Page 354 of Mercy Written in Blood

"I'm here."

His voice came through the earpiece, strained. Akiko shouted something above. Ken dragged Haruki back into view. Alive.

Renji forced himself to listen beyond the room. The lower group had breached the old vault corridor. Not towards Riku. Towards the Archive materials brought from the estate. The first-layer tablets had been moved to the Casino under Accord guard.

Renji had not known. He turned towards Mori.

"You brought the records."

Mori's face hardened.

"For protection."

"You brought the target."

"We could not leave them at the estate."

Haruki's voice came through the speakers.

"Argument later. Lower vault access closes in ninety seconds."

Mori looked up.

"How?"

"I built the renovation."

Haruki leaned against the balcony rail. Blood had begun seeping through the bandage beneath his coat. Renji saw it. Felt it. His voice lowered.

"Sit down."

"No."

"You are bleeding."

"I know."

"Haruki."

"Lower vault."

Equal. Not protector and protected. The word remained unspoken.

Renji turned towards the service corridor.

"Mina, remain with Riku."

She nodded.

"Mori, secure the prisoners."

"And you?"

Renji looked up at Haruki. Haruki handed the pistol to Ken. Then spoke into the radio.

"I'll guide him."

Renji entered the lower passage.