Two weeks passed and the two settled with their friends with benefits set up. Eri started taking pills as it seems that Kogoro isn't prepared with his so called condom all the time. But the two had been at it most of the time- at her house, in her kitchen, in his apartment, her room, her office (with their longest kiss ever so Kogoro can shut Eri's moans to prevent Midori from hearing), in her car, among others. Like they were some horny teenagers.
There were times that the two are contented just being with each other. They would snuggle in her couch and watch those old movies. Both learned their mutual love for the classics be it with movies or songs. Or there was this one Saturday morning that Kogoro actually gave her a foot massage, scrub and painted her nails. Eri was laughing all the time especially when he didn't want it but agreed when she promised a nice bed time together. Who would have thought that this tough guy can paint nails? Kogoro refused to answer but Eri had a haunch that one of his escapades taught him.
But they are not really together. Friends with benefits. Eri goes out with Tobe and more often now that she already told the vet that she and Kogoro are over. Of course the detective objected but he cannot do anything about it.
Right now, the two are trying to catch their breath after another mind blowing sex. As always, Kogoro wrapped his arm around Eri and kissed the lawyer's hair. He seems to love doing it a lot even when they are not having sex.
"So, Kisaki-san, how was your date with Tobe?" He asked once he caught his breath. She went out with the vet earlier that evening and when she arrived, Kogoro was there eating on her kitchen as if he owns the place.
"Same old." She said. To be honest, she hates it when Kogoro is always asking about Tobe. How many times did they fight about him always ending with one of them leaving?
"Don't you get tired?" He is slightly irritated.
Eri noticed his tone. If she blows up, definitely she will sleep alone tonight. "Just sleep, Kogoro."
"I just don't get it why you are still going out with him." Now, his irritation is evident.
"Can you please drop it? I am sick of you always bringing this up." The lawyer snapped. She then removed Kogoro's arm on her and sat on the bed angrily facing the detective. "What's up with you and your damn double standard? I don't ask you to stop seeing those women of yours!"
Kogoro sat on the bed as equally angry. "You don't have to ask because I don't have any women! I don't have a fucking woman!" He then stood and went to dress up picking his discarded clothes on the floor. "I am so sorry for caring for you."
Before Eri could say anything, Kogoro had left the room and eventually her house. "Damn detective!"
Another argument between him and Eri. He went straight to the bar he frequents. While ordering, several girls who know Kogoro headed and invited him for a night, but he refused. Since the first time he had Eri, he never got laid by a different woman. Something inside him protests with the thought of sleeping with another woman. Kogoro doesn't even look at girls as much as he used too. Every day, no matter where he is, his mind is always occupied by that no-nonsense lawyer. Not once in his life did a woman invade his thoughts. And he cannot understand that weird feeling inside his chest when he sees her smile.
He took another shot of brandy. Could it be? Is this feeling that feeling that he never thought he would happen to him? No… That is just plain impossible. He cannot love. Perhaps it is strong attraction to the lawyer but love is definitely out of question. He refuses to let it be love.
Eri took another bite of Zigoba. She is upset. It had been more than a week since Kogoro left. Not once did he seek her out again after that night. Maybe he never will. Perhaps he already tired. Wasn't he the one who told her that he doesn't bed a woman twice? But then again, he also told her that she was his exception.
Tonight, Tobe invited her for another dinner after work. Perhaps it would be best if she would just get back with him. After all, Tobe is safe and he said he loves her. At least she won't get all confused. Sure she has a very strong attraction with the detective but their play time is over. She has to consider her future and certainly, there is no future with that asshole.
Eri left her car at the office as Tobe picked her up. She changed to semi-casual attire and headed over the restaurant.
"Tobe, I accept your offer for us to get back together." Eri said as they eat. Her eyes are everywhere except his.
A smile grew on the face of the veterinarian. "Thank you, Eri. I promise we will be happy." He then said as he took her hand and kissed it gently.
The act made Eri pull her hand but she forced a smile on her face. She is doing the right thing. Tobe is safe. Kogoro is anything but.
