Page 173 of Mercy Written in Blood

Then Kael changed the subject.

"You need more tea."

He closed the door behind him.

Renji stood alone in the apartment. On the table, the photograph remained between two cups. His eyes moved first to the words printed on the back. Then to Haruki.

Kael had meant the investigation. Renji knew that. He also knew, with equal certainty, that he had not meant only the investigation.

Chapter Fifteen

Sunday Dinner

Renji understood he had made a mistake when Reina opened the door holding an apron. She did not greet him. She looked at the paper bag in his hand, then at the clock above the entryway, and said, "You're early."

"Haruki said six."

"It is five fifty-three."

"That is generally considered close to six."

"In this house, it means you're useful."

She held out the apron — white cotton, small red vegetables printed across the front in an arrangement clearly intended to be cheerful.

"No."

Reina pushed it against his chest.

"Shoes off. Kitchen."

"I was invited to dinner."

"Yes."

"Guests do not prepare dinner."

"You stopped being a guest when you treated Haruki's injuries without charging him."

"I am paid by the hospital."

"Not enough."

She released the apron before he had accepted it. Renji caught it automatically. Reina smiled.

"You see? Useful."

Then she turned and walked away. Renji remained in the entrance hall with the apron hanging from one hand.

The Ishida residence was quieter than he expected. From the street, the property announced restraint rather than wealth — high walls enclosing a traditional house expanded over several generations, each addition designed to appear older than it was. Timber, stone and dark tile surrounded an interior courtyard where winter-bare branches reached over a shallow pond. Security was discreet; Renji had counted four visible guards before reaching the door, and there would be at least eight more he had not seen.

Inside, however, the house smelled of roasted fish, soy, ginger and something burning. A man shouted from the kitchen.

"That is not my fault."

Reina shouted back, "You put it under the grill and walked away."

"I was preparing the sauce."