"Perhaps no need speak him." Hiraga leaned closer, giving him the option, unsure of himself.
"Or if speak, I speak too, think he agree, neh? Very important for Ing'rish have Japan friend. I good friend. Jami-sama, he he'rp too if ask."
"Who?"
"Jami, big beard man, bigger as you.
Jami."
"Jamie? Jamie McFay?"
"Yes, Jami Mukfey."
Now that the idea had sunk into him, Tyrer's mind began working better. There were tremendous long-term possibilities in doing what Hiraga suggested. It had ever been British policy to educate--re-educate--selected foreign students, the more important or princely the better. Many were radicals, or revolutionaries in their own country, India notably. Hiraga was very intelligent and if an enemy of Yoshi, important. Judge a man by his enemies, his father had said.
And while he chewed over Hiraga's suggestion he also wondered how his father and mother were, and his friends, sad that he could not see them or be in London soon--no home leave for two years. At the same time he was proud to be part of the Diplomatic Service and a cog, albeit very small, in the vastness of British Empire building.
Hiraga's idea is good. It would work. But how to get him out and how to get Sir William to assist--Willie's the key.
The more he thought about it, the more his hopes sank, the more he had to admit he was stupid to even consider it, becoming more and more certain that Sir William would not, could not countenance such a ploy--not with this man, an admitted killer, not Hiraga who was a pawn in the far greater contest for Yoshi. There was no quid pro quo for Sir William--no compensation, no reason to risk Yoshi's enmity, the power of the future, whatever Hiraga claimed.
"I'll try," he said, purporting to be confident, not forgetting he was still Hiraga's prisoner, the sword too near. "Can't guarantee anything but I'll try. Where will you be?"
Hiraga was satisfied, his gamble immense though with room left to maneuver. He had convinced Taira, now again on his side. The gai-jin leader would be an ally. "You keep sekret?"
"Of course."
"Send word to Raiko. I can meet in vi'rage or here. You say where, Taira-sama.
Think sooner is better, for ship, neh?"
"Yes. I'll send you a message tomorrow, or come myself." Cautiously Tyrer began to stand.
Hiraga beamed. "You go Fujiko?"
Gloom descended instantly. "There's no Fujiko anymore."
"What? What you mean p'rease?"
Tyrer told him and he saw Hiraga's face flush.
"But you have promise, Taira-sama. Me, I t'awk, arrange with Raiko, neh?"
"Yes, but now the contract's off. Raiko says..." Tyrer stopped, frightened by the look on Hiraga's face.
"Wait, p'rease!" Hiraga stormed out.
Tyrer peered out of a side window. No one in sight, only waving branches and the smell of sea salt in the air--run while you've the chance, he told himself but then, suddenly, desperately, he wanted to urinate. He used the bucket in the bathroom and felt better. Now he was hungry. And thirsty. He looked around.
No teapot, no water jug. His hunger and thirst were grinding--like Hiraga's idea was grinding. No way to satisfy either. Without Sir William's benevolence Hiraga would be a child in the wilderness. Even Jamie couldn't help much, now that he was out of Struan's. Why should he or anyone help? There was no quid pro quo. Again he peered out of the little window.
Get out while you can, he thought and went for the door. Then he heard footsteps. He rushed back to his cushion. The shoji was flung open.
Raiko was shoved on her knees in front of him, Hiraga towering menacingly in the doorway.
"Oh so sorry, Taira-sama," Raiko said, stumbling over the words in abject haste to apologize and placate him, "oh so sorry, I made a terrible mistake...."
Her words were a fountain. Tyrer understood little of them though he got their message clearly.
"Enough," he said firmly. "Bring contract now.
I sign."
Meekly she brought out the scroll from her sleeve and offered it.
"Wait," Hiraga ordered. "Give it to me!"
She obeyed instantly and put her head down again. He scanned the short document, grunted.
"This as agree, Taira-sama, you sign 'rater," he said in English again. "This person ..." he pointed angrily at Raiko, "says make mistake, says Fujiko begs honor to see you now, so sorry for the mistake. Her mistake. Baka!" he snapped at her, adding in Japanese, "Treat this lord properly or I'll destroy this Teahouse! Make sure Fujiko is ready, very ready. Now."
"Hai, Hiraga-sama!" Mumbling profuse apologies she fled.
Once safely away, she chortled, delighted with her performance, with Hiraga's ploy, and that the deal was done.
Tyrer, elated, thanked Hiraga too happy to worry about how his obvious friend had changed her so quickly. We'll never understand some things about these people. "I'll sign the contract and bring it back tomorrow."
"Take time, keep woman dog waiting."
Hiraga smiled and gave him the scroll. "Now I take you Fujiko.
Ikimasho."
"Domo arigato gozaimashita."
Tyrer bowed as a Japanese would bow to someone owed a considerable favor.
"Friend he'rp friend," Hiraga said simply.
Later that evening Tyrer awoke, completely satisfied. His timepiece read 9:20.
Perfect, he thought. He lay beside Fujiko who was fast asleep, the futons and feather coverlets as clean and sweet-smelling as she was, warm and comfortable--so much better than his bed, rough straw mattress and heavy woolen blankets with their dank smell. The sheen of her skin was golden in the candlelight, the tiny room golden and snug, with the wind worrying the roof and shoji walls and flames.
Another short nap, he thought, and then I'll leave.
Don't be silly. There's no need to go back tonight. All papers for tomorrow's Yoshi meeting are ready, a copy of the Treaty in Japanese and English in Wee Willie's briefcase and double-checked this afternoon. The agreed battle plan against Sanjiro of Satsuma is ready in the safe for his and Ketterer's signature. I'll be up with the dawn, bright as a mint-new golden guinea--after the Hiraga shock-u and Raiko's bigger shock-u I deserve a treat. He smiled, shock-u, sounding so Japanese. A contented sigh, good old Nakama, I mean Hiraga. He yawned and closed his eyes. And nestled closer. Fujiko did not awaken but opened herself to him.