“How’s the consular stuff going? You finding your feet?”
Charlie nodded. “I think so. I’ve had a lot of help from Karen Fraser, and Louis, of course.”
Westwood smiled. “How’s the guy in hospital — the one who was in a coma?”
Charlie felt there was some undercurrent in Westwood’s questions, but he wasn’t sure. He replied straight up, anyway. “He might be released in the next few days, depending on whether we can convince the hospital that he’ll have some people checking in on him. When I say we,” he added quickly, “I’m including myself and Cliff Redford, who’s been helping out with the hospital administration.”
Westwood smiled. “Well, if Cliff’s involved, I have no doubt he’ll be released, if only so the hospital won’t have to deal with him any longer than they have to.” Westwood laughed, seeing Charlie’s reaction. “Don’t get me wrong, I’ve known Cliff a long time, and there’s no better advocate to have in your corner. He’s nothing if not persuasive. But the Japanese really don’t know what to do with him sometimes.”
Charlie nodded. “Yes, I can see how he might present them with a challenge.”
“And your other file — this unfortunate death in Roppongi. Do we know anything more about how the police are treating it?”
“They’ve assigned an inspector, who’s shared the results of the autopsy with me. Inconclusive, I’m afraid. I think she’s leaning toward foul play, but there’s been no official word yet. I’m supposed to get an update later this morning.”
Westwood nodded. “There’s a report on its way from Ottawa on this Michael Seger,” he said, his features taking on a graver expression. “I’ll get it to you as soon as it comes in, of course, but I gather the gist of it is that Seger may have had some unsavoury connections back in Canada.”
“Really?” Charlie said, though his instinct about Seger was at odds with the surprise in his voice.
“He had some family members that were, or possibly still are, part of organized crime in Montreal. It’s possible he had nothing to do with them, of course,” Westwood added, with a wave of his hand as he adjusted himself on the sofa. “Just thought you might like to know.”
Charlie nodded. “Yes, that certainly is of interest. You say there’s a report … coming?”
“I have a friend in the senior ranks at the RCMP. We were talking yesterday about something else and he mentioned that this report had crossed his desk and thought I’d like to know, given it’s related to the death of a Canadian in Tokyo. I’ll make sure you get a copy.”
“Thank you.”
“And remind me what this Seger fellow’s connection to Robert Lepage was?”
“That’s a good question.” Charlie was beginning to wonder just how familiar Westwood was with the file. A minute ago, it was the guy in hospital. Now he was citing Lepage’s full name and the fact that Seger and he were connected somehow. Then again, Westwood seemed the type who made it his business to know a bit about everything going on in his bailiwick. “My understanding is that they were friends. Seger had apparently been in touch from Hong Kong, where he was on a business trip, and arranged to come see Lepage. The problem is that according to Seger’s passport, he hadn’t been in Hong Kong for months.”
Westwood frowned. “What does Lepage have to say about it?”
Charlie shrugged. “Lepage can’t really confirm or deny anything, because his memory prior to his accident is still patchy.”
“How unfortunate. Yet he’s to be released soon, you said?”
“Well, his physical injuries are healing. And his memory is returning slowly.” As Charlie spoke, it didn’t sound like it added up. If he was in Westwood’s shoes, he might have some doubts about the veracity of this story as well.
“Well, I’m sure you’ll keep on it. I gather Seger’s immediate family hasn’t made a formal request for the remains?”
Charlie shook his head. “His parents are dead, and there’s just one sister. I spoke with her and it was clear that they’re estranged. She seemed annoyed that I had bothered to call her.”
Westwood shrugged. “Families,” he said, then stood, indicating the end of the meeting. “Thank you, Charlie. And make sure you get the details of what’s on the table with this real estate thing, will you? The last thing I need is to be reporting back on a mega project that turns out to be dust in the wind.”
“I will.”
Charlie returned to his office and wondered when he might get a look at this mysterious RCMP report, and what else it might say about Mike Seger.
