-1A/N - okay, this story was something that I really wanted to do. I was interested in foresic science and stuff so I decided to do it. ToumaSan really liked this story because it reminded him of Case Closed. Sadly, I not a genius like the ceators of Case Closed. Anyway, I hope you guys will like it and the good news is that it's actually long or longer then my other stories.
Love Is A Murderer
Chapter 1: It's A Crime To Fall In Love With The Same Person Twice
"Kuga-san, here's a new case for you." Files of folders came crashing on the young investigator's desk, signaling that the boss wanted the job done by her and only her.
"You got to be kidding me, right?" Natsuki looked at him with disbelief.
"No." The statement was clear to the point.
"But sir, I already have a case that I'm working on right now." Angry was raising in Natsuki's voice but she knew how to control her rage.
"I know, but after you're done interviewing Mr. Sawaya in Osaka, I need you to get on to this one a.s.a.p. got that? Luckily, it's also in Osaka." Before Natsuki could protest anymore, her boss Masashi left in an instant towards his office. Sighing in a temporary defeat, she took the case.
Natsuki was given a three week transfer to another headquarter in Osaka to at least get more information on her current case and she was also given a rental car and a hotel suite for her stay. At least Natsuki didn't have to pay for the rental, but the car was crummy. Sadly, that wasn't her only problem.
The day didn't start off right for one investigator. Her boss Masashi Takeda gave her cases and unsolved crimes for her to supposedly complete, she broke up with her boyfriend because he was cheating on her with another girl, and last but not least, the case that she was working on now, had no new leads to find the murderer. The investigator knew that her day would have more problems later on but right now, she might as well take a break.
Natsuki knew that her job was going to be hard so why the hell did she get in to a relationship with some guy, it was freakin' pointless now that she thought about it. "God, why did I bother to get a boyfriend anyway?" Luckily, her relationship wasn't that deep so she didn't really care about the recent break up.
Now seating in a coffee shop in Osaka, Natsuki was flipping through her small appointment book, she sighed as she saw what was on it. Even though it was a note for herself on the crime, she really didn't want to do it but had to.
Investigate the husband, Tom Sawaya. Since no new leads have been found, interrogate the man until you think you've hit a lead.
Great, this was the last person Natsuki wanted to see right now. Last time she visited the man, he wasn't in Osaka but in Tokyo, and she was insulted on how she did her job. Heck, it wasn't her fault for not catching the murderer yet so she had no choice but to suspect that it was the husband. Scratch that, it had to be the husband.
"He's doing a damn good job." Natsuki was pissed that she wasn't able to solve this case fast like all the other 'unsolved' cases but this one was different and slightly difficult.
Two years ago, when Natsuki got to the crime scene, she could smell the awful odor that was coming from the living room. She realized that the neighborhood would have to face the horrible reality later in the day. Hearing a hysterical cry, it was the husband, who was getting help calming down from some officers and a neighborhood friend. Taking out a profile from a folder, Natsuki identified the victim as Sachiko Sawaya, Tom's wife. A very pretty woman who worked at a hospital as a nurse and was a part-time student at Fuuka University to upgrade her status from a nurse to a doctor. Mrs. Sawaya, a twenty-eight year old woman was murdered by five gun shots to the body and to make matters even more worst, her head was decapitated. A disgusting sight indeed. Looking closer, Natsuki could see that Sachiko's arm was going to be the next limb cut off. Natsuki could tell because the forearm had a huge gash in it. It seems that the murderer didn't have enough time. Natsuki was informed that there was no sign of breaking in, however, the back door was the only one unlock in the house. It had been a clean get away and there was no trace of evidence that could actually apprehend the criminal. Surprisingly, there wasn't even a foot print near the body that was now surrounded by blood. The victim's body was thoroughly clean of any fingerprints and the gun had no prints on it either. Natsuki checked the gun's serial number but when she did, there was no register user. Natsuki suspected that the murderer used latex gloves and burned them somewhere. She also realized that the murderer was at least seven feet or more away from the victim so that blood spatter wouldn't get on them. Tricky bastard even left the credit cards and money right where they were, in the purse, so robbery was out of the question. It had to be someone close, yet trustful if they can enter the house without breaking it. It had to be the husband but there was no witnesses to accuse him. It was standard business as the husband's clothes was taking in for custody to check for blood stains, but there was none found. Later on, he was given a lie detector but he passed. Well, the lie detector wouldn't exactly tell lies but on how the body functions when answering a question. These test automatically counted him off the suspect list.
"It obviously had to be the husband," growled Natsuki as she took a sip of her mocha. "But, how can I prove that the crime was done by him."
When Natsuki did her research, she found out that Mrs. Sawaya wasn't having an affair or so her friends stated. Was that true? Natsuki was having a tougher time with this case with each passing second. The victim's coworkers didn't seem like the bad type and her patients were willing to corroborate and rumor has it that a man, that appeared to be in his late thirties, early forties, came to the hospital for a while to see her. The workers at the hospital said that the chat was only a few seconds and the two went their separate ways. Usually hellos and byes, etc, so it wouldn't be exactly an affair but still, Natsuki was curious about this mysterious fellow.
The case didn't seem hard but it was getting harder and harder to land a guilty sentence to Tom. When his wife was killed, he was inherited to her life insurance but it was just 50,000 and he didn't spend a lot. He never even stepped in to a casino. To make matters worse, he wasn't even seeing anyone at the time too. No cheating, no gambling, and not even a criminal record. Hell, there wasn't even evidence that led to the man, however, there was a time when Tom Sawaya was fired for mistreating one patient, but that didn't help at all because he got a new job immediately with a big corporation called Searrs, as an accountant in the southern part of Osaka.
Natsuki couldn't help but ponder on how Tom Sawaya was able to get a job so fast after he was fired. Sure the man was smart but still. Looking at the files closely, Natsuki noticed a name that she hadn't heard of before. John Smith, the owner of Searrs, a corporation known for it's deals with American businesses overseas. That's where Tom was working at. What was the relationship that the two hold? John Smith seems like a shady guy. Natsuki decided to get more info on the man after she finished Tom's interview and her new case.
