Page 97 of Mercy Written in Blood

"Boss."

"Now."

Ken stood, still grinning.

"I'll check the photographs."

"Do that."

"And not think about your medical discussions."

"Ken."

He left. Reina followed him with her eyes, then turned back to Haruki.

"You signed yourself out against his advice?"

"Not specifically his."

"Did he know?"

"Probably not."

"So you should return."

Haruki looked at her. The suggestion was too convenient. He distrusted it immediately.

"I can have the dressing changed here."

"You need assessment."

"We have a private physician."

"You were stabbed through the liver."

"The liver is not currently escaping."

"That is your standard?"

Ayako rose.

"You will go back."

Haruki looked at her.

"Mother—"

"You have achieved what you intended. The Accord has accepted our involvement. Ken can begin recovering the photographs. Reina and I will manage preparations for the dead."

The last words silenced him. Preparations for the dead. The bodies had not yet been released. The Accord had taken them.

Haruki thought of Toma. Of the engineer dragged into darkness. Of Kameda laid carefully beside the table after being murdered. Responsibility tightened around his chest.

Ayako saw it. Her voice softened.

"You cannot protect anyone by opening your wounds in a meeting room."

"I need to know what the Accord is doing."