this was that certain people have gone to great lengths to keep the
whole thing under wraps."
Yoritomo breathed out sharply through his nose. 'If he wasn't part of
the family he'd be on the mat tomorrow morning. How could he do this
to me? It's unforgivable." He regained his calm and a measure of
rueful good humour. 'On the other hand, I can't say it's all that
surprising. I've known for some time that he has some what eccentric
tastes in that department."
A silence descended as Yoritomo considered the moves that were open to
him.
'I suppose we could always put a stop to it by putting something in her
rice bowl. Or maybe catch them both together. Make it look like a
suicide pact."
Toshiro answered with a shake of the head. 'Bad move, sire . . ."
'Are you suggesting it can't be done?"
'Not at all. Compared to Lord Yama-Shita, the Consul-General is a
reasonably soft target. I just don't think that killing any of the
players at this stage of the game would be to our advantage. If the
hit was traced back to you..."
'Ye-ess." The corners of the Shogun's mouth went down as his face
darkened. 'What a mess. We've always known that Yama-Shita's family
would be the focal point of any move against the Shogunate. And it was
clear that my brother-in-law was the kind of idiot who would eventually
self-destruct, but..." He sighed, then said, 'The person I feel most
let down by is Kiyo. Are you absolutely sure he's in on this?"
'I'll stake my life on it, sire."
Yoritomo shut his eyes tightly as if trying to ward off this
revelation. In a slow, deliberate movement he drew both hands down
over his face, wiping it clear of all emotion, then placed them palm
down on his splayed knees. 'So... we may have lost the Min-Orota. And
one of my Consul-Generals is in their pocket too."
'Not totally. I don't believe he knows what they're planning. He may
not have been minding the store properly but he's still on your
payroll, and he/s family."
'Don't remind me..."
'Lord Yama-Shita's prepared to take chances but he's no fool. Can you
honestly see him conspiring with a man who's prepared to lay everything
on the line in order to hump a long-dog?"