Beep, beep, beep.
"Damn it, well, back to work." Natsuki took out her pager and turned it off. It was time for her to go and interview the husband. Drinking down her mocha, grabbing her belongings and throwing the cup away, she was about to head out the door when she thought she heard familiar Kyoto-ben. Then again everyone has that accent in Osaka. Well, she couldn't tell the difference but this one was different enough for her. This voice actually made the investigator wonder who it was.
"Mou, Eri-chin, you have to slow down a bit." Natsuki stopped in her tracks and couldn't help but feel that same feeling she had in high school back at Fuuka. The voice teased yet it sounded gentle with warmth and comfort. It couldn't be, could it? It was driving Natsuki crazy, she wanted to know who it was but how would she act when she conformed her theory. When trying to find out, she bumped in to that very person with someone else in toll.
"Sorry." Natsuki didn't mean to bump in to the woman, but what's done is done. Lightly brushing off her arm, Natsuki turned her attention to who ever she bumped. One word was able to escape Natsuki's mouth.
"S…Shizuru?" It felt foreign to the touch when Natsuki said that name again, but it also felt like something came back to her and she hated to admit it, but she really missed the older woman.
"Natsuki? Is that really you?" The woman that stood before Natsuki had changed. Her appearance was more beautiful then ever and her hair grew out more. The only thing that hadn't change was her familiar accent. Seeing the gleam in Shizuru's eyes, Natsuki could see a hint of joy and happiness. Did she have that look in her eyes before? Natsuki wasn't quite sure because she was never able to look Shizuru in the eyes from the constant teasing. Maybe she was more happy this way? Whatever it was that gave Shizuru that look, Natsuki wanted her to be happy. Wait, could it be that she's happy to see Natsuki again after all these years? No, that couldn't be it, it had to be the person beside her. Another woman holding her right hand, firm and unwilling to let go.
"Yeah…it's really me." Shizuru smiled at the answer. It felt like years fell away as the two looked in at each other. It looked like the two would never budge from their spots. Natsuki couldn't help but smile as she remembered this feeling in her high school years, however looking closer in to crimson orbs, Natsuki could also see changes. Well, a lot of things could have changed over these three years, and Shizuru is one of them. If she hadn't changed, Natsuki was sure that the older woman would give her a hug instantly with many blushes afterwards. Heck scratch that, the older woman already found someone new to fall in love with and those teases would be for Shizuru's lover and lover only, so no hugs. Natsuki wasn't her lover and she wasn't sure how long the two had been in love but at least Shizuru was happy without her. Right?
"So, how have you been?" Shizuru asked this question with a little bit of a hesitation yet it still had that calm tone. Actually, it sounded even calmer then Natsuki remembered last time.
Sighing, Natsuki would have mention that her life was a living hell but it's not something to get worried about, so she didn't. "Fine, and you?" Natsuki wanted to know how Shizuru was doing after the incident three years ago.
"Well, I'm on vacation now, but sooner or later, I have to check up on my family's other business while I'm here." Natsuki knew that Shizuru would someday get stuck with her father's business even though Shizuru hated working, especially on her free time. Before Natsuki could ask Shizuru how the older woman's dad was, she was interrupted by the woman beside Shizuru.
"Shizuru? Who is this? A friend of yours?" Natsuki almost forgot about the other woman. The woman beside Shizuru was a little shorter and had a darker hair color then Shizuru's. The difference was their eye color, the woman seemed to have baby-blue eyes. "No way, you're the famous Kruger, aren't you?" Natsuki was startled by the sudden question.
"Yes, that's what I've been called at my work. So, who do I have the pleasure of speaking to?" Natsuki turned to look at Shizuru, waiting for the older woman to introduce her friend.
"Eri, this is my friend from Fuuka Academy, Natsuki Kuga. Natsuki, this is Eri Schwartz, my…!" Shizuru was cut off.
"I'm her girlfriend. Nice to meet you Kruger." Natsuki was a little upset that Shizuru would chose a foreigner but what Natsuki didn't like the most was that nickname that Eri used, even though it sounded so cool but she decided to let it go. A hand was offered but Shizuru prevented it from reaching Natsuki, confusing her.
"Eri-chin! Stop messing around."
Natsuki wasn't sure what was going on in front of her, but was she wrong about the relationship between the two. If so, she wanted to find that out but sadly, she doesn't have enough time, as she was already late for her interview with Tom Sawaya.
"Well, I better get going, I'm already late." Natsuki gave a little wave to Shizuru and her girlfriend. "It was nice seeing you again Fujino-san." Emerald eyes met crimson orbs one last time before departing. Natsuki opened the door to excuse herself out. "Hope you two have fun." Natsuki thought she said this in her normal voice but she was able to catch a little sadness in it. Hopefully, Shizuru didn't catch this tone but somewhere deep down inside, she wish the older woman did.
"Yeah, you too." Hearing Shizuru say this, Natsuki wondered if the two will ever see each other again.
With that being said, Natsuki left and Shizuru continued on watching Natsuki head towards a run down black Mercedes. If Natsuki saw Shizuru's eyes now, they look like they were pleading for her to stay. Did Shizuru miss her? Did Shizuru think about her all these years? It was hard to tell but not that hard like it was in high school. Then again, Natsuki was young, naïve and hot-headed. She couldn't even concentrate when the older woman teased her. Now, Natsuki was grown up, more mature and calm. A tease can't effect her that much and she understood emotions that were going on around her. Heck, she knew that life comes at you hard, even if you do it to yourself.
"This is just like three years ago." Yeah, leaving without telling Shizuru about what she was up to. Only showing her back towards the older woman without a care. Natsuki didn't start up her car because she was stuck thinking about the past.
