A/N: Not happy how my Geography final exam is being held at 9:00 on Saturday morning... Better be sure to drink an extra dosage of coffee tomorrow.

Chapter 17: Another Death

With baggy eyes rimmed with dark circles, Kanami sluggishly dragged herself out of bed, her movements as slow as a sloth's. Having spent the whole night keeping watch over Hiyori, the Minoseki Toji did not get a single wink of sleep. If their time here at the Hotel Tsubaki was a real vacation, Kanami would've liked nothing more than to just sleep in with Hiyori. Eat breakfast in bed. Enjoy the hot thermal waters of the hotel onsen.

"Come on, Kanami. Hurry up and get changed," Hiyori ordered. "Or else, we'll miss the breakfast hour like yesterday."

Letting out a loud yawn Kaoru would've been proud of, the Minoseki Toji obeyed, making her way over to the walk-in wardrobe. Choosing a simple shirt and a pair of jeans, Kanami watched Hiyori brush her long jet-black hair. The Origami Head was already dressed in a white blouse with a satin bow and a teal-green skirt. Hiyori had always been an early-riser, a trait that Kanami secretly envied.

For a moment, the Minoseki Toji tried to imagine spending a day in Hiyori's shoes. Since she became Yukari's heiress, how many hours of effort did she have to put in working around the clock? Even though she had no idea, Kanami was already aware that Hiyori rarely ever got time to herself. Even their private time together was limited. It was at that moment Kanami realized there were still so many things she didn't understand about her girlfriend.

As the two Tojis made their way to the dining hall, they saw Kenzou coming out of Yayoi's room. The doctor's face was puffy and red, as he muttered quibbles under his breath.

Hiyori's voice pulled him up. "How is she?"

"She's awake. Although I advised her to not move her arm too much, she should be fine to get out of bed and come downstairs. A good healthy breakfast should help revive her spirits," Kenzou said.

"That will be good indeed," Kanami agreed.

Delicious smells came from the dining hall and this time, Kanami's stomach was not disappointed having discovered at least twenty dishes at the buffet table. She didn't waste a second in loading a plate full of fish, fruits, eggs, and small pickled vegetables.

Two waiters went to and fro between tables, pouring coffee for everyone. The caffeine-loving person she was, Hiyori didn't refuse the offer of her favourite hot drink. However, when Kanami also handed over her cup, the Origami Head couldn't help raising an eyebrow. Ordinarily, Kanami hated coffee—however, staying awake and alert was essential. She took only one sip of the bitter beverage, before pouring a ton of sugar into it.

Breakfast was a normal meal, compared to last night's dinner. Now in broad daylight, it seemed as though a long horrid nightmare was over.

At one table, Naomi was in unusually high spirits and talking with Mary. The actress showed no sign of pausing for breath.

"...and I told my daughter, 'Really, Yuki, if you keep sunbathing all the time, you'll get a frightful tan—not to mention possible skin cancer! And then what will happen to that beautiful face of yours?' Then, of course, she argued that winter is a time to go to beachy places to stay warm. So, I advised her, 'If you want to stay warm, go to a resort with an onsen!' And then I told her about the Hotel Tsubaki. But Yuki, being her usual rebellious self, declined to accompany me here for the beaches at Okinawa. Well, it's her loss. But after recent events, maybe it's a good thing she didn't come..."

More interested in her bacon, Mary struggled to keep up with listening, until Naomi said, "That reminds me! I still haven't gone to the onsen here yet. Why don't you and I go for a dip later?"

"I think I'll take you up on that offer," the English professor said, with a smile.

At a large table to the side were the three men, all smoking cigarettes. George was doing most of the talking with Kenzou occasionally asking a few questions in interest.

"Alabama was where I was born. 'Sweet Home Alabama' is what people would say," the general said, laughing at his own joke.

Just as Hiyori was finishing her second cup of coffee, Officer Kuroda sat down with her and Kanami. He noted the bloodshot eyes of the latter.

"You didn't get a night of good sleep, did you?" he said.

"Not after we got this last night," Kanami replied, taking out Jacklyn's latest letter from her pocket.