CHAPTER 19
Charlie sat in the front seat of the embassy van, rereading the email from Elizabeth Farnsworth cancelling their lunch meeting at the last minute. It seemed odd that she would ask for the meeting, without actually specifying a reason, and then cancel on fifteen minutes’ notice. Charlie couldn’t detect anything unusual in the wording of the email, which he had received just as he was arriving at the appointed restaurant. He had decided to dine alone, crammed into a corner of the crowded bistro. That was one thing he couldn’t get used to in Tokyo — the close proximity. It went somewhat unnoticed if you were distracted by conversation, but sitting alone, Charlie found it oppressive to the point that he had begun to hate dining by himself. His first few weeks in Havana and Moscow were different — there was always somewhere relatively quiet to hide away. Not so in Tokyo, where every square inch had a purpose. He looked up from his BlackBerry and out the window as a van pulled up at a packed intersection, as though to illustrate his point.
He turned his mind to the upcoming meeting at the hospital, where Redford was waiting with Dr. Yamaguchi to discuss Lepage’s case. Redford had been cryptic on the phone, but Charlie had a strong feeling that the news would be good and that Lepage was going to be released imminently. His smile turned to a frown as he recalled the ambassador’s questions about Lepage’s memory loss. It had given him the same feeling as Kobayashi’s comments to the same effect. He had left her a message just before lunch and hadn’t heard back yet, but he was sure she would eventually get in touch. As the van pulled up in front of the hospital, Charlie thanked the driver, hopped out, and hurried in through the entrance and over to the bank of elevators leading to the now familiar fifth floor. Redford was sitting in the reception area, fiddling with his phone.
“So?”
Redford smiled and stood, clapping him on the shoulder. “Come on, let’s get it straight from the horse’s mouth. Yamaguchi’s waiting for us.”
Charlie followed as Redford led them back to the elevator and hit the down call button. “His office is on the fourth,” Redford said, seeing Charlie’s puzzled expression.
“All the times I’ve been here, I’ve never been invited to his office.”
“Stick with me, kid,” Redford said with a laugh as they boarded the crowded elevator for the brief trip. They were at Yamaguchi’s door a few minutes later, where an efficient looking woman in her fifties asked them their business in Japanese, prompting a brief exchange with Redford. They turned at the sound of Yamaguchi’s voice as he emerged from his office.
“Please, come in.”
“Yamaguchi-san,” Redford said, with his usual thousand-watt smile. “I gather you have some good news for us.”
Yamaguchi didn’t respond, but led them into his office instead, where Rob Lepage sat, a single crutch leaning up against the arm of his chair.
“Hey, guys,” he said, his face breaking into a smile.
They exchanged greetings, and after he and Charlie had taken seats next to Lepage, Redford spoke. “I can’t stand the suspense, Doc. Are you gonna tell us what happened, or what?”
Yamaguchi nodded. “The hospital’s administration board has agreed to release Mr. Lepage,” he said, looking at his patient. “Effective tomorrow morning.”
“Any conditions on the release?” Redford said, after an initial round of congratulations to an obviously relieved Lepage.
“He’s to be reassessed in one week,” Y
amaguchi began, though Charlie could tell there was more to come. “And until then, he’s to contact me once a day, just to check in.”
“That sounds reasonable,” Redford said as Charlie nodded and Lepage looked on.
“There is a … catch,” Yamaguchi added. “The board was concerned about potential liability … liability that would not be covered by its insurer.”
“Did you mention the offer from the insurer?” Redford said.
“What offer?” Charlie asked, bemused.
Redford shrugged. “I said I could probably arrange for some coverage on a one-off basis from an insurer I represent — it’s an affiliate of a Canada-based company and they’ve done this sort of thing in the past, for trade shows put on by the Chamber of Commerce, that sort of thing.”
Yamaguchi nodded. “I may need to discuss this further with you,” he said, then turned to Charlie. “I also mentioned that the embassy had been in regular contact with Mr. Lepage, that you had opened a consular file … and that you would likely continue to be in touch with Mr. Lepage after his discharge, though I was careful not to suggest that you were taking custody of him in any official capacity.”
