“Business as usual, one might say,” Shin murmured, thinking of missing shipment records and schedules.
Yuzu nodded, though he did not smile. “Regrettably. But never as bad as it has been. Almost as if…” He trailed off.
“Someone was deliberately attempting to stoke the fire.”
“Naturally, we feared that any suspicion in that regard would naturally fall on us. Our relationship with the Zeshi and the Shiko was… less than convivial.”
“I would have thought otherwise, given their need for raw materials.”
“Yes, well, they begrudge us every koku. Less so, it must be said, when they are pitted against one another.” Yuzu stroked his chin. “In that sense, we’ve done very well.”
“You say we…? You mean the merchants’ association.”
“Yes. We act as one, where necessary.”
“And the Zeshi and the Shiko have no objection to this?”
Yuzu laughed. “Oh certainly they do, my lord. But what can they do save bully us – and that carries the risk of certain ramifications.”
“There is a saying – in war, only merchants profit.”
“A pithy saying, my lord, but – forgive me – not wholly accurate. Stability is our friend, and things are not stable at the moment. We have high hopes, but anything we can do to help settle this matter we will, of course, attempt to do. That is why I agreed to this meeting, after all.”
“For which I thank you again,” Shin said. He sat back, eyes closed, letting the heat work itself into his muscles as Yuzu’s words settled on his mind. “What was your opinion of the marriage?”
Yuzu coughed. “I should not like to say, my lord.”
Shin opened one eye. “So you had an opinion on it, then?”
Yuzu grinned and tugged at his beard. “Everyone did, my lord. It was a popular topic of discussion among us peasants.” There was an undercurrent of bitterness to his words.
“And what did everyone say?”
“Surely it is not important now.”
“I expect not. But I would hear it anyway. Specifically, what did you and your fellow merchants think of it – did it please you? Worry you?”
Again, Yuzu hesitated. Shin could almost see him calculating how best to answer. The merchant was hiding something, he thought – but what? Perhaps it was simply the natural reticence of a merchant. “We thought it a bad bargain.”
“What do you mean?”
“The Shiko paid an enormous amount of money for that girl,” Yuzu said. “Or, should I say, for marriage.”
“I thought it was meant to be a political marriage.”
“Politics and money often go hand in hand, my lord. Especially up here.” Yuzu leaned over and signaled to the servants waiting outside to pour more water onto the coals. “Word is, there was an addendum to the contract – a retainer, if you will. Nonrefundable.”
“Paid to the Zeshi?”
“A Zeshi.”
“Shijan,” Shin said, catching the merchant’s meaning. Yuzu tapped the side of his nose to show that Shin’s supposition was correct. “Why would he do that? The Zeshi are rich. One of the richest families in these lands.”
“The Zeshi are wealthy – but not these Zeshi. Not really. When the trouble began, there were all manner of unfortunate occurrences. Including sabotage. They lost a significant amount of stock – had to pay back customers, that sort of thing. And of course there’s the usual gossip.”
Shin, well aware of what form the usual gossip took, nodded. “Who are they in debt to? Not the Shiko, I think. One of you?”
“Us as well, but no – debts of a less acceptable sort. You know the sort I mean, I think.” Yuzu gave a gap-toothed smile and rubbed two fingers together. Shin sat back.
“That is hard to imagine. I have met Shijan. He does not strike me as the sort.”
“Perhaps that is why so few people are aware of it. He goes to great lengths to hide the fact. Or to blame such losses on his cousin, Reiji.”
Shin thought of Shijan’s admission of Reiji’s weaknesses; how easily it had seemed to flow out of him. At the time, Shin had fancied that Shijan had merely been in need of someone to vent to, but now… now it seemed otherwise. “Easy enough to do, given the boy’s own proclivities. But if he hides it so well, how do you come to know of it?”
Yuzu’s smile was feral. “Well, there, my lord, is a somewhat embarrassing tale. Suffice it to say, I happen to be something of a gambler myself.”
