got, and you insist on dressing like a cross between an urban

commando and a garbage picker.”

“Well, I’d look bloody ridiculous in one o‘ them things, ” Billy said,

indicating Modred’s silk dressing gown with a jerk of his head.

“Yes, I suppose you would, at that.”

“As if he doesn’t look ridiculous enough already, ” Merlin said.

“Ey, ‘at’ll be enough outta you!” snapped Billy.

“Now you listen here, you impertinent young whelp—”

“If you two are going to insist on arguing, ” said Modred, “at least

have the grace not to do it with your mouth full.”

“What’s the paper say?” asked Kira.

“There was another killing last night, ” said Modred.

“As if we didn’t know, ” said Kira. They’d had the nightmares on

the flight over, causing some minor consternation among some of

their fellow passengers and the stewardesses.

“According to the newspapers, ” Modred said, “the Bureau has

enlisted the aid of a mage named Yohaku.”

“I know him, ” Merlin said. “He was one of my students many

years ago. One of my best pupils. But he must be quite old by now.”

“Perhaps we should go see him, ” Wyrdrune said.

“I would advise against it, ” Modred said.

“Why?” asked Kira.

“Need I remind you that I am here as a contract assassin?”

Modred replied. “Which, in a sense, makes all of you my

confederates. If we were to have any contact with the authorities, it

would make our position very awkward, to say the least. It would

involve some very complicated explanations. Besides, I am quite

sure that Don Kobayashi will be able to keep us informed of

whatever the authorities discover.”

“I’m sure that Yohaku can be trusted to remain discreet about

our contact with him, ” Merlin said. “I had planned on contacting

him as soon as I learned we were going to Japan. ” Billy’s face

scowled. “What’s so amusing?”