall that tells the Chua family story. 

From a portrait of John Chua's father to several family portraits with John Chua, his ex-wife, and his children. From the distribution of pictures, I could tell Marcus is the favorite of the family as are sons in Asian families. Mavis Chua has her fair share with some pictures of her with her grandparents, and parents. 

Adjacent to the portrait wall is the huge LED TV with a console that hosts a pot of flowers on each side of the TV.

Then I sensed something amiss.

There was a space in the left side of the picture wall, noticeable by the contrast in colors between the adjacent portions of the wall. I sighted three spaces where pictures used to be.

"Was there a couple of pictures that were hung here?" I enquired.

"Eh, yeah." Ah Hock gesticulated with his hands but struggled for words

"Are I right?"

Ah Hock nodded. 

"It was a picture of Mr Chua and Claudia. Another two - I think of him and the grandchildren."

"When was it removed?"

"Mr Chua, just this morning. I think he missed the grandchildren and so removed it." Hock explained and then shook his head. " I felt sorry for her because she is a good person and tries to be nice to all of us." 

"Is that important?" May whispered

"I am just curious. It always helps doesn't it?"

"Mr Chua loves photography. Last time, when Mrs Chua is around, he would always take new pictures and put them up on these two walls. From time to time, he would change these pictures."

I looked at Visnu "Sentimental person. A good husband and good father."

Ah Hock heard my whispers and added "Yes, yes. Mr Chua is really a good very husband. When Mrs Chua is alive, he would always bring her out to eat at her favourite restaurant. Sometimes, he would cook although he is a busy man."

"How's his relationship with Claudia Goh?"

"He does the same. Very loving. He would buy whatever she wants. However, their diet differs. Miss Goh's taste is different from Towkay's. Despite so, Towkay still bring Miss Goh out to her favourite Japanese food."

"Seems he goes out of his way to please her."

Uncle Hock nodded his head

"Yes, yes. You know Miss Goh like's red colour so he made sure all the carpets and toilet towels are changed to red."

"Did it cost a lot?" I asked

"They used the best brand. Miss Goh likes a certain brand."

"I can see the love."

"That's why I said it is real pity."

"Mr Chua see Miss Goh as a life partner." Visnu chipped in

"That's true. She behaves like she is the mistress of this house. Our Towkay Neo" Towkay Neo is similar to the title of a Lady Boss.

"I think for now we shall give your Towkay some time to mourn." I remarked.

"I agreed."

I turned to Ah Mui and asked for my Luo Pan – the fengshui compass. I checked the bearings. The living room faced south, with a much-envied view of the lawn, giving the residents a sense of positive vibes in the morning. 

I found the Northeast corner of the living room which is the space that adjoins the smaller living room. It is clear of any furniture and has a good view of the entire living room.

"I will perform my ritual here." I told Ah Mui. "Put a chair there with my back to the wall, facing the lawn. 

It is almost 10 pm and the air in the house was saturated with a heavy sense of discerning quiet.

As Ah Mui busied, Visnu and May helped her set up the space. 

"What incense do you prefer?" Ah Mui asked.

"Eaglewood."

Ah Mui understood and quickly set up the bronze incense burner. Gently, she lit an incense and besides the burner, she also laid out my golden brush, my trademark tool, and a string of meditation beads.

In no time, the scent of Eaglewood incense filled the room and I was cushioned by a sense of warmth.

"Is that all you use?" Ah Hock asked "I used to see medium put a lot of tools."