Eri and Tobe settled into a smooth relationship. No fighting, he is always taking her out, and really nice to her. He seems to be perfect. But Eri couldn't help but compare him to Kogoro. She misses their verbal spars, the passionate sex, snuggling together. Something is wrong in her head. But she ignored it. Tobe is safe. Anyway, it's been a month since she last saw the detective but not once did she fail to think of the detective.
The lawyer then started to review her case. Tomorrow she will be up again against Prosecutor was the case of a burglar who was charged with murder instead of manslaughter. The culprit admitted into hitting the victim with an ashtray but denied taking the money. However, the proprietor saw what happened.
Then out of nowhere, her thoughts lingered again to Kogoro. That man is just so good, sometimes she hates when they were watching those detective series and he would just go and reveal the culprit as soon as the crime was committed. A faint smile escaped her lips as she remembered those moments with him. The two weeks that they spent being friends with benefits were not just filled with sex but with those tender moments.
Right now though, she has to focus on her case. At any rate, Kogoro is no longer part of her life.
Kogoro stared at Eri as she go and defend her client. He doubts if she knows he's here but this case was given to him to investigate further as the one assigned had been shot in an encounter. The detective then decided to see the trial today with hopes of getting more information. The fact that Eri is the defendant's lawyer was unknown to him until now.
He knows that Eri is with that fool veterinarian again. Perhaps it was his own doing but there's nothing he can do now. He pushed thoughts of Eri at the back of his mind. Once his focus is on the hearing again. His detective instinct kicked again. Something is wrong. He could help Eri again this time. That is if she will talk to him again.
After the session, the detective waited for Eri. He saw prosecutor Kujou talking to the lawyer outside. Approaching them, Reiko gave Kogoro a smile and left leaving the two.
"Eri… can I speak with you?" He then asked. His tone filled with sadness.
Eri was surprised to see him but it only lasted for a few seconds before it was replaced with irritation. "What for? I think our play time is over, Mouri-san."
"Eri… please…" Kogoro said. All he wants is a chance to explain and to let her know how he really feels for her.
"It's over, Mouri-san. Please do not interfere with our lives anymore. Tobe and I are together again if you still don't know that. Our relationship is going smooth. Just… just go. I don't want to do anything with you. I don't even want to see your face again."
Feeling defeated, Kogoro turned to leave but not before he spoke. "I remember telling you not to fall in love with me. But I failed to remind myself." Then he left before Eri could say a word.
Eri stood dumbfounded. Did he just tell her he is in love with her? No, it cannot be. That man is incapable of love. She wanted to run after him and ask him about it but Midori called her and informed her that they have to leave so they won't be late for their appointment.
After their talk, Kogoro went on full detective mode. Setting aside his lost, he went to the bar of the witness, Arima Masahiko to investigate. It didn't hurt that he can also get a drink there. Since that fight with Eri, he had been drinking to the point that the chief had been bothered. Talking to Masahiko strengthened his suspicion that the burglar really didn't take the money.
He then headed to the crime scene. Upon investigation, Kogoro understood how the murder was done. Immediately, he called Eri.
"What?" The lawyer snapped on the other line. Why is he calling her?
"Kisaki-san, the case of Inoue Takashi was transferred to me. I'd like to inform you that he didn't kill Ootsu-san. If you are interested, you can head over the crime scene now and I can inform you of what happened." His tone didn't connote any kind of emotion.
"Why should I trust you?" Evidently, the lawyer is annoyed.
"I hope that our personal matters won't affect our professions. I am simply helping you out in figuring the truth and help give justice to the victim by putting to jail the real murderer."
Silence ensued. After several moments, Eri agreed. "Fine. I shall meet you there in half an hour."
Half an hour later, Eri arrived. When she got out of her car though, a boy in a skateboard gave a letter to her. Immediately, she opened it.
"Figured you wouldn't want to see me, Kisaki-san. When you get to the crime scene, I left instructions to Akiyama-san. He would help replicate the crime for you to understand. On the next hearing, just call me as a special witness. I will be there to reveal the real culprit.
Kogoro."
Eri felt her heart drop. Well, she was expecting to see the detective. Of course she doesn't want to talk to him about anything personal but would it kill him to face her? Damn that asshole for bothering her like this.