Three Years Ago…
Shizuru got in to a university in Kyoto and was getting in her family's limousine. Natsuki was there to see her off. Before leaving, Shizuru gave Natsuki one last hug, that felt like it was desperate, and told her that she'll call. Natsuki gave Shizuru a nod that told the older girl that she got the message. As promised, Shizuru had called and Natsuki talked, however, with each passing month, the calls lessen, then it all stopped at once. Until, one final call was made a month later.
Message 1
"Natsuki, this is Shizuru, you must be pretty busy at the moment but call me back when you get the chance. Love you and miss you."
Natsuki was going to call her back, but she just didn't. Then two days later, Shizuru called Natsuki to tell the girl that she would see her again.
Message 2
"Natsuki, I know I should have told you this soon but I'm coming back to Fuuka to finish the rest of my studies. See you soon."
Sadly, Natsuki wasn't there when Shizuru came back. The greetings that she got was all from her fan girls who found out that the student council president was coming back. Shizuru didn't understand why Natsuki wasn't there so she went to go find out herself. Running in to Mai, she found out that Natsuki had gone to Tokyo to study on anthropology and forensics. Shizuru couldn't believe what she was hearing and ran to Natsuki's room. Arriving at the said room, she saw everything gone. Natsuki brought all her stuff with her, leaving no trace behind. Shizuru wanted to know why Natsuki didn't tell her about her sudden transfer but Natsuki wouldn't even know the answer either. That is until now. Natsuki was scared of her own feelings.
Present…
Shizuru couldn't believe her eyes as she saw Natsuki in front of her, looking fit and well. As she stood in front of the young woman before her, she couldn't help but feel that Natsuki matured in the years. Even if Natsuki had changed, Shizuru wanted to run up to the woman and hug her, but she couldn't because she was afraid of the reaction she would receive. As Shizuru was able to talk to Natsuki, she was about to ask about the little black book that Natsuki was caring, but she had to introduce her coworker. However, Eri messed the introduction up for her by saying that the two were dating. That was so a lie, Eri was only her assistant on a business trip to one of the corporation and nothing else. She wanted to tell Natsuki that but the girl left before she could. Saying 'have fun you two', Shizuru thought there was sadness and regret in Natsuki's tone.
"I can help the next customer."
"Come on Shizuru." Eri dragged Shizuru towards the counter to order their drinks. Shizuru and Eri both order their coffee and tea and ended up staying at the shop. Eri started the conversation up on the financial terms on the Fujino corporation but Shizuru wasn't even paying attention. She was too engrossed on Natsuki's sudden appearance and sudden leave. Shizuru was about to go back to the hotel until Eri brought up the subject of Natsuki.
"You're so lucky Shizuru that you know the famous investigator Kruger." Eri-chin couldn't help but giggle in excitement as she was able to see 'Kruger' in real life instead of on television.
Shizuru was a little bit puzzled on the name, "Shouldn't it be Kuga instead of Kruger."
"That's her nickname that everyone has been giving her, even on the news."
"How has she been getting this nickname?" Shizuru was paying closer attention now.
"She got the nickname because she was able to solve cases that nobody else could. She solved the case of the Midnight Sun and the famous case that is nearly twenty years old, Bridal's Fate. Even though she's new at this, she's defiantly made her way to being one of the bests investigators ever. At least everyone's heard of her, I can't believe you haven't heard of Kruger."
No wonder Natsuki had that little black book. Shizuru was amazed at what Natsuki did in between these three years. Wait, why hadn't Shizuru heard of this before? It must be because she was busy with her father's company, so she never had time to watch television. The duty of being the next president of the family business was driving her a little crazy, not to mention tired. "Ara? Is that so?" Shizuru wanted to know more about this news that she wasn't able to find out. "Do you perhaps know where the famous Kruger works at now?"
Twenty exhausting minutes and Natsuki still couldn't get out any information out of Sawaya-san. He kept with the same story every time she interviewed him. 'I found her like that when I came back from work,' etc. Natsuki wasn't going to give up the case but she decided to put it on hold for a little while longer but at the same time try to keep an eye out on the suspect. Coming back to her car, she drop the old case on the passenger's seat and pulled out a new case that was lying on the dash board. Looking in to it, it seemed that the investigation was already done by someone else. The case was only four days old, so it shouldn't be that hard to figure out. Reading the report that she received so far, it left Natsuki with many questions unanswered.
An American woman was found dead in her house and her husband was on a fishing trip on the time of the murder. Elizabeth Hamasaki was an engineered in aero technology, while her husband, Koji Hamasaki, worked at an organization for the brilliant and he was a business teacher at Mori High. The husband said he called his home to check on his wife but she didn't pick up the phone. He continued to call several times but still no answer. That's when the husband called his friend, Ichitaka Kato, to check up on his wife. Mr. Kato arrived at the house in the evening. The victim's car was still parked in the driveway, and the lights inside and out were still on. No one answered when Kato knocked on the door. He tried the back door but it wasn't a success, he then decided to climb in to an unlocked window to see ifMrs. Hamasaki was okay. Upon entering the house, he yelled out her name several times but never got an answer back. Checking in each room, he found Elizabeth in her room, lying motionless on her bed. There was no sign of robbery and no sign of a forceful break in. Later, using the ship to shore radio, the police called Elizabeth's husband to tell him of the bad news.
Looking at the photos that the photographers took, red ligature marks could be seen, making the cause of death strangulation. The marks on her neck didn't look like ropes but what appear to be cords. The patterns of the cords were remarkably unique. Even if the cords were unique, they weren't found in or out of the house. Reading the files more, the medical examiners estimated the time of Elizabeth's death between Monday night and Tuesday morning, the day of the discovery made by Ichitaka Kato. Three days after her husband left with his friends on the trip.
"I need to go interview the husband." Sighing, Natsuki signaled HQ to request Koji Hamasaki to come to the police station. Looking at the victim's picture, Natsuki also had another plan: she had to see the victim's body herself soon. Jotting that down in her appointment book, Natsuki went off towards headquarters.
Entering HQ, Natsuki was greeted by the other officers and investigators as she made her way towards a room that held Mr. Hamasaki in it. "I'm sorry for making you come out here at such an unnoticed time."
