Page 178 of Mercy Written in Blood

Hiroshi began laughing. Reina pointed the knife at Renji.

"You have been here four minutes."

"Yes."

"And you have already criticised my cutting."

"It was visibly inconsistent."

Haruki leaned beside the rice cooker.

"Do you want me to show you where we keep the emergency medical supplies?"

"I know where they are."

Reina looked offended.

"Why?"

"Your security chief showed me."

"When?"

"After you threatened to break Ken's wrist during physical therapy."

"He was being irritating."

"He was injured."

"He was still irritating."

Renji began cutting the daikon. The knife moved cleanly through the root. Reina watched the first several pieces fall into identical matchsticks. Her expression tightened. Hiroshi leaned over to inspect them.

"Oh, he's staying."

"That has not been decided," Reina said.

"It has now. Look at those."

"I can cut like that."

"You don't."

"I choose not to."

"Rustic," Renji said.

Haruki laughed — not the controlled breath of amusement he used in public, but a real laugh, warm and unguarded. Renji's hand paused above the cutting board. The sound entered him unexpectedly. He looked up. Haruki stood with one hand resting on the counter, smiling at him. For a moment, the kitchen narrowed around that expression. Then Reina slapped another carrot onto Renji's board.

"Since you're so talented."

The moment ended. Renji looked down. He resumed cutting.

There were rules for Sunday dinner. Renji learned them gradually because no one had thought to explain them before he violated the first.

"Kael believes the warehouse was used as an observation—"

Three voices interrupted him.