Chapter 3: Shattered Family. A Desperate Father

Upon their arrival in Japan, Yusaku and Yukiko immediately headed to the police station where their son was detained.

Megure was engrossed in reviewing case files when a knock interrupted him. "The Kudo's are here to see you, Inspector," his officer reported. "Send them in," Megure replied, pondering how to break the devastating news.

Yusaku and Yukiko entered, their faces etched with worry. Megure rose to greet them, offering them seats. "Is it true? Shinichi was caught drug trafficking?" Yusaku asked, his voice barely a whisper.

Before responding, Megure requested drinks. Once they were settled, he said solemnly, "Unfortunately, yes."

Yukiko's face paled. "How could this be?" she gasped.

Megure handed the case file to Yusaku. "Shinichi was caught red-handed with drugs by his principal. His teammates also witnessed the incident. We obtained a warrant to search his locker and desk, where we found illegal substances, including drugs and steroids."

Megure looked at Yusaku and said, "Two million dollars were transferred into Shinichi's account." He handed Yusaku the bank statement, who was visibly shocked.

"Megure, something is definitely wrong here. This is impossible," Yusaku exclaimed.

"That's exactly what I thought," Megure replied. "I asked my team to re-examine the evidence. The security footage shows Shinichi entering the gym where the drugs were found on multiple occasions."

Yusaku began to scrutinize the evidence section of the case file.

"You need a tough lawyer to handle Shinichi's case," Megure advised.

Yusaku calmed himself. "I know this is against protocol, but can we see Shinichi? Please."

Megure hesitated before calling an officer. "Bring Shinichi Kudo here," he ordered. Yusaku stood up and shook Megure's hand. "Thank you," he said sincerely.

This is nothing, Yusaku," Megure assured him. "Regardless of what happens, we're still friends.

When Shinichi arrived, Megure discreetly exited, leaving the family alone. Yukiko enveloped her son in a comforting embrace, while Yusaku's steely gaze assessed the boy. His heart shattered at the sight of his son as a suspected criminal, but he maintained a façade of strength.

"What exactly happened?" Yukiko asked, her voice trembling with fear and disbelief.

"I was investigating the old gym," Shinichi began, "and found strong evidence..."

Before Shinichi could continue, Yusaku's hand connected sharply with his face. The unexpected blow stunned both Shinichi and Yukiko. Never had Yusaku resorted to physical discipline.

"I should have done this sooner," Yusaku growled. "How many times have I warned you about dangerous cases? You were nearly killed in your last investigation. I demanded you focus on school. If you suspected something, why didn't you involve the police from the start?"

Silence reigned as Shinichi struggled to formulate a response.

"Yusaku asked, 'How long have you been investigating this case?'

'Three weeks,' Shinichi replied, his voice filled with shame."

Yusaku was stunned. 'Three weeks? I called you every day, young man. Why didn't you say anything?' He stared at Shinichi accusingly. 'You were hiding a case this critical. What else are you keeping from us?'

Yukiko looked puzzled, confirming her husband's suspicion. Shinichi hadn't sought his father's advice on the case.

"And what about the drugs found in your locker, illegal steroids, and the two million dollars deposited into your account?" Yusaku pressed.

"It's fake, Dad," Shinichi insisted. "Lee and Thompson..." Shinichi stood motionless, his mind racing as he absorbed his father's words. Yusaku reached out and grasped his son's shoulder, his voice breaking as he said, "No one believes those were planted in your locker and desk, Shinichi." Yukiko sobbed uncontrollably.

Yusaku cut him off. "Serious criminals aren't amateur detectives, Shinichi. You're a high school student, not a seasoned investigator. You've walked into a trap of your own making, and they're free. I've read the investigation. It's bleak."

Determined, Shinichi declared, "My phone had all the evidence." His gaze was fixed on his father, pleading for belief. "Where is your phone, Shinichi?" Yusaku demanded, his voice sharp. Shinichi was silent. Frustration, sorrow, and confusion warred on Yusaku's face. "Shinichi, I'm trying to help you, but you're not making it easy," he said, his voice filled with exasperation.

"Do you believe me, Dad?" Shinichi asked, his voice trembling with hope and fear.

Frustration surged through Shinichi as he pleaded, "Dad, do you believe me? You're my last hope!"

"It doesn't matter, Shinichi," Yusaku said coldly. "Whether I believe you or not is irrelevant. The priority now is getting you out of this mess."

Overwhelmed by pain and sorrow, Yusaku left the office, leaving Shinichi stunned. He felt as though he'd lost his strongest ally in the fight for freedom. Recognizing her son's despair, Yukiko pulled him into a comforting embrace. The realization that his father doubted his innocence was a crushing blow.

Yusaku sat alone in his office, lost in thought. The weight of the situation pressed down on him. Yukiko soon entered, accompanied by their neighbor, Agasa.

"I'm so sorry about what happened," Agasa offered condolences. "I just returned from a month-long trip and only heard the news today."

Yukiko, sensing the gravity of the situation, excused herself, leaving the two men alone. Yusaku gestured for Agasa to sit.

"Shinichi is involved in a serious crime, Agasa," Yusaku explained, his voice heavy with despair. "I have no idea how to extricate him from this mess."

Agasa stared at Yusaku in disbelief. "You know he wouldn't do something like that, right?"

Yusaku avoided the question, stating, "The media and the public are hungry for a sensational story. They don't care about the truth."

"What's your plan?" Agasa asked, his concern evident.

"I've hired a top legal team to handle Shinichi's case," Yusaku explained. "I've shared all the evidence with them and have a meeting scheduled for tomorrow. I'm hopeful they can find a way to clear Shinichi's name.""

Agasa, sensing the heavy atmosphere, decided to leave. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to call," he offered as he stood up.

Yusaku managed a grateful smile. "You're the only one who hasn't turned their back on us since Shinichi's arrest," he said. His face etched with sorrow, he continued, "My friends blocked my number, and most of my clients have postponed or canceled projects. They don't want to be associated with me."

Yusaku walked to the window, his gaze lost in the distance. "People have forgotten the brilliant detective my son once was. Now, all they see is a drug dealer. It's ironic, isn't it?"

Agasa's concern grew. "What about you? Do you believe he's guilty?"

Yusaku didn't answer immediately. Doubt gnawed at him. Fear, a stranger to him, was now a constant companion. Could he truly believe his son was capable of such a crime?

Agasa placed a comforting hand on Yusaku's arm. "You know Shinichi better than anyone. I can't imagine him involved in something like this."

Yusaku managed a weak smile. "I know he wouldn't. I know it."

Reassured by Yusaku's words, Agasa left the room, giving the troubled father some privacy. Yusaku remained seated, lost in thought. He picked up a photo frame containing a picture of Shinichi and whispered, "Why, my son? Why?"