Page 105 of Mercy Written in Blood

Haruki looked up.

"Of course you do."

"His surgical team circulated the case review."

"He started rehabilitation yesterday."

"That is encouraging."

"He hates every second of it."

"That is also encouraging."

Haruki smiled.

"I told him the same thing."

"Then you were correct."

"I'll have that recorded."

Renji ignored him.

"How long will he remain here?"

"Another week, perhaps two. Then a rehabilitation centre."

"And the others?"

The smile faded.

"Takeda returned home. Minamoto refused."

"Refused what?"

"To leave the city."

Renji felt his attention sharpen. Haruki noticed.

"He says Takamori is the safest place for him now."

"Does he believe that?"

"No."

"Then why stay?"

"He has not told me."

"Has the Accord?"

Haruki's gaze settled on Renji. There was caution in it now. The café remained quiet around them — cups struck saucers at the counter, the machine hissed as milk steamed.

"No investigation," Haruki said.

"I asked one question."

"You changed."