"But, Superintendent…" Inspector Megure tried to speak, but Fujino cut him off. "Alright, Inspector Megure, there aren't any more leads to investigate right now. Once Officer Takagi gets back to us with some information, everything will become clear. I agree with Superintendent Matsumoto; it's better to pull back for now."
Superintendent Matsumoto Kiyonaga's unspoken meaning was that this case needed to be handled carefully and not draw too much attention. In Japan, if a case involves women, public opinion can become incredibly strong. What's more, this case now involves murder. If agitated reporters broke through the police line and discovered that the culprit hadn't been caught yet, all the blame would fall squarely on the police! Neither Matsumoto nor the higher-ups in the Metropolitan Police Department wanted to see that happen.
There was nothing they could do; the police couldn't always enforce absolute justice. Before upholding moral justice, they had to consider the impact on the general public. After that came upholding the so-called law. And then, finally, the twisted concept of procedural justice.
"That's right, Inspector Megure, let's pull back today," Officer Sato Miwako, having been a police officer for several years, understood this point. She chuckled lightly as she walked over, joking, "Worst case, next time I'll just darken my skin and drive around."
"Didn't I already say no?!" Inspector Megure's emotions suddenly flared. "Don't ever use the bait method to draw that guy out again!"
Officer Sato Miwako was stunned, clearly startled by his outburst. In her memory, Inspector Megure rarely lost his temper. And even when he did, he wouldn't usually lash out at his subordinates.
"Inspector Megure," Fujino glanced around and quietly reminded him, "there are still people watching." The loud shout from the on-scene officer had clearly attracted the attention of the curious onlookers. Their gazes were now fixed on Inspector Megure, full of curiosity.
"My apologies…" Inspector Megure realized he had indeed gotten too agitated and sighed slightly. This case was too similar to the one from years ago, especially with the car involved. He didn't want Officer Sato Miwako to continue because he was worried she might get hurt while luring out the criminal, just like back then. However, he wasn't going to consider the public or any impact.
He turned his head and firmly pressed his case to Superintendent Matsumoto Kiyonaga again, "Superintendent, I feel that the culprit is still in this mall. If we don't find clues and catch him quickly, someone else might get attacked."
"I think so too," Fujino saw Inspector Megure's determination and naturally didn't want to make the old man look bad. He agreed, "I trust Inspector Megure's judgment. And I also think the suspect might still be in this mall. Who knows, we might catch him soon."
"Yes, that's what I think too," Inspector Megure nodded, then seriously said to Superintendent Matsumoto Kiyonaga, "Superintendent, please let us continue the investigation. At least until Officer Takagi gets a response."
"Since both of you say so… continuing the investigation isn't a problem," Seeing his two trusted officers so insistent, Superintendent Matsumoto Kiyonaga naturally didn't say anything more and agreed. He hadn't come here to direct the case. Usually, an officer of his rank would only be deployed for major cases. This case was only being overseen by him because of its negative impact.
However, he then put on a serious expression and looked at Inspector Megure. "By the way, Megure, are you… still suffering from the after-effects of that old case?"
Inspector Megure paused, clearly having had his thoughts seen through by Matsumoto. After a brief silence, he covered his head and shook it. "I actually put that matter behind me a long time ago."
The few people around them frowned as they looked at Inspector Megure, clearly curious about the incident Superintendent Matsumoto Kiyonaga had just mentioned. But since it was personal, they didn't feel it was appropriate to ask.
"Um, Uncle Mouri," Sonoko, holding her shopping bags, suddenly spoke up, sounding a little embarrassed. "It looks like we'll be here for a while longer. I want to put my things in the car. Can I have the car keys?"
Kogoro Mouri pulled the car keys from his pocket and handed them to Sonoko. He raised his wrist and checked the time on his watch. "Be back soon. The mall will close in a bit. It'd be a hassle if you got locked in."
Ran also handed her shopping bags to Sonoko. "I'll trouble you with mine too."
"No problem!" Sonoko took the car keys, responded energetically, and turned to leave.
Among the crowd, an unfriendly gaze fell upon Sonoko as she walked away. The gaze belonged to the security guard, Yoshio Teikin. He hadn't heard what Sonoko said. He had only seen the young girl take the car keys from the older man's hand. Instinctively, he thought the girl might want to drive. His gaze then focused on the platform shoes Sonoko was wearing. A malicious glint flashed in his eyes.
'Is he going to make his move?' Fujino naturally noticed Yoshio Teikin's unusual expression. At a glance, he knew another unlucky soul was being targeted.
He looked back at Sonoko's retreating figure and thought for a moment. Turning back to Inspector Megure, he quietly said, "Inspector Megure, I'll be stepping away for a bit. It's almost been a whole day, and it seems Officer Takagi isn't getting any results. I'm going to the restroom."
"Go ahead, Fujino-kun. I'll handle things here," Inspector Megure nodded. He actually wanted to make a bathroom break escape himself. But with the case still unsolved, as the officer in charge, he had to maintain control of the situation and couldn't leave.
***
Mall Restroom.
Fujino pushed aside the 'Under Maintenance' sign at the restroom door, then moved it back into place, walked straight in, and sat down on a toilet in one of the stalls.
"Sonoko, that unlucky girl, why does she get attacked every single time…" Fujino sighed softly, pinching the bridge of his nose.
But then again, it made sense. Among this group, it wouldn't be easy to kidnap anyone else. Conan, well, a single kick with his power-enhancing shoes would take anyone down. Ran… while her fighting skills are unpredictable, she's still a human weapon. Kidnap her? They'd probably get knocked out instantly. As for Uncle Mouri… no need to mention him; one over-the-shoulder throw would take down a whole bunch of people. And he was much the same; if anyone dared to make a move on him, their grave would be overgrown by next year.
That only left Sonoko, the poor, unlucky soul.
Pulling his thoughts back, Fujino took out his wooden sword from his spatial pouch, his eyes narrowing.
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