“Never mind those, Seimei,” Akitada said impatiently. “The servants can take care of them later.”

Actually there were few servants in the Sugawara household. Akitada customarily put away his own bedding every morning, but the lieutenant would not understand this and might be less respectful if he knew of Akitada’s modest circumstances.

When they were alone, Akitada rubbed some ink and dipped his brush in it. The lieutenant was doing the same. He probably expected to conduct the interrogation himself. Akitada cleared his throat. “You may begin. Tell me about the victim.”

The lieutenant had been darting curious glances about the room. It had once been Akitada’s father’s and was elegantly furnished as a gentleman’s study. The tall shelves held document boxes, scrolls, and books accumulated by generations of Sugawara males. A handsome landscape scroll hung in the alcove, and the writing implements on the large old desk were fine antiques. He seemed impressed with the evidence of scholarly pursuits and did not balk at Akitada’s brusque order.

“The victim is a poor woman who may have earned a living by occasional prostitution. She was found in the room she rented from a stonemason in the ninth ward. She had multiple stab wounds. It is thought that your retainer was her customer and that they had quarreled.” He glanced about the room again and added apologetically, “Sorry to bring bad news in the middle of the night. Such women have very bad reputations. They have been known to steal from their customers. I am sure there will be extenuating circumstances.”

“Tora attaches little importance to casual sexual encounters or to money. In fact, I have never known him to purchase his pleasures. He is very handsome and never short of female company.”

The lieutenant shifted on his cushion. “Nevertheless, he was caught in the act.”

“When did the woman die?”

“The constable from the warden’s office claims she was still warm when he got there.”

Akitada frowned. This was not good. Unless the real killer was found quickly, Tora was in for a most unpleasant time. He asked, “How was the crime discovered so quickly?”

“The woman’s landlord and his family heard sounds of a struggle and screams. They sent their boy to the warden’s office for help.”

“Do I take it that they did not go to the woman’s aid themselves?”

“No. They were afraid.”

“Did they hear or see anyone arrive or leave prior to the crime?”

“No. All was quiet. They were preparing for bed. People go to bed rather early in poor households, to save on oil. The suspect entered by a back door.”

“What is known about the woman’s associates?”

“Not much. She worked in the market in the daytime and kept to herself. Being blind, she earned money by singing. She may have augmented that income by performing sexual services after dark.”

Akitada sat up in surprise and stared at the officer. “What? The blind street singer?”

The lieutenant was instantly alert. “The woman’s name was Tomoe. Was your honor, by chance, acquainted with her?” His tone and manner were rapidly changing back to suspicion.

Akitada came to a decision. There was little point in suppressing facts. Rather, if he hoped for cooperation, he would have to offer assistance. Besides, the little he knew was bound to come out in any case. “Yes,” he admitted, “you surprised me. Your calling the woman a prostitute made me think this a matter unrelated to any of us, but Tora had taken an interest in this blind woman because she was afraid of someone. He spoke to me about her, asking me to investigate. I refused to become involved. Apparently I was wrong in thinking her problem trivial. But it means that Tora’s presence can be explained by his being worried enough to check up on her. He must have arrived on the scene shortly after the murder.” Akitada clapped his hands, and Seimei appeared so promptly that it was clear he had been eavesdropping outside the door. Akitada asked him, “Seimei, when did Tora leave here?”

“Right after his evening rice, sir. Just before the gong announced the hour of the boar.”

“The alarm was given in the last quarter of the hour of the boar,” said the lieutenant.

Akitada thought. “Probably less than an hour after Tora left here. He must have gone directly to her place. What does he say?”

“That he found her dead. But it is what the killer would say, isn’t it?”

“Yes.” Akitada sighed. “I should have listened to Tora. But this accusation against him is ridiculous and must be proven wrong. The dead woman’s ghost will not be at peace until we find who did this.” He got to his feet. “I would like you to show me the scene of the crime.”

The lieutenant shook his head stubbornly. “I’m sorry, sir. Impossible.”

Akitada stiffened. “What do you mean? Superintendent Kobe will vouch for me . . .” He stopped. His friend Kobe was superintendent of the police, but Akitada had no wish to cause him trouble unless Tora’s life was in danger. Kobe had earned his position by diligence and hard work, but his job was sought by one of the Fujiwaras, a distant cousin of the Minister of the Left and a man who, though more familiar with courtly protocol than criminal investigation, was known for his ruthless pursuit of advancement. If he caught Kobe in the slightest bending of the rules, he would see him ousted. Akitada said instead, “But if we wait until the authorities give permission, valuable clues may be lost.” On second thought, he decided that this young lieutenant would not take kindly to having police methods questioned and explained, “The local warden’s people are often untrained in looking at a crime scene. They deal mostly with ruffians and thieves. I have some experience in criminal investigations. Under the circumstances, I would be glad to offer my assistance.”

The lieutenant looked puzzled, then brightened suddenly. “Of course. How stupid of me! You are that Sugawara. I should have remembered. In that case, while it isn’t precisely according to the rules, an exception might be made. And as it is too early to get official permission, we could just go and have a quick look. I would be grateful for any suggestions from someone with your reputation, sir.”

“Thank you.” Sometimes notoriety was a good thing. Akitada’s interest in criminal cases, some of them involving the lowest type of criminal and crime, was so extraordinary in someone of his birth and position as an imperial official that it had caused him mostly trouble, especially with Soga.

The thought of Soga brought new worries. There was little chance now that Akitada would be safely behind his desk in his office when the minister arrived. But it could not be helped.

As they left his study, Akitada caught a glimpse of his wife at the end of the corridor. She stood in the dark, a pale, ghostlike presence in her white undergown. Her face was filled with anxiety. Akitada told his companion, “Please go ahead. I’ll catch up with you,” and turned back to Tamako.

Her eyes searched his face. “Something bad has happened,” she said with a little catch in her soft voice. “I was afraid for you.”

His heart filled with contrition. “It has nothing to do with me,” he said, taking her clenched hands in his—they felt cold and clutched his warm ones eagerly. “Tora was mistakenly arrested. I must see what I can do. Don’t worry. More than likely it will turn out to be nothing.”

“Oh, I hope so.” She bit her lip. “You will be careful? And Akitada, whatever you decide, it will be my wish also.” She paused, anxiously waiting to see if he understood her meaning. When he looked at her doubtfully, she said, “I think that something else has been troubling you.”

So she had guessed his problem with Soga. Ashamed, Akitada could not meet her eyes. He said, “I’m sorry that I’ve been so preoccupied.” He touched her shoulder and said again, “Do not worry!” and hurried after the lieutenant.