Chapter 647: Cinderella's Glass Slippers
"The deceased, Taiji Tatsumi, was fifty-eight years old and the president of a video game company." Wataru Takagi reported to Megure Thirteen who had crossed the cordon, "The body was discovered by They were employees of the same company. They were going to take the elevator back to the company to get something, and found the body in the elevator. "What are you going to get?" Mumu Shisan took out his book and asked casually. As soon as a person is discovered.
"Oh, the office of this company is on the 24th-36th floors of the Central Building. Today is the commemoration of the 20th anniversary of the founding of their company. They went back to get the bouquets they needed to use at the end of the event." Completed Takagi Wataru, who made the preliminary investigation, answered smoothly, "The elevator is also used exclusively by their company."
"The clothes of the deceased were very untidy." Looking down at the scene, Mimu Shisan touched his chin, "The murderer is Tucai. , or looking for something on the dead? ”
"It is currently unclear whether the deceased suffered any property damage. However, the staff present said that they had not heard any gunshots. This floor may not be the location of the murder." Wataru Takagi answered truthfully, "According to the staff, the president was there During the event, he said he felt unwell and was going back to the company to take a rest. "
"So, it is very possible that someone else broke in and wanted to steal something when there was no one in the company, but the deceased was unexpectedly killed. Suddenly he took the elevator down... After he was shot, when the employee who needed to go downstairs pressed the elevator button, the body followed him up." Mumu Shisan analyzed along this logic.
"No, if the murderer is armed with a murder weapon and intends to rob or otherwise, he can use the gun to force the deceased to follow him and lead him to a place where no one is around to deal with it." A young voice interrupted their discussion, "And no matter what kind of robber he is, it is too exaggerated to search and unbutton the shirt cufflinks of the deceased."
"Maybe it was to check the watch or something...it's you, Kudo Brother." Mumu Shisan turned his head, looked at the young man who was already standing in front of the elevator door, and sighed secretly.
"Shh, don't expose my identity." At least he still remembered that he wanted to minimize the news of his appearance again. Kudo Shinichi quickly lowered his palms and said, "I, uh, I'm only coming back temporarily this time. Well, I don’t want to be too high-profile. If anyone asks, just say I’m the new police officer.”
"Being so mysterious is really out of character for you." Megure Thirteen raised his thick black eyebrows, "Didn't you always want to have nothing to do with the police?"
Possibly. It was due to media hype. Kudo Shinichi didn't seem to want to be considered to have a close relationship with the police. Megure Thirteen had been working with him for a long time and was already used to it.
"Once in a while, please, please. Xiaolan and I came to the observation restaurant upstairs for dinner today, and we don't want to make too much noise." After finding a reason for himself, Kudo Shinichi clasped his hands together, Barely explained.
"Can high school students go to such an expensive restaurant to eat casually? Times have changed." Mumu Shisan sighed.
Moreover, as soon as the detective came to eat, a murder occurred in the building. Is this a different kind of damage to goodwill?
Hey, why do I have such an association...
"I don't know why, but I have a vague impression. Did a similar case happen here before? Ten or twenty years ago?" "After recalling for a moment and unable to think of an answer, Mumu Shisan looked at his subordinates for advice.
"Officer Megure, I was only in elementary school at the time, so I can't even remember..." Takagi Wataru smiled bitterly.
"Forget it if you can't remember it. Focus on this case first." Mumu Shisan shook his head and re-examined the scene, while muttering silently in his heart.
These detectives are really guys that people love and hate.
————
“Your friend is a detective.” The waiter who stepped forward to ask if he wanted to continue serving food nodded suddenly.
"Yes, so he rushed out when he heard the scream just now. He should be back soon." Maori Lan, who was full of confidence in Kudo Shinichi's ability, nodded affirmatively.
"That's really interesting." The waiter looked at Mao Lilan's beautiful face and smiled.
“Hey, what’s wrong?”
"Oh, I heard from our old supervisor that there was such a couple twenty years ago, sitting at your table. After the man went to solve the case, he returned to the restaurant and said something loudly to the girl. ."
Mao Lilan was stunned and glanced in the direction Kudo Shinichi left: "What did he say?"
"How about a proposal? Isn't it very romantic? "The waiter winked at her teasingly, "I wish you a pleasant night."
Proposal...
Mao Lilan stared blankly at the waiter's leaving figure. Seconds later, the blush returned to her cheeks.
"It's too exaggerated. How is it possible..." Pressing her heart that was beating violently, Mao Lilan turned around and muttered softly.
"When you encounter a murder case while eating, after a careful reasoning display, you tell your love to your lover like a hero returning home in triumph... It really seems like their style." Picked up the table Wiping the corners of her lips with a napkin, Bellmode looked away and looked at the person sitting opposite with interest, "What do you think coolguy wants to say to her?"
