The faces of the two Russian men flushed red. Shevich launched into an immediate slew of invective. “I knew it, Japan thinks it can cling to Britain’s skirts! Only the Prime Minister and a few of his closest advisors were present at today’s breakfast. How else would the British legation know this so soon?”
Sherlock promptly lifted a forefinger to silence Shevich. “Please, lower your voice. Remember, we are in the Emperor’s home. No one has reported your meeting to me. I discerned all this upon first seeing you.”
“What is this?”
“You are unaccustomed to Japanese food—there are traces of miso soup in your beard and on your sleeve. That you were compelled to take Japanese food while in state dress tells me that you had a breakfast appointment. A man of your high position, overbearing as you are, might request a change in menu—unless of course your partner was a figure of considerable importance in the Japanese government. Then, you seem to be disappointed in the results of some trial. I gather discussions did not go as you had hoped. However, if your breakfast had been with a member of the judiciary your next port of call would undoubtedly have been a member of the legislature. And had your meeting been with a mere cabinet member your next target would have been His Prime Minister. You would have had no cause yet to harangue the head of the Privy Council here.”
“From this you conclude that my meeting was with Prime Minister Matsukata? Still, someone must have told you there were no military men present on Japan’s side. You even knew the name of my companion, Kanevsky. How do you explain that?”
“The names of Russian military officers are engraved on the edge of their buckles. Additionally, Lt. Colonel Kanevsky is wearing his full badges and honors. The rank of major has now been abolished in the Russian military, yet the lt. colonel wears a silver major’s badge. It is usually worn on the cap. I can only imagine that by including even his eliminated badges the lt. colonel endeavored to cut a more awe-inspiring presence. Had other military been present, however, such a display would have come off as ludicrous.”
Kanevsky flinched awkwardly, glancing at Shevich out of the corner of his eyes.
Shevich’s own eyes widened in surprise, before turning indignantly toward Ito. “I do not know what this man advises you on, but I expect you to take full responsibility for his insolence.”
Sherlock rested his gaze on Shevich. “Chairman Ito is blameless. I spoke to you of my own volition. Your comments were unbefitting to a man of your nobility. However slight, you might attempt some compunction when—”
Ito turned his gaze to Sherlock, in warning. “Mr. Holm…”
He froze mid-sentence, blanching at his mistake. Sherlock, too, was momentarily taken aback, but he soon smiled sheepishly at Ito. As soon as he stuck his neck into an argument between the head of Japan’s Privy Council and the ambassador from Russia, he knew any hope of continuing to pass as a nameless Englishman had been lost. He certainly did not care to compound his crimes further with a series of false names and assumed identities.
Shevich blinked. “It cannot be. Sherlock Holmes?”
A look of disbelief crossed Kanevsky’s face. “Your death was reported in the papers some months back.”
Ito broke in, his expression pinched. “The articles were a misunderstanding. The truth is that I invited Mr. Holmes here to advise the Privy Council. To avoid difficulties, however, until a correction is run I ask that you please keep knowledge of his presence here to yourselves.”
Shevich furrowed his brow. “To avoid difficulties? What is really motivating you? You say advisor, but Sherlock Holmes is a detective by trade. There is but one matter on which he could be advising you. You have invited him here to train spies!”
Anger flashed in Kanevsky’s eyes. “You have struck a secret bargain with the British. Behind our backs!”
Ito shook his head. “Certainly not. We would never—”
Sherlock interrupted. “You have hit the nail on the head, gentlemen. Japan has already refashioned itself as a modern nation. It is only natural they should have their own intelligence branch.”
“Russia will not allow you to train spies behind our back!” Shevich roared.
“But of course,” Sherlock said innocently. “As you see, nothing is being done in secret, nothing is behind your backs. All has just been laid bare, has it not? Japan may establish an intelligence agency under my advice, but they would certainly never release spies in Russia. Your being informed, now, should give you cause enough to trust their motives.”
“The reports of Holmes’ death can only be subterfuge,” Kanevsky exhorted Shevich. “He must have faked his death on secret orders. The British are contriving to insinuate themselves into Japan’s intelligence network.”
Shevich stared at Ito, incredulously. “You are playing a dangerous game, Chairman. Do realize of course that this is Britain’s first step toward colonization. You will soon find yourself a puppet government to their queen. Japan will soon be beset with internal strife, just as it was with China. Be on your guard, lest you become a nation full of opium addicts.”
“Worry not,” Ito said, soothingly. “Opium has been outlawed in Japan ever since the Edo Bakufu.”
“It was outlawed in China as well. The English imported it by force.” Shevich turned on Sherlock fiercely. “I plan to consult with my own country, and inquire directly with the English authorities as to the truth of reports of your death. I expect no answers from the British legation. Undoubtedly they have been instructed to deny all knowledge. May you be prepared, when the time comes.”
“There can be no crime in killing a man who is already dead,” Kanevsky added menacingly.
“Undoubtedly,” Sherlock replied drily, secretly amused at how the ambassador and his lt. colonel were so unsparing in their threats. “But now that we have made each other’s acquaintance, I hope we may enjoy the pleasure of each other’s company until you receive your answer from England. I promise that I shall neither run nor hide.”
Shevich drew close. “Mr. Holmes. The deplorable attempt on the life of His Imperial Highness and Successor to the Throne, Tsarevich Nicholas, has thrown this tiny Eastern nation into crisis. If Britain thinks to use that crisis as an opportunity to interfere, however, you will be disappointed. Russia will not cede Japan.”
Finished speaking, Shevich turned on his heel. Kanevsky glared a moment longer before following.
His Imperial Highness, the Crown Prince? Sherlock turned toward Ito. “Has something befallen Tsarevich Nicholas?”
Ito sullenly returned Sherlock’s gaze. He sighed deeply, stroking his long beard with the tips of his fingers.
10
At the rear of the courtyard was the state banquet hall, known as the houmeiden. It was spacious and elegantly decorated. At the moment, however, there was no one inside.
Ito led him inside and closed the door behind them. Once they were alone, he let his anger fly. “What were you thinking! After all the trouble we took to conceal your identity!”
Sherlock sauntered about the hall casually. “You mustn’t be so angry,” he said lightly. “After all, was it not you who let my name slip?”
“Well yes,” Ito had to admit. “But that could have been papered over. After all you said, however, there is no going back. You faked your death and entered this country illegally. And I harbored you. Knowingly!”
“Irrelevant, and furthermore it will take a month at the least for the truth to come out. You certainly display a politician’s resourcefulness, telling Ambassador Shevich that the reports of my death in the Times were mistaken. So long as Shevich and his man believe I am here to advise on spycraft they will raise no questions with the British legation. And even if they should, they will assume the legation is lying.”