The lawyer approached Akiyama Takuya for instructions. Upon doing so, she was surprised to see someone being murdered. When they opened the door it was all an illusion generated by the light. Eri confirmed with Takuya if this was what he saw that night and the witness confirmed that it was.
Saturday afternoon, Tobe and Eri went to an underwater play. Upon entering, the two saw Kogoro talking to a beautiful lady while laughing. Eri felt annoyance seeing the display. The detective noticed the two at the entrance. Followed by the lady, Kogoro approached Eri and Tobe.
"Hello, Kisaki-san and Tobe-san. I assume you are here to watch the underwater play as well." He greeted with a faint smile on his face masking the jealousy that is consuming him inside. "Let me introduce you to the show's star, Osawa Michiko."
"How do you do?" Immediately, Tobe extended his arm to Michiko.
Eri on the other hand just gave a fake smile. For sure this is another escapade of this asshole. How can she even spend her nights thinking if he really said he loves her. Damn asshole.
"Nice to meet you." Michiko said. "I was about to give Mouri-san a tour, would you like to join us?" She asked nicely.
"No thanks." She quickly answered. The thought of seeing this woman whose arms is snaked on Kogoro's is making her upset. "I actually want to grab some coffee before the show starts."
Tobe then turned his gaze to Eri. It was evident that the vet took a liking to the beauty. "Eri, maybe we can go and see the backstage. I think it would be interesting."
"I just want to grab a coffee." Eri then said firmly. She tugged the vet's arm and headed away before he can voice out another protest.
Kogoro and Michiko then headed to tour back stage. She introduced him to her co-workers. Though Kogoro noticed that Michiko really has an attitude and talks harshly.
An hour later, Kogoro waited for the play to start. Much to his chagrin, he found himself looking for Tobe and Eri who happens to be seated two rows below him. It was dark so he couldn't make out what they are doing. If he thought seeing Eri ignore him hurts then it hurts him more to see her with the wrong guy. He knows Tobe is not sincere with Eri but he failed to protect her from him.
The play was good. When it was time for Michiko to show as Venus though, the audience was shocked when the clam opened and she just floated there lifeless.
Immediately, the detective hurried to the scene. As they were in front, Eri even saw Kogoro inside the huge aquarium as they drained it. He was trying to resuscitate Michiko but then, she noticed the sad look on the detective's face. It was too late.
Eri forgot about Tobe and immediately followed Kogoro at the backstage. She doesn't know why but Eri is just so sure that he will be revealing the culprit.
Tobe followed suit. He just wants to leave and rest but Eri really has to go and follow that detective ex of hers. Perhaps she hasn't really moved on. But she is his now.
They were all gathered inside the control room. Kogoro was asking about the functions and the safety completely ignoring Eri's presence when an upset Tobe entered the room.
"Eri, let's go." He said.
"Wait Tobe. I need to see this." She retorted upset that he had the gall to talk to her like that.
Kogoro just listened, not even turning to see them and hoping that someone goes and ask the two to leave. But no one dared to do it. The rest of the police have yet to arrive.
"I said let's go. What? Still drooling over that ex of yours, Eri?" Finally, Tobe snapped.
"You are unbelievable. Just leave if you want to leave." Eri then said.
"You are coming with me." He then dragged Eri out of the room.
"Tobe, it hurts." She squealed catching Kogoro's attention.
Before he knew what hit him, Tobe lay on the ground. "Hey animal doctor," He called. Eri stood behind Kogoro. "Can you only manhandle a woman? Piece of shit!"
"Eri, do you know how many women would want to be with me? You cannot defy me like this!" Tobe said as he stood and straightened himself. He ignored the detective and talked to Eri instead.
Before Eri could snap, Kogoro spoke. "Don't you dare tell a woman that there are a lot of girls out there that can replace her. You should remember how many guys lost when she chose you!"
"What? Guys like you? You are not worth anything, Mouri!."
"Tobe please stop it." Eri then called. She is not afraid that Tobe will get hurt but she is more afraid that Kogoro might beat him up and get in trouble.
"Hn… Really? Why don't we see what you're worth? Wanna take this outside?"
"Whatever you asshole." Tobe then faced meeting the detective's eye. "She chose me. Go and find yourself another woman. She's mine!" He then dragged Eri with him. Eri went with Tobe to prevent any further dilemma.
