The Way of the Traitor: A Samurai Mystery (8 page)

Wounds gashed Director Spaen's stomach and chest, the worst just below his left breast as if a wild animal had gnawed and slashed there, exposing pink tissue and splintered white bone. Snails and tiny crabs clung to the torn flesh. Flies buzzed and swarmed over the corpse; seaweed entwined the hair. But natures encroachment hadn't yet obliterated the shocking signs of human malice. The wounds, narrow and clean except for the chest mutilation, had been inflicted with a sharp knife. Between them, bruises stained Director Spaen's skin with blotches of purple, green, and yellow. Faint red indentations encircled his wrists and ankles, while his neck had swollen around some sort of ligature.
Sano stooped to examine this, gingerly pushing aside the flaccid, cold flesh. Embedded there was a slender chain; from it dangled a small gold pendant. In meticulous detail, this portrayed a naked, bearded male barbarian suspended by his wrists from a cross. A wreath of thorns crowned his drooping head; a stake penetrated his chest.
oGesu: the martyred Christian deity, Sano said.
oContraband, which is forbidden in Japan. Governor Nagai shot a hard, questioning glance at Chief Ohira.
oAll Christian relics were confiscated from the Dutch upon their arrival, Ohira said tonelessly, oas the law requires. Jan Spaen never wore a crucifix while in my charge. I can assure you that I don't know where it came from.
Sano walked to the water and washed his hands in the cold, foamy waves, cleansing himself of the spiritual pollution incurred by contact with death. Returning to Governor Nagai, he said, oPossibly the crucifix came from the killer.
There could be no doubt that this was murder, which meant that his troubles, instead of ending with Spaen's death, had just begun.
Crowd noises filled the drawn-out silence within the circle. Then Governor Nagai, belatedly following the social convention that must be observed even during a crisis like this, introduced his other companions to Sano. oThis is Yoriki Ota. He was a stout, coarse man whose veinous nose glowed bright red, as if from drinking too much sake. oAnd Kiyoshi, the eldest of Chief Ohira's six children.
The two men bowed. Kiyoshi was a slender youth whose bare crown was several shades lighter than his tanned face, freshly shaven in the ceremony that initiated samurai into manhood at age fifteen. He had sensitive features, but his body was muscular, with an athletic grace. Old bruises shadowed his high cheekbones; healed cuts marked his forearms. His well-shaped hands were callused, and Sano glimpsed faint ink stains on the fingers: the mark of a scholar. This was how he himself had looked at that age, pursuing martial arts and academic learning with equal ardor. Watching Chief Ohira gaze at Kiyoshi, Sano's heart ached. His own father had looked at him the same way, not quite managing to conceal his love and pride. He envied Kiyoshi and Chief Ohira that important bond which he himself had lost with his father's death a year and a half ago.
Governor Nagai said, oI take a great interest in young men of talent. And Kiyoshi is my most promising protAcgAc.
In the bakufu, samurai advanced by way of ability and connections. The governor's patronage would, Sano knew, guarantee Kiyoshi a good post in Nagasaki's administration.
oAnd Kiyoshi is studying the Dutch language with me, so that he can be an interpreter, Iishino added. oHe shows great aptitude, great aptitude. For once Iishino stood perfectly still. The shock of seeing the corpse had blanched his face, and without his usual nervous motion, he looked like a wax effigy of himself. Nonetheless, he managed a weak grin. oSay something in Dutch, Kiyoshi.
oNot now, Iishino, Nagai said impatiently, while Yoriki Ota grimaced in disgust: It was apparent that neither of them liked the interpreter. Kiyoshi blushed. Chief Ohira frowned at his colleagues, as though resenting Iishino for calling unwanted attention to his son, and Nagai and Ota for some other, indiscernible reason. Sano detected between the men an alliance whose nature he couldn't grasp. Certainly Nagai, Iishino, and Ohira shared something more than an interest in Kiyoshi's future, and whatever it was bound them together despite mutual antagonism. Sano remembered his arrival at the governors mansion and the exchange he'd overheard between Nagai and Ohira. He had a sense of secret tensions within Nagasaki's administration, an undercurrent of both discord and conspiracy. Did this relate to Director Spaen's disappearance "and murder?
oThe person who killed Director Spaen must be found and punished, Yoriki Ota said. oThe laws concerning murder apply even when the victim is a foreigner. Reluctantly he added, oSo. I guess I'll begin the investigation at once.
