Adam the Spirit Master

Chapter 17

My eyebrows raised in sharp inquisition.

"No wonder you are in Singapore."

Kelly flashed an evil smile. I understood her too well.

“I needed your tool.”

“Which one?”

She bent over and helped me to my feet.

"Which one?" I repeated

“I had an assignment in Singapore. There is spirit on the loose and had created some havoc.”

“Let’s talk later then," I said.

“ Thank you."

"I hadn't agreed." I said, "I have this assignment."

"What’s this transition about?”

 “I suspect there is a source of grievance. I think my hunch is right."

"That will mean..." Kelly was cut off in mid-sentence.

“Look, people! I am sorry to disrupt your disciple lovey-dovey catch-up chat, but can I know what happened?” It was May and her face was strained. Whenever she is stressed, I am irritated.

“I am sorry…” I said, "Our conversation is part of my investigation."

“Then please share with us.” She demanded.

Ah Mui had brought over a huge cup of warm water. I had been drained and felt dehydrated, so I grabbed the drink. For the next few seconds, I drank like a hippopotamus.  

“How long have I been out?” I asked

“Dr Adam, almost an hour” Ah Mui reported

“That’s very long,” Kelly remarked 

“I knew it was not going to be easy, but I didn’t expect it to be this rough,” I muttered.

“You found something?” Kelly asked.

"A reckless and dangerous spirit.”

“Dangerous” May and Visnu exchanged looks.

“Yes, this is unexpected. I encountered a dark spirit. If the force is green or dark brown, it speaks of displeasure. Grey and white are benign forces. But my encounter is a dark mass of energy.”

“There is something in this house?” May repeated and I sensed her scepticism.

“Adam, can you pacify it?”Visnu asked

“Our first encounter. Too early to tell.”

“Can you tell us more?” May asked, getting impatient.

“I assessed there is a disturbed spirit in this space.  Even the 地基主 has been attacked. I will need time to investigate further.” 地基主 refers to the guardian of a residential or business unit who has the primary responsibility of protecting its inhabitants. 

I sipped from my bottle but found it empty. I turned to Ah Mui who then dug out a bottle of mineral water from her bag and passed it to me.

“What do you think Kelly?”

“My dear junior, you were unprepared. Remember Master Sato always taught us, never underestimate the unseen opponent."

Ah Hock interrupted. He had been wiping the floor after I returned from the transition.

“You mean the 地基主 altar.” He asked having heard my words. "Our 地基主?"

I nodded. His sudden response showed his trust in me. 

 Ah Hock quickly added. “I forgot to share. Actually, the tablet was chipped off. I realized just this afternoon. The bottom corners were both broken. I thought it must be the cats or rats but we had never had problems in the past years.” 

“Ah Hock were there any major incidents in the past days or weeks?”

Ah Hock looked to the ceiling for inspiration and then shook his head

“Nothing. Everyone lives harmoniously. Mr Chua does not like quarrels. He always advocates harmony. You know every morning; he would say positive things to everyone. I,I cant remember anything bad in the past weeks.”

I am befuddled. Something is not right.

“I need to clear my head. The affairs for tonight is over.”

I stood up and started packing my things “Visnu, I owe you an explanation and I will need more time to investigate.

“There is justification to press on an investigation of the case as a supernatural incident.” Visnu stated while May was less encouraging “I hope you find that reason strong enough.” 

“It is quite obvious there is. The presence is very strong." I asserted "The nature of that spirit is malignant. I am not sure about the link but I had a gut feeling it will definitely yield some leads.”

May was silent and for a moment I saw the vulnerability in her as she struggled to block me.

“I will continue with my investigation of all the human suspects.” She said blandly. 

Visnu nodded “I support May’s position. She will lead the forensic investigation while I will also support Adam’s hypothesis.”

I smiled. “I appreciate that and for the next steps…”

“What do you need now?

“I need to talk to John Chua. Maybe in the morning.”

I looked at Visnu but before he could answer, an interruption darted across the room and landed on my forehead.

“Who are all of you? What are you doing in my house?”

I swung around to see an unexpected arrival.