I. Parker: The Crane Pavillion

Soga Ietada, tall and thin, walked in briskly, cast a curious glance around at all the books collected by Akitada and a long line of learned Sugawaras, and a more penetrating one at Akitada. His expression was grim.

Akitada knelt and bowed deeply, ignoring the pain in his back, and wondering what new disaster was about to strike.

“Please be comfortable, Sugawara,” said the secretary. “I understand you are recovering from a knife attack?”

“Yes, Excellency. Thank you. Saburo, a cushion for his Excellency and some refreshments.”

“No refreshments.” Soga sat down. “And please, no interruptions either. I have private business with your master.”

Saburo bowed and withdrew.

Akitada said quickly, “I should have come in person to express my thanks that you … that His Excellency the Prime Minister has decided to overlook my precipitate departure from Kyushu, but as you know I’ve not been well.” Flushing with embarrassment, he stumbled on, “And of course I’m also grateful for the generous remittance of my past salary.”

Soga’s grim look did not change. He said, “What? Oh, yes. But I’m not here about that.”

Could this have something to do with Soga’s daughter? But how had he found out? This time Akitada waited.

Soga sighed deeply. “I understand you are acquainted with Abbot Genshin?”

“We were students together.”

“Ah. His Reverence came to see me late last night because some news had reached him. He told me a rather strange story that involved you also.” Soga paused.

Akitada nodded. “Please continue, Excellency.”

“It seems about five years ago he found a young noblewoman living in great poverty and brought her to his Takashina mansion. She called herself Lady Ogata. She remained there, living quietly, until some three weeks ago when the abbot’s caretaker found she had hanged herself.” Soga shuddered, but his voice was level when he continued. “At any rate, the police called it a suicide, but the abbot tells me, you thought this death suspicious. Is this true?”

“Yes, Excellency. The young lady was murdered. Yesterday the police arrested a student who confessed to strangling her and creating the scenario the police found.”

Soga nodded, his eyes probing Akitada’s. “That is what brought Abbot Genshin to me. That and the knowledge he had.” He paused, obviously deeply pained, then tried again, “You see, he knew that I have, or had, a daughter …” He stopped again and closed his eyes.

Akitada said gently, “Yes, your Excellency. I believe Lady Ogata was indeed your daughter. I’m deeply sorry.”

The Senior Secretary opened his eyes and heaved a deep sigh. “Thank you. That was the question I wanted to ask. You are quite certain?”

“Not certain, but it seemed likely, given the facts. If it won’t pain you too much, allow me to tell you what I learned.”

Soga nodded and Akitada told the story of his investigation. When he was done, Soga said, “Yes, it all seems to fit. My poor child! She left the nunnery when a rumor reached her that Masakane had escaped. She hoped he would send for her but dared not tell anyone about it. Alas, the rumor was false, but she never knew. She never knew.” He shook his head, then rose and walked to the door.

Akitada struggled to his feet. “I’m very sorry, Excellency,” he said again.

Soga turned. His face was wet with tears. “Forgive me,” he said. “I should have thanked you properly. I think you will keep her secret. My poor child’s death would rake up the old scandal, and I don’t want her memory to become court gossip again.”

Akitada bowed. “You have my word, Excellency.”

Soga still hesitated. “I’m glad the unfortunate matter of your return from Kyushu was settled. I understand your former position was given to someone else?”

Akitada hesitated. “Yes, your Excellency, but I gave my word without any condition.”

“I understand, but I wish to be of some service to you. It would help me deal with my loss.”

For a moment, Akitada’s mind rebelled against trading his silence for Kobe’s reinstatement, then he said, “I was told that Superintendent Kobe was unjustly removed from his position on the word of a junior official in the Ministry of Justice. If your Excellency would look into this matter, I think not only I but the people of the city would be grateful.”

Soga came back and sat down again. “Tell me about this.”

After the Senior Secretary had left, Akitada sat for a long time, thinking about the strong young woman whose love had defied an emperor and her family’s wishes, yes, even convention and danger to be with Masakane. It sickened him that she should have died at the hands of a pathetic weakling who knew nothing of love or loyalty.

Akitada finally rose with a sigh and walked outside where crimson maple leaves covered the moss as if the tree had bled to death.

A squirrel came to stir them up and paused to stare at him. For a moment, man and animal became motionless in time. Then the shouts of children playing broke their trance. The squirrel fled, and life went on.