May 26, 1885 – Kawaji in Kyoto

A visit to the Kyoto Police Department one of the things on my list. I disembark from the train and rode the carriage that had been waiting for me all the way to the Precinct. I had sent a telegraph earlier to Chief of Police Toshio to expect my arrival and that we had an urgent matter to discuss. Perhaps everyone who works this job has it, a gut feeling or instinct, a premonition so to speak. I do not know… Perhaps it is just keen observation… But indeed a few nights ago, if I didn’t know any better Fujita-san was restless more than usual, the past week… Reasoning with him is like reasoning to a boulder, you try to push and it stays… You try to pull and it stays. In the end, all that you are left with is sitting in front of it and hoped that it moves on it’s own or maybe is shattered by the thunderbolt.
Entering the office, I take off my hat and addressed the man speaking to one of the cadets.
“Toshio-san omedetto, I heard your department just cracked a case.” I smile.
Turning to me he waves the young man away and bows, “Thank you Kawaji-san. If you’ll please come to my office.”
I follow him inside, watching him lock the door.
“Eh? Why such privacy? I would think that your staff would like to be complimented once in a while…”
“Ah but it’s not over yet unfortunately.” He frowns and takes a file from the cabinet. “Dozo…”
Looking it over, I notice the woman in the picture, Asuka Saya. Fujita-san had pulled quite a few strings to get her into the Keishikan more than five years ago. She’s climbed the ranks slowly amongst men.
“She’s one of the first women officers we have… I had her working a case for a year now, we’ve apprehended most of the Yakuza in the Shimabara area, her help was invaluable there…except that we believe that the mastermind behind the gambling activities here in Kyoto is a Meiji official.”
“Sou ka… I’m not sure though what you are getting at Toshio-san.” I look back at him.
“We need your help to keep her safe until we get enough evidence to apprehend this politician. She is important in this case as she will be our primary witness. Although Tokyo is probably not the best place to keep her, but Police Commissioner I’m sure you have connections elsewhere.”
“Yes I do.” Straightening up, I hand him back the file and paced the room with my hands behind my back. “I think I know someone who will do well in this case…”
I wonder if he will refuse… It is after all just bodyguard work, he will know it is just to keep him busy. But if it is someone he knows whose life is in danger… Maybe it will get him off my back for a few months. I placed my hand on Toshio’s shoulder.
“Good job as always.”
“Thank you sir we try our best. Now what was it that you wanted to go over personally?”
I wave my hand, “It looks like you’ve solved my problems for me Toshio-san. We’ll discuss this later. I’ll make a few phone calls and speak with your men.”
I grin and head over to the telephone. Now to make a quick call to Tokyo and get Fujita-san some work.