2024-09-24 12:08:11Ah Hock, the family chauffeur and gardener was dressed in a worn-out white T-shirt. He is a stocky man with strong arms which speaks of years of labour. Despite his greying hair, he looked alert and sprightly. He walked over to us with a slight limp upon being asked.
Seeing all of us, he looked apprehensive like we were marauders.
"Uncle Hock ?" I extended my hand. He replied with an awkward smile and took my hand. The grip was lame but I could tell his area of work from the coarse texture of his palm.
"Hello, Uncle Hock. I am Adam. 你好."
He shook his head "不好 no good. Someone has just died."
"I heard you were the one who called the police?"
He shook his head.
"When I came in the morning. It was about 6 am which was my usual working hours and I was shocked to see Towkay lying on the floor." Towkay is Hokkien for the head of the family, a reference to the boss or employer.
"Where was Mr John Chua at that time?"
"The front porch." He pointed to the space in front of the pool which connects to the kitchen on the right and the living room on the left.
"What did you do?"
"I tried to wake him but he was unconscious. I thought he died but when I checked his pulse, I can still feel it. The heart was also beating. Thank God!" Saying Uncle Hock clasped his hands and looked to the sky.
"What happened next?"
"Oh, I tried looking for medicated oil, and while I was doing so. I noticed something. It was at the tree."
He paused and his eyes started to tear. He shook his head and I gave him a comforting pat on the shoulder.
"I saw the body of Miss Claudia..." Ah Hock's facial features crumpled in sorrow and it took him a while to regain his composure.
"You called the police?"
"Yes, yes. I called the police. I alerted security at the gate."
Ah Mui handed over some tissue was Ah Hock unleashed his sorrow."
"It is over now. Don't feel bad."
"I tell you. It was horrible. I had never seen anything like that. Madam Claudia was beaten up. That face… how can the killer do this? Inhuman!"
He cursed as he swung his arms in anger.
"She is a nice person though naggy but still I find her ok." He said as he wiped his eyes clean.
"Who would have done this?" He lamented.
"Did you suspect anyone?" I asked
"Nobody in this house! We all got along fine."
Somebody with a genteel voice interrupted. Behind Ah Hock, I saw a tall man sloping shoulders stepping out from the doors of the kitchen. It was John Chua.
Instantly images of his public persona flowed into my mind. That gentlemanly aura surrounds him like a halo. John Chua has always struck a formidable pose on stage, whether it is addressing an international forum or hosting a press conference.
His snow-white hair lent an air of dignity and together with those trademark rimless glasses, perched over a high nose bridge, projected an image of an Asian paternal figure, reticent yet powerful.
As he neared, however, I found him a shadow of his public image.
The face was heavily lined with fatigue. Locks of hair fell over the forehead. He looked like an aged professor who just exited a marathon of lectures. Walking out from the living room, he headed our way. Being aided by the helper, and walking with a crane, he looked vulnerable.
"Mr Chua. Good to see you are feeling better." Visnu greeted
"Hello everyone. Tough on all of you." He managed a smile "Have we made any progress."
He looked around at everyone and then his eyes rested on the spot where the body of Claudia Goh was found.
"We need more time. We are looking at the CCTVs and our forensic team has completed one scan of the grounds." May added.
He nodded but started mumbling
"Nobody with a conscience would do that. It is inhumane." He bewailed. "Claudia is a sweet lady. She has been looking after me for the past two years and this happened."
He trembled a bit looked around aimlessly and then noticed me.
"I didn't see you earlier? May I know your name and designation?"
I stepped forward "Mr Chua, it is a pleasure to meet you."
I extended my hand, but my gesture earned a frown.
"Another policeman?"
"No. I am Adam Wong. I am an academic at Singapore University. I came to assist in the investigation
The frown on his face became more pronounced after my introduction.
"That name." He paused. His eyes narrowed into slits and it looked like his brain was crunching some facts. Then he looked over and his glance zeroed in on me.
Visnu made a swift introduction. "Adam is a long-time partner of the Singapore police. In the past, he has helped us to solve some difficult cases. He brought a different perspective that has helped us a lot."
John Chua adjusted his glasses and then punched on his palm.
"I remember now! You were interviewed on television. The one they called the ghost slayer. They call 抓鬼师傅.?"
I shook my head "I am a spirit master, the Onmyoji. I seldom slay ghosts. Moreover, you know journalists. They invented the term ghost slayer to capture eyeballs for their publication. What I actually do is that I communicate with supernatural beings from other worlds and solve their problems that came from unfulfilled life in our realm.
My words earned an expression that is a hybrid of disbelief from the billionaire.
"Our realm?"
"Besides the human world, there are other supernatural realms."
"I suppose you can see things we humans can't."
He paused then looked around "Can you bring my Claudia back?"
