‘Mr Arai, can we talk in private?’ the man asked.

Shoji furrowed his brow. How did this man know his name?

‘I’ve got a proposition that would benefit us both. I will only need ten minutes of your time. If you don’t like it, feel free to turn me down and walk away.’

That sounded like a scam. ‘I’m sorry, but I’m in a rush.’ Shoji began to wheel his bicycle away.

The man moved to block his path. ‘Ten minutes of your time, Mr Arai. There’s nothing to lose, don’t you agree? Or how about this: shall we head to the convenience store together? We can talk while we walk. You’re on your way there, aren’t you?’

Something wasn’t right. ‘How did you know?’

The man scratched his chin. ‘I’ve been watching you, learning your routine. Everyone has one. Know what I mean?’

Shoji tensed. ‘Why would you do that?’ Could this have something to do with his work?

‘Because it’s in my interest, and maybe it’s in your interest too.’ The man mustered a grin. ‘Now, am I getting your attention? Shall we talk?’

Shoji locked his bicycle back up and walked with the man. He needed to know what this stranger was up to.

They cut across the dimly lit park. Two joggers passed in front of them, followed by a cyclist. After that, the path was empty. The man put his hand into his pocket and took out a business card.

Toru ODAGIRI. REPORTER.

‘Which newspaper?’ Shoji asked.

‘None in particular. I work for myself. I go around digging for good stories and sell them to the highest bidder.’ Mr Odagiri rubbed his nose. ‘I hate to gloat, but I’m good at my job. I hear you’re also good at your job, Mr Arai.’

Shoji sensed where this conversation was going, but he feigned ignorance in the hope that the man would reveal more information. ‘What has this got to do with me? I’m hardly anyone important.’

The man laughed. ‘True, you’re a nobody. But your client is not. I’m talking about the wife of Kazuhiro Katou.’

Was that Mizuki? Finally, Shoji realised who Mizuki’s husband was: a politician. He had seen him in the papers a couple of times. No wonder his face had been familiar.

‘You don’t seem surprised, Mr Arai. I take it that you know who I’m talking about. Good. Saves me the trouble of explaining. Have you met the husband? A formidable man, don’t you think? Someone you don’t want to mess with. But people like him are bound to have secrets, and that’s what I’m after.’

Shoji returned the business card. ‘I don’t know what you’re talking about.’

‘Don’t be hasty.’ Mr Odagiri shoved it back. ‘As I said, this is a two-way thing. I’ll benefit, but you’ll benefit too.’

‘I don’t see how I can benefit from this.’ Shoji didn’t want to get into trouble.

‘It goes without saying, Mr Arai, that you’ll be rewarded.’

He sighed. ‘I don’t need money.’