"Not at all. I'll do all that I can to capture the murderer who killed my wife." Even though he said that, he seemed like he wanted to leave, so Natsuki did him a favor and made the interview short as possible.
"Okay, now to get straight to the point. How was you marriage, Mr. Hamasaki?" First thing of interrogation, question about the relation between the husband and wife. It was either good or bad.
"It was…unusual." Natsuki was taken back by the answer.
"Can you explain to me how your marriage was unusual?"
"Well, I was having an affair with her and when I decided to tell her about it, she didn't mind about it at all. I even told her to get involved with someone else."
"Why would you want an affair? You have a smart wife, and a good job. What more could you want?" Natsuki had to carefully listen to what Mr. Hamasaki said next.
"My sex life wasn't that great. I had needs that needed to be…satisfied."
"So is that really why you had that affair?" Jotting down some notes, Natsuki still paid attention.
"That's correct."
An affair, but with whom? "Could you tell me the name of your mistress?" Natsuki was lightly tapping her pen on her book.
"I rather not get her involved with this, Kruger." This was going to be a long day. Natsuki asked Koji why, but he always countered it with the same answer. Trying not to fight with the guy, Natsuki let him go.
Closing the files, Natsuki called her work and told them to call Mr. Hamasaki's fishing trip friends and Mr. Kato to come up to Osaka headquarters in two days. In the mean time, Natsuki had to figure out who Mr. Hamasaki's current lover is. Looking out the office windows, the sun was setting, calling it a slow night for Natsuki. "Time to write my report but I guess I have to see the body later and try to get a few clues on who the mysterious lover is."
Shizuru was able to find out that Natsuki was temporary working in Osaka at their main headquarters on a case that dealt with a woman found dead in her own home.
Earlier that day, Shizuru stopped by a magazine store and found a magazine titled Top Investigators. On the cover, it showed Natsuki in her cool demeanor. Shizuru couldn't help but feel that the look was pretty sexy, although it looked like Natsuki was trying to avoid being caught in the camera. Shizuru lightly laughed and read the article in the magazine about Natsuki.
If the killer isn't found and you want revenge, well then Natsuki Kuga is the investigator for you. Being the youngest investigator, she's been given the nickname Kruger because she's able to solve any case that you throw at her. Whether the crime took place twenty years ago or it just happened recently, Kruger will give you your money's worth.
Continuing to read Natsuki's article, one passage caught her interest. Rumor has it that Kruger has a boyfriend, so those of you who wish to woe her with your love, it's far too late for that. If you take a look at figure 2, this could be her desired lover. Shizuru looked at the picture that supposedly had a man, that was a couple of inches taller then Natsuki, who wore a regular shirt and dress pants, walked oddly close to her. Was the rumor actually true? Shizuru wasn't quite sure, but it could be true, after all, Natsuki could fall in love with who ever she wishes. Closing the magazine, Shizuru wanted to call it a night and she wished she didn't read that passage.
As Shizuru laid on her hotel bed, she wondered why she was starting to have this painful feeling over Natsuki. A long time ago, Shizuru thought that she was already over Natsuki when the girl left her. Shizuru hated the feeling of never being loved, especially from Natsuki. Even though Shizuru had a lot of fan girls who loved her, it wasn't the love that she was looking for. She had given up hope that Natsuki would return the same feeling and she let her love for Natsuki vanish. That changed, when she first saw Natsuki, she realized something in that moment. She still had feelings for her and they were getting stronger then ever, making her agonize in pain. Even though she thought that her feelings for the latter were gone, it appeared that she just kept them locked away.
"Natsuki…" Slowly, Shizuru was able to fall asleep with tear stains down her cheeks. "Ikezu."
The next day, Natsuki was able to find out who Mr. Hamasaki's mistress was from several people. Her name was Lynn Keada, a coworker at the brilliant organization. Miss Keada usually worked during the mornings so Natsuki would have to wait after Miss Keada was done with work to interview her.
The time was two in the afternoon and Natsuki was able to spot Lynn coming out of the front doors. Now was her chance to get her. "Are you Miss Keada?" Natsuki started off with the greetings and then in to the crime.
"Yes, that is correct." The woman before Natsuki was very beautiful but not as beautiful as Shizuru. When Natsuki wasn't saying anything else, Lynn was about to head home. "I'm sorry but I'm in a hurry."
"Please wait, I need to ask you a few questions about your relationship with Mr. Hamasaki." Natsuki thought she was going to lose the only clue she had so far but surprisingly, Miss Keada was a cooperative person.
"I see, so it has to do with that man." Lynn sighed and motioned for Natsuki to follow her. "I have a son to pick up, so is it okay if we do it at my place?" Giving a slight nod, Natsuki followed Miss Keada towards a perschool, and picked her son up. About ten minutes later, Natsuki was at Miss Keada's place. It was a medium size house, enough for three people to live and a small backyard. Entering in to the house, Natsuki was offered a seat and Lynn put her son in a playpen. "Okay, what would you like to ask me?"
Natsuki took out her appointment book and a pen. "How long have you and Mr. Hamasaki been going out?"
"About a year."
"Did you know he had a wife?"
"Yes, I was aware that he had a wife. We met several times, now that I think about it." Natsuki couldn't help but think it was interesting that she knew.
"If you knew, why did you still have the relationship?"
"I wanted to settle down and start a family and well, I thought that Mr. Hamasaki was the right one for me."
Ding Dong…
The clock struck five in the evening. "Ah, I'm sorry but is it okay if I watch my talk-show."
Natsuki was a little puzzled but she let the woman do as she pleased. "Go right ahead."
Lynn smiled and headed towards her television. When she turned it on, there was no pictures but a very black and white fuzzy screen. "Damn T.V. set." Lynn gave the television a few hits and sighed in defeat as it still didn't work. Surprisingly, even for a brilliant woman, Miss Keada wasn't good at fixing things. "I can't believe that the new RTV cord still doesn't work."
Natsuki watched as Miss Keada grabbed the said cord and tried to fix it. It looked like the cord that was used in the crime. Natsuki wasn't sure because she had to take a closer look. "I can help you with that."