Karasawa scooped He picked up a spoonful of ice cream and stuffed it into his mouth. He didn't want to look at the aunt's face opposite him that was almost full of smiles: "Then you should ask him himself. I'm very curious. If he really chooses to be honest, even Even the situation of the organization has been revealed... What are you going to do? "
It is not surprising that Belmode will keep an eye on people, but Kudo Shinichi's return has caused much more trouble than it originally was. To completely cover up the fact of his appearance, Belmod would have to expend a lot of energy.
It was also because of this that Karasawa found a reason to take Conan, now Haibara Ai in disguise, away from Maori's house, and chose to come over personally to help him deal with it.
He couldn't let Haibara Ai be exposed to Belmod's sight alone, and this time Kudo Shinichi might have the opportunity to tell Mao Lilan exactly what he had not said.
“Tell, just tell.” Belmod shook the wine in his hand and brought it to his lips gracefully, “Let the chicks who are about to fly out of the nest know how dangerous the outside world is. Protect them."
She was attracted to these bright pure white souls and unconsciously approached them, but she knew very well that if she wanted to keep these souls pure and sparkling, she should stay as far away as possible, Don't let the darkness get to you.
"Last time you and Bourbon had such an unpleasant quarrel, I thought you didn't even want to step foot here." Karasawa teased as he swept the cups and plates on the table that exuded the fragrance of organizational funds.
The money that Karasawa brought back, apart from sharing the stolen goods with Toru Amuro, oh no, the shared part was basically filled into the Phantom Thieves' small coffers. Although he never saved money on expenses, he would not run around all day. This is the kind of place to eat.
Today, looking at the bill, he deeply understood the joy of bourbon.
It’s nice to spend other people’s money to have a big meal.
For a dessert worth nearly 10,000 yen, Karasawa only had four of them, which was a bit unfinished.
"Bourbon hate is Bourbon's problem. Good food is not guilty." Belmode snorted, not surprised that Kumel heard such specific information.
And with the scenery of two children as a side dish, Bourbon's insidious calculations are not worthy of affecting her appetite.
"Then I wish you a happy meal." Karasawa, who was still in his Akechi Goro state, put the last spoonful of ice cream dipped in chocolate sauce into his mouth and adjusted his straight shirt, "Okay, I'll go take a look at our How's the superhero doing?"
Belmod raised his glass to him in agreement.
If coolguy really failed to hide his identity and was exposed to so many viewers, another famous detective would appear and take over the case, which would attract the attention of more than half of the audience.
Kumail’s identity is really useful.
“The princess is still waiting for her knight, so don’t let her go away disappointed.”
Tang Ze nodded, stood up, and walked towards the safe exit.
Of course he understood. What Belmod meant was that if Kudo Shinichi's medicine here expired and he turned back into Conan, then he should cooperate with the disguise to become Kudo Shinichi, at least give him A formal farewell to Mao Lilan.
However, she does not need to worry about this kind of thing at all.
This time, the hero naturally has a way to overcome obstacles, overcome difficulties and obstacles, and stand in front of her.
Karasawa guarantees.
————
"Control your emotions first, Miss Tatsumi." Interrupting the endless sobbing of the woman with exquisite makeup, Kudo Shinichi confirmed, "You said you confirmed the time because you saw Oba Sir's watch, and he was touching your left earring with his left hand..."
"Of course. Although it was very dark at the time, Dachang's watch was luminous, so I could see it very clearly. At 8:30." Chizu Tatsumi nodded as he wiped away his tears.
"Well, that's really a coincidence." Kudo Shinichi squinted in the direction of Oba and said pointedly.
"Indeed, it seems like it was done deliberately to let her see it." Megure Thirteen thought for a while and noticed Oba's suspicion.
His intimate behavior with Tatsumi Chizu was as if he was deliberately creating an alibi for himself. It was too deliberate.
“Are you doubting me, police officer?” Dachang, who was targeted, calmly said, “But you just checked, and there is no smoke reaction in the clothes I changed or on myself. Not to mention, Chizu didn’t hear any movement. I can’t be the shooter.”
“Even if I cover the other party’s ears, it’s impossible for Miss Tatsumi not to hear any sound at such a close distance, but there is no movement. Starting at 8:30, the sound of the cannon can completely cover up the sound of the gunfire. When hearing the continuous cannon fire, Ms. Tatsumi will think that the sound she just heard is very natural. "
Kudo Shinichi General Tatsumi Chizu. He turned around so that her back was facing the elevator door, and he stood opposite her, performing the same actions as when committing a large-scale crime.
"Hold Ms. Tatsumi like this, and then after you kiss and the other person closes their eyes, raise your hand and press the elevator button... When the elevator door opens, you only need to raise the prepared gun , and then, bang!”