Charlie nodded. “That’s fine, and I do plan to keep in touch,” he said, looking at Lepage. “And I want you to know that if there’s anything you need, or if there’s anything I can do to help get you back on your feet, just let me know.”
“Thanks, Charlie, I appreciate that,” Lepage said, a look of genuine gratitude on his face.
Yamaguchi went over a few things to keep in mind with recently discharged patients generally, as well as some more specific issues for those recovering from amnesia. When he and Redford began to discuss the details of the insurance policy, Redford looked at Charlie and Lepage.
“You don’t have to stick around for this if you don’t want to.”
Charlie shrugged his shoulders, but Lepage was quick to get up on his feet. “I’m going to take advantage of my new mobility to go outside for a bit — it looks like a beautiful day and I’ve been stuck inside for a long time.”
“Remember to stay on the hospital grounds,” Yamaguchi said, then softened his expression, “until tomorrow.”
“Don’t worry. I’m not planning a prison break the day before I get out of here.”
“I’ll walk you out,” Charlie said, thanking Yamaguchi and promising to be in touch with Redford that evening for some follow-up. He joined Lepage out in the hall and watched him hobble along the hallway toward the elevator.
“I guess your leg’s still pretty sore, huh?”
“I’m just glad to be up and about,” Lepage said through a grimace. “Another few days in that bed and I would have lost it.”
They rode the elevator down in silence. When they were outside by the front entrance, Lepage sat on a bench and rested his crutch against the armrest. “I really appreciate you helping out,” he said, squinting in the sun as he looked up at Charlie, who stood to the side of the bench.
“It’s nothing. I’m just as glad to see you getting out of here.”
“I guess you can close your consular file on me now.” Lepage looked out at the bustle of people and traffic. “Assuming this next week goes well, of course.”
“I’m sure it will.” Charlie smiled.
“Is that what happens?” Lepage asked. “Does my file get … closed?”
“If you’re no longer in need of assistance, then yes.” He watched Lepage’s expression, wondering what was behind the question. Simple curiosity, he supposed. “I guess Aiko’s happy that you’ll be getting out tomorrow?” he added.
“Uh-huh.” Lepage continued to stare out at the traffic.
“I haven’t seen her in a while,” Charlie continued, wondering if there was any possible way of mentioning the fact that he had discovered that Kimura appeared to be working in the sex trade, not at a call centre.
“Me neither. I’m wondering if she got fed up with me forgetting everything about her, you know?”
“I’m sure it’s a difficult situation,” he said, hearing Lepage’s dejected tone and feeling guilty that he seemed to know more about Kimura than her so-called boyfriend.
“You got to know her a little bit.” Lepage was suddenly looking up at Charlie, who averted his eyes for a moment, before regaining Lepage’s steady gaze. “What do you think?”
“About you two? Geez, I don’t know, Rob.”
“You can tell me, Charlie, even if it’s bad.”
Charlie was feeling more and more awkward at the direction of the conversation, and wondered what exactly Lepage was getting at. Was it possible he had an inkling that Kimura wasn’t being entirely forthright about how she made her living?
“She seemed nice enough to me, and she’s obviously very attractive.”
“She is pretty hot,” Lepage said with a grin that quickly faded. “How could I forget … being with her?”
Charlie patted him on the shoulder. “I’m sure it will come back, just like the rest of your memories. Or you’ll just have to make some new ones.” They stood in silence for a moment, then Charlie glanced at his watch. “I’d better be going. Do you want a ride out of here tomorrow?”
Lepage shook his head. “Naw, I’m good. I’ll give you a call tomorrow evening, though, just to check in.”
Charlie was a few feet away when he heard Lepage call out.
“Thanks for everything, Charlie.”
