Page 342 of Mercy Written in Blood
"Why?"
"Because if he sees you awake, he will stop thinking strategically."
Haruki almost laughed. Pain prevented it.
"You think he is thinking strategically now?"
"Yes."
Akiko looked towards the door.
"That is the problem."
A vibration passed through the floor. Not an explosion. Something heavy moved below.
Haruki listened. The Casino had a different voice when occupied. Music usually travelled through it, glass against glass, laughter arranged by distance into something softer than individual sound. Now the building held breath.
"How many people?" he asked.
"Inside?"
"Threats."
"Unknown."
"That means you have an estimate."
"Thirty to fifty."
"Human?"
"Mixed."
"The Shibata coalition."
"Yes."
"The Unveiled?"
"Some are here with Riku."
Haruki looked at her.
"Inside the Casino?"
"Renji allowed them entry."
"Of course he did."
Akiko's eyebrows rose.
"You sound pleased."
"I am."
"He threatened Commander Mori."
"That also sounds normal."
