Page 64 of Mercy Written in Blood

"I'm not altered."

"Good," Renji said. "Then you can answer questions properly."

One eye opened again.

"You wound me."

"That happened before you arrived."

Aoi laughed. It escaped before she could stop it. Renji looked at her.

"Sorry, Doctor."

"Continue recording."

"Yes, Doctor."

Haruki's gaze drifted towards Renji again. There was amusement in it. That made no sense. Most patients in his condition were frightened. Some became angry. Some withdrew so deeply it became difficult to reach them. Haruki Ishida flirted with his surgeon. Apparently. Renji had not yet decided whether that represented courage or poor judgement. Likely both.

"Any allergies?" Renji asked.

"People who cut expensive clothing."

"Medication allergies."

"No."

"Current prescriptions?"

"None."

"Medical conditions?"

"None."

"Previous surgery?"

"Appendix. Fifteen."

"Complications?"

"Ugly scar."

"That is not a complication."

"It mattered when I was seventeen."

Renji palpated his abdomen. Haruki sucked in a breath.

"Pain there?"

"No. I make that sound when I'm enjoying myself."

Akiko's shoulders shook. Renji looked up. Haruki's face had gone tighter around the eyes. The humour was a shield. That, Renji understood.

"Your liver may be injured."

Haruki's expression steadied.