But he made no move to go. Everyone looked at Sano. And waited. In the expectant hush, Sano heard the gusting wind and the shriek of seabirds; the clamor of the crowd; the ocean's hiss and smack. Then his own voice, saying what he knew his companions wanted to hear.
oThe murder is related to Director Spaen's disappearance. Therefore, the responsibility for apprehending the killer is mine.
A reckless elation intoxicated Sano. Here was his chance to pursue knowledge and right a wrong. But the stakes were even higher than during the search for the missing barbarian. He faced his companions, both hoping and fearing that someone would challenge his right to commandeer the investigation.
No one did. Yoriki Ota nodded. Governor Nagai said, oAs you wish. Behind their neutral expressions, Sano sensed relief. Hirata's face shone with the certainty that Sano couldn't possibly refuse his assistance now. Sano hated to disappoint Hirata, but it was more crucial than ever to protect the young retainer from harm, and prevent subsequent anguish for himself.
Chief Ohira kept his worried gaze fixed on Kiyoshi, who stared at the ground. Face pale, lips trembling, and Adam's apple bobbing, he looked as if he was trying not to vomit. Interpreter Iishino sucked air through his teeth as he studied the corpse.
oOne of Director Spaen's comrades must have killed him, Iishino said. oWho else but a fellow barbarian could have hated him enough to tie him up, beat, stab, and strangle him? And who but a Christian Dutchman would leave a crucifix on him?
oYes. Well. Governor Nagai turned to Sano. oHow fortunate for you that such is the case. If a Japanese citizen were found to be the killer, the Dutch could interpret Director Spaen's murder as an act of military aggression, and retaliate in kind.
Everyone looked seaward. Sano could almost see the Dutch ship riding at anchor beyond the bright waves.
oAnd incriminating a Japanese citizen could have other unpleasant consequences besides jeopardizing national peace, Nagai added.
Two more officers arrived, carrying a litter covered with a white cloth. oTake the body to Deshima, Governor Nagai ordered them. To Sano, he explained, oThe law forbids the barbarians to administer Christian rites to their dead, but they are allowed to keep a funeral vigil and prepare the body for burial.
Placing Director Spaen's stiff form on the litter, the officers draped it with the cloth and bore it toward Deshima. oGo home! Nothing more to see! they shouted at the townspeople. Sano was glad that the evidence would be preserved for a while, though he didn't know exactly what to do with it. How he longed for Dr. Ito's scientific expertise and wise counsel! Because Governor Nagai's circumspect remark had warned him of the perilous dilemma he might face.
oChief Ohira, Sano said, oplease confine the barbarians to separate rooms on Deshima. He wasn't ready to eliminate the staff as suspects, or overlook the possibility that Spaen had met his death at the hands of a stranger after escaping; but the Dutch were logical suspects. oDon't let them see Director Spaen's corpse, or tell them he's dead. I'll interview them right away, with Interpreter Iishino's help.
Ohira nodded distractedly, his eyes still on Kiyoshi.
To the harbor patrol officers, Sano said, oTake this message to the Dutch ship: ~I regret to inform you that your missing comrade has been found murdered.' He added an explanation of the circumstances of Spaen's death, then continued, o ~I am in charge of the investigation. Until I find out who killed Spaen and why, we must act on the assumption that the murderer poses a danger to all your people. Therefore, your landing must be delayed until the murderer is caught and punished. With apologies, Ssakan Sano Ichir.'
Sano feared that his plan would anger the Dutch captain, yet he couldn't do otherwise. The addition of hundreds more barbarians to Deshima would complicate his work, possibly destroying evidence and creating unrest. He wished he could deliver the news in person and placate Captain Oss, but he couldn't waste time on another trip offshore; he must concentrate on the search for the killer.
The troops resumed their patrols. Governor Nagai, Kiyoshi, and Yoriki Ota bade Sano farewell, then departed. Sano trudged up the beach toward Deshima with Hirata and the two guards, while Chief Ohira and Interpreter Iishino walked ahead. The wind seemed colder, the ocean's roar an ominous portent as Sano pondered the conflict that he feared would compromise his investigation.
