Read Online Linnear 03 - White Ninja by Eric Van Lustbader - Free Book Online Page A

other dancers it became dear that Mariko had no confidantes there. In fact, the dancers did not much care for her. They said she thought that, essentially, they were dirt. Mariko was apparently filled with high-flying dreams.'
    He grunted. 'She was in the wrong business, then.'
    'Apparently so, sir.'
    Senjin regarded Tomi Yazawa. She was a small, powerful woman, yet with all the requisite female curves. She had a strong face, dominated by large, glossy black eyes, more uptilted than most. Her hair was long, also glossy under the office lights, pulled back tightly from her face, wrapped in an elaborate knob atop her head. Senjin knew from experience that she was very smart, which was why he had assigned her to Mariko's murder. If she didn't find anything, no one would.
    'It's been, what, eight months? I think it's time to close the file on the Mariko murder,' Senjin said.
    'Sir, may I point out that I have been the only officer assigned to the case.' Tomi was staring at a point on the wall approximately a foot above and to the left of where Senjin sat. 'I know what it's like to be alone in the world. The victim Mariko may seem like no one to you, to the department, but she was a human being hi many ways no different from me. I would very much like to continue on the case until it is solved.'
    "The Metropolitan Police Department does not care what you would like, Sergeant,' Senjin said. 'It has its procedures and its manpower problems irrespective of your desires.' He watched with satisfaction as a deep flush crept up Tomi's cheeks. 'Do I have to remind you who it was who allowed you these months free rein on a homicide we both suspected was unsolvable from day one? Be grateful for the time I have given you on your own private crusade.'
    'Yes, sir,' Tomi said. 'I appreciate your understanding, It's just that when she was alive, Mariko had no one to help her. I wanted her to know that she had someone now.'
    'You've done what you could, Sergeant. You have your duty now.'
    'Yes, sir.'
    Senjin suddenly stood up, moved so that he was directly in Tomi's line of sight. 'The men don't like me much, do they, Sergeant?' he said.
    'Sir?'
    'Is it my age?' Senjin asked in a tone of voice that precluded an answer. 'In just over six weeks I will be twenty-nine. Am I too young in their eyes to be commander of the Homicide division?'
    'Age is irrelevant to talent, sir.'
    Senjin was looking directly into Tomi's eyes when she said this, and he had a sudden premonition. He had the uneasy sense of having allowed another predator into his territory, and he wondered whether he had misjudged Tomi Yazawa's intelligence. Senjin prided himself on not underestimating his enemies. But, then again, this detective sergeant was not his enemy. At least, not quite yet.
    'Is it their perception, perhaps, that, despite the department's findings, I lack the talent to run this division, Sergeant?'
    'No, sir, it isn't.'
    Senjin nodded. 'Now we're getting somewhere.' He waited a moment. 'Well, speak your mind, Sergeant. There are only the two of us here.''
    'What about listening devices?'
    Senjin cocked his head and smiled to himself. Yes, he thought, she's not only smart, she's quick. He liked that. It was going to be a treat running her.
    Senjin came around from behind his desk. He stood so close to her that he could hear her breathing, smell
    the perfume of her skin. 'There are none in this cubicle.' He searched her eyes. 'Are there any on your person?'
    'I'm clean, sir.'
    'Well, then,' Senjin said, 'by all means proceed.'
    Tomi took a deep breath, but the intake of oxygen seemed to do little good. His proximity had flustered her. She had suddenly become very aware of him as a human being - a male human being. She liked watching him from a distance. Up close, he had the effect of making her feel drunk. Her nostrils flared, filled with his musk. With an effort, she pulled herself together. 'Begging the commander's pardon, does he know the origin of his name,