"Wait, Tobe." The two stopped on their tracks. Both Eri and Tobe saw the murderous intent in his fierce eyes. "Just pray that we don't ever cross our paths again. Remember that if we do, I promise, I will add you to my sins." There is no mistake on that evil smile on his face.
Eri stood dumbfounded. The vet then led her outside the scene. When they entered his car, Eri spoke.
"Why did you do that, Tobe?" She asked. Deep inside Eri was furious. "You hurt me."
"Because you are still flirting with that ex of yours!" He angrily said. His eyes filled with angered that it scared Eri.
"There's nothing going on between us anymore! What are you saying?" Eri then explained.
Tobe then had his hand on her neck as if to choke her. "There'd better be nothing, Eri. I won't share you with him. You're mine!" He said then drove away.
"Mouri-san, this looks like an unfortunate accident." Inspector Megure said when he arrived. They tested all the equipment used and those were functioning correctly.
But Kogoro wasn't convinced. He knew something was up. He revisited the crime scene again. Looking over the clues and all. Then it hit him. "This wasn't an accident. It was a planned murder."All eyes were on the detective now. Time for his show. "I already know who the murderer is behind the trick used. We all thought Michiko died because she drowned inside the shell due to her leg pains. The buttons to stop the flow of water are working fine. Michiko can breathe underwater for four minutes. Therefore, she would have the time to stop the flow using the stop button. It is also unlikely that she will perform with a medicine wrap on her leg as she is an experience performer and always looks at the audience eyes."
"I also found that odd. Even though she had leg pains before she never performed with a medicine wrap." Hayashi Masato, stage director, pointed.
"Yes. But when she met me earlier, she wasn't wearing any medicine wrap. As a proof, she was wearing high heels." Kogoro continued. "Someone with leg pain won't wear those."
"But on the body, there was indeed a medicine wrap on her leg." The inspector pointed out.
Everyone gasped when the detective pointed out. "I think that was the act of the culprit. The murderer misled us into thinking that her death was due to drowning."
"Are you saying that the murderer had us all the time?" A surprised Inspector Megure blurted.
"Yes. The murderer is one of the people inside this room." All the people gasped again. "The murderer put the medicine wrap before the show started. This person snuck on Michiko while she was putting on her make-up. Then drugged her, put the wrap on her leg, then moved her body inside the shell."
"Then, who is the murderer." Another colleague of Michiko asked.
"To commit the murder would really take some time. But if Michiko was drugged first then move the body, it won't really take long. For instance, if you went to the restroom that time, you wouldn't be suspected."
"Washroom?" Inspector Megure asked.
"Yes! Murukawa-san, the murderer is you." The detective pointed to the large man. "Before you deny, I have evidence. They lie on Michiko's cosmetics being scattered. This proves that she was on a conflict while putting her make-up on. Then, there was foundation found in the shell's tank which was most likely the make-up on Michiko's face as she was dragged unconsciously into the shell. As if she was sleeping soundly, she had her face on the ground. If she died in struggle inside the tank, then isn't it strange that the foundation was only found at one spot on the floor? Then as the water filled the tank, it would drown the sleeping Michiko."
"Those are whack deductions. What you said doesn't even count as evidence, Mouri-san." Murukawa countered.
A knowing smirk appeared on the detective's face. "You yourself have the solid evidence on you. On your back, probably behind your neck." Immediately, Takagi looked at the back of Murukawa. There, he saw a lipstick mark. "Yes, that is the exact color of the lipstick that Michiko used. I think it happened while she was being carried and accidentally stained. I checked the uniform hanging on the wall and I saw faint lipstick mark. Possibly, you tried to wash it off."
"But you don't know where it came from. Maybe it happened in the narrow corridors and accidentally stained." Murukawa tried to defend himself.
"No it's impossible. Look at the lipstick mark again." They all did and saw that the lipstick mark is upside down. "That's right, it's upside down. The only way to get that is if the head is over the shoulders. Just the way that you carried Michiko."
Finally, Murukawa-san gave in and revealed that he killed Michiko. It was an act of revenge as she accidentally killed his wife and child. Worst, she knew it was Murukawa's family and laughed about it with her father.
