Sano Ichiro 5 The Samurai's Wife (2000)

by Laura Joh Rowland

  "I was here at home, asleep, when the scream woke me," Ichijo said. "Soon afterward a servant came to tell me there had been another death. My household can verify that."

  Observing the closed faces of Ichijo's staff, Sano knew these men would lie to protect Ichijo from the despised bakufu.

  "Before the second murder, you received a message that I would be in the palace that night," Sano said.

  "Yes." Ichijo tapped his cane on a paving stone. He scrutinized Sano with shrewd calculation.

  "But you did nothing about it?"

  Ichijo gave Sano a sour smile. "I disdain anonymous communications and therefore ignored this one. I've been informed that similar messages were delivered to Lady Jokyoden, Prince Momozono, and the emperor. I spoke with them this morning and learned that they, too, ignored the messages."

  "I see." Sano felt vexed at Ichijo, who had surely advised the other suspects to claim they'd disregarded the opportunity to attack him, thereby protecting themselves and obstructing his investigation.

  "If you've finished, I shall be going," Ichijo said.

  "Not just yet." Hastened into blunt speech, Sano said, "Your daughter has been exonerated, but you're still a suspect. You and Left Minister Konoe were rivals for the post of prime minister. My arresting Lady Asagao gave you reason to want me dead, and killing me while she was imprisoned would clear her."

  Anger bared Ichijo's blackened teeth; his thin hand gripped the gold handle of his cane. In a cutting voice he said, "Even if you disregard my alibi, do you really think I have the power to kill with a scream?"

  "Perhaps we should talk about that in private," Sano said, "along with some other matters that you might not care to discuss out here."

  He saw a flash of apprehension in Ichijo's eyes: Whether guilty of murder or not, Ichijo had something to hide. Then, with a martyred expression, the right minister led Sano into the mansion and to his office.

  "Now that we're alone," he said, "what did you wish to discuss with me?"

  Sano reminded himself that Yanagisawa had picked Ichijo as his prime suspect. With all Sano's fighting skill, he was defenseless against the power of kiai. If Ichijo had that ability, Sano courted death during every moment spent with the right minister. A current of fear ran through Sano as he circled the room, examining the paintings on the walls. The first panel showed a garden where wisteria vines draped an arbor, under which stood two men, both wearing the costumes of a thousand years ago.

  "Nakatomi Kamatari," Sano said, pointing to the older man in the painting. "Your ancestor. And the young man is Naka-no-Oye, an imperial prince and disgruntled member of the Soga clan, which once dominated the court. The two plotted to oust the Soga and seize power. When they succeeded, the prince became emperor. Kamatari took the new name Fujiwara-wisteria-in memory of the garden where they conspired. As the emperor's mentor, he won great power for his clan. For some five hundred years afterward, the Fujiwara ruled Japan from behind the throne."

  "I am impressed by your knowledge of my heritage," Ichijo said with chill asperity, "but surely it cannot be the reason for your interest in me."

  "On the contrary." Sano moved to the next panel. It showed the Purple Dragon Hall of the Imperial Palace. On the veranda, a courtier stood beside a boy dressed in the tall black hat and elaborate robes of the emperor. Pointing to the courtier, Sano said, "This must be Fujiwara Yoshifusa, regent for the young Emperor Seiwa, who reigned seven centuries ago. Yoshifusa established the tradition of marrying Fujiwara daughters to emperors. A father-in-law can exert much influence over a young sovereign, yes?"

  Ichijo compressed his mouth in annoyance at this allusion to his relationship with Emperor Tomohito.

  "But the zenith of Fujiwara glory was the great Michinaga," Sano said. "His daughters were consorts to four emperors; two other emperors were his nephews, and three his grandsons. He ruled supreme for thirty-two years." Sano contemplated the last painting, a view of a temple at night. In the sky floated a huge, round moon. "Michinaga founded this monastery at Hojo Temple. He wrote a poem boasting that he was a master of his world, `like the flawless full moon riding the skies.'

