The Crane Pavillion

25

It was getting dark and the rain was heavier when Akitada left the dance master’s place. As he walked away into the dusk, he heard the sound of a small drum and Ohiyah’s voice, strangely melodious for a man who was drunk, begin an old song. The sound was soothing, and Akitada’s frustrations melted. He felt sorry for the man who had nothing to look forward to but death. He also became aware of extreme fatigue and a very painful left leg. He felt a great temptation to go home to his warm bed. For that matter, he wished he could just close his eyes for a very short rest, but wind and rain buffeted him and time was running out.

The memory of Tora and Saburo in their cells and of the blind woman only a night away from being found guilty of a grisly murder made him continue. His stubborn journey took him all the way back to the willow quarter. Ohiya had provided the professional name of the woman who had witnessed the gambler’s murder, but he still had no idea where she could be found. As things stood, he could not ask Kobe to take up the investigation.

When he reached the willow quarter, it was blazing with colored lights even in this miserable weather. Snatches of music floated on the perfumed air and the hanging paper lanterns swung in the wind, giving the scene an air of wild abandon. Perhaps it had always been thus, but Akitada was impressed in spite of his aversion to the hedonistic world of prostitution and gambling. He got a sense of what drove men to squander their hard-earned money here. It was more than lust for women; it was a desperate hunger for an experience that would blot out their real lives for the span of a night. To the women and professional gamblers as well as a host of others this was the only real life, and they stood ready to collect their wages.

Akitada made his way back to the warden’s office. It was busy. The drunken brawls, the heart attacks of middle-aged men, the theft reports, and the unconscious revelers had to be dealt with. The constables were on their rounds, and the cells were full.

He was so wet, tired, and sore that he wished he could sit down for a while and rest, even in one of those cells. But the stares from guards and drunks made him ashamed to give in to weariness.

The warden, a man habitually engaged in dealing with the grossest behavior of people, eyed his appearance with a frown.

“I was here earlier,” Akitada said.

The warden merely looked back and waited.

“I need more information. A few days ago there was a murder in a bath house in the next quarter.”

The warden nodded. “The Daikoku-yu.”

“Yes. It appears the young woman charged with crime may be innocent. Meanwhile, there has been a second murder in your quarter. A gambler was found strangled.”

Again the warden nodded. “They arrested two men. They lost heavily and accused him of cheating. Maybe he did. It happens. No reason to kill a man.”

“Yes. But these two men work for me, and that gambler worked for a man called Kanemoto. The body was found under Kanemoto’s house. Why wasn’t Kanemoto interrogated about the incident?”

“There’s no evidence the dead man worked for Kanemoto. And Kanemoto wasn’t home at the time.”

“How do you know?”

“The house was empty, and the neighbors saw him leave.”

“And they were certain about the time?”

“Yes.”

“Then they lied. One of my men had been watching Kanemoto’s house.”

The warden stared at him. “Why would he do that?”

“Kanemoto is a notorious gangster, and he seems to be involved in the murder of a moneylender.”

The man’s eyes narrowed. “I think, sir,” he said, “that you must speak to the police about this. It’s out of my hands.”

It was clear that this man would not answer the question, and that was an answer of sorts. Kanemoto was not interfered with because the warden either feared or respected him. Perhaps it was a little of both. Akitada thanked the warden and turned to leave. He had not handled this very well. He should have approached the subject of Kanemoto more casually.

Never mind. He was in the willow quarter and should be able to get some information elsewhere. He thought about this, and it occurred to him that such assignations were made through a go-between. A question directed to one of the messenger boys running past brought him to a house where such a business was arranged.

In spite of his wet condition, he was received with smiles and bows by a fat man in a green-figured black silk robe. “What a night!” he said. “The gentleman wishes for one of our famous beauties to help him pass the storm in comfort and pleasure?” he asked in an oily voice, after leading Akitada to a small room that was quite luxuriously furnished with thick tatami and silk cushions.

Akitada collapsed with a groan and looked around. It struck him belatedly that this would cost money. He said, “Well, I haven’t made up my mind. I hoped you could assist me with your expertise.”

The fat man bowed more deeply, and murmured, “Certainly, certainly. You honor me, sir. But first perhaps a little wine and some tasty snacks? If you’ll forgive me, your lordship looks very cold and tired. It wouldn’t do to spoil a whole night of exquisite pleasure by falling asleep.” He chuckled deep in his chest, making a sound that resembled distant thunder. Clapping his hands, he instructed a maid to bring refreshments.

The refreshments arrived while they were still exchanging casual comments on the weather and on politics. The wine was excellent, and Akitada, being parched and having resisted Ohiya’s wine, drank thirstily. He might as well get his money’s worth, he thought, and reached for the platter of pickled vegetables and nuts. The wine was excellent and so were the snacks. It would clearly be expensive, but he was beginning to relax and feel warm. Akitada remembered the piece of silver he had left Ohiya. He could not remember if he had another one. Never mind. This was the place to get information.

“Perhaps you’ll make some suggestions,” he began.

The fat man smiled broadly. Gesturing to the other pillow, he said, “If you permit?”

“Of course.”

The man sat, or rather plummeted to the ground, his stiff robe making a protesting sigh. “What sort of pleasures would your lordship require?” he asked.

“Nothing out of the ordinary, though I’d like a more refined person. And, of course, a beauty. If she has musical talents, I would be pleased, but I don’t insist on it. A conversable girl, though. Someone who pleases with her tongues as much as with her body.”

The go-between rubbed his hands. “No problem, sir. No problem at all. There are many such. We have the most talented and exquisite beauties in the country.”

Akitada doubted this. “Please describe them.”

What followed was a lengthy account of the appearance and talents, both musical and amorous, of the leading courtesans of the day. Akitada listened, but looked dissatisfied. When the supply had been exhausted, he said, “”What of the one they call the Phoenix? Did you mention her?”

The fat man chuckled. “Ah, the gentleman is well informed. Yes, Chiyo is superb. She is a choja, a courtesan of the first rank. But I’m afraid she’s not available.”

Akitada looked disappointed. “In that case, I’d better return another time.”

The fat man became agitated. “Oh, sir, that won’t do. That won’t do at all. Chiyo has been bought out, you see. She now lives in a fine house near the Rokujo Palace.”

“Who bought her out?” Akitada demanded angrily.

The other man blinked. “Don’t be upset, sir. These things happen. I’m sure we can find another woman who is as beautiful and talented. Chiyo, while beautiful, was no longer in her first youth. And then as a choja she was very proud. Many gentlemen complained about her haughty manner and the demands she made. Believe me, sir, Chiyo would not have suited at all.”

Akitada rose and staggered. “Thank you for your information. Perhaps another time. This is not a good day.”

The fat man stumbled up and bowed, wringing his hands with disappointment and making other enticing suggestions as he followed Akitada out.