bother.”

“It might, but then, we’re talking about assumptions and

hypothetical situations, aren’t we?”

“Yes, we are.”

“Then let’s hypothesize, purely for the sake of argument, of

course, that I might not know, specifically.”

Fugisawa frowned. “How the hell can you make any business

arrangements if you don’t know who you’re dealing with?”

“Some people are very careful, ” Kobayashi said evenly. “Even

more careful than I am. They take great pains to remain unknown.

In fact, there are some people who rise to the very top of their

professions without anyone being aware of their true identity.”

“The very top of their professions?”

“Oh, yes. The very top.”

Fugisawa stared at him for a long moment. ‘’Are we talking

about who I think we’re talking about?“

“I have no idea what you mean, Lieutenant.”

Fugisawa exhaled heavily. “You hired Morpheus?”

Kobayashi glanced at him and raised his eyebrows. “Who?”

“I heard he was dead.”

“I have no idea who you’re talking about, Lieutenant.”

That clinched it. There was no way a man like Kobayashi

wouldn’t know who Morpheus was. No way whatsoever. It would be

like an adept not knowing who Merlin was.

“Sorry. My mistake.”

Kobayashi shrugged. “Was there anything else, Lieutenant?”

“Yes. I’d like to ask a favor.”

“Ask.”

“I’d like Kanno watched. Discreetly. But I’m not in a position to

assign any department personnel to do it.”

Kobayashi nodded. “I think that would be a waste of time. But if

you wish, it will be taken care of.”