Character Profile: Booker Kudo

Booker Kudo is Jimmy's father and Vivian's husband. A renowned mystery writer, his most famous work is Night Baron, which featured a stealthy man in a mask.

When he and Vivian return to Japan, they learn from Dr. Agasa what happened to their son, and they decide to hold a little exercise to try to convince Jimmy just how dangerous it is to stay alone and in hiding. After they prove their point, however, they ask Jimmy to go abroad with them. With his own contacts, Booker could learn more about the criminal syndicate and perhaps find the antidote. But Jimmy refuses, claiming other reasons for staying.

It's Booker who realizes why Jimmy is persisting: not for his own sake, but for Rachel's. Since Rachel is associated with Jimmy, if the gangsters ever figured out his secret, they could try to use Rachel to get to him. By staying with Rachel, despite the risk, he covers that avenue. Booker acknowledges the adult nature of Jimmy's decision and agrees to help him maintain his disguise.