Page 23 of Behind the Mask

Neatly cropped hair, no need for a ribbon.He did not wear glasses.His clothes were perfectly pressed and arranged.He was polite, considerate, charming, friendly, and engaging.The real Hatcher-Rosque was the perfect image of a gentleman scholar.

Kasumi hated him.

He wondered how much longer this infernal luncheon would last, and the answer did not please him in the slightest.Minoru had few friends; most people were simply too intimidated by him—not least of all because he warranted an exotic looking bodyguard.It looked like he might have well and truly found a friend in Hatcher-Rosque.

Stupid bastard.If he was going to just vanish like that, couldn't he have said something?They'd discussed it, but he still could have saidsomethingbefore vanishing.Well, what had he expected, really?A pirate was a pirate, and if he'd thought…well, he knew damn good and well Luther or whoever he was wore masks.

His fingers twitched, but Kasumi stilled their movement before he could give in to the impulse to touch his mask.It was, as always, soothing.Familiar and right—and a reminder that all was as it should be.

Why, then, did he feel so discontent?

He turned away from answering his own question, flicking his gaze out over the crowded café.Sunshine spilled in the large windows on the far side of the room.Everywhere were bundles and bouquets of flowers, the colors light and warm, the atmosphere friendly, easy.Though he hated it, he could not deny it was a beautiful country.He wondered how long Minoru would choose to stay here.

If he could endure it.Then again, he might not have to.The clan representatives should be arriving any day, and likely they would take Kasumi back with them in disgrace.Not that he minded.Even that was better than staying here, always looking for a face he was never going to see.

The afternoon passed at a torturous pace, the crowds in the café coming and going as Minoru and Hatcher-Rosque talked on and on.Finally the sun began to set, and Minoru reluctantly made his goodbyes.

"Thank you, Kasumi," he said as they walked along, "for being so patient."

"It is my will and honor to serve, Master," Kasumi replied automatically."You look as though you are enjoying yourself."

"I am," Minoru said."Luther is a fascinating man."

Kasumi tensed to hear that name.

Minoru looked at him.Kasumi hated that look.It said Minoru was seeing more than he had any business seeing.

"Was Luther his real name?"Minoru finally asked.

Kasumi grimaced behind his mask."I do not think even he knew his real name."

"Hmm," Minoru murmured thoughtfully."Do you like it here at all, Kasumi?"

"I am but a shadow, content to go where my master bids."

Minoru laughed softly."It's a beautiful country, Kasumi.I thought you would like it here."

Kasumi said nothing, beginning to grow irritated.Minoru was up to something, and he didn't feel like dealing with it.

"Oh, my," Minoru said suddenly."It looks as though we must finally face the last piece of music."

Dread settled hard and fast in Kasumi's gut as he took in what Minoru meant—a black carriage which bore the moon and four star crest of their homeland.

Minoru smiled and touched his shoulder briefly."It will be all right, Kasumi.You will see."

Kasumi said nothing, merely jerked away and dropped back slightly to permit Minoru to lead the way inside.

His rooms were richly appointed in blue and brown, touches of other colors scattered about.Given to Minoru by the government in return for all he would be contributing as he worked with Lord Hatcher-Rosque.Finer than any rooms he'd had in all his travels.More and more Kasumi sensed they would not be resuming their travels.Once that would have made him happy.

"Most honored Lord Minoru," the men waiting inside greeted.All but one wore masks similar to Kasumi's, but each notably different.All bowed.The one who stood unmoving and unmasked was tall and broad of shoulder; his hair was long and pulled neatly back, black touched ever so lightly with threads of silver.His face was beautiful, a breathtaking statue or painting come to life.Most remarkable of all were his eyes, a brilliant, jewel-fine blue.

Minoru nodded."Lord Daichi, it is an honor to see you again.I am sorry that the reason for our reunion is an unhappy one."

Lord Daichi nodded."No matter the reason, Lord Minoru, we are most happy to see you.Let me first extend the apologies of the East Clan, for our abysmal failure to offer the protection you so generously commissioned."

"That apology is uncalled for," Minoru said quietly.

Kasumi stood still and silent behind him, a shadow even to Lord Daichi.Until they saw fit to make it otherwise, he did not exist.

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