  "That is true," Ichijo said impatiently, "but I fail to see what relevance it has to your investigation."

  "After Michinaga's death, the Fujiwara fortunes declined. Power shifted to the samurai class." Sano faced Ichijo. "Don't you regret the passing of those glorious days?"

  Disdain shaded Ichijo's face. "Even if I did, that gives me no reason for wanting Left Minister Konoe dead. The post of prime minister confers no power outside the Imperial Palace. Killing my rival would not have reestablished Fujiwara control over Japan."

  But perhaps Konoe had discovered that Ichijo was planning to restore imperial rule and Fujiwara supremacy by mounting a revolt against the Tokugawa, Sano speculated. Ichijo was in a unique position to influence Emperor Tomohito, both as chief adviser and as father of the imperial consort. If a coup succeeded, Ichijo would dominate the throne and the nation-as his ancestors had. Therefore, Ichijo was a prime candidate for instigator of the rebel conspiracy.

  "Do you know Lord Ibe Masanobu?" Sano asked.

  Ichijo raised his eyebrows, although Sano couldn't tell whether he was surprised by the apparent non sequitur or if the name had significance to him. "The daimyo of Echizen Province? We have never met."

  "Have you ever been to his house in the cloth dyers' district?"

  "It is my understanding that the daimyo are forbidden to have estates in Miyako, and since I'm not acquainted with Lord Ibe, there would be no reason for me to visit him. Really, I do not see the point of these questions."

  "Have you any contact with priests at the local monasteries?"

  "Of course. They perform ceremonies here at the palace." Folding his arms, Ichijo said, "I get the impression that you are accusing me of something besides the murders. At least be specific so that I may defend myself."

  If Ichijo knew about the activities at Lord Ibe's estate, he was doing an excellent job of pretending he didn't. However, this veteran of court politics would have mastered the art of dissembling, and Ichijo's clan had masterminded secret plots for centuries. But Sano wasn't ready to make an open accusation yet.

  "Even ii you aren't acquainted with Lord Ibe, I believe your family has close ties with other daimyo clans," he said. "The Kuroda and the Mitsu, in particular."

  "Many of us have married into those families," Ichijo said stiffly. This was a common practice by which the samurai gained prestige via connections with the Imperial Court, while the nobles shared in the daimyo families' wealth.

  "Then you've had the opportunity to study the martial arts with them?"

  "The opportunity, yes; the desire, no," Ichijo said with a moue of distaste. "We in the court are glad to give the benefit of our learning to the samurai class. But with all due respect, we prefer to maintain the integrity of our culture by not absorbing yours."

  However, Sano knew that cultural influence flowed both ways. As men of the daimyo clans studied art and music with their imperial in-laws, so might nobles practice Bushido under the direction of samurai relatives. Sano perceived the strong will hidden behind Ichijo's refined countenance, and will was the foundation for the power of kiai, the perfect weapon for a courtier who wanted a means of self-defense-or murder.

  "Unless you have something else to discuss," said Ichijo, "I really must go. My daughter needs me."

  "Just one more thing," Sano said.

  The right minister's look of aggrieved impatience did not change, but alarm radiated from Ichijo. Sano wondered what he was hiding. He also wondered whether there was something that Yanagisawa had neglected to tell him about Ichijo.

  "I need to speak with His Majesty the Emperor, Lady Jokyoden, and Prince Momozono," Sano said. "I would prefer to see them alone, without giving them advance notice."

  "That is against court protocol, but I suppose an exception can be made." Through Ichijo's grudging consent, Sano saw relief. Whatever he was hi
ding must be serious, for him to readily grant an objectionable request just to avoid more questions. "I shall escort you to the imperial enclosure now."

  "Thank you," Sano said.