"Thank you." Lynn moved to the side and Natsuki went right to work. Now, being close enough to see the cord's patterns, there was no mistake, it was the weapon used in the crime. Natsuki had to find a way to obtain the cord. "No wonder your television isn't working."
"Excuse me?" Lynn wanted to know what the problem was.
"You see, you have the wrong cord." Actually, it was the right cord but Natsuki wasn't going to give up a good piece of evidence. "You need to buy a new one, so for now, no talk-shows." Hopefully, Natsuki's lie can help her get away.
"Koji-kun said that this cord would work."
Wait, it was Mr. Hamasaki that requested the cord. "So, did Mr. Hamasaki bring the cord to you?"
"No, I had to get the cord myself on Monday at his house." Monday, that was the day that the medical examiners said that Elizabeth was killed.
"How did you get in?"
"With a spare key that Koji made for me." Natsuki wished she was writing this down but she would have to wait until she uncovered more answers from Miss Keada.
"Did you happen to see Mrs. Hamasaki when you arrived?"
"No…although, her car was still in her drive way. When I went in, I called out her name several times but no one responded." Natsuki slowly warped the cord in to a loop. "Then I found the cords on the table and left."
"Do you know where Mrs. Hamasaki might have gone that day?"
"I thought her friends might have picked her up to hang out or something." Natsuki got the information that she needed and the evidence in her hand, now to leave.
"Well, it was nice to chat with you and once you go to the electronic store, tell then what kind of television you have and the problem with it. I'm sure that they will give you the right cord."
Natsuki and Lynn both gave their farewells and Natsuki went back to her car and wrote down the information that she was able to obtain a few moments ago. "Now, time to go to headquarters to see if the cords match with the victim's marks." The case was getting closer and closer to reveal, luckily, Natsuki already knew who the killer was.
Natsuki arrived at HQ, she made her way to where the body was being kept.
The medical examiner gave Natsuki some more notes on the victim's wounds. One information was very important, and it was how the victim's death occurred.
There is also hemorrhage in the cricothyroid muscles bilaterary with nderlying fractures of the cricoids cartilage.
It seems that the victim was doing her best to get away from the killer. "Is it okay if you can compare this cord to Mrs. Hamasaki's neck wounds?"
"No problem Kruger, I'll have it done by tomorrow."
"Thank you." Natsuki left to her office, updated her report that she started yesterday and was going to leave until she was stop by the Chief of Osaka.
"Kruger-san, how is the case coming along?"
Natsuki handed him her file. "Fine Chief."
The chief read Natsuki's updated report and finished it in a few minutes. "It sounds like we have our suspect here." "True, but the case isn't over yet Chief, you might be surprised who the murderer is." Leaving a confused Chief behind, Natsuki headed for her suite.
It had been two days since Shizuru last saw Natsuki, and she decided to see the latter at her job. At first, Shizuru wasn't going to go see the woman since she had to check on her family's other business's condition, however that changed since the business was in top condition. The former manager who temporally ran one of the Fujino's business was already prepared with the visit and gave Shizuru a very quick, organized tour.
Arriving at Osaka's police headquarters, she made her way to the front counter. The place was small compared to her business, so it shouldn't be that hard to find Natsuki as she observed. "Excuse me, I was wondering if I could see Kuga-san personally?" Shizuru gave out one of her polities smiles to the person behind the counter.
"Kuga….oh you mean Kruger-san, right?"
"Yes, that is correct." Shizuru still couldn't get use to the nickname.
"You're just in luck, Miss." The man couldn't help but give a toothy grin. "She just came in not so long ago, although she has an important interrogation to do, so it might be awhile before you could see her personally."
"Is it okay if I wait for her to finish?" Shizuru really wanted to see Natsuki no matter what.
"I guess that's okay, I can let you wait in her office and inform her that she has a guest."
"Ookini." Shizuru followed the man until they reached a small office on the fifth floor of the building. The man left to find Natsuki, leaving Shizuru alone. Shizuru entered the room and waited.
"So do you mind explaining to me how Mr. Hamasaki was acting on the trip?" Natsuki was already beginning her interrogation with one of Mr. Hamasaki's friends, the other two were still at work.
"Yes, he was acting natural, since he talked to his wife the day before she was murdered."
"Did he used his cell phone or the phone on the boat?"
"He used the phone on the boat the last time I saw."
"What was he talking about?" Lightly tapping her pen, Natsuki was ready to get more info.
"He was talking to his wife about going to the bank and making some deposits."
"Did anyone else come along the trip with Hamasaki besides you, Nekino-san, and Haru-san?" Somewhere along the report, it stated that there were only four people on the boat. Natsuki wanted to confirmed this information.
"My youngest daughter, Hikari, came on the trip with us."
"How old is your youngest daughter, Suzumiya-san?"
"She's about ten." Natsuki wrote this information in her appointment book, after all, this little clue might be useful to Natsuki.
"Thank you for taking your time in coming to headquarters." Natsuki said her goodbyes and left to another room where Ichitaka Kato was, however before she could make it to the room, she was stopped by an officer.
"Kruger-san, there's someone who wishes to see you." The officer gave full respect to Natsuki. "She's waiting in your office as we speak."
Natsuki was a bit confused on who her visitor was but right now she had a job to do. "Okay, I'll be there as soon as I get done with this last interview." The man gave her a slit nod and walked away. Natsuki wrote down 'guest' in her appointment book and continued on her job.
In one of the interrogation rooms, Natsuki asked Ichitaka some questions on what he discovered in the house.
"So tell me, Kato-san, how did you know which one Hamasaki-san was in?" Natsuki was relaxing in the chair and in front of her was a nervous Kato-san, surprising, he still corroborated with the police.
"Well, I knew that Elizabeth was in her bedroom because that was the only room closed upstairs." Natsuki couldn't help but wonder 'why' the door was the only one closed.
"Upon entering the room, there was something off about it. You know, anything different then usual?"
