Page 68 of Mercy Written in Blood

"He mentioned a white lotus."

The surgical instruments seemed colder in Renji's hands.

"Patients say many things under stress."

"Yes."

"You think otherwise."

"I think you heard it."

"I was standing beside him."

"You know what I mean."

Renji placed another suture. The monitor remained stable.

"He lost a significant amount of blood."

"That is becoming your answer to everything."

"It is medically relevant."

"So is the fact that a mass casualty incident came from the same tunnels Kael warned you about."

Renji's gaze lifted briefly. The other members of the surgical team remained focused on their work. Their conversation had been quiet. Still, Akiko should have known better than to say the name openly. Her expression acknowledged the mistake.

Renji returned to the wound.

"We finish this first."

"Of course."

"Then we speak to the survivors."

"Assuming the Accord doesn't reach them before we do."

"They will follow hospital protocol."

Akiko gave him a look.

"You believe that?"

"Yes."

"You've known Kael too long to be that optimistic."

"I did not say they would like it."

That earned a brief smile. They worked in silence. Renji repaired the diaphragm and placed a drain. The liver bleeding slowed. Haruki's temperature began to rise, his coagulation improved and the amount of blood required decreased.

By the time Renji closed, the sky beyond the theatre windows had begun to lighten. Another night had become morning without his permission.

"Intensive care?" the anaesthetist asked.

"Yes. Keep him ventilated for now."

"Sedation plan?"