Lepage watched as Charlie disappeared around the corner, then rummaged in a pocket for the cigarette and matches Kimura had left him on her brief visit this morning. Lighting the cigarette, he took a long draw and tilted his head back as he blew out a cloud of smoke, the nicotine flooding through his veins. He liked Charlie, and appreciated what he was trying to do. But he was clearly suspicious about Kimura, and who knew what other suspicions he had — about Seger, or Lepage’s own selective memory? If he began to act on those suspicions, things could become very dangerous.
Lepage smoked the cigarette for a few minutes, silently contemplating his next move, then took a last puff and tossed the smouldering butt on the ground. He popped a mint into his mouth and looked up into the late afternoon sunshine. Tomorrow, he would finally be out of this hospital — that much he knew. What would happen next was much less certain.
CHAPTER 20
Charlie saw the name displayed on his office telephone and an involuntary smile briefly lit his face. He picked it up on the second ring.
“Hello, Mr. Hillier. I just got your messa—”
“I thought you were going to call me Charlie?”
There was an awkward pause at the other end of the line. “Yes, of course. How are you, Charlie?”
“I’m good. I have some business this afternoon at the Ministry of Justice and I thought we could meet to discuss the Seger investigation. I was wondering if I could buy you a coffee.”
There was another pause, this one long enough for Charlie to wonder if he was becoming too informal for Kobayashi’s liking. “I also wanted to let you know that Rob Lepage was released from hospital yesterday morning,” he added.
“That is good news,” she said. “And yes, I can meet you, but I think it’s my turn to buy the coffee.”
Charlie laughed. “There’s a coffee shop just outside the station. I could meet you there at three o’clock.”
“Yes, I’ll see you there.”
Charlie hung up the phone, but a few seconds later it was ringing again. This time the caller was from the Tokyo Medical University Hospital.
“Hello, Mr. Hillier. I hope I am not disturbing you.” He immediately recognized Dr. Yamaguchi’s voice, as well as a difference in his usually uniform tone.
“Of course not. What can I do for you?”
“Have you had any contact with Mr. Lepage since he was released yesterday?”
Charlie considered the question and felt a ripple of unease. He hadn’t heard from Lepage, but he had barely been out for twenty-four hours. “No. I’m assuming he’ll check in
sometime today.”
Yamaguchi’s pause said everything. “He was supposed to check in last night. I’ve already spoken to Mr. Redford, who hasn’t heard from him either.”
“I’m sure it’s nothing to worry about. He probably didn’t think the first day counted.” Charlie realized it sounded a bit feeble and easy for him to say — he hadn’t put either his professional reputation or whatever insurance rider Redford had cobbled together on the line. “I’ll try to get in touch with him, if you like.”
“I’ve called several times, and no reply.”
“Let me see if I can track him down.” Charlie glanced at his watch. He had a meeting in a couple of hours, but that gave him plenty of time to take the Metro over to Omote-sando and back. “I’ll be in touch.”
He pulled on his jacket and grabbed his leather portfolio on the way out the door, for appearances. Twenty minutes later, he was ascending to street level from Omote-sando Station, where he joined the stream of westbound pedestrians until he reached the walkway over the gridlocked street. Lepage’s building was only a few minutes farther on, and he was jogging up the front steps when he almost collided with Elizabeth Farnsworth, who was exiting through the front door.
“Oh, hi, Elizabeth.”
“Charlie?” She appeared surprised by his presence. “I’m … what are you doing here?”
“I came by to check in on Rob.”
“Rob? I thought he was in hospital.”
“He was released yesterday.”
“Oh, I didn’t know.” She brushed a strand of red hair back from her forehead. Unlike the last time he had seen her, she was dressed in business attire, complete with heels that put her almost at eye level, and she smelled like expensive perfume. “Listen, I’m terribly sorry about lunch yesterday. I’m such a scatterbrain, honestly.”
“It’s all right.” He waved a hand as she glanced at her wrist, adorned by a jewelled watch. “I’m afraid I’ve got to rush off. Client meeting. I do want to get together, though.”
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