everything the ice bites
TEN
Iemura waits for them at his desk with a fresh cup of coffee in his hand.
It would be one thing if it was from the staff room, but it's not.
That would be too easy, and this evening has been nothing but trouble. Why not add one more petty argument between co-workers, just for fun?
It's from Starbucks.
Oh great, Karin thinks, when she recognizes the logo, and shares a knowing look with Yuuichi as she pulls up her chair and sits beside him. Here we go again.
"Team captain," Renji begins, glancing around for any extra cups that just might be placed at the desk, before directing his gaze at their superior when it becomes evident that there isn't any. "With all due respect, in case you aren't aware — if you buy coffee, and buy a few more cups, say, for three more people, as an example — are you aware that the servers know how to package it so it's easy to carry?"
"Yes," Iemura says. "I'm aware."
"Oh, so you are aware," Renji mutters, almost as if he means to say it under his breath, but says it loud enough that everyone can hear. Iemura pays it no mind, all the same. Feigning nonchalance, Renji shrugs. "Alright, well, don't be offended when it's my turn to bring everyone coffee and I don't take your order."
"I won't be," Iemura replies primly, and, in Karin's humble opinion, as retaliation for that comment, takes another sip.
"Good," Renji says, tightly, with a smile that doesn't reach his eyes. "Glad we understand each other."
Yuuichi nudges Karin, and Karin shakes her head.
Karin has long since learnt that the best thing to do is stay out of it. The awkwardness will pass, Iemura will issue his orders, and Karin will follow them. It's all about patience and waiting it out.
The passive aggressive war of coffee will continue another day.
"Detective Vorarlberna," Iemura says, eventually, setting his cup to the side.
"Yes?" Karin sits up, straightening her spine, ready.
"Can you get the testimonies of people who work with Terazawa Kei?" Iemura asks, his glasses shining in the light as he pushes them up his face. "Also, check the CCTV footage of the apartment."
"On it, Team Leader," Karin nods.
"Detective Abarai," Iemura continues. "Focus on Terazawa Kei."
"Don't worry, Team Leader," Renji assures him, full of confidence, once again concentrating on the more important matter at hand. "I will do everything I can to get Terazawa Kei to tell the truth. Even if I have to rough him up a bit."
Iemura's expression turns stony.
"Verify his alibi during the time of the incident," Iemura says, a notably terse tone in his voice. "Legally, if you don't mind."
Renji flashes Iemura a winning smile.
"You can count on me, Team Leader," Renji says, with an air of self-depreciation, as he corrects his earlier outburst. "I will get that confession legally, of course."
Unfortunately, it must sound a little too glib for Iemura's liking, because Iemura raises his coffee cup to his mouth again.
Renji narrows his eyes.
"Then, Yuuichi and I will go to meet Terazawa Kei's wife first," Karin announces, standing up and briskly walking away, Yuuichi quick to follow, and if there's bickering behind them, it is none of their business.