The Rising Sea (NUMA Files 15)

“Yakuza are known for extensively inking their skin,” Nagano said. “Certain groups use specific designs like a brand. Do you recognize any of these?”

Kurt looked over Joe’s shoulder at the designs. Each tattoo was intricate and different. Some had wings and dragons, others fire and skulls. One was kaleidoscopes of color and bladed weapons.

“Not this one,” Joe said, discarding the first sheet of paper. “Or these.”

He leafed through several additional pages and then stopped. “This is the pattern,” he said. “A perfect match for the guy who escaped the dragon pit. Minus a good chunk of skin now.”

Nagano took the paper. “As I thought,” he said. “Ushi-Oni: the Demon.”

“The Demon?” Joe asked.

“His real name is unknown,” Nagano said. “In our mythology, the word oni means demon. An Ushi-Oni is a particular monster with the head of a bull and fearsome horns. When he first began killing for hire, this man would draw a symbol representing that particular monster using the victim’s blood. Unlike most in the syndicates, he actually takes pleasure in killing. Pleasure and large sums of cash.”

“Fantastic,” Kurt said. “Now that you know who he is, you can go round him up and we won’t have to leave.”

Nagano put the drawing aside. “I wish it were that simple. These men are whispers on the wind. Impossible to track, let alone capture. We have been chasing Ushi-Oni for years.”

“Komodo dragons are poisonous,” Joe said. “Considering the bite this guy took, I’d say a hospital or the morgue would be his next stop.”

“The Komodo is poisonous,” Nagano agreed, “but we spoke to an expert this morning. We’ve been told the lizard does not inject its venom with every bite. A slashing attack as you saw would not likely be fatal.”

“What about the Komodo dragon’s reputation for bad oral hygiene?” Kurt said. “As I recall, they have countless strains of bacteria on their teeth.”

“Yes,” Nagano said, “and most likely Ushi-Oni is battling infection and fever. But given high doses of antibiotics, he would probably survive. Which means you and your friends remain in danger, as I explained to begin with.”

Kurt sat back. The issue had an obvious solution. One Nagano probably had in mind or he wouldn’t have asked them to come down to the station. “The danger would be eliminated if we helped you put him away.”

Nagano did not immediately reply.

“That’s why you had us take such an odd route to the station,” Kurt said. “To make sure we weren’t followed.”

The superintendent offered a slight bow. “You’re very astute. And, fortunately, you weren’t. At least not by anyone but my most trusted officers.”

“So let us help you,” Kurt said.

“And how do you propose to do that?”

It was obvious to Kurt. “As you pointed out, this was a big operation. Several boats. A least a dozen men and plenty of weapons, including incendiary grenades. A job like this would cost a small fortune. And despite the saying there’s no such thing as honor among thieves, criminals don’t trust criminals. Which means no one gets paid till the job is done. At least not the full price.”

Nagano’s face tightened in thought, the line around his mouth deepened. “You’re suggesting we look for a payoff.”

Kurt leaned back in his chair. “Something I’m sure you’ve already considered.”

“Of course we have,” Nagano said, his mind obviously running the scenario. “But how are you able to help?”

“Move Kenzo and the other survivors to a safe house. Announce to the media that he’s died from his injuries. You could mention that two or three of the Americans have also died and that the others are in critical condition. No need to give out names. The numbers will suffice.”

“And then?”

“I can’t say for certain,” Kurt insisted, “but if I was a former Yakuza hit man, nursing a Komodo dragon bite and pumping high-powered antibiotics into my arm every four hours, I’d demand the rest of my payment.”

Nagano finished the thought. “And with the balance of payments due, the Demon will have to come out of hiding to collect.”

“Exactly,” Kurt said.

“What if they pay by check,” Joe suggested, only half joking, “or electronically?”

“Too large a sum,” Nagano said. “They would never risk a government clearinghouse intercepting their money and tracing it. These types of things are done in person. It will happen somewhere very public to ensure that neither side commits an act of violence. That is the way.”