I was stubbed. John Chua turned to Visnu
"What is a psychic doing in my house? You mean the police are unable to solve this problem on their own?"
I winced at the word psychic. It was an undervaluation of what I am. As Onmyoji, we are the spirit masters who can command elements that humans cannot. Alas, I do not expect mortals to be capable of comprehending our expertise.
Visnu intervened and put on his best diplomatic smile.
"Mr Chua, I will do everything, anything, within my means, to crack this case. The death is mysterious and we thought Adam would be able to help. This is not our first time. In the past, he has proven to be eh very effective. He has certain skills and talent."
Visnu explained.I smiled and added, "There are many ways to solve a crime and my methods are just one of them."
However, my words seem to worsen John Chua's ire. I bit my lips as I await his harsh words.
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"Gentlemen, I am a staunch Christian. Please do not set up an altar here. I do not believe in such stuff. Mr Adam! It makes me feel unrespected.""It's Doctor Adam…" Mui intercepted but quickly stepped back with a tight smile. My trusted assistant. The act caught John Chua by surprise.He was not used to being contradicted. He was irritated and fighting for words."Can I ask you something about your partner or girlfriend?" I ventured before he could ramble on.There was a stony silence before he said blandly "Ask.""Do you know if Claudia has any enemies? Does she have bad blood with anyone now or in the past?""Excuse me but I thought I had already answered that question twice when the police spoke to me two hours ago. Now you asked again!"John Chua threw up his hands in exasperation. His expression of feeling made me felt awkward like I had made an odd request that he jump off a building."Let me reiterate
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"What crazy ideas have you got in that mind?" May demanded when we were all back in Visnu's car."I am accepting this commission, Visnu," I said directly to the man who gatecrashed my life this morning and destroyed the peace of my life for, probably, the weeks ahead."You sure? I am happy to hear that.""I had a hunch."There was stony silence."What did you see?""A touch of bad vibes but hazy darkness. It will be worth exploring.""Adam!" It was May, again"What ideas do you have? Can you not disrupt our investigation?""I promise. I just needed one night."Visnu was silent and it seems May is calling the shots now. I looked at her for signs of approval"I still remember when you last performed your rites at the hospital, the entire place caught fire, and two fire engines were despatched.""That's the past and it was not my mistake. We are dealing with a different…eh..prese
Adam the Spirit Master Chapter 7
After Visnu dropped me at the office, it was way past lunchtime.Ah Mui dutifully ordered lunch and we waited by the working desk in my office. This is not Ah Mui's first assignment and she had already breezed into the momentum.She had her laptop in front of her, ready for my instructions.The past outings have its close shaves and she made important contributions. However, an exorcist assignment has its risks and I prefer not to push Ah Mui to join even if I need her help."You don't need to come if you have classes," I said referring to her postgraduate course."No, that starts next week. You have forgotten about that."I tapped my forehead lightly "You are right."" I am ready." She continued"The first thing I need is the floor plan of the Chua's mansion. I had spoken to Visnu about that before he dropped us off.""I will keep a lookout for that." Ah Mui said and pored over her handphone "Once I receive it
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"I have only done a quick check on the internet, Dr Adam. It seems they have a Family Office which provided some writeup. Besides that, the business dailies and Forbest provided some business-related information about the Chuas.""It is good enough. I appreciate the quick turnaround. I am know I can be quite a pain.""Don't say that." Ah Mui said. " I am used to it." She winked to which I was at a loss of words and simply nodded."The Chua family information you had asked for."Mui turned her laptop screen over and shared a word document.I read "John Chua has three children – Eldest Son – Marcus Chua, second daughter -Mavis Chua and youngest son Jonathan Chua. Marcus Chua and family stay at the mansion from time to time.""I remember Visnu and May said once in a fortnight?""Then there is Mavis Chua and Jonathan Chua" "Marcus Chua is the General Manager of Four Seas." Ah Mui shared."He looked stern with that central parting.""A split image of his father," I said. I shifted to Mavis
Adam the Spirit Master Chapter 9
John Chua has lived up to his word of allowing me to return to the mansion for my audit and investigation.When I reached the gates to the Chua Mansion, the security already knew about our assignment, and let us in. However, I was not allowed to park in the mansion for security reasons.I parked outside and the moment I walked through the side gate with Ah Mui, I sensed a heavy mood of paranoia and pessimism.I saw Visnu and May Li waiting in the guardroom."Good to see you again Adam. Did you receive my message?" Visnu said as we walked down the boulevard towards the house.I nodded "The floor plan is great, very useful. We also needed some help with the history of the development of this particular plot of land. Can you help Ah Mui with that?""Dr Adam, I have already written to ASP Visnu. I texted him while you were driving us over here."I whistled my approval of her efficiency, and spotted a wink from Visnu."A
