The Pillow Book of Lady Wisteria (51 page)

Reiko smiled, proud yet humble.

“I’m troubled that Lady Yanagisawa promises to be a continuing threat to you and Masahiro,” Sano said.

“I suppose we would have acquired an enemy sooner or later, since enemies abound in this world of ours,” Reiko said with a sigh of resignation.

“By the way, I heard some interesting news,” Sano said. “Magistrate Aoki has been demoted for interfering with the investigation and wrongfully condemning Fujio and Momoko. He’s now a secretary to his replacement.”

“So there is some justice for corrupt men like him,” Reiko said, “even if it’s not enough.”

“And Chamberlain Yanagisawa has introduced his son to the shogun,” Sano said. “It looks as though His Excellency may soon have a new heir.”

Dour amusement quirked Reiko’s mouth. “Trust the chamberlain to do exactly what you were accused of trying—and to get away with it.” Then she brightened. “There’s better news. Midori says her father and Hirata’s have made peace and approved the marriage. I look forward to a wedding soon.”

“I’m not looking forward to doing Police Commissioner Hoshina the favor he extorted from me,” Sano said wryly.

“You’ll think of a way around him when the time comes,” Reiko assured Sano, then smiled. “What we can both look forward to is our next investigation.”

They joined hands across their sleeping child. Icy raindrops pelted the roof while they drowsed, safe together, strong in their confident belief that they could brave whatever the future held.

«o»-«o»-«o»

[scanned anonymously in a galaxy far far away]

[A Proofpack Release]

[September 2, 2005—v1, UTF-8, html ]