Page 343 of Mercy Written in Blood

"He nearly crushed his throat against an Accord vehicle."

Haruki became still. Akiko watched him.

"He told Mori that if you died, there would be no Accord."

The room seemed to narrow. Haruki looked away. Renji had always spoken carefully — even when angry, especially when afraid. Words were tools to be selected, not released. The statement had not been a threat made for effect. It had been a description of what grief would permit.

"Is Mori here?" Haruki asked.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because every faction searching for the Archive is moving towards the boy, and the boy is here."

"Riku."

"Yes."

Haruki remembered the sealed chamber. Seven blood marks. A child carrying a history adults had already begun converting into strategic value.

"Where is his mother?"

"With him."

"Good."

"Renji refused Accord custody."

Haruki looked towards Akiko again.

"He did?"

"He said you were right."

Pain made the breath difficult. Something else made it worse. The argument outside Accord headquarters returned.Understanding becomes defence quickly.The disappointment in Renji's face. The distance that had followed them into the car. Haruki had believed they would finish the argument after the depot. Later. He had agreed.

Later had nearly not existed.

"Get me a radio," he said.

"No."

"Akiko."

"No."

"Then tell Ken I'm awake."

"He knows."

"How?"

"He has been standing outside for twenty minutes pretending not to listen."

Haruki raised his voice as much as his chest allowed.

"Ken."