Page 167 of Mercy Written in Blood

Kael's eyes returned to him. There it was. The moment understanding became complete.

"You are protecting his confidence."

"I am respecting it."

"You have known him for less than two months."

"That is irrelevant."

"It would be, to you."

Renji felt irritation begin to harden.

"If you came to discuss the warehouse, discuss it."

"I came because a photograph of you was found there."

Renji stopped. Kael reached into his coat and removed a clear evidence sleeve. He placed it on the table.

The photograph showed the hospital entrance. Haruki beneath the awning. Renji facing him, his hand extended towards the wound in Haruki's side. The angle made the distance between them appear smaller than it had been. Or perhaps Renji remembered it incorrectly.

On the reverse, visible through the plastic, were the words: HE SHOULD NOT HAVE SURVIVED.

Renji read them twice.

"When was this taken?"

"Three weeks ago."

"Who had it?"

"It was left for Ishida."

Renji looked up.

"For him."

"Yes."

"Why?"

"To assess his reaction."

Renji's gaze returned to the image. Haruki had been photographed without either of them noticing. A failure. An unacceptable one.

"What reaction did they expect?"

Kael did not answer. Renji looked at him.

"What did he do?"

"He kept it."

"Of course he kept it. It was evidence."

"He concealed it when I asked for it."

"That proves only that he does not trust you."