Noriko heard noises in the night again. It sounded like some of the girls were sick. She slept lightly and woke easily. She hoped the noise wouldn't wake any guests. Rising, she slipped into her yukata and went through the dining area to reach the kitchen door. That opened onto the narrow alley between the inn and the fence surrounding the dormitory.

It wasn't like there was an actual gate, but Noriko had pried a couple of the boards loose. They only looked secure. She could ...