The Samurai's Lady by Gaynor Baker Read Free Book Online Page A

eyes in an iron gaze for a brief second; long enough to be sure the meaning of the gesture was not lost on him, then disappeared through the still open door and into the night.
    Ima no ai wa/kurushi karikeri. The words haunted his sleep like a phantom: The haiku grabbed him tight and would not let him go. Images of the calm water on the nightbefore they left for Kanazawa possessed his mind‟s eye. Her face was before him, her eyes looking into his questioning, begging him not to hurt her. He sat up, sweat glistening on his brow and his chest. “I have hurt you.” The words hammered against his brain. He had to find her. Kimika‟s words threw greater fearinto his soul than all the Shogun‟s force could ever do.
Maeda‟s chief retainers were already seated around the long low wooden table when Fujito arrived at the dining hall. He was introduced and received with the deference due an important visitor and offered the place of honor. Across from him, Kazu glared swords at him but Fujito kept his features passive, revealing nothing. After the sake had been poured Maeda clapped his hands together twice and the meal was carried in.
Fujito found the meal appealing and delicious, Maeda‟s wife congenial, and a good hostess. All in all the evening pleased him.
After the meal was over Maeda‟s wife and her attendants retired for the evening, and Maeda clapped his hands again, ushering in the geisha for the entertainment to begin.
They were all young and pretty, but one alone caught his attention. As she began to dance he looked for the unmistakable sign, the burn on her arm when she cauterizedMichiko‟s wound and held it too close to the flame. He hid a smile behind his hand andremembered she hadn‟t even noticed the mark. There it was he was certain now. It was Katharine.
He could not take his eyes from her. Nor could he keep from smiling; one look in his eyes would have told anyone he had known of her talent and was admiring it anew.
But how could he make a discreet inquiry without raising suspicions of prior acquaintance with the girl? He would have to try.
“Who is she?” He whispered his eyes still on her as she executed a perfect curtsy then stooped, fluttered herfan and rose to her feet. He smiled; it didn‟t seem that long ago that she could barely kneel in her kimono.
“Ah, yes.” Maeda smiled. “She is Katsuko, the newest member of the Plum Blossom Inn.”
The name made his heart constrict. It was the name he‟d called her on the night shortly before they left. He felt somehow it had suddenly been degraded; it sickened him to think that she would have to—perhaps with Kazu? He asked himself as he caught the corrupt look in his brother-inlaw‟s eyes.
“She will soon be giving her favors as well as her music.” Maeda was saying, Fujito barely heard him until he added, “Tonight, if all goes well.”
Not if I have anything to say about it, Fujito thought. He made a plan in his mind to follow his brother-in-law.
On the pretense of wishing to visit the area, Fujito asked for a map of the Quarter. “Of course,” He said silkily. “Anything for an ally.”
Maeda produced one that showed both the area and the inside of the house where Katharine was staying. His meaning was abundantly clear. Fujito thanked him, folded it and placed it in the sleeve of his coat, his face a mask, unreadable. In his room, he studied the drawing. The baths were located on the edge of the district. The Inn was indeed large with many winding corridors to dissuade anyone fromfinding one of the girls. Katharine‟s room was near the western garden and accessible from the outside.
But how could he gain entry? If he were seen there would need to be a convincing explanation.
Just after sunset Kazu set of along the winding streets of the Merchant Quarter. Fujito prepared to follow him.
“Good luck.” Kimika whispered on the veranda.
“Thanks.” Isamu smiled. “If all goes well, we should be here within the hour.” Kimika