To Dine With a Demon

"It means star."

Her eyes turned completely black and glistened as if covered with clear gelatin. I stared into them as if they were crystal balls, looking for whatever secret it was she was trying to share with me. I though I saw the phantom of giant swan wings rise behind her and the faint blue pattern like a spider web flash across her face. I shook my head violently for a second, and the vision passed.

Hoshi pulled a card out of her small black purse and placed it on the table. Without another word, she walked away.

It wasn't until I got back to the hotel and started packing my things that I found the card, which I must have absently shoved into my briefcase along with everything else. TAMIGURO IMPORTS. It was only a few blocks from the hotel.

The little voice that always chimes in just before I do something stupid said to throw the card away. She's weird. She's too young. She's probably mental unstable.

Twenty minutes later, I was standing in front of Tamiguro Imports wondering why I was there. I opened the door to be greeted by a middle-aged Asian gentleman in a black suit and green tie.

"I was given this card by Hoshi," I said as I flashed the card at him.

"Ah, my daughter. Ever the young saleswoman. Never misses an opportunity. What is it she discussed with you?"