A collection of four novellas: each taking place in 1998, each set in the world of SIX FOUR, and each centring around a mystery and the unfortunate officer tasked with solving it. SEASON OF SHADOWS "The force could lose face . . . I want you to fix this." Personnel`s Futawatari receives a horrifying memo forcing him to investigate the behaviour of a legendary detective with unfinished business. CRY OF THE EARTH "It`s too easy to kill a man with a rumour." Shinto of Internal Affairs receives an anonymous tipoff alleging a Station Chief is visiting the red-light district - a warning he soon learns is a red herring. BLACK LINES "It was supposed to be her special day." Section Chief Nanao, responsible for the force`s 49 female officers, is alarmed to learn her star pupil has not reported for duty, and is believed to be missing. BRIEFCASE "We need to know what he`s going to ask." On the eve of a routine debate, Political Liaison Tsuge learns a wronged politician is preparing his revenge. He must now quickly dig up dirt to silence him. PREFECTURE D continues Hideo Yokoyama`s exploration of the themes of obsession, saving face, office politics and inter-departmental conflicts. Placing everyday characters between a rock and a hard place and then dialling up the pressure, he blends and balances the very Japanese with the very accessible, to spectacular effect.