"I haven't been in their room before, so I wouldn't know anything unusual." Natsuki sighed as she knew that the case would take longer then necessary. "However, the room did felt oddly cooler."
Her first clue and Natsuki had to know how the room got cooler. "Could you tell me how?"
"I'm not quite sure, but when I opened the door, I felt a rush of cool air come at me. She must have left the air conditioner on for quite some time, then I saw Elizabeth's body and I tried to wake her up but she was gone."
"Do you know what the settings were on the air conditioner?"
"I think it was on the lowest settings." Natsuki solved the crime instantly, getting out of her chair, she concluded the interview over and left a puzzling Kato behind. Now all Natsuki had to do was confirm her theory on who the killer was. Walking out of the room, Natsuki took a look at her notes and spotted 'guest' in one of the pages. She nearly forgot about the visitor but since she wrote it down, she suddenly remembered. Sighing, Natsuki continued on towards her office, she wasn't in the mood for a guest since she wanted to get this cold case over with. She still had to find out who John Smith is.
Coming closer to her office, Natsuki spotted familiar chestnut-hair. Entering in to her office, Natsuki was astonished on who she saw for the second time in a less then a week. "Fujino-san?"
"Hello, Natsuki." Shizuru stated off calm on the conversation. "It seems like your quite busy."
"Yeah, well Fujino-san, that's what happens when you have to find murderers before they start to kill again."
"True." The atmosphere got awkward and it was going to take awhile to recover but Shizuru knew how to do that. At the main company, Shizuru was able to control the mood in every conference that she had, making it a success for every contract and deal made. Hopefully, it was going to be easy but then again, this is Natsuki we're talking about.
"Natsuki, you could drop the formality. We're been friends for quite awhile so I think it's alright for you to call me Shizuru." Shizuru said this in a calm tone. Natsuki was baffled on Shizuru's behavior. She thought the older woman would get mad at her, cry or anything. Looking in to Shizuru's eyes, they were waiting patiently for an answer yet they seemed quite somber.
Natsuki managed to say something but it wasn't any kind of welcoming conversation. "So, do you mind telling me why you are here?"
"Well, can't I see an old friend?" Shizuru was still holding her ground.
"I guess."
As the moment slowly turned awkward yet again, Shizuru wanted to get something off her shoulders as she remembered the article of Natsuki having a boyfriend. "Natsuki?"
"Yeah?" Shizuru couldn't help think that Natsuki might have not really changed because of her behavior. Always right to the point.
"Is it true that…you have a boyfriend?" Natsuki was struck with shock as Shizuru utter the word 'boyfriend'. Wondering how the older woman found out about the relationship, even though she broke up with him, Natsuki decided to avoid the conversation with another.
"No." Came the simple answer that Natsuki gave. "Anyway where's your girlfriend, aren't you suppose to be with her?" Surprisingly, Natsuki was able to ask this in a calm voice.
Shizuru was taken aback by the question but she decided to play along with it, she wanted to know how Natsuki felt about the fake confession. "Natsuki…are you upset that I already found someone else to give my love to?" The question was simple but it still got Natsuki\ worked up. Shizuru could see it in Natsuki's eyes even if Natsuki didn't answer back.
"Look Fujino, I have to solve this case, so I'm cutting our visit short, so if you'll excuse me." Natsuki left the room instantly, even though it was rash of Natsuki to leave all of a sudden, she made it look like the situation was under control. Leaving Shizuru alone in her office, she drove in the beat up rental Mercedes down to the forensics lab to test her theory on the clues she found out.
"Thank you for your hard work today fellows." Natsuki excused herself out as the tests was done.
"No problem Kruger, we're all glad to help out a famous investigator, such as yourself." Everyone, who helped Natsuki with the tests, all agreed.
It had been four days since Natsuki saw Shizuru in her office, then again, Natsuki was busy doing enormous tests on her clues. She was finally able to wrap the case up as she headed on home. She knew who the killer was and she was going to tell everyone tomorrow at the office.
"Hello, yes this is Kruger, I need you to call all Hamasaki and everyone involved in the case to come in to my office by tomorrow. Please assure them that I have solved the case and that it is important to hear the outcome of the ordeal."
Tomorrow was going to be the big day. It was the day that the killer will be revealed. "Also, can you tell Suzumiya-san to bring his youngest daughter with him as well, thank you."
By noon, everyone who was interrogated and involved showed up in Natsuki's office that was filled with five officers and the chief. While everyone was coming in, Natsuki had her cool demeanor on followed by her calm voice. "I have called you all today to inform you that I have solved the case."
"Thank God, Kruger please do tell us who the killer is." Mr. Hamasaki held excitement in his voice.
"Very well, the killer is here now, in this very room." Everyone was shocked at the startling confession and all wondered who the murderer could be. Natsuki gave a stern look at Miss Keada.
"That's outrageous!" Mr. Hamasaki was getting upset on Natsuki's theory. "Are you saying that this killer was under our noses all this time?!?"
Natsuki was calm as she answered the question. "Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying."
"Who is it Kruger-san?" The chief was getting tensed as the criminal was going to be revealed.
"It was Mr. Hamasaki who murdered his wife." Some people gave Natsuki weird looks while others were in totally shock as she told them who the murderer was. Miss Keada was especially surprised on the outcome.
"How can that be?" Haru-san was sticking up for his friend. "He was with us on the trip, he called his wife too and the file states that Mrs. Hamasaki was killed when he was still on the trip with us."
"Yeah, so how can I be the murderer if I wasn't even at home?" Mr. Hamasaki was starting to get nervous.
