The First Investigation of Rookie Career Police Officer Akechi - Chapter 19
Chapter 19 : Traitor
“Did Vice Director Nagayama pass away on the same day as Yoshida-san?”
Astounded by the unbelievable story, Akechi asked again. Outside the window, thunder rumbled, and large raindrops began to fall. Mayumi replied to Akechi.
“That’s right. On my way back from leaving Akabane and heading to the Prince’s dormitory, I was involved in a traffic accident. And the documents I was supposed to receive from Staff Yoshida couldn’t be found…”
“Is that just a coincidence?”
With a pale face, Nakamura asked without specifying anyone in particular. Akechi responded. “It could be a coincidence. But it’s too good to be a coincidence.”
Mayumi continued with her story. “Vice Director Nagayama and Staff Yoshida passed away on their way home from a meeting, and the documents disappeared. It was just too suspicious to be a mere coincidence, so Specialist Takayanagi and I discreetly discussed it and decided to temporarily step away from this case. It seems Takayanagi-san is facing difficulties as well since his superior has changed.”
“I think it would be better to think that there is a connection between the deaths of Yoshida-san and Vice Director Nagayama.”
Kobayashi said to Akechi and Nakamura, who were seated on either side of him. Akechi and Nakamura nodded in silence.
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“But even if we assume the culprit attacked Yoshida-san and Vice Director Nagayama, how did they know there would be a meeting on that day?”
Nakamura asked everyone while munching on cookies. Akechi asks Mayumi.
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“Big sis, how many people at the Board of Audit or the Ministry of Defense knew about the meeting?”
Mayumi answers while tilting her head. “Well… at the Board of Audit, it was just Vice Director Nagayama and me. Takayanagi-san said that at the Ministry of Defense, nobody else should have known except those who attended the meeting.”
“There’s a traitor!”
After placing the empty tea cup on the coffee table, Nakamura stood up and raised her voice. At the same time, lightning struck in the distance, and a flash of light appeared outside the window. It’s like a suspense drama.
“At the very least, it’s not me.” While saying that, Mayumi laughed.
“In that case, the suspicious ones would be Kadosan ?”Akechi muttered while placing a hand on his chin. He glanced at everyone’s faces.
“Beside Yoshida-san, the attendees from the Ministry of Defense were Takayanagi-san and Kadono-san. Based on what I heard from the other day’s conversation, Takayanagi-san seemed to have a deep admiration for Yoshida-san, and there was no indication of betrayal. Instead, it felt like he was indirectly trying to communicate something to us about what might have been behind the meeting.”
“You’re right, as much as he enjoys talking, it did feel like he was talking a bit too much.” Nakamura nodded in agreement. Akechi continued with the conversation.
“Meanwhile, Kadono-san, whether aware of Takayanagi-san’s intentions or not, appeared to be quite cautious, even interrupting the conversation at times. Additionally, in Noro-chan’s security camera footage, there were also some suspicious actions, like fiddling with a smartphone during the meeting.”
The thunderstorm had stopped unnoticed, and the sun began to shine. As Akechi spoke, Kobayashi crossed his arms. “Indeed. Moreover, if I recall correctly, Kadono-san used to live in the Prince’s dormitory, right ? Could it be the same as Vice Chairman Nagayama?”
“The culprit is you, Kadono-san!” Nakamura stood up again, pointed at the fireplace, struck a pose, and shouted loudly. Everyone laughed, and the atmosphere lightened up a bit.
“Regardless, we should look into Kadono-san. However, it’s going to be challenging given how cautious he is.”
Akechi crossed his arms and leaned back on the sofa. Seeing this, Mayumi thought for a moment and then spoke to Akechi.
“There’s only one way, but…”
“What kind of method is it?” Akechi leaned forward on the sofa and asked.
“No, I think I’ll skip that idea. It’s too much of a burden on Keiichiro.” Mayumi shook her head. Akechi persisted.
“I’ll do anything if it helps uncover the truth!”
Akechi stood up, gazing at Mayumi with a serious expression. Kobayashi and Nakamura watched with bated breath. Mayumi hesitantly asked Akechi.
“Really ? anything ?”
“Um !”
“You might go through some tough times, you know?”
“It’s okay, as long as it helps everyone!”
“…I understand. Then, Keiichiro, please dress up as a woman and have dinner with Kadono-san.”
“Hah ?”
Akechi stands there frozen at the unexpected suggestion.
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Translated by : Cutae30