“Yes,” Manami said, bowing. “Tanaka Manami. I specialize in deep cleaning. Especially closets. And safes.”

The door clicked shut. Manami held her smile for exactly four seconds, then let it slide off her face like a silk robe.

The last word hung in the air like a held breath. Mrs. Ogawa stepped aside.

“You’re the housekeeping temp?” Mrs. Ogawa whispered.

That night, after Kenji fell asleep, she checked the black phone one last time. A new message:

“Quiet,” Manami said, smiling. “Just the usual.”