  Ichijo started toward the door. Sano lagged behind. Then he lunged forward and grabbed the right minister, locking his right arm around Ichijo's shoulders, his left across Ichijo's throat. For an instant, Ichijo stiffened. Sano was startled to feel tough, wiry muscles: Despite his age, Ichijo kept himself fit. Sano recalled the unearthly scream, and Aisu's bloody corpse. What if Ichijo did indeed possess the power of kiai? At this close range, he could kill Sano by barely raising his voice. Sano knew the risk he took by provoking Ichijo, but what better way to expose the truth?

  Then Ichijo went limp. He struggled feebly in Sano's grasp, bleating, "Help, help!"

  Sano let go. Relief and disappointment filled him. The door opened and two servants appeared. They hurried to the aid of their master, who sagged against the wall, coughing. Ichijo's cheeks were red, his eyes watery. He glared at Sano.

  "I know why you did that," he said, "and I hope you are satisfied. You almost killed me."

  "If that's the case, then I apologize," Sano said, unconvinced. Might a man who could master kiaijutsu also be quick enough to hide his skill by feigning weakness? "I'll see the imperial family now."

  21

  The procession of fifty mounted samurai, resplendent in full armor, halted outside the walled compound of police headquarters. Chamberlain Yanagisawa swung down off his horse. "Wait here," he told his troops.

  Detective Marume said, "Why are we stopping?"

  Detective Fukida said, "Shouldn't we proceed directly to Lord Ibe's house?"

  Hanging his helmet on his saddle, Yanagisawa barely controlled his anger. His own retainers would never dare question anything he did, but Sano's exhibited the same annoying outspokenness as their master. That Yanagisawa needed their help only worsened his bad mood. First he'd had to agree to cooperate with Sano. Now he must confront the worst humiliation of all.

  "I have business here," he told Marume and Fukida.

  He strode through the gate, into the main building. There, two doshin and their civilian assistants loitered around a high platform where a clerk presided over a desk piled with ledgers. Yanagisawa stalked past the platform, through a doorway, and into a labyrinth of offices and corridors.

  "Hoshina!" he shouted.

  Marume and Fukida hurried after him. "Hoshina's not here," Marume said. "Let's just go, please."

  "If he's not here, then why are you so eager to stop me?" Yanagisawa kept going. "You thought I wouldn't find your master's hostage, but I did."

  Yesterday, Yanagisawa had set his Miyako spies to the task of locating the yoriki. It hadn't been easy, because Hoshina had loyal friends on the police force who'd tried to protect him. Not until late last night had Yanagisawa learned where Sano had hidden Hoshina. Now fury at Hoshina's betrayal rose within him like hot, poisonous steam.

  The betrayal was made all the more painful by Yanagisawa's memories of the night of the shoshidai's banquet, when he and Hoshina had spent hours in the house by the river, alternating bouts of urgent sex with talk about politics, their experiences, current events, and mutual interests in art and theater. They'd shared an intimacy that Yanagisawa had never enjoyed with anyone else. For once he had felt exuberantly alive, yet at peace.

  Just before Hoshina left, they had toasted each other. "To a successful venture," Hoshina had said.

  They drank, then Yanagisawa said, "To Miyako's best police commander, a fine comrade, and a valuable addition to my staff."

  Pleasure and consternation mingled on Hoshina's face. Frowning down at the cup in his hands, he said, "But I'm only your comrade and a member of your staff for as long as you're in Miyako."

  "Ah. Well."

  "I understand the difficulty that traveling so far from Edo causes you," Hoshina said. "I know I can't expect you to come to Miyako again, and I can't abandon my duties here to visit you. So..." He shrugged with unconvincing nonchalance. "After you leave, I probably won't see you again."

  "That's true." Stalling for time to sort out his thoughts, Yanagisawa imagined his return to Edo Castle, where his only close companions were the ghosts of his father, Lord Takei, and Shichisaburo. The prospect filled him with desolation.

  Hoshina drew a deep breath, then said, "If I were to go to Edo with you..." He paused, cautiously gauging Yanagisawa's response.

  It was a tempting idea. If Hoshina came with him, Yanagisawa wouldn't be alone, and who better than Hoshina to help build his personal empire within the bakufu? Hoshina was strong, intelligent, and more capable than anyone else in Yanagisawa's retinue....

