Page 5 of Mercy Written in Blood

"What it means," she said, "is that you reached into his chest and bullied his heart into restarting."

"The transfusion helped."

"You are physically incapable of accepting praise."

"Praise is rarely clinically useful."

"It can reduce irritability."

"Then you should try praising me more often."

Akiko stared at him.

"That was almost a joke."

"I have no idea what you mean."

"Of course not."

They reached the changing area. Aoi was leaning against the wall outside, holding three paper cups in a cardboard tray, her navy scrubs marked with blood from shoulder to hip. She offered one to Renji.

"Black. No sugar. Unhealthy amount of caffeine."

"Thank you."

"I also found the family."

"Where?"

"Consultation room three. His mother and older sister. Police are trying to contact his partner."

Renji took the coffee but did not drink it.

"What have they been told?"

"Only that surgery is finished."

He nodded. Aoi studied him.

"You have blood on your face."

Renji lifted a hand.

"Other side."

He wiped the wrong cheek. Akiko reached over with a folded gauze pad and removed the mark herself.

"There," she said. "Marginally less alarming."

"I'm a trauma surgeon. Alarm is part of the aesthetic."

"You look exhausted," Aoi said.

"I am exhausted."

The admission surprised both women. Akiko narrowed her eyes.

"Did you just acknowledge a physical limitation?"