Wada hasn’t seen Nick Miller since she returned to Tokyo a week after the deaths of Driscoll and Nishizaki senior. Recently, though, he emailed her with the news that he and his wife were planning to visit Japan. Apparently, he wants to see something of the country where his father spent most of his adult life. She’s due to have lunch with the couple tomorrow, before they move on to Kyoto. But she’s due to see Nick even sooner, because he’s arranged to call round at the office to speak to her late this afternoon.

What about, he preferred not to explain in an email. Which, naturally, has aroused Wada’s curiosity.

She won’t have to wait long for her curiosity to be satisfied, though. Because it’s late afternoon already. And Nick is due to arrive at any moment.

Wada notices the light change over the city beyond the office window. Glancing out, she sees clouds rolling in from the east. They look as if they might be rain-bearing. The time of day and the quality of the light remind her of Mimori Takenaga’s visit to Kodaka last spring. She tries to dismiss the coincidence from her mind. But it lodges there, portentously, as she hears the lift rumbling up through the building and guesses Nick is on his way. She can almost smell Kodaka’s cigarette smoke in the air, almost believe he’s still there. But she knows he isn’t.

Nick looks well, more relaxed than when she last saw him, lighter in his mind, perhaps lighter physically as well. There’s an awkward moment when she thinks he’s going to try to kiss her. It ends with something between a handshake and a hug. They smile at each other a little nervously, uncertain how much of what they shared a year ago still binds them together.

Wada brews tea while Nick makes light conversation about the flight and first impressions of Tokyo. Kate, it transpires, is window-shopping in Ginza. It’s not entirely clear to Wada whether Kate knows Nick has come to see her, since he mentions he’s just come from a brief visit to the nearby Bridgestone Museum of Art. She doesn’t press the point, however. He’s here for a reason. And soon she’ll know what it is.

‘Something’s happened,’ he says, after the small talk has died and Wada’s poured him a cup of tea. ‘Something I need your advice on.’

‘You did not travel all the way from England to ask me for advice, I hope.’

‘I suppose … in part … I did.’ He smiles sheepishly.

‘What is it that has happened?’