Page 78 of Mercy Written in Blood

The sentence stayed with Renji longer than it should have. He checked Takeda's chart once more, gave instructions she was unlikely to follow and left the cubicle.

Jun Sato survived the operation. The damage to his femoral artery had been repaired, but the leg remained at risk. Vascular surgery had restored circulation. Orthopaedics had stabilised the fracture. The next twenty-four hours would determine how much tissue could be saved.

Renji stood outside recovery while the surgical consultant explained the prognosis to Ken. Ken had changed clothes, though blood still darkened the skin beneath his fingernails. He listened without interruption.

"Will he walk?" he asked.

"We don't know."

"Will he keep the leg?"

"We don't know."

"What do you know?"

"That he is alive."

Ken closed his eyes briefly. The consultant excused himself. Renji remained. Ken opened his eyes.

"How's the Boss?"

"Stable."

"That isn't an answer."

"It is the most accurate answer available."

"Did he wake up?"

"Yes."

"Was he himself?"

"He complained about his jacket."

Ken's shoulders lowered. A fraction. But enough.

"Then he's fine."

"He is not fine."

"You didn't see the jacket."

Renji almost understood the humour. Almost. Ken looked through the recovery window. Jun lay beneath blankets, surrounded by machines.

"He'll blame himself."

"For Jun's injury?"

"For everyone."

"That is irrational."

"That's Haruki."

"Then someone should tell him."

Ken looked at Renji.