  And there lay the danger of promoting the yoriki. Hoshina had already taken over the shoshidai's office, proving his desire to usurp authority. Loyalty wasn't his strongest virtue: He had no qualms about deserting the shoshidai for a better patron. What if he got tired of the affair with Yanagisawa and sought new amorous adventures? Worse, Hoshina might win the shogun's favor, form alliances within the bakufu, and eventually seize power.

  "A matter like this cannot be decided in haste," Yanagisawa hedged.

  Yet he'd almost made up his mind to take Hoshina to Edo as his new chief retainer and risk everything for a chance at happiness. Now he couldn't believe he'd been so foolish.

  He found the prison cell in the rear corner of the building. Two soldiers stood guard outside the iron-banded door. "Open it," Yanagisawa ordered.

  The guards hesitated. Yanagisawa spoke in a quiet, steely voice: "If you don't let me in, you will be executed."

  Hastily, the guards unbolted and opened the door. Yanagisawa stood on the threshold of the cell. Inside, barred windows illuminated a tatami floor with a bed on one side and a chamber pot on the other. Yoriki Hoshina stood in the center. His clothes were rumpled; his hair hung loose. Dismay filled his eyes as he stared at Yanagisawa.

  "Traitor," Yanagisawa said softly.

  Hoshina extended his hands in a gesture of entreaty. "Please let me explain."

  Yanagisawa strode over to the yoriki and struck him on the mouth. Hoshina gave a startled cry, touched his lip, and frowned at the blood on his fingers.

  "What is there to explain?" Yanagisawa said contemptuously. "You told Sano everything you knew. You told him where I was. You betrayed me!"

  He kicked Hoshina in the stomach. Hoshina went reeling across the cell, hit the wall, and slid to the floor. "Sano offered you the promotion you wanted in exchange for delivering me into his hands," Yanagisawa said. "You accepted his bribe and shifted your allegiance to him."

  Hoshina clambered to his feet. "No!" he protested. "I would never deliberately harm you after-" He broke off.

  "Shut up!" That the yoriki dared to mention the night they had spent together infuriated Yanagisawa even more.

  "Sano didn't bribe me," Hoshina said, raising his hands to ward off more blows. "He would have destroyed me if I refused to cooperate. I'm not a traitor, just a coward." He knelt, his expression strained with desperation and woe. "Please allow me to apologize. Please forgive me."

  With a harsh, scornful laugh Yanagisawa said, "A million apologies won't buy my forgiveness or excuse you for trying to murder me."

  "Murder you? What are you talking about?" Hoshina gazed at him in confusion.

  Yanagisawa bitterly regretted trusting the yoriki, because he'd figured out why Hoshina must have been planning to betray him all along. He spoke in a fierce whisper so no one else in the building would hear: "Sano wasn't the only person you withheld information from and tricked with a false report about Left Minister Konoe's murder. Your position gives you access to the imperial compound. You were there the night Konoe died, weren't you? He went to the Pond Garden because you ordered him to meet you there. And you killed him with the power of kiai. Then you protected yourself by manipulating me to suit your schemes."

  This humiliated Yanagisawa even more than having to work with Sano
. "Right Minister Ichijo, Emperor Tomohito, Lady Jokyoden, and Prince Momozono knew Sano was going to be at the palace last night, but you were the only person besides Aisu and my guards who knew I would be there too. You followed us. You killed Aisu, but Sano came before you could get to me. Then you came back to investigate the murder you'd committed."

  "I didn't kill Konoe or Aisu." Indignation flared in the yoriki's voice. "Why would I?"

  "Keep your voice down!"

  "And why attack you?" Hoshina whispered furiously.

  "To safeguard yourself from treason charges," Yanagisawa said. "You're too ambitious to be content with running the shoshidai's office or being my personal retainer. You're part of the conspiracy that Sano discovered. Konoe found out about it, and you had to kill him before he turned you in to the metsuke."