Tatsumi Chizu stood there blankly, trying to recall all the details of the passionate kiss in the darkness, and clenched her hands nervously.
"...very interesting reasoning, rookie police officer. But at that time, the president had already left the venue and headed to the company below. Why was he standing still in the elevator? Even if he was indeed in the elevator at that time , the sound of the elevator arriving will also be noticeable.”
The well-prepared detective explained lightly: “This brings up the issue of the deceased’s disheveled clothes. I heard your company colleagues say, You are responsible for playing the company's mascot at the event. You only need to suggest to the deceased that, for example, you pretend to leave and then come back in a doll costume, which can be a surprise for such an important anniversary. I agree happily."
While speaking, he couldn't help but lift the collar of his suit slightly to get rid of the heat on his face.
Is the air conditioner turned on too high? It feels like it’s getting hotter and hotter.
"So, the deceased's clothes were messed up by himself. Is he going to change his clothes directly in the elevator?" Memu Shisan said "Oh" and suddenly said, "That's right. If the elevator stays on this floor, Of course, there will be no 'ding' sound when it is turned on."
"Yes, as for the smoke reaction..." Kudo Shinichi, who swallowed and felt a little thirsty, gasped hard before speaking. He said, "It's normal to not find gunpowder smoke reaction on your clothes. Your real props are hidden here."
He raised his steps and walked towards the frog doll suit that was sitting in the corner with its head bowed. With every step he took, he felt pain in his joints. It was as if he suddenly turned into a little mermaid ashore, walking among mountains of swords and seas of fire.
This reaction, this feeling... although it is very different from last time, it should mean that he is about to become a child again.
It happens to be at this time, at such a critical time...!
Whether it was because of the effect of the medicine or because of panic and frustration, he felt his heart beating violently in his chest, causing sweat to form on his forehead.
Speed up, he must speed up, there is not much time left for him.
“I heard a detail when I asked about it. The staff said that tonight’s mascot kept blinking at people. It seemed interesting at first, but it was very strange after seeing it too much. I was thinking, will it? Isn't it like this?" He opened the doll's eyeballs made of transparent plastic shells, and pulled out a ball of gloves and rubber bands wrapped in plastic paper from behind the steel wire structure that pulled the paper.
“Wear gloves, put the pistol into a plastic bag, and secure the plastic bag with a rubber band. In this way, after shooting, not only will there be no smoke reaction on the clothes, but even the bullet casing will not be left at the scene.”
"Can Miss Tatsumi not see such a set of movements?" Takagi Wataru imagined his movements for a while and couldn't help but ask.
"First of all..." Kudo Shinichi looked at the police officer he had just communicated with and snapped his fingers, "Before the event starts, the lights in the entire venue are turned off, and the only light sources are at the stage."< br>
The lights slowly dimmed as he spoke, and the faces around him gradually blurred into the darkness, and only vague outlines could be seen.
Feeling pain all over his limbs, Kudo Shinichi stopped holding on and stretched out his hand to hold on to the wall beside him.
He was almost unsteady on his feet.
"It's true that you can't see clearly." Takagi Wataru looked around and agreed with him.
"In addition to the gift he gave Miss Tatsumi, in the darkness, Miss Tatsumi who wanted to put on the necklace could only go to the bathroom mirror to wear it, so that he could easily throw the gun into the nearby In the garbage chute." Clutching the shirt on his chest, Kudo Shinichi tried his best to keep his voice steady, "Your fingerprints must still be on the plastic paper."
"...Of course there are. "Standing in the dark environment, Daba no longer concealed the proud and sinister smile on his face, hoping that no one would be able to see clearly. "And it wasn't just my fingerprints, so we discovered the problem with my eyes at that time. We opened the eyes with several staff members and took out the thing. "
"Uh, yes, because one eye kept blinking, we opened it and checked it, and found a bag. We were worried that it was a part that was already there, and we were afraid of damaging it, so we put it back..." the member standing nearby and watching quickly explained.
Eager for revenge, he could not miss today's opportunity, but he never dared to underestimate the power of the police and detectives.
So when planning, he tried his best to plan and try to eliminate all traces.
So far, he has been very successful.
"Then how do you explain what you said?" Kudo Shinichi, who could no longer stand up straight, barely moved a few times while holding on to the wall, and leaned against the elevator door.
The cold metal plate pressed against his sweaty neck, keeping him awake temporarily.
Also, the last bit of evidence that one hit will kill you.
"'The necklace I prepared today matches your pink earrings very well." Ms. Tatsumi said, this is the jewelry she bought on the way here in order to meet you. In other words, this should be the first time you see it. That's right. Why do you know her earrings are pink?"
"It's not obvious just by looking at it..." Oba choked when he realized something was wrong.
He turned his head sharply in the direction of Tatsumi Chizu.