“Ah,” Shin said in understanding. It would be like Shijan to gamble with his lessers, assuming that they would let him win. “How much did you take him for?”
“Enough that he has yet to play me again.” Yuzu laughed and slapped his knee. He peered at the door. “The steam is thinning. I thought I asked them to put more water on the coals.” He half-stood as if to peer out the door, when a sudden motion sent him reeling backwards onto the hard wooden floor. Shin shot to his feet. Yuzu squawked and flailed as a third man entered the room. He was fully clothed and hard faced. The red-stained peasant’s machete in his hand said he had not come to enjoy the steam.
Acting on instinct, Shin stripped off his towel, rolled it into a tight whip and snapped it at the newcomer’s hand. The man gave a bark of shock and dropped his blade. He instinctively stooped to reclaim it, and Shin snapped him again – in the face this time. The man jerked back as if stung by an insect, but then lunged forward with a bullish roar, hands groping for Shin’s throat. Shin flung the towel into his face and deftly avoided the rush.
As his attacker staggered past, Shin drove both elbows down onto the man’s side, sending him sprawling against the far wall. “Yuzu – the machete,” Shin barked. The merchant gawped at him for a moment before scrambling to reach the fallen weapon. By then Shin’s opponent had recovered. He shoved himself up and around, lunging again. Shin wasn’t quick enough to avoid him this time, and found himself driven back against the entry partition, a pair of thick hands wrapped around his throat.
“Kill you,” the man growled.
“S… So I gathered,” Shin wheezed. Blackness clustered at the edges of his vision. He stiffened the fingers of his left hand and drove them up into his opponent’s solar plexus, the way he’d been taught by a certain monk of his acquaintance. The pressure on his windpipe relaxed immediately, and he freed himself from his attacker’s grip. Dashing the sweat from his eyes, he clapped his hands against the man’s ears, eliciting a cry of pain. The fellow staggered back, clutching at his head.
He turned as if to run – and stopped dead. Shin caught hold of him and made to haul him back, but the man toppled onto his side, nearly dragging Shin from his feet. A machete – his own machete – protruded from his belly. Yuzu stood before him, eyes wide, staring at his bloody hands. “I… I didn’t mean…”
Shin bent quickly to check on his opponent, but it was clear the man was already dead. He looked up at Yuzu. “Is he…?” the merchant began.
“Unfortunately,” Shin said. He stood and retrieved his towel. He could hear shouts of alarm from outside. He wondered whether their attacker had killed anyone on the way in. He hoped not. One dead man was bad enough.
“Unfortunately? He tried to kill us!”
Shin ran his hands through his wet hair. “Yes, but I’d like to know why.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Revelations
Outside, on the balcony, Shin stared down at the foothills and Northern Owari, daring them to share their secrets. His throat, arms and back still ached from the encounter at the onsen, and he reflected somewhat ruefully that Kasami was right – he did need more practice. He rubbed his shoulder, trying to ease a persistent twinge. Kasami had been angry, of course. Furious, really. Batu as well.
“Hurts?” the latter asked, as he joined Shin on the balcony.
Shin grunted. “A bit.”
&n
bsp; “Traditionally, a visit to the onsen is supposed to ease aches and pains.”
“Yes, well, I shall take it up with the merchants’ association.” Shin turned to face him. “Who was he?”
“His name is – was – Yacha. He was a bad one. At least two murders to his name, likely more. He mostly worked the peasants’ road through the foothills, but lately he’s been acting as muscle for Honesty-sama.”
Shin perked up at this. “Is he involved, then?”
Batu looked away. “If he is, we’ll never know.”
“Shame. I was considering the theory that he was behind all of this.”
Batu snorted. “No. War is bad for business – at least his businesses.” He stretched, clearly tired. Shin knew how he felt. “No, I have no doubt he’s trying to keep as far from this as possible. His sort don’t like the light.”
