Page 66 of Mercy Written in Blood

"He is critically injured. We believe there is ongoing internal bleeding. He needs immediate surgery."

"I'm coming."

"You cannot enter theatre."

"I'm not leaving him."

"You can wait upstairs."

"Do you know who he is?"

"Yes."

The answer halted her. Renji continued.

"His name is Haruki Ishida. He has lost a dangerous amount of blood and requires an operation. Nothing else about him changes what happens next."

Reina stared at him. Haruki did too. Then Haruki began to smile. Small. Almost invisible. But this time it was not flirtation. It was relief. Renji wondered how many people spoke to him without first speaking to the name.

"Reina," Haruki said.

She looked down.

"Go with Ken."

"Ken's still at the tunnel."

"Then find Mother."

"Haruki—"

"Please."

The word weakened her anger more effectively than any command. She took his hand.

"You come back."

"I'll try."

"No. Don't say that."

Haruki's expression softened.

"Then I'll come back."

Reina kissed his forehead. The trolley began moving. She walked beside it until the lift doors forced her to stop. Haruki watched her disappear. Only after the doors closed did he let his head fall back. The effort had cost him. His skin was almost colourless now.

Renji checked the pulse at his neck. Still rapid. Still present.

"You lied to her," he said.

Haruki's eyes opened.

"So did you."

"I did not."

"You let her believe I'll survive."