Page 76 of Mercy Written in Blood

The use of Haruki's first name felt oddly deliberate.

"What did he describe?"

"You."

Renji checked the oxygen reading attached to her finger.

"What did he say?"

"That you were infuriating."

"That is not medically relevant."

"He seemed to enjoy it."

"Mr Ishida enjoys several things that are medically inadvisable."

Professor Takeda smiled faintly.

"He asked about everyone before they took him upstairs."

"That is unsurprising."

"Is it?"

"He considers them his responsibility."

"He had met most of us only hours before."

Renji adjusted the flow of oxygen.

"Responsibility does not always require familiarity."

The words left him before he examined them. Takeda studied his face.

"No," she said quietly. "I suppose it doesn't."

Renji stepped back.

"You will remain for observation until your breathing improves."

"I need to speak to the police."

"They can speak to you here."

"And the others?"

"Professor Minamoto is stable. Jun is still in theatre."

"Haruki?"

"Recovering."

The answer came too quickly. Takeda noticed. Renji could tell she noticed because her expression altered by almost nothing. He disliked people whose work depended on studying fragments. They paid too much attention to what others tried not to show.

"He saved us," she said.

Renji looked towards the curtain.