Officer Kuroda read it with a frown, letting out a soft curse. However, his attention was then drawn to the woman coming into the dining hall.

"Taniguchi-san, how are you?" the policeman asked.

The musician was dressed in the same dark vintage dress she wore yesterday. Nerves prevented her from doing her usual morning routine. Like Kanami, she also had bags under her eyes.

Repressing a yawn, Yayoi answered, "Much better. My arm still stings, but I'm otherwise okay."

Desperately needing a smoke, she joined Kenzou, George, and Daisuke at their table. The topic of conversation then turned to opinions on foreign countries. Kanami and Hiyori, being the eavesdroppers they always had been, listened attentively.

"Don't get me wrong, I think Western countries are absolutely delightful—if you go to the right places," Daisuke guffawed.

His comment made George's expression turn into the one he'd give a rowdy member of his troops. "Sydney wouldn't agree with what you just said, sir. Just the sort of satire one would find in her books."

"Oh, don't take offence, General Wilson. I'm sure Hashimoto-san was only joking," Yayoi said. "And as for Sydney, I think it's a beautiful place. Why I went there myself for a music concert at the Opera House."

His initial offended expression became one of amusement, as George corrected the musician, "I was actually talking about my aunt, Sydney, the writer."

"Oh, silly me. I do beg your pardon," Yayoi giggled.

"But I'm afraid I must agree with Hashimoto-san," Kenzou said. "There are some places in the West that I was repulsed by when I visited. Hashimoto-san, you've also been to New York, correct? Have you seen the garbage bags lying everywhere on the streets?!"

"Remarkably disgusting when I studied there," Daisuke snorted.

George's mouth formed into a frown once more. He was about to deliver another remark until a waiter came to their table. A tray of fruity sherbets was perfectly balanced on his hand.

"Compliments of the house."

"I hope that offer extends to the other tables?" Mary called out.

"But of course, miss."

Naomi gave a rather loud laugh after, startling everyone. Kanami looked at George to see that he was still frowning.

"It doesn't make sense..." she heard him mutter.

With a frown of her own, the Minoseki Toji thought, 'What's bugging him?'

After breakfast, they all went to the lounge for a few minutes to talk over some drinks. Discussion about anything associated with Jacklyn Ripper was mutually tabooed by everyone. They spoke instead of other current events. The recent inauguration of Hiyori; the snowstorm that showed no sign of ceasing; the appearance of a new virus that came from China... However, Kanami and Hiyori withdrew themselves a little from the rest of the guests to discuss the investigation with Officer Kuroda.

"What do you say we go to the onsen now?" Naomi said to Mary.

"Gladly."

"Etou-san, Hiyori-sama, would you like to join us?" Naomi asked.

The actress was politely turned down by both Tojis. There was something about the actress's tone that made Kanami and Hiyori think she didn't really want their presence at all, despite her offer.

"I'd join you both, but my arm..." Yayoi sighed.

Uncertainly, Naomi said, "I'm sure if you keep it out of the water—"

"I wouldn't advise it, ma'am," Kenzou interrupted. "Taniguchi-san needs to be careful about her wound."

His strict words made Naomi give a nervous laugh. "Of course. I'll meet you down in the grand foyer in maybe half an hour, Carter-san? I need to do something first."

Mary gave a nod and the two women went their separate ways. An excuse from Daisuke came later, saying that he would be upstairs to read in his room. Only George, Kenzou, and Yayoi remained.

Officer Kuroda and the two Tojis perked their ears at Kenzou's murmuring words. The doctor was staring into the fireplace, drink in hand.

"We must be very, very careful..."

Kanami raised an eyebrow. "Doctor Ishikawa?"

Kenzou turned to the three investigators. All eyes were on the doctor now, looking at him questioningly. The light from the fireplace cast shadows over his grim face.

"Careful to not be alone..."

Kanami, Hiyori, and Officer Kuroda spent the rest of the morning by themselves, going over the clues so far. Taking out a small notebook, Kanami presented to her fellow investigators a list that she had written last night in bed. It was written out in a methodical manner.

