The Fires of the Gods by I.J. Parker

Author:I.J. Parker
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Historical Detective, Ancient Japan
Published: 2011-06-09T16:13:32+00:00

THE BLIND BEGGAR

Before Tora left on his new assignment, he lectured Hanae about watching the baby and not wandering about town alone. He was so firm about this that Hanae got frightened.

‘What have you done now?’ she demanded, her eyes flashing. ‘You and your master are getting to be more and more alike. You care for nothing but your work. I cannot imagine what makes foolish women agree to marry men like you.’

This caused a delay, as Tora had to reassure his wife he had done nothing and that she and Yuki were the treasures of his life. He was afraid to tell her what Lady Aoi had said. Hanae forgave him eventually, sealing his pardon with a kiss that he took such pleasure in returning that one thing led to another.

When Tora finally set out, it was nearly the hour of the midday rice. He walked quickly to the Western Market. He meant to visit the Fragrant Peach again. With luck, he would find Tojiro with his girlfriend; if not, the young waitress could be made to talk.

He skirted Hoshina’s place at the market corner and was about to pass through the market gate into Nishi-Horikawa Avenue when he heard a female voice shouting his name. He turned his head, and there was Hoshina herself, galloping after him. She cried, ‘Wait, Tora. Please!’

Please? Her eagerness astonished him. He waited. She came to a halt before him and caught her breath.

‘It’s Jirokichi,’ she gasped. ‘He didn’t come home last night.’

Tora raised his brows. ‘So?’ He was still resentful about the tricks she had played on him. ‘Is he your husband, then? And has he run off with another woman?’

She flushed. ‘Shut up. It’s serious.’ She glanced around, but they were alone for the moment. ‘He went out on a job last night,’ she said in a low voice, ‘and didn’t come back.’

Tora snorted. ‘In his business, that probably means he got caught. Check the jails.’

Hoshina burst into tears. ‘I did, and he isn’t there. I think those bastards got hold of him again. I think he’s lying somewhere, bleeding to death. Oh please, Tora, help us. Find him. I’ll do anything. I can pay you.’

Tora’s eyes narrowed. She wasn’t trying to seduce him this time. She looked really desperate. But the old anger at Jirokichi welled up again. ‘I don’t want your money,’ he said coldly and shook off her hand.

She grasped him again, this time with both hands. ‘What do you want?’

‘Information. And I bet he’s just late getting home. Maybe he’s been celebrating with whatever he stole.’

‘No, he always comes home directly. Always. He knows I wait up.’ Her voice got shrill, and a couple of women, passing with their shopping baskets, gave them sharp looks. Hoshina pulled Tora back towards her place. ‘We can’t talk here. If you’ll come with me, I’ll tell you about the fires.’

Tora stopped resisting. He did not trust her, but could not pass up this chance. It would be a fine thing, if Superintendent Kobe could be made to eat his words.

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