“Then how do you explain the presence of his men? If this Yacha was one of his, then the ones who attacked Reiji likely were as well.”
“Those sorts are available to whoever has the money,” Batu said, dismissively. “All it would take would be the promise of a few koku and they’d gut their own mothers.”
“A pleasant image.” Shin shook his head. “But would they take a job without Honesty-sama’s permission?”
Batu looked away. “Maybe.” But he didn’t sound as if he believed it.
Shin nodded. “Exactly. Northern Owari has been flitting about the edges of this thing since the beginning. You may not like it, but there it is.” He paused. “How is Yuzu, by the way?” The merchant had been hurried away by his servants after Batu had arrived at the onsen. He’d looked pale and sick by what had occurred – but angry as well.
“Fine. Shaken, but in one piece. Thanks to you.”
“I was simply trying to stay alive.”
“I did warn you,” Batu said. “I told you that no good would come of this.”
Shin waved his words aside. “What about Reiji? Has he talked yet?”
“He was being obstinate, so I had him locked up.”
Shin blinked. “A joke?”
Batu leaned on the rail beside Shin. “No. I had him put into a cell opposite Ruri. She might be able to talk some sense into him.”
“You haven’t released her yet?”
“No. And I’m not going to until this matter is settled.” Batu looked up at the night sky. “It’s safer that way, I think, and not just for her.”
“What do the Zeshi think of you placing Reiji into… protective custody, let’s call it?”
“They are not best pleased.”
“No, I do not imagine they are.”
“Not for the reasons you think. The negotiations are set to conclude tomorrow, and Reiji is the key to the whole thing.”
Shin paused. “Another marriage?”
Batu smirked and nodded. “It seems so.”
“Who is the unfortunate young woman?”
Batu shrugged. “Some younger daughter from the Garanto Province. Ide Sora and the matchmaker, Umeko, have already made the arrangements. She will be here in a few weeks.”
“In chains, I imagine.”
“He’s not that bad.”
“He’s not that good, either.” Shin sighed. “And what does this mean for Ruri?”
Batu frowned. “The final decision is being left up to me, though I have been strongly encouraged to remove Ruri from the city by whatever means necessary.” He looked at Shin. “She cannot stay here. Even though we’ve saved her life, she will have to be banished.”
Shin looked away. “That is unfortunate, as well as unfair.”
“I knew you would say that.” Batu gave a sour laugh. “Fairness is inconsequential. Harmony must be maintained, and her continued presence will be disharmonious. So she goes – upright, or in a box.”
Shin grimaced. “A blunt way of putting it.”
“I am a blunt man, as you yourself have pointed out.”
“What of the investigation?”
“The Ide are satisfied. The Zeshi and the Shiko – well, it doesn’t really matter.”
“And the Iuchi?”
“Ide Sora speaks for both families in this. A lasting peace is their only concern. Further grubbing would only complicate the matter.” Batu paused. “She is a masterful woman. Proud. Authoritative.”
Shin eyed him. “Are you attracted to her?”
A look of panic crossed Batu’s face. “What? No. How dare you – this is not the time or the place. Silence!”
Amused, Shin said, “You are attracted to her.”
“Silence!” Batu sounded almost panicked.
Shin smiled relentlessly. “No. Would you like me to put in a good word for you?”
“No! Cease talking about this.” Batu turned away.
“Perhaps we should speak with Umeko. I’m sure something can be arranged.”
Batu covered his face with his hands. “Please shut up.”
Shin’s smile widened. “Honestly, I’m not surprised. She looks like she can carry a horse up a mountain – just your type.” He meant it honestly. Sora was a strong woman. Just the sort he could see Batu with. Not someone who would make sport of him, but who would approach life in the same way.
“Do not insult her just to tease me,” Batu said, face still covered.
“It wasn’t an insult. Strength is appealing. Only a fool finds it otherwise.” Shin leaned down. “This one I approve of.” He said it softly, quietly.
