Page 65 of Mercy Written in Blood

"How bad?"

"We do not know yet."

"Am I dying?"

The question arrived without fear. Renji met his gaze.

"Not if I can prevent it."

Something changed in Haruki's face. The smile remained. The performance behind it did not. He studied Renji as though weighing the answer. Most people with Haruki's position were accustomed to reassurance shaped around their importance — told everything possible would be done because of who theywere. Renji had offered no such promise. Only the truth. For the first time since waking, Haruki looked disarmed.

Then the moment passed.

"Confident."

"Experienced."

"Arrogant."

"Also possible."

Haruki gave a weak laugh and immediately grimaced. The monitor showed another drop in pressure.

"Seventy systolic," Aoi said.

Renji's attention snapped back to the numbers.

"No CT. Theatre now."

Akiko nodded.

"I'll call."

"Tell them penetrating right upper quadrant, unstable despite two units. Possible hepatic and diaphragmatic injury."

Aoi moved with them as the bed unlocked. Reina pushed past the security officer when the doors opened.

"Haruki."

She reached the trolley before anyone stopped her. Renji stepped between them.

"We are taking him to surgery."

"Is he going to die?"

Haruki turned his head.

"Apparently not."

Renji looked down at him.

"I said not if I can prevent it."

"So serious," Haruki murmured.

Reina stared at Renji.

"Doctor?"