Page 193 of Mercy Written in Blood

"The people who placed it aren't."

"I can protect myself."

"I know."

"Then remove them."

"No."

"Haruki."

He liked the way Renji said his name when irritated. It sounded more intimate than it should. He allowed the silence to hold for a moment before answering.

"They aren't there because I think you're helpless."

"That is difficult to believe when they follow me to work."

"They follow anyone watching you."

"They frightened a medical student yesterday."

"She was trying to photograph you."

"She wanted a picture of the book I was carrying."

"She should have asked."

"She did."

Haruki frowned.

"Then why did they interfere?"

"Because your security staff are poorly trained."

"They're among the best."

"They attempted to confiscate a pharmacology textbook."

"I'll speak to them."

"You will remove them."

"No."

Renji leaned back.

"You believe refusal becomes reasonable if repeated."

"It has worked so far."

"With whom?"

"Everyone."

"That explains a great deal."

Haruki lifted his cup. Renji reached for his own at the same time. Their fingers nearly touched above the table. Both paused. It was a small thing. Less than a second. Yet Haruki felt awareness move between them. Renji withdrew first. Haruki pretended not to notice. That, too, had become part of the routine — moments that arrived and were allowed to pass without examination. A shoulder brushing in the kitchen. Renji's hand against Haruki's back as he moved behind him. Their knees touching beneath the table.