Laura Joh Rowland - The Assassins Touch

Look, Mama! he cried. As he backtracked down the passage, the floor made not a sound.

Very good. Reiko smiled, proud that hed also memorized the places where one could tread silently. She thought him very clever for a boy not quite three years old. Now its time to get ready for bed.

After theyd bathed together, while she was tucking him in bed, Sano came and joined them. Youre home early, she said. Im glad to see you.

Sano looked tired yet alert. Im glad to see you, too.

Masahiro jumped into Sanos arms. Sano tossed him into the air. They laughed and played tag around the room.

Please dont excite him, Reiko said. Hell never go to sleep.

But I hardly ever see him, Sano said regretfully, as he held their son on his lap and Masahiro chattered happily. I want to be a good father, but every day just slips by without a chance. I want to teach Masahiro about life, martial arts, and the Way of the Warrior, like my father did me. Sanos father had operated a martial arts school in which Sano had spent most of his childhood. But time is going to be even tighter than usual.

After much fuss, Reiko and Sano finally settled Masahiro in his bed. They went to their chamber, where Reiko poured sake for them.

The chief of the metsuke has been murdered, Sano said. Lord Matsudaira has ordered me to investigate.

As he explained the particulars of the crime, and the dangers involved, and the consequences of not solving it, Reiko felt as much excitement as alarm. Sano said, This murder case has the potential to fan the flames of political conflict into another war. Lord Matsudaira is vulnerable because his officials are under attack. Im once again caught between the two factions.

He had farther to fall nowadays, but Reiko knew hed never failed to solve a case in the past, and a murder investigation was something they could share, unlike the administrative work that usually occupied him. It sounds like a most fascinating case, she said. Is there anything I can do to help? Working on his case as well as her own would keep her very busy, but having too much to do was far better than not enough.

Maybe later. Sano drank his sake, then said, What did you do today?

Reiko noted how quickly hed changed the subject; she felt the distance that had grown between them. Why didnt he want to discuss the case any further? He sounded almost as if he didnt want her involved. But theyd been partners in detection during nearly four years of marriage. Reiko decided to take Sanos words at face value and assume that he would let her help if she could.

I have a new case of my own, she said.

As she told him about Yugao, the trial, and her fathers request, Sano looked as much troubled as interested. This woman Yugao is a hinin ?

Yes. Thats why the police didnt really investigate the murder of her family and she didnt get a fair trial.

And youre going to look for evidence that may prove shes innocent despite the fact that she confessed?

Reiko was puzzled by the note of disapproval she heard in Sanos voice. Yes.

Chin in hand, Sano said, I dont know if this is such a good idea.

Why not? Reiko asked in surprise. Shed thought Sano would be glad she had something as worthwhile to do as defending a downtrodden member of society.

He spoke with reluctance. Our situation has changed since I was ssakan-sama. Im much more closely watched than I was then. So is my family. Were all held to a higher standard of behavior nowadays. Things we used to do wont go unnoticed anymore. The consequences of associating with the wrong people are the same, but the risk is far greater.

Are you saying that I shouldnt associate with Yugao because shes an outcast and it will reflect badly on you? Reiko could hardly believe what she was hearing.

For you to befriend and assist her goes against the taboo that bans contact between hinin and ordinary citizens, Sano said. And for my wife to defy the ban will give the impression that I dont respect the customs that govern society. But thats only part of the problem.

Reiko stared at him in open-mouthed amazement. Was this her husband talking? Sano had never used to care so much about public opinion. He certainly wouldnt have put it ahead of justice. She began to understand why he didnt want her involved in his investigation.

The main problem is that your father has asked you to interfere with the justice system, Sano went on. I have much respect for him, but hes pushing the limits of his authority by ignoring the evidence against Yugaoas well as her confessionand asking his daughter to investigate the murders.

I guess I hadnt thought of it in that light. Reiko had been focused on helping her father, preventing a possible miscarriage of justice, and her own desire for detective work. Although Sano had a good point, she protested: But the murders should be investigated. Theres no one else to do it, and I have experience with matters of this sort.

I know you do. Sanos tone was placating, reasonable. But you have no official standing. And in spite of that fact, the magistrate clearly intends for the results of your investigation to override those of the police. He shook his head. This is bending the law. I cant condone it. I cant afford to look as if I favor outcasts and let off self-admitted criminals.

Are you telling me I should drop my investigation? Reiko was aghast, but not just because she realized that his position was insecure enough that his wifes behavior could be used against him.

Im hoping youll understand why you should drop it voluntarily, Sano said.

Reiko sat silent until she marshaled her thoughts. I understand that your enemies are looking for any weapon to destroy you. I understand that it could be me.

In the combat zone of politics, even such a minor fault as a wife who flouted tradition was a serious liability for an official. She didnt want to jeopardize Sanos position and risk bringing disgrace on him and their family, but neither did she want to give up her investigation. Moreover, she was disturbed by the change in Sano, who once might have eagerly taken up Yugaos cause himself.

But a womans life is at stake, and there are enough unanswered questions to raise doubts about her guilt. Dont you think its important to find out what really happened the night her family was murdered? Reiko hated to think Sano had altered so much that he didnt. Do you not care anymore about making sure that the real culprit is punished?