Page 158 of Mercy Written in Blood

"So neither of us knows where the leak is."

"No."

For the first time since the alliance began, Kael's concern seemed to exceed his irritation. That frightened Haruki more than the warehouse.

Daisuke returned from the service door.

"Tracks outside. One person. Motorcycle."

"Direction?" Kael asked.

"North."

"Cameras?"

"Power is still out."

Kael signalled two officers. They left immediately. Haruki knew they would find nothing. The escape had been prepared as carefully as everything else.

He took out the photograph once more. Renji stood beneath the hospital awning, unaware of the lens trained on him. Haruki thought of the previous night — Renji's apartment, the rain, his hand resting over Haruki's, the truth offered without protection. Haruki had gone there believing no one knew. He had gone alone.

If the Unveiled had followed him—

His attention snapped towards Kael.

"Last night."

Kael's expression changed.

"What happened last night?"

Haruki did not answer. He looked at Ken.

"Check the roads around Renji's building."

Ken became still. Reina stared at him.

"You went there?"

"Later."

"Haruki—"

"Later."

Kael stepped closer.

"You visited Dr Takahara privately?"

"That is none of your concern."

"It became my concern the moment the Unveiled placed him in a threat assessment."

Haruki held his gaze.

"You're going to place protection on him."

"No."