Prudence and diplomacy required him to place the blame for the murder on a barbarian. If he didn't, he risked bringing war to his country "and charges of treason upon himself for passing over foreign suspects to condemn a fellow Japanese. Sano thought of the Dutch, imprisoned on Deshima, with ample time and leisure to foster mutual hatred. By incriminating one of them, he could save himself from death and disgrace.
But would he also be letting the real murderer escape punishment for the crime?
Chapter 6
sumimasen "excuse me, Hirata said, trudging beside Sano up a flight of stone stairs leading from the beach to the waterfront promenade, a wide road built upon a stone embankment along Nagasaki Harbor. After a moments hesitation, he blurted, oCatching a murderer in a strange city is going to be hard. You have to let me help!
Sano had expected the ardent young retainer to renew his plea for a role in the investigation: For some personal, unspoken reason, he carried samurai loyalty and dedication to the extreme. Sensing that this wasn't all Hirata had intended to say, he waited. They passed warehouses and shops, patrolling troops, and fishermen carrying buckets of squid and octopuses before Hirata spoke again.
oI've had lots of detective experience, Hirata hurried on. Faint creases appeared on his forehead, as they always did when he was most serious, giving Sano a glimpse of how he would look as an older man. oI can identify suspects, and interrogate them, and check alibis, and "
oHirata! Sano's raised voice silenced the young man. Then he said, oI don't dispute your ability. But this case is dangerous. If I go down, I won't take you with me.
oBut it's my duty to go wherever you go, Hirata argued. oI " He paused, then took a deep breath. oJust now, when I was in town, I found out that there's something strange going on around Deshima. The townspeople have seen mysterious lights nearby, in the harbor. And there's a Chinese priest who hates the Dutch. He practices magic, and may be involved in Director Spaen's disappearance, or death.
This was interesting, possibly relevant information. But the news of Hirata's inquiries hit Sano like a fist to the stomach. oYou had your orders, he said with an anger born of concern for his retainer. oYou were supposed to amuse yourself, not conduct interviews, as if on my authority.
Humiliation suffused Hirata's face, but he spoke up bravely: oI just walked around and talked to people. I didn't disobey.
oYou defied the spirit of my order, and you know it. The irony of the situation almost made Sano laugh. That he, who'd often disregarded orders for the sake of his own convictions, should now reprimand another man for the same offense! In many ways, they were two of a kind: honor-bound, enamored of the danger and challenge of detective work "and stubborn to the core. oNow, either you obey or I send you back to Edo.
Hirata's eyes widened in alarm. oYou wouldn't.
They reached the Deshima guardhouse, a long building with plank walls, tile roof, and barred windows, situated in a gravel-strewn yard at the mainland foot of the bridge to the island. Interpreter Iishino waited outside; Chief Ohira must have already entered. oI will, if that's what it takes. Sano hardened his voice and heart. He couldn't let selfish desire for Hirata's companionship weaken his resolve. oNow go home and stay there.
oPLEASE GIVE ME your pouch, ssakan-sama. Then stand with your legs and arms spread.
In the Deshima guardhouse, Sano untied the drawstring pouch from his sash, handed it over, and stood as requested. The guard placed the pouch in a cabinet for safekeeping. On a spiked board he hung Sano's wooden nameplate "the pass, issued earlier by Governor Nagai, that allowed him entry to Deshima. Another guard searched Sano's body for items that a traitor might pass to the Dutch: money, weapons, secret messages. More guards subjected Interpreter Iishino to the same procedure, because no one, not even a high-ranking Nagasaki official, was above suspicion.
The guards searching hands reached Sano's sash. Sano willed himself not to tense when the guard touched the spot where he kept Dr. Ito's letter to the Dutch physician. Hopefully the thin, soft rice paper was indistinguishable from the cloth folds of the sash. With feigned nonchalance, Sano gazed around the guardhouse. On the walls hung ropes, iron shackles, and wooden staffs for restraining and disciplining Dutch escapees "or for conveying Japanese trespassers and traitors to the execution ground.
He suppressed a sigh of relief when the guard said, oYou may proceed to Deshima.
Accompanied by Interpreter Iishino and two escorts, Sano left the guardhouse. A stone bridge arched over the sea, whose color had deepened to turquoise under the late afternoon sun. More guards, posted at intervals, bowed as Sano crossed. Ahead, the island's high, spiked wooden fence rose from vertical algae-covered foundations. The fan curve of Deshima seemed to beckon Sano toward all the perils beneath the thatched rooftops and swaying pines.