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"Do you suspect any foul play from external parties?" I probed"There are no signs of a break-in." Visnu shared. "The security at the guardroom commented the night was like any other. It was quiet and peaceful. They made two rounds patrolling the place at 1 am and 4 am but heard nothing. We estimated Claudia's time of demise to be around 5 am and they did not hear any unusual.""They can be trusted?""Two of them are from Cisco Security. They have been through three hours of interrogation already." May added. "We have also checked their files. They are clean and one of them is over fifty. They do not have any reasons to murder Claudia.""Where were they at the estimated time of murder?""They were right at the gantry. They did not hear anything loud or odd. There were no screams. There were some sounds in the bushes and they thought it was a cat. There is a usual cat in the neighborhood so they thought nothing much of it.""I guess I w
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 explainedI 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 l
Adam the Spirit Master Chapter 12
"I will need a pail of water," I said."Warm water?" Hock asked"No. Make it hot. I would like a pail of hot water." I said Everyone was bewildered "Hot? Do you mean it has to be boiling? You want to cook ah?" Ah Hock exclaimed.Ah Mui smiled and shook her head. "He needs hot water, please. It has to be a high temperature to allow him to perform his ritual.""Wah, I have never heard about this. Hot water." He repeated."Make it 80% hot, and 20% tap water." I repeated my request.Despite his disbelief, he moved along. A few minutes later, he returned, treading with caution. In his hands was a basin of hot water spewing spirals of steam. With the attentiveness of a cook, he placed the basin in front of the chair and added a few towels around it."You sure?""Yes I am sure."I took off my socks and sat down. Then I dipped on foot into the basin. "Yes, just right." Then I placed both feet in much to the consternation of a stunned Ah Hock."You feel ok?"I nodded."I had never heard ab
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Chapter 46
Every nerve in my body was charged as I hopped onto Visnu’s car. I was eager to talk to Aminah again. I owe her an apology after my rash act. More importantly, she is key to unlocking information that may help the investigation. The journey to the hospital was swift with Visnu behind the wheel. Kelly sat at the back, anticipation written on her radiant face. She has that dauntless vibes that infects you and gives you that boost. Her strength and independent streak can be attributed to her upbringing and training. At the hospital, we found Aminah warded in a single ward on the twelfth floor. It was a thoughtful arrangement knowing the trauma Aminah has experienced. There was a policeman stationed outside the ward to assist, and he swiftly snapped to attention upon seeing Visnu.As we were about to enter, Visnu held onto the doorknob, looked at me and asked.“How do you want to do this?”I sensed his reservation and immediately understood his concerns."I promised I will be careful i
Chapter 45
“You promise.” Visnu’s stern look made me uncomfortable and I repeated my promise“Thanks, Adam. We know you are working hard to uncover the truth.”"Let me share my findings?” I said looking down at the pad in front of me. “My transition last night yielded two key findings. Let’s talk about Mavis Chua. I had planned to start with her because I needed a family member to assess the predisposition of the spirit. It was a correct decision as the spirit did not attack her.”“Only you?" May askedI nodded “I suspected the spirit could be a member of the family who is long deceased.""This is sounding ridiculous," May remarked as she eyeballed Visnu. I bit my lips."Who are you suspecting?" Visnu asked"The most likely one would be the deceased Mrs Chua," I replied"The mother?” May added, skeptical and continued “Mother? You suspect the mother is unhappy with Claudia and came back to attack her?”Visnu asked. “Looked there may be some animosity or can you provide some causes for that nas
Chapter 44
We never found a satisfactory answer. The best way to find out is to visit the columbarium. Though it was past midnight, every cell in my body called for action. However, I knew that was not possible.After we wrapped up our discussion, I headed to the showers. There was a certain humidity from the action and I felt sticky on my back and arms. As I stood under the showers, thoughts of the mansion flowed into my mind. I worked out the possible scenarios when there is an attack by a supernatural entity. A resident spirit in the residence or neighbourhood? Or it could be a spirit sent by a family that was unfriendly to the Chuas? Could there be another spirit that is deeply unhappy with the Chuas?As I turned off the tap, the steam from the hot water bath cleared but my mind remained cluttered. After I dried myself, and walked out to the corridor, I was treated to a symphony of whistles and snorts. Kelly has fallen asleep. She told me she had a hard day. What had she been up to in the
