Page 25 of Mercy Written in Blood

"That was different."

"You didn't come out of your office until midnight."

Haruki ended the call. Ken was smiling.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"Say it."

"She worries."

"She interferes."

"Same thing in a Family."

Haruki looked again at the chamber. That was true more often than he liked to admit.

The first historian refused. Professor Nishimura listened in silence while Haruki explained that a sealed underground chamber had been found during construction. Haruki avoided mentioning the bones and described the surviving materials only in broad terms. When he finished, the professor asked one question.

"Have the authorities been informed?"

"Not yet."

"Then I cannot be involved."

"You haven't seen what was found."

"That isn't the issue."

"What is?"

"I am a university employee, Mr Ishida. I cannot secretly examine unregistered archaeological material on private property."

"We're trying to prevent damage before registration."

"Then contact the cultural affairs office."

"They will close the entire site."

"That is what they are supposed to do."

The line disconnected moments later. Haruki did not take offence. The professor was cautious, and caution was not cowardice simply because it was inconvenient.

The second historian sounded interested until he heard the Ishida name. Then his schedule became unexpectedly full.

The third asked for photographs. Haruki sent three — the Takamori map, the mural, the cover of the journal. There was no response for nearly four minutes. When the call came, the historian's voice had changed.

"Where did you find this?"

"Beneath the southern warehouse district."

"Who else has seen it?"

"Workers. My Family."

"Police?"