"His wife wasn't murdered on that day that the medical examiner stated earlier, she was murdered three days before she was found, basically the day Mr. Hamasaki left for the trip." Natsuki could see Mr. Hamasaki tensed up as she was revealing his plan. "He killed Elizabeth from strangulation with the RTV cord that he gave to Miss Keada on the day he left for the fishing trip. The cords that I was able to apprehend from Miss Keada's house." Natsuki picked up a bag with the cord, looking at Lynn. "That is why he told you to get the cord, so he wouldn't have the murder weapon with him." Natsuki then paid attention to the audience she was talking to. "We already did an analysis on the cord and the marks on Mrs. Hamasaki's neck. The patterns are an exact match." Everyone was quiet when paying attention to the discovery while Mr. Hamasaki was getting more tense. "Now, after the deed was murderously done, he put her on the bed and turned up the air conditioner in their bedroom. If the air conditioner wasn't running, we would have confirmed the actually time of the murderer, but since Mr. Hamasaki put on the air conditioner before leaving, it slowed down the circulations of the victim's blood, making it like a pause in time but only for three days tops. That's when temporary stiffening actually started to act upon the body. That's why he waited until the third day of the trip so that his friend, Kato-san, could check up on her. Ichitaka, that is why you felt the room was cold." Ichitaka Kato gave a look of disbelief while Hamsakai was surrounded by three officers as Natsuki continued on to her theory.
"Wait, then what about the phone calls that Mr. Hamasaki was making?"
"That's easy, we have a witness about that too." Natsuki tapped Suzumiya's daughter's shoulders, informing the girl that she needed her help. "So, Hikari-chan, do you mind telling everyone what you heard on Mr. Hamasaki's phone call to his wife?"
"I heard my dad's friend talking to no one on the phone except the ringing noise on the other line."
Suzumiya was astonished on what his daughter had said. "Sweety, why didn't you tell anyone about this before?"
His daughter gave out an innocent answer. "I thought it was weird and funny when he was talking to no one, and you said to never make fun of people who are weird."
"Tell me, investigator Kruger, what was my motive in killing my wife?" Hamasaki confessed with a cold tone. Mr. Hamasaki's friends were ashamed of what they got themselves involved with as they heard Natsuki explain the motive.
"It was obvious, even though your wife was okay with you for having enormous amount of affairs with other women, Miss. Keada wasn't, since she had your child. I presume that she threaten to end the relationship with you if you didn't get a divorce from your wife. However, if you divorced your wife, you wouldn't have anything to keep with you? When you told your wife you wanted to end the relationship, she didn't want to. Actually, she never wanted to have an affair to begin with. This problem, would lead to a bigger problem with Miss Keada." Natsuki glanced a look at Miss Keada before continuing. "That is why you headed towards the theory of killing Elizabeth so you wouldn't lose anything of yours to your wife and you'll still be able to be with Lynn Keada and your son."
Hearing the motive, Mr. Hamasaki had only one thing to say to Natsuki. "Excellent."
"Men, arrest the man right now." The officers surrounded Mr. Hamasaki and hand-cuffed him when he was trying to escape.
Before Mr. Hamasaki left, Natsuki had one final thing to say to him. "Even though you wanted to satisfy your needs, there comes a price to pay."
The time was about eight at night and Shizuru did business meeting with Eri by her side to discuss the situation that the company might be heading to. "As you can see, Mr. Miyuki, my family is still looking for a few high expectations in Osaka and I prefer that you meet those expectations."
"Yes, of course."
"Good, now I made some changes that I hope to see soon." Shizuru handed him some papers that discuss about the methods that the business should recommend in order to achieve the high expectations.
"T…Thank you." The former manager hesitated when taking the papers.
Shizuru and Eri left as the meeting was done. "Good job as always Shizuru."
"There's no need for that." Shizuru got in her rental car, a 2007 Limited Expedition. Eri waved good bye as she joined some of the Fujino corporation workers for a night out. Shizuru would have gone out with the group but she really wanted to tell Natsuki the words…
"I'm sorry."
"Kruger-san did it again!" The officers were cheering the young investigator on as she successfully solved another case. It looked like everyone was going to celebrate another victory for Natsuki but the day wasn't over as Mr. Hamasaki had to be in court for the murder of his wife in the next couple of days. Soon the news will cover the story of the remarkable case that was solved by Kruger.
"Alright, alright you guys. That's enough already." Natsuki was glad and all but she was tired from a hard days work. "I'll see you all tomorrow."
"Ah, but Kruger-san, you don't want to celebrate your victory?" The workers really wanted her to join them.
"Nah, you guys have fun, I'm calling it a night." With that being said, Natsuki left and headed towards her hotel.
Parking in to the hotel's lot, Natsuki got out of the car and headed towards her suite. She was tired and she needed a break really bad. It was bad enough that she had to stay up late to analyze the test and it was even worse when she couldn't stop thinking about Shizuru. Checking her pockets for her room key, she realized that she must have left it in the locker room. Frustrated and tired, Natsuki headed to one of the workers at the counter. "I'm sorry to ask, but it seems that I've locked the key in to my room. Do you mind if I could use the spare?"
Natsuki was asked about her name and what room she stayed in until she finally got the spare key. "Thank you, I'll return it as soon as possible." Natsuki left towards the elevators.
Waiting for an available elevator, Natsuki saw Shizuru standing right beside her. Great, stuck in the same hotel.
Shizuru was there five minutes before Natsuki arrived. The older woman was done with her final business tour at Osaka. "Natsuki?"
Natsuki never answered and just pretended that Shizuru wasn't even there as more people gathered around them. Once an elevator was available, Natsuki and several other people pushed their designated floor level. With each passing moment, less and less people headed on out. Several more floors later, Natsuki and Shizuru was alone in the elevator. Natsuki looked at what floor they were on and noticed that her floor was the last one left.
Bing, and the elevator stopped at level 54. "Don't tell me, same floor?" Shizuru nodded and Natsuki just sighed.
"I'm heading this way as well Natsuki." Shizuru stepped out of the elevator as she followed Natsuki.
Natsuki continued on walking and it felt like Shizuru was following her. She was getting fed up with it. "Okay, I get that your room is on this level but you could stop following me."
"Natsuki, I'm down this hallway too." Natsuki didn't feel like believing her. She need evidence.