"Yes, you two made an appointment to meet and kiss secretly in the dark. And in such an environment, even if you are very close, it is difficult to accurately distinguish its color. Unless..."
After Kudo Shinichi said this, he raised his hand and pressed the elevator button.
The elevator that had always stayed on this floor slowly opened, and the bright light pierced the darkness, like a knife striking the dim environment.
"Unless, the elevator door suddenly opened, revealing a ray of light."
Oba, completely speechless, stood frozen on the spot.
"Hey! Oba, are you really..." After the demonstration, the surrounding lights slowly turned on, and Tatsumi Chizu looked at her lover in disbelief.
She knew that her father had some differences with him. When she tentatively proposed that she was interested in Dachang, her father sternly rejected her, claiming that she could like anyone, but not Dachang.
However, are these differences really serious enough to require killing each other, or even using her to kill her father?
"Why did you open the elevator door at that time, Mr. Ohba?"
"...The reason is very simple." The overhead light was turned back on, and the environment returned to light, exposing the big The expressionless face said, "Because I swore to my father, I will definitely avenge him."
"Your father?" I secretly recited the surname Dachang twice, and remembered something. Mumu Shisan looked at his face.
“Twenty years ago, my father also ran a video game company. Then President Tatsumi approached my father and lobbied him to merge the two companies. He said that they would build together in the Rice Flower Central Building. Building an indestructible castle..." Oba sneered and shook his head, "But that's not a merger at all, it's cannibalism in the name of merger."
Turning around, he looked around.
The company that has been prosperous for twenty years has prepared a full birthday party for itself. Exquisite game original paintings and various themed decorations have decorated the entire venue with flowers.
This is all stolen by a hypocrite.
“He fired old employees and took away my father’s company’s exclusive technology and production planning step by step. My father became a nominal vice president and could no longer control the company at all... He was forced to At the end of the road, I committed suicide in frustration.
“And I, who tried to defeat the devil with the help of his power, also became a devil. It may also be inevitable to end up with the same ending as my father. ”
"Like your father?" Takagi Wataru, who habitually stood there and politely waited for the prisoner to finish his speech before handcuffing him away, was stunned.
After confessing everything, Oba, who had a relieved look on his face, nodded without any obstacles: "Twenty years ago, he also committed suicide in this place. In revenge, he tried to disguise his death as the Tatsumi Shrine It’s a pity that his plan was easily defeated by a young man just like me.”
“Oh, I just remembered it twenty years ago! This case was solved." After hearing the keyword of suicide and pretending to be a homicide, Megure Shisan suddenly raised his head, "On the day of the crime, I happened to meet Kudo Yusaku..."
In other words, the murderer The father's suicide and the murder attempted by the murderer to imitate the previous case were also exposed one after another by a father and son.
"How ironic, Mr. Kudo... Kudo?"
Mu Mu Shisan turned his head to share his feelings, only to realize that just as the environment turned from dark to light, the detective who was chatting had disappeared.
"Where are you, where is Kudo?"
————
No, not now...
Please, hold on. , hold on a little longer, give me a little more time, just a little bit!
As he trudged toward the elevator leading to the restaurant, Kudo Shin gasped for air. His black shirt was soaked with sweat and torn into messy cobwebs under his tight grip.
It was as if his heart was slowly cracking with the rhythm.
"She is still waiting for me, I promised her..." Unable to suppress the sharp pain, Kudo Shinichi persuaded himself, talking to himself, relying on his strong will, Step forward mechanically.
It hurts everywhere. High fever swept through his whole body, and his chest was so hot that his fingertips ached.
But, it really can’t be now. Give me a little more time, even if it’s twenty minutes...
When he reached the safety passage, he pressed his hand on the cold iron handle of the safety door, trying to use the force to push himself forward a few steps.
Then his strong hand suddenly pressed an empty space.
With a "squeak" sound, the door that had been closed for a long time was suddenly opened from the inside.
Kudo Shinichi, with all his weight on him, lost his balance and fell heavily into the door.
Then a pair of hands firmly held his armpits and dragged him into the safe passage.
"Twelve o'clock is coming, it seems that Cinderella is going to lose her glass slipper."
It took a while to regain consciousness after being dizzy, and Kudo Shinichi, who was almost paralyzed on the ground, raised his head.
I saw a head of white hair that shimmered in the dim light, and a pair of bright red eyes.
"Joker..."
Understanding that the phantom thief was probably going to use his disguise to help him clean up the final mess, Kudo Shinichi's heart relaxed slightly and tightened again.
Damn it, in the end, can you still only use other people's mouth to express your inner confession for yourself?
He was unwilling to give in, he...
"Shh."
Joker raised a finger, and then stretched out his hand to wipe it.
A black eyepatch appeared on his face out of thin air, covering his blood-like eyes.
"Want to go back and see the prince, Cinderella?"
(End of this chapter)