Shi looked over the preliminary reports from the forensics labs. The chief stood beside her as she reviewed them, Dojima and the other detectives watching intently.
"Well?" The chief asked.
"Forensics lifted fingerprints from the latest victim's clothing." She said suddenly. The sense of relief following that sentence was exquisite to her.
"And witness testimony all say that our victim was last seen arguing with a high school student prior to his death." Dojima said. "Though, not a student from Yasogami high."
"So that is our suspect. I want everyone out looking for that student. We don't stop until we have him in our custody." The chief ordered.
"Even me, sir?" Shi asked.
"Even you. But first, I want to have a word with you in my office." The chief said before turning and walking into his office. Shi frowned as Adachi crept closer.
"Want me to wait and you can join me?" He asked.
"I'll catch up. We knew this could happen." She replied before walking into the office and shut the door. She took the seat opposite him and waited.
"I wanted to talk to you about something Shi."
"Is this about what happened in the morgue with Naoto?" Shi asked nervously, bracing herself for an ear-bashing.
"What? Oh, no. I agree with you entirely with regards to that. It is about Adachi. Or rather you and Adachi." The chief said. "I know it is none of my business who my officers are in relationships with. But I have to be certain of something. Will your relationship interfere with the investigation?" He said.
"If it did sir, I would not have started it. The investigation is our top priority." She replied, which seemed to ease his worries.
"That is reassuring. Though, I actually hope you will be a good influence on him. Just make sure that your relationship doesn't interfere with the investigation. You can go." He dismissed her with a wave of his hand, Shi quickly got to her feet and headed out, only to walk right into Naoto.
"Oh, Tawakemono-Sensei. I was hoping I could speak to you. I want your opinion with regards to our most recent revelation." Naoto looked straight at her, making Shi frown and fold her arms. "Do you truly believe this suspect is responsible for all the murders?"
"The evidence suggests guilt for the murder of Mr Morooka." Shi replied.
"And the others?" Shi shifted.
"There is no evidence that either suggests guilt nor innocence." She replied simply. "So I cannot say with regards to that. Not that I could. It is simply my job to give the dead a voice and provide evidence. It is the job of police and prosecutors to prove guilt." She added.
"So….you can neither agree nor disagree with regards to the suspect being behind every murder. You remain unbiased. That is good." Naoto murmured before nodding and walking off, leaving Shi looking very confused. She shook her head and headed out to meet Adachi.
They drove throughout the town for hours, exploring the areas they had been charged with investigating. But there was no sign of the student. As day slipped away into twilight, Shi thwacked her fore head off the steering wheel whilst Adachi groaned, an arm thrown over his eyes.
"Where the hell is he?" She growled, the sound muffled slightly by the steering wheel. "This town is not that big. And there is no sign of him having left."
"Come on Shi-chan, we should head back to the station." Adachi sighed, reaching over to rub her back gently. She nodded, sitting up straight and driving them back to the station. As they drove, rain began to fall, sending them both splashing through puddles as they ran into the station. As Shi stood, wringing out the hem of her shirt, a commotion at the front desk made them look up.
"I'm telling you I did it!" A young male yelled at the desk sergeant, who looked bored with the incident.
"Look, young man, we don't have time to be dealing with jokesters. I will ask you once more. Leave now before you are arrested for wasting police time." He threatened.
"I am the one you're looking for! I killed those three people! It was me! I did it! I'm the serial killer!" The boy yelled.
"What the hell is going on here?" Shi snapped as she and Adachi stepped forward.
"Ah, detective Adachi. Perfect timing. Could you take a statement from this young man? Everyone else is busy with the search." The desk sergeant asked, though his face made it clear he was simply pawning the irate boy off on Adachi because he couldn't be bothered. Shi frowned slightly, watching as Adachi led the still yelling boy away to take a statement.
"How is the search going?" Shi jumped as the chief's voice sounded behind her. She spun on her heel to face him, her hair swinging in the air.
"Not good sir. We couldn't locate the suspect. Do we have a image of him?" She asked, folding her arms behind her back.
"Not yet. I have a sketch artist working on an image based on descriptions. That should help." He explained. He looked her up and down. "Why don't you go home Shi-san? We will phone you if we need you." He added, looking concerned. Shi paused, glancing to where Adachi had gone.
"I….of course sir." She said, turning and heading out of the station.
"I will let detective Adachi know where you have gone, Tawakemono-Sensei." The desk sergeant added as she stepped out. The rain continued to pound down as she drove home, running inside her house and sighing. As she showered, the rain finally let up, allowing a fog to seep into the town.
Her clock counted down the seconds as she sat, waiting to see if Adachi came to her house. As midnight hit and the fog settled in, she sighed, figuring he wouldn't be coming. She stood, about to head to her bed when the sound of a TV tuning made her freeze. She turned as her tv illuminated the room, a static filled image playing. A figure appeared on the screen, the boy from the station. Her eyes widened as he began to speak.
"You all think you can see me? You all think you know everything about me?" He chuckled. "Then try and catch me." He said before the image faded. She stared at the now blank screen, before a loud knock made her yelp. She turned to her door, opening it to see a drenched Adachi on her doorstep.
"I know it's late. But…..could I….?" He began before she took his hand, pulling him inside.
"Come on, come and get dried. You'll catch your death." She murmured, locking the door behind him. She paused as she felt a wet presence press into her back before accepting the embrace. What she had just seen shook her to her core. The killer was still out there. And had just selected their next victim.