Page 294 of Mercy Written in Blood

"The Takahara files," Renji said.

"Among others."

"And her daughter?"

"Emi Fujimoto was seventeen when she disappeared."

The name struck something in Haruki. Renji saw it — a small contraction around the eyes, the same expression he had worn when Sota mentioned the orphanage.

Mori continued.

"Emi had begun asking questions about her mother's work. Aiko believed she had discovered enough to attract attention from a vampire faction under investigation at the time."

"Which faction?" Haruki asked.

"Shibata-aligned interests."

Renji's hands tightened beneath the table.

"Interests."

"That is the most accurate term."

"Not a bloodline?"

"Not solely."

Mori's tone remained even.

"Human administrators. Private contractors. Vampire families. People whose positions depended on the First Law remaining absolute."

"What happened to Emi?" Haruki asked.

"We do not know."

Haruki's mouth hardened.

"Sota was right."

"Yes."

The Commander did not defend the failure. That disturbed Renji more than evasion might have. Mori continued.

"A witness reported seeing a vampire feeding in the underpass near where Emi vanished. The statement reached Aiko before it was removed from the police file."

"By the Accord," Haruki said.

"Yes."

The word landed without protection. Renji looked at Mori.

"On whose order?"

"Mine."

Silence. Mori had not been Commander then. But he had already served in operational command. Renji remembered him younger — black hair, a narrower face, still carrying orders as though weight could be concealed by posture.

"You altered the investigation," Renji said.