While time and self-discipline had exorcised the worst of his heartbreak over losing Aoi, the woman he loved, he couldn’t relinquish her memory. He’d delayed his marriage for more than a year, but not just because it would finalize their separation. He didn’t want to become close to anyone again, to risk the pain of hurting—or losing—someone else who mattered to him. Hence, he rejoiced at every assignment that was worthy of his effort and allowed him to postpone the wedding yet again, and to maintain his emotional isolation.

Now Sano raised his head, straining to hear. “Listen!” he said to Hirata.

From up the alley came the sound of brisk footsteps splashing through puddles.

“A palanquin,” Hirata said as the sedan chair, carried by four hooded and cloaked bearers, emerged from the dripping darkness. The bearers laid down their burden at the merchant’s gate. They were all samurai, with swords at their waists. The gate opened, and two of the men hurried inside. Soon they reappeared, stowed a long bundle in the palanquin, lifted the sedan chair, and trotted away.

Imitating a dog’s bark, Sano signaled his men. He and Hirata followed the palanquin, darting in and out of alleys and doorways, through the rain’s relentless clamor. Shadows moved through the night as the detective corps joined the pursuit. The palanquin led them deeper into Nihonbashi’s twisting maze of streets, past closed shops and over canals. Finally it stopped outside one of a row of thatched buildings on the edge of the swordmakers’ district. A sign over the door bore a circular crest and the name MIOCHIN. And Sano guessed the fate of the stolen corpses.

The bearers vanished inside the building with their bundle. Behind the paper windowpanes, lights burned and shadows moved. Sano gathered the detectives beside the abandoned palanquin and said, “Surround the house, and arrest anyone who comes out. I’m going inside.”

He drew his sword, but Hirata whispered urgently, “The thieves are dangerous killers. Please stay here, where you’ll be safe.” Beneath his hat, his wide, boyish face was tense with concern; his earnest gaze beseeched Sano. “Let us handle this.”