9
“For a lovely bowl
Let us arrange these flowers...
For there is no rice”
― Matsuo Bashō
Fairbanks, Alaska Prefecture
Major Katsu Miamatsu grunted appreciatively as the hot water penetrated him to the bone. In the bath next to him Major Akio Sakura echoed the grunt.
“I appreciate this, Katsu,” Sakura said in his gravely voice, “but I sense that you have an ulterior motive for this generous afternoon soak.”
“You know me too well, Akio. However all I wish from you is some information. A little bit of history.”
“Pertaining to what?”
“The death of an American by the name of Mathieson.”
Sakura turned his head to stare at his friend and colleague through the steam.
“Why are you asking about him?”
“I sense this is a touchy subject, but I believe it bears on an investigation I am conducting. You were the officer in charge of collecting the body, were you not?”
“You are twisting a dragon’s tail, Katsu. The file on Mathieson has been given Chrysanthemum status.”
“I do not wish to see the file. I only wish to know if the man indeed died a natural death.”
“Well, I know his heart stopped. Doesn’t that usually result in death?”
Miamatsu looked over to see Akio’s grin. “So I have been told. Do you know what stopped his heart?”
Sakura glanced around the small room. As the door had not opened since their attendant left, Miamatsu thought the action telling.
“He appeared to have suffered a heart attack. However the autopsy revealed an injection site on his neck and potassium chloride in his body. If you tell anyone I told you this it will mean both our heads.”
“Who uses potassium chloride for assassination?”
“The SS, the Tokkō, and us. That completes the list, I believe.”
“I would ask more questions but I do not wish to strain our relationship.”
“Be careful, you are in the dragon’s lair with this line of investigation. I would hate to lose you. Good drinking companions are difficult to find in this frozen place.”
“I appreciate everything you have said. I will be careful.”