Page 166 of Mercy Written in Blood

"And how effective was that?"

Renji looked away. Kael sighed.

"This is catastrophic."

"He will not expose us."

"I did not say he would."

"Then what?"

Kael studied him. For once, the answer did not arrive immediately.

"You trust him."

Renji reached for his tea. It had cooled.

"He has given me no reason not to."

"That is not trust. That is absence of evidence."

"No."

The word settled between them. Kael's expression became almost gentle. Renji preferred hostility.

"He knows what you are," Kael said.

"Yes."

"And he remained."

"Yes."

"He did not threaten you."

"No."

"Did not bargain."

"No."

"Did not ask what you could do for him."

Renji thought of Haruki standing beside the window. I never wanted it. The confession had been offered without strategy. No request attached. No attempt to create debt.

"No," Renji said.

Kael looked towards the rain-streaked glass.

"He gave you something in return."

Renji should not have answered.

"He told me the truth."

"About?"

"That is not mine to repeat."