The First Investigation of Rookie Career Police Officer Akechi - Chapter 21
Chapter 21 : Dinner Meeting
Wearing a white dress and carrying a white handbag, Akechi stepped out of a taxi at the intersection just before a narrow alley in Ginza. The streets were crowded with people. Akechi couldn’t help but feel anxious about being recognized as a man, and felt nervous. But the taxi driver didn’t seem to notice, so Akechi tried to reassure himself that he would be fine.
When Akechi turned towards the restaurant at the end of the alley, he spotted Kadono standing in front of the establishment, waving to him. Akechi waved back. Kadono was impeccably dressed in a stylish suit. He seemed to be quite determined, showing a lot of enthusiasm. While Akechi struggled with the unfamiliar heels, he slowly approached the restaurant with careful steps. However, he stumbled on the step in front of the store and lost his balance. Just as he was about to fall, Kadono hurriedly rushed over and supported him, saving him from falling.
“Investigator! Are you okay?”
“I-I’m sorry. Thank you.”
Akechi replied, being careful with his voice. It seemed Kadono hadn’t noticed anything amiss. Akechi briefly glanced into the handbag he almost dropped, but his phone was still in an ongoing call with Kobayashi’s smartphone. That was a relief. The two of them entered the restaurant.
†?†?†
“I apologize for the unreasonable invitation. Given the frequent inconvenience I’ve caused with our communication, I wanted to express my appreciation to Investigator Akechi. Of course, it’s unrelated to the inspection, and we’ll split the bill, so please don’t worry.”
“Thank you for your consideration. Please take care of me today.”
The two of them toasted with champagne and, while enjoying their appetizers, Kadono began to speak.
“As for that special report we discussed, it looks like the coordination with each section is almost complete. Once we gather the data from Section 4, we should be able to submit it there as well. It was really difficult, to be honest.”
“I’m sorry for the trouble, and thank you so much as always.” Although Akechi didn’t quite understand what was being referred to, he still expressed his gratitude. Kadono responded with a slightly surprised look and a smile.
“No, no, I’m the one who should apologize for extending the deadline. But Investigator, what’s going on today? You usually wear that icy smile and threaten me with ‘I won’t forgive any more delays next time,’ don’t you?” Kadono said with a smile. Akechi thought that his sister might say something like that and quickly tried to cover it up.
“W-Well, it’s different during work hours compared to my usual self.”
“So that’s how it is. Oh, by the way, the other day, the police came to our workplace due to staff Yoshida’s passing, right? At that time, there was a young police officer who looked exactly like Investigator Akechi. And his last name was ‘Akechi’ as well. Could he be your brother or something?” Kadono had asked something unexpected. Akechi’s heart raced suddenly. What should he do? Should he deny it? Well, he often heard that he resembled his sister, and in this situation, he decided to affirm and see how things played out.
“R-Really? It might be my younger brother. He was hired by the National Police Agency this year and is currently studying at some police station.”
“I see! He looks so much like you, he must be your brother. He seemed quieter compared to Investigator Akechi, though.” While saying that, Kadono laughed.
“W-Well, that might be true. My brother is more composed and quiet compared to me. Surprisingly, he’s quite responsible.” Akechi laughed along. It seemed like he had managed to get through it for now. Akechi felt relieved.
After the soup, Kadono ordered white wine, and Akechi ordered the same. He wasn’t as resistant to alcohol as his sister. He needed to be careful while drinking. When the fish course arrived, Akechi decided to subtly inquire about something.
“Staff Yoshida, it was unfortunate, wasn’t it?”
Kadono remained silent for a moment before responding.
“Yes, it truly is unfortunate.”
“And Vice Chairman Nagayama as well. Was that really just an accident? I’m scared…”
After saying that in a hushed tone, Akechi lowered his head. Kadono took a sip of white wine, and then his hand gently touched Akechi’s.
“Akechi-san, I’m sure you’ll be fine now. Just stay away from… ‘that case’.”
“that case ?”
Akechi, raising his head, asked.
“It’s about protective capabilities, you know.”
Kadono said in a hushed tone.
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Translated by : Cutae30