After a while, sat on a bench thinking about how I could tell the police I wanted to cooperate with them. They would certainly think a fourteen-year-old like me would be interested in such a dangerous job is odd. I couldn't just tell it was for my own enjoyment. The reason must be more serious than that. In fact, I might not even be let join, as they'd think I'm just a kid messing around. Or maybe I shouldn't even think about it, quite simply because this isn't a game.
At one point, I saw the policeman who asked for redress earlier. He approached as he looked at me.
"Miss? You're still here?"
"As you can see."
"But why? I thought your sayings were just a joke."
"Well, sir..."
"Matsuda. Touta Matsuda." he introduced himself.
"Mr. Matsuda, I will speak honestly, and not tell lies. My father is a policeman and thinks I have the policeman gene. I'm his child, you see... You know... We live in Melbourne, Australia and we came to Japan for vacation, since it's summer down there. And well... According to him, I could work on a case during holidays. My mother says the same: Some practice would do good to be like father."
I can't believe I uttered such lies either. My excuse was totally unbelievable. On the field of science fiction perhaps. However, I had somehow to justify my presence.
"To tell the truth, I didn't expect a child to ask for such a thing," he said.
"Why? Is it like a rare phenomenon?" I giggled.
"Rare and odd. But if your words are actually true, then I have to tell you, in turn, you can't come. It's especially dangerous for your mental integrity."
"You're right. And you know what? I didn't want to work. They forced me. They must want me to be killed or something..."
"Right... You have to explain to your parents how things are. Tell them you can't work on this case because it's a big risk to your life at such a tender age."
"I will," I replied.
He bowed in an Asian manner of greeting and entered one of the corridor rooms. I thought about everything that was said between us, and in the end, he was right. I wasn't even a detective or a policewoman to investigate the case. But even if I were, I would be more likely to protect my own life rather than chase down a criminal whose weapon isn't even a gun.
My cell phone rang. It was Helen. I picked it up.
"Hello?"
"Hey there, sis! It's me, Helen."
"I know. I saw your number."
"How's it going? Mom, Dad your other self and I are on the beach. Of course, I have left our umbrella so as not to be heard."
"Lucky you... I wanna go to the beach too!" I whined softly.
"Yeah, but you have a case to solve."
"I know, that's why I called you. I was ready to join the police team to deal with the case, but I was stopped by a policeman telling me it's too dangerous. Not that I blame him. He was right. You already know Kira is an unusual criminal."
"Did you actually listen to him?! That's not how powerful girls act, Marina! You have to show at least a little bit of fearlessness if you want to be taken seriously!"
"Yes, but since someone experienced said it, he obviously knows more than me who has no experience at all.
"You may be right. But again! If you want to gain experience, you must go! If you don't take risks, how will you learn? Am I right?"
She paused for a moment and continued.
"Did you tell anyone about the marker?
"Of course not. It was covered up with another excuse"
"Glad to hear. Anyway, I'll repeat it: You must go! You know you have the same sense of justice as I do. You just have to show them!"
Then we hung up.
If I were a policewoman, I would probably do anything possible to catch Kira. But I'm not. It's a police job. And so, I left the police station to find a hotel and book my room. There was one in particular with a view of Tokyo Tower. It was a little expensive to distribute, but luckily I had the marker to help me draw the amount. Who could ever ask for more? This marker is totally something else! It seems my sister knew how lucky I would be on my vacation!