Ishikawa Kenzou—Doctor; Room 2

Connection with J. R. Murder Cases: Knew Sakamoto Erika.

Alibi: Went with victim upstairs at 10:00 (vouched for by Fujimori Hinata; last time victim was seen alive). Heard Shinbo Naomi's bell ringing at 10:15 (saw Fujimori Hinata going to her room).

Suspicious Circumstances: Has medical knowledge.

Shinbo Naomi—Actress; Room 8

Connection with J. R. Murder Cases: Was in same city as Kamei Mio on day of demise.

Alibi: Went upstairs at 9:45. Heard Kameyama Noboru use the sink at 10:05 (possible time before victim's death). Rang for tea at 10:15 (vouched for by Fujimori Hinata).

Suspicious Circumstances: Seen by George Wilson at 9:15 exiting victim's room (could be lying about Kameyama Noboru being a pornographic photographer). Had burnt newspaper in her room's fireplace (newspaper may be related).

George Wilson—Marine General; Room 5

Connection with J. R. Murder Cases: Knew Ebisu Chikane.

Alibi: Stayed in lounge till 12:00 (vouched for by Taniguchi Yayoi and Fujimori Hinata; till 11:00 by Hashimoto Daisuke).

Suspicious Circumstances: Revolver used at Hiyori-chan's inauguration may point to him.

Mary Carter—English professor; Room 3

Connection with J. R. Murder Cases: Knew Nakano Midori and Chiba Ayame.

Alibi: Went to bed at around 9:30 (taken upstairs by Taniguchi Yayoi). Was in bed at 12:00 (vouched for by Taniguchi Yayoi).

Suspicious Circumstances: Taught at Nakano Midori and Chiba Ayame's schools when they were murdered. Left a few weeks after deaths took place.

Hashimoto Daisuke—Salaryman; Room 1

Connection with J. R. Murder Cases: Knew Ebisu Chikane.

Alibi: Stayed in lounge till 11:00 (vouched for by George Wilson, Taniguchi Yayoi, and Fujimori Hinata).

Suspicious Circumstances: None known besides connection with Ebisu Chikane.

Taniguchi Yayoi—Musician; Room 6

Connection with J. R. Murder Cases: Knew Kamei Mio.

Alibi: Stayed in lounge till 12:00 (vouched for by George Wilson and Fujimori Hinata; till 11:00 by Hashimoto Daisuke).

Suspicious Circumstances: None known besides connection with Kamei Mio.

"Very neat and specific," Officer Kuroda commented approvingly. "Seems like we have a lot of evidence against Shinbo-san and Carter-san."

"I plump for Mary Carter," Hiyori said. "She's definitely connected in some way."

They did not get much time to study Kanami's list much longer because suddenly, a maid came running into the lounge. Her eyes were as terrified as a deer's when it gets caught in the headlights, and her skin was as white as paper. She rung her apron with spasming fingers.

"Oh, Officer! Sir!"

"What is it? What's wrong?" the policeman exclaimed.

In hysterics, the maid wrung her hands together, close to tears. "It's the general, sir. I was just upstairs doing the rooms and he—he doesn't look right."

She didn't say more and fled, the other three hurriedly following her. The maid showed them into George's room, where he was lying motionless on his bed. His skin was an odd colour and his eyes closed. With trembling hands, Officer Kuroda felt for the pulse.

Swallowing a little, Hiyori whispered, "Is he...?"

Officer Kuroda nodded with a vacant expression. "Yes, he's gone."

Turning to the now weeping maid, Kanami asked, "Can you tell us what happened?"

The maid sniffed, "I said I was upstairs doing the rooms. I knocked on General Wilson's door and having received no answer, I thought the room was empty. I found it locked, so I opened it with my master key to go in and clean...and that's when I found him."

She burst into fresh tears anew. "It's Jacklyn Ripper, isn't it? She's going to kill everyone in this hotel!"

Kanami murmured, "It is indeed like Doctor Ishikawa said: we must be very, very careful..."

A/N: Was George's death accidentally or is there indeed something sinister about it? Also, yes, I did include a reference to COVID-19 in this chapter. Approximate time this fanfic takes place is maybe around early-January.