‘So, is this a holiday or a business trip?’

‘What would you say if I told you I was trying to track down one of the men responsible for Hiko’s death?’

‘I’d say they hanged Asahara and that other guy, Sasada, last year. I’d say that pretty well settles it.’ He gave her a sideways look. ‘But it’s not settled for you, I’m guessing.’

‘There’s someone else. Behind Sasada. A shadow of someone else, you could say.’

‘I don’t know what that means.’

‘If anyone asks where I’ve gone, tell them … California … or Alaska.’

‘Where are you really going?’

‘Where the shadow leads.’

‘You realize that sounds totally mad, right?’

‘You think I’m mad?’

‘No. I’ve never met anyone less mad than you, Umiko. You are the sanest person in the world. I mean, with what happened to Hiko, you could have … lost it. But you didn’t. You just … went on.’

‘The private detective, Kodaka?’ She hadn’t decided until this moment to tell Haruto about Kodaka. But now she felt she had to. ‘Maybe you should know. He’s dead.’

Haruto started with surprise. ‘How?’

‘Hit-and-run.’

‘Does this have anything to do with—’

‘Oh yes. Of course.’ She turned towards Haruto. ‘The investigation involves taking a few risks.’

‘A few risks? You’ve just told me your boss has been … murdered.’

‘I think so, yes. It looks like it.’

‘Then … drop the investigation. While you still can. Hiko’s dead. The guy who actually released the gas is dead too. And it all happened more than twenty years ago.’

‘It’s only a few days since they killed Kodaka.’

‘Who are “they”?’

‘I am not going to tell you. That would endanger you. And I am the one taking the risks, not you. Big sister talking, OK? Better you know nothing.’

His expression knotted faintly, a sign of exasperation. ‘Then why tell me anything at all?’

‘Because I need you to understand this is serious.’

‘I get that, Umiko. What I don’t get is why you’ve come to New York.’

‘To lay a false trail. To make them think I’ve done what they want me to do. Give up. But I am not going to give up.’

‘No.’ Haruto shook his head dolefully. ‘Of course you’re not.’

‘So, you will help, won’t you? By telling anyone who asks that I’m touring the United States?’

‘Sure.’ He didn’t look happy about it. But he looked as if he meant it, which counted for more. ‘What else would I do?’

‘And don’t worry about me. I’m tougher than I look.’

‘I know. But are you tough enough?’

She smiled at him. ‘Well, we’ll find out, won’t we?’