“Thank you,” Batu muttered, sourly.
Shin gave him some room. “I think she’d have this city shipshape in a few months.”
“Can we stop talking about this?”
“Yes.”
Batu sighed. “Thank you.”
“For now. Once this matter is settled I intend to pick up where we left off.”
Batu shook his head in disgust. After a moment, he said, “If I tell you to let it be, you will refuse, of course.”
“Of course. Are you?”
“I am not. First rule of being a magistrate – never give an order that will not be followed.” He sighed and scrubbed his fingers over his scalp. “That said, I do not see where you can go from here. The families no longer have reason to speak to you. Indeed, they have all the reason in the world not to do so. Shijan especially.”
Shin waved his words aside. “Do you think Yuzu was telling the truth?”
“Why ask me?” Batu grunted. “You’re the one who claimed to be an investigator.”
Shin laughed. “Yes, I did say that, didn’t I? Thankfully, I no longer require their cooperation.” He looked down towards the foothills. “I have learned all I can from them, but I am convinced that this is not settled. Someone tried to have me killed. Even if I did not believe there was something else at play, I would continue. Assassination attempts – especially clumsy ones – irk me.”
“I am annoyed as well. Imagine how it would reflect on me if you died.”
Shin laughed. “Your sense of humor seems to be returning.”
“I wasn’t trying to be funny.” Batu frowned. “You could have really died, you know.”
Shin said nothing. Batu grunted and shook his head. “What now?” he asked.
Shin pushed back from the rail. “Now, I talk to Reiji.”
“I hope you have more luck than I did.”
Shin made his way out the back, towards the outbuilding where the prisoners were being held. Lanterns had been lit, and armed guards were on duty. Kasami was with them. She had taken it upon herself to make a thorough circuit of the manor grounds, just in case any other assassins were waiting.
When she saw him, she glowered. “You should be inside. What are you doing out here?” She stomped towards him. She was still in full armor, despite the breach of etiquette. “Get back inside immediately!”
“I don’t care. Someone tried to kill you!”
“It’s not as if it’s the first time,” Shin protested. Kasami flushed. Shin continued, quickly. “Come along if you like. I don’t think Reiji will prove much of a threat, but you never know.” He stepped around her before she could protest further, and continued towards the outbuilding. The guards stepped aside quickly.
The interior was lit tonight, likely for Reiji’s benefit. In her cell, Ruri was singing. A soft, lilting song about loves lost and won. She fell silent as they drew close. She gave him a nod, and he returned the gesture. “You will be free soon,” he said.
“But not today.”
“No, not today.” Shin turned. Reiji glared at him from inside his own cell. Shin gestured and Kasami removed the iron bar that kept the door shut. Reiji hesitated, then stepped back. Shin followed him into his cell. “Thank you for agreeing to answer my questions. You have my gratitude.”
“I agreed to no such thing,” Reiji said.
“You will answer him or I will…” Kasami began. Shin gestured, and she subsided. Reiji licked his lips nervously. Shin smiled.
“You will answer them because it is in your best interests to do so. You will answer them, because if you do not, you will remain here until such time as you do answer them.”
“You cannot keep me here forever.”
Shin nodded. “That is true. But we can keep you here for several days. Then, you might enjoy that, given what’s waiting for you if we return you to your kin.”
Reiji stared at him in silence. Shin nodded as if he had spoken. “You have made yourself very difficult to find. Not difficult enough, of course. We found you, as did those men who attacked you. As they might well find you again, and this time Kasami will not be there to save you.” Shin peered at him. “Do you know them – the ones who attacked you?”
“I’ve never seen them before.”
“Why might they have wanted you dead?”
Reiji shrugged, as if trying to appear unconcerned. “Perhaps they hoped to rob me. Heimin are all alike. They see a noble and think him wealthy.”
Death's Kiss Page 23