Page 252 of Mercy Written in Blood

Sota poured tea — not from a ceremonial set, an ordinary ceramic pot, pale grey, with four mismatched cups. He placed one before each of them.

"I was told Doctor Takahara dislikes unnecessary performance."

Renji looked at the cup.

"Who told you?"

"People who have worked with you."

"At the hospital?"

"Among other places."

"You have people inside the hospital."

Sota sat.

"No."

The denial was calm. Renji's eyes narrowed.

"You expect me to believe that?"

"I expect you to determine whether it is true."

Sota poured his own tea.

"I have supporters in many institutions. Support is not the same as infiltration."

"What do they support?" Haruki asked.

Sota looked at him.

"The end of secrecy."

Haruki did not touch the tea. Neither did Ken. Renji lifted his cup, smelled it and took a small drink. Haruki looked at him. Renji placed the cup down.

"Not poisoned."

"That was not my concern."

"It was one of them."

Sota watched the exchange with mild amusement.

"There are easier ways to kill you."

"I am aware," Renji said.

"Good. Then perhaps we can avoid wasting time on theatre."

Sota raised his cup. He did not drink until Haruki did — a courtesy, or a calculation. The tea was lightly bitter. Expensive without advertising that it was.

"What is the Unveiled?" Haruki asked.

Sota held the cup between both hands.

"A name given to an idea."