"Prove it." Shizuru took out a room key that read 527, several rooms right down the hall to her. No wonder Natsuki wasn't able to see Shizuru at this hotel, then again, her work was keeping her busy. Giving back the room key, Natsuki continued on walking towards her room. Natsuki was standing in front of her hotel suite but Shizuru was still behind her. Unlocking and opening the door slightly, Natsuki was getting a little annoyed with Shizuru. "What now?"
"May I come in for a few minutes?"
"If that can make you leave faster, then sure." Natsuki's voice held sarcasm but Shizuru ignored it.
"It seems that you have been doing well." Shizuru started to say when she entered Natsuki's suite. Natsuki just sat on the couch followed by Shizuru, with some distance of course. "Although I'm surprised that when you were in high school, you were always disorganized." Shizuru couldn't help but chuckle a little while Natsuki counter Shizuru's own words.
"Fujino-san, we were young back then. I wasn't thinking right and now, well, now I'm grown up, I've matured. I think I can handle any situation now."
"Of course Natsuki. You have mature quite nicely in those areas."
"Fujino, this isn't the time to joke." Natsuki lightly blushed but still had her eyes on Shizuru.
Shizuru stopped laughing and knew that Natsuki was right, there won't be a time for jokes. "Natsuki, you said, you can handle any situation, right?"
"Yes."
"But four days ago, you seemed like you wanted to get away from me." There was sadness in Shizuru's voice.
"No, I just needed a break from my hectic job." It really was the true as Natsuki was fed up with the cases she ended up with because of her stupid boss Takeda. "But the good news is that I was able to solve the case."
"That's great to hear."
Sighing, Natsuki had to keep herself up for the time being. "Yeah, and you know what else is great?"
Shizuru couldn't think of anything better then solving a case. "What's that?"
"I broke up with my boyfriend before I came to Osaka." Shizuru couldn't believe what she was hearing. Natsuki had a boyfriend.
"You mean that rumor was true?" Shizuru was a hurt by this since Natsuki's lip made contact with someone else then her own.
"Rumor?" Natsuki was a little confused on what Shizuru was talking about.
"Well, I read an article that said you had a secret lover and…I kind of…" For the first time, Shizuru was actually stumbling on words. Natsuki could easily read the older woman's expressions.
"Were you jealous?" Natsuki's calm voice sent a shiver down Shizuru's body. The older woman love the way Natsuki was talking. Emerald orbs welcomes crimson orbs. Shizuru didn't want to admit it but she also didn't want to lie to Natsuki. "Yeah…I was and I still am."
"Oh?" Natsuki relaxed in to couch and it looked like she was going to fall asleep right on the spot, but managed to talk to Shizuru. "Do you mind explaining?"
"No, that's okay. I should be leaving now so that you can get plenty of rest." Shizuru got up and headed towards the oak door. "Natsuki, don't play too rough now." Shizuru was going to escort her out until she was stopped by two strong arms that made their way in to a firm hug.
"Why…are you like this?" Shizuru watched as Natsuki slowly rested on her shoulders. "You acted like nothing happened at all, Shizuru. Why aren't you mad at me? Why aren't you yelling at me? Do anything to me so I could beg you for your forgiveness."
"Natsuki…." Shizuru didn't want Natsuki to take the blame, and she didn't want to see Natsuki this upset, after all, she was still had feelings for the younger woman when she first laid eyes on her at the coffee shop. Those feelings that taunted her for three years.
"Especially, why didn't you make me stop you, Shizuru?" Natsuki was to the point of showing her weak side but if it was Shizuru, then it was always okay. Shizuru wouldn't tease Natsuki about something this serious.
A long time ago, Shizuru would beg Natsuki to not let herself leave, she would always tell the girl to not play rough with the guys and she would also say those things with love and care in them. Love and care that Natsuki completely forgot about. A feeling that she was never able to get with anyone else except for Shizuru. What had happen between the two all these years? Natsuki wanted to ask Shizuru why hadn't she called or anything, but if she did, then she might have to ask the same questions back. Natsuki wasn't ready to give Shizuru an answer but she would later on, just not now.
"I'm sorry." Shizuru's voice held guilt in them.
"Baka, you shouldn't be the one saying sorry, I should be the one saying sorry." Natsuki tightened her hold on Shizuru.
"Do…you want me to stay with you tonight?" Natsuki slowly shook her head no and let go of Shizuru.
"Sorry, I'm just having a hard time." Natsuki confessed, straighten herself up and told Shizuru that she was going to call it a night. Escorting Shizuru out, Natsuki was happy to get those confusing feelings off her chest. "Hey, Shizuru." Shizuru turned around as she met emerald eyes that were still adorable like a little puppy's. "Give me a call sometimes, it's still the same number."
Shizuru smiled that special smile. "I will, if Natsuki promises me that she'll call back."
"Don't worry, I will." Shizuru gave Natsuki a stern look. "I promise." Natsuki held out her left hand while her right hand was down, it looked like Natsuki was swearing on the law book.
"It's a promise then." With that being said, Shizuru gave Natsuki a hug, but not one of despair like three years ago but of love and content, then she left towards to her own suite.
As Natsuki sat on the couch, her cell was ringing. On a late night like this, Natsuki wondered who it could be, but she didn't have to as she already knew the answer. Looking at her phone, Natsuki saw a very familiar name on it. It appears that Shizuru still kept her old phone number as well, how ironic. Picking up the phone, Natsuki started the conversation. "Shizuru, I didn't tell you to call me now but sometimes later."
"But Natsuki, I still miss you." The Kyoto-ben sounded like a whimper.
"I missed you too." Silence covered on the conversation which made Shizuru worry if Natsuki was still on the line or not.
"Natsuki?" Shizuru wasn't sure if she got the latter's attention but a soft hum was given, confirming Shizuru that Natsuki was paying attention to her. "You know, I still really do love you."
Natsuki couldn't help but smile at the words being said. "You know Shizuru, it's a crime to fall in love with the same person twice, but I'll let it slide this time."
T. B.C…
In the next chapter, Natsuki has a new partner. Who could it be? You won't believe who it is. Guesses?
A/N - Did you guys like it?