By the time the warship docked and Sano descended the gangplank, evening was deepening into night. Patrolling troops carried flaming metal lanterns that smoked in the moist air. Townspeople, their backs laden with belongings, trudged uphill, evacuating the city. Over the blustery sea wind, Sano heard a strange, rhythmic pulse emanating from the hills. With mingled dread and excitement, he identified it as the beating of war drums. His samurai spirit would have rejoiced at the thought of serving honor and fulfilling his destiny by dying in battle for his lord—had he not borne a grievance against the regime nor felt responsible for courting a disaster that could lay waste to the country.

Now, as a tentative plan formed in his mind, Sano rode back toward Deshima. If the smugglers planned to move any more goods out of the warehouses, they must do so before the ship landed and the newly arrived East India officials could discover and stop the illicit trade. And when better than now, with the governor’s troops occupying the waterfront? The smugglers wouldn’t need mysterious lights to chase away witnesses.

An officer accosted Sano. “Early curfew in effect on the waterfront until further notice. Except for authorized personnel, everyone shall remain indoors between sunset and dawn.”

Sano could see troops chasing peasants out of the streets. “I’m the shōgun’s representative,” he countered angrily. “You don’t command me.”

“Go, or I’ll arrest you,” the officer said, unperturbed. He held his lantern up to Sano. “You’re bleeding, in case you don’t know.”

Sano saw with alarm that his wound had bled through the bandage and onto the collar of his white under-kimono. He grew aware of a disturbing heat and pressure in his shoulder. To prevent the wound from festering, he needed immediate treatment. Afterward he might still catch the smugglers when they met their black market contacts to sell the goods. And he had a choice of suspects who might lead him to the rendezvous point: Iishino, Governor Nagai, Urabe, Abbot Liu Yun, and Chief Ohira.

Then, on his way home, Sano discovered further signs of how difficult continuing the investigation would be. Soldiers trailed him openly through the streets. He also sensed the presence of watchers he couldn’t see. Reaching his mansion, he found troops loitering outside: The hunt for Hirata continued.

“Has there been any word from my retainer?” he asked when Old Carp met him in the corridor.

“I’m sorry, master,” the servant mumbled, “but the soldiers almost caught him at the city treasurer’s estate. He murdered a man while trying to escape. The troops have orders to kill him on sight.”

Shock hit Sano like a thunderclap in both ears. “What on earth was Hirata doing at the treasurer’s estate?”

“The police say he broke into the house to steal money so he could get out of town.”