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I rubbed my forehead as I recollected “She mentioned a scratching sound that could be heard from time to time but she can't see the creator of the sound. There is an eerie feel to it.“It could be anything - the sharp fingers of a woman spirit or toe nails of a limping man spirit.”“You have seen it all ya?" I said"Is that a praise." Kelly retorted and then giggled"In this case, I am not sure. I wished I can be sure.”“Maybe Aminah already knew.”“This is how I would construct the timeline of events. Aminah heard some noises in the living room, she checked but may have missed out on seeing something in that house. She thought it was a cat and in the dark of the night but she did not check further.”“Nobody would be walking around in that huge mansion at 3am.”“Probably. Now, let me continue. After finding nothing, she went back to sleep. John Chua mentioned Claudia woke up in the middle of the night, likely after Aminah returned to her room. She did not check on the source of the so
Chapter 42
I switched on my laptop which is connected to the mounted wide screen and began to scribble“I had another transition.”“So soon?” Kelly eyes widened like bulbs of burning light. “You must be exhausted. Remember Master Sato advised us never to conduct more than 2 transitions in 7 days. You will hurt your 元气 Yuan Qi.”“I will take rest tomorrow to construct my logic.”“Please. I don’t want to watch you broken. Don’t die before me”“We will both scale Mount Fuji again.”“Deal!” Kelly unleashed her naughty giggles.“Now flood me with your facts”“In our second transition, I encountered the same spirit again.”“The same spirit. That makes the investigation interesting. Probably a restless soul that is causing disturbances”“ Tt is stronger.”“You were beaten again?” Kelly asked“ I had a better chance this time but a strange thing happened. The dark spirit has attempted to engage me.”“Engage?”“Communicate.""What's the message?""I am trying to figure out.""Was it that tough?""It did
Chapter 41
“What else did you see?” Mavis asked, her eyes widened with curiosity. “I saw a girl. Perhaps you? The girl was running around the swimming pool and playing a game of catching with a lady.”“My mum?“I nodded"She called you 小宝宝 - the little dear one."”Mavis shook her head, looking lost. “You looked confused.”She smiled nervously “My mum never called me that. Or at least my memory does not register such a term.”“She did not?”“My mother does not call me that. I do not remember she ever does.” She winced “She calls me Ah Girl or Sayang which is Malay for darling.”I felt my senses were stroked. I pressed on with my questions.“My gut feeling was that I was back to a time set at least twenty years ago? The Chua Mansion of the year 2000? Mavis, can you remember what happened in those days?”“Year 2000? I have no idea. I am probably five years ago. Too young to remember but I can ask my father.”“I am silly. You are too young." I shook my head "Dont ask him now. He is exhausted from
Chapter 40
When we were alone, Mavis brought me over to a lighted path that meandered through the lawn. “Things have moved so fast that I barely had a moment with you." I said“The transition Yes, I feel we should talk.”“Where would you like to start?”“I want to tell you about what I saw when I was in the transition?”“That’s another dimension? It is just like a dream like I told you earlier.”“If this was your first time, yes. However, spirit masters, who usually operate between different dimensions in our investigation work, have a clearer grasp of things. Training and continual meditation gave us a sense of clarity; that realm is like another world. A real world in which we remember the details. In these dimensions, the spirits can communicate with us as we communicate between humans in this realm.”“I guess that’s only possible with a spirit master like you.”“Onmyoji at your service.” I gave a slight bow.Mavis giggled. “This is the first time I have met a spirit master and seen your pow
Chapter 39
Just when I tried to say something sweet to break the tension, Marcus stood up and walked out of the room. There was a silence when nobody knew what to do until John Chua spoke faintly “Marcus…” There was a look of resignation on his face. Mavis walked up and placed a hand on John's shoulder. “Let us calm down for a while, Dad. Kor is just being reactive." “We will talk again when Marcus is fine.” John turned to both of us "When everyone is fine."He then turned to me with a stern look. “Dr Adam this is my family affairs. A tiny storm in the teacup. I am sorry you had to be a spectacle to all these. Now can we get back to the investigation.""I am not bothered. " I assured"What additional help do you need from us?”“Aminah is now warded. We would like to know more about her relationship with Claudia. Can you share any details?”John Chua bit his lips“You know nobody is perfect and the same for Aminah. She works very hard and I like her attentiveness but when Claudia moved in wi
Chapter 38
“Honestly, I cannot recall.”Mavis said in a frustrated tone with tresses of her hair dropping over her forehead. She swept it back in one stroke.“Mavis, that's fine. We all suffered from these memory lapses after each transition. It is normal. Do not strain yourself. You may recollect at random. Maybe tomorrow or the day after.”“I will try, Adam. I will let you know when those details come back to me."“Dr Adam. Hello everyone.” Ah Mui said, crashing in on our dialogue. "Need your kind attention."“Yes Ah Mui? What is it?"“I just want to share some information. As I was tidying up the place after our rituals, I discovered that all the red string had caught fire and burnt until they were ashes”.I bit my lips and walked out of the room to the living room. I studied the remains of the red string which now looked charred black like someone had lit them with a lighter.My serious look elicited a question from Mavis “What does that mean?” “It meant that spirit’s powers were strong eno
