Page 12 of Mercy Written in Blood

Haruki sighed.

"What happened?"

Neither answered. He looked at Ayako, who was pouring tea as though nothing unusual was happening.

"Mother?"

She didn't glance up.

"Ken shouted."

"I gathered that."

"Daichi shouted back."

"I also gathered that."

"They've been doing it for fifteen minutes."

Haruki nodded.

"Tea?"

Ayako offered him a cup.

"Please."

He accepted it before sitting down. Nobody spoke; nobody dared. Haruki took one slow sip.

"Right," he said eventually. "Start again."

Ken leaned forward immediately.

"He authorised payment without approval."

Daichi shook his head.

"It was an emergency."

"It wasn't your decision."

"It became my decision when suppliers threatened to stop work."

Haruki listened — really listened. Neither man interrupted; neither was dismissed. When both had finished, he folded his hands together.

"Ken."

"Boss?"

"You were right."

Ken blinked.

"I was?"

"You should have been informed."

The construction foreman nodded smugly. Haruki turned.