Tokyo: Officer Rabbit and Her Evil Partner

Chapter 14

"Oh, that? Our temple's tiny and business is slow, so my dad sidelines as a locksmith. People trust an abbot who keeps the precepts more than some stranger with a pick-set—especially when it comes to something as private as opening their doors. We still get a few worshippers at New Year, of course."

When Kawai finished, Tamako nodded in agreement. "Exactly. You're not suspecting Kawai, are you?"

"No, just asking."

Fushimi relaxed, crossing one leg over the other and leaning back in his chair. He tilted his head toward the sky. "Since the case is basically solved, our little contract is over."

Pity—he hadn't managed to get anything on Instructor Sakurai.

"The killer hasn't been caught. How can you call it 'closed'?" Tamako clenched her fists. "Are you really ready to give up?"

"And do what? Accuse an instructor and get myself expelled?" Fushimi blew a stray cherry petal from his lashes, utterly unfazed. "Even if you had evidence and dragged Sakurai into court, the statute of limitations has run out. What could you possibly do?"

Tamako pressed her lips into a thin line and said nothing.

He was right. Even if Sherlock Holmes himself were reborn in her shoes, he couldn't bring the culprit to justice now.

Just as her shoulders sagged and she prepared to concede defeat, Fushimi's tone flipped.

"But remember the theory lecture? Seventy percent of killers reoffend. Sakurai might have slipped through the net sixteen years ago, but who's to say she's been law-abiding ever since?"

Tamako's eyes sparked. "You mean—"

"Exactly. If the suspect commits another crime within the fifteen-year window, the statute restarts."

Fushimi smiled, fox-like eyes narrowing. "Ishizuka Kazuo mentioned Sakurai keeps a diary, right? Which means..."

"Clues to her crimes could be inside!" Tamako exclaimed.

"Maybe. Maybe not." He left it hanging.

"It's a lead worth the risk!" She jumped to her feet, spirits soaring.

Who would've thought the case could turn around at the brink of despair? She felt like Holmes tumbling over Reichenbach Falls only to claw his way back up.

As long as a single thread of hope remained, she wouldn't let go.

Seeing her so fired up, Fushimi raised an eyebrow. "Why the fuss? Even if Sakurai's a murderer, it's none of your business. Risking expulsion for this—really?"

Tamako looked equally baffled. "If we're not here to uphold justice, why enroll in the academy? No real officer could ignore a homicide."

Fushimi had no answer. Half the class had joined because they couldn't find other jobs. The rest had their own motives: Hidenori probably dreamed of future bribes, the class leader wanted political clout, and Fushimi himself planned to leech off taxpayers' money.

Tamako's conviction was so pure it sounded almost alien.

"See! My Tamako-chan is amazing!"

Kawai squealed, hugging Tamako tight and planting a loud kiss on her cheek. "Come on, baby—just one more—oh yeah~"

"Stop it! That's weird!"

"Aw, one tiny kiss? You used to love them. Have you found someone new?"

"That was ages ago!" Tamako's face burned crimson.

"Let me kiss you and I'll sneak into the teachers' dorm tonight and fetch that diary," Kawai cooed like a sketchy uncle luring a kid with candy. "Without me, you can't even get past the front door."

"F-fine..."

Tamako snuck a glance at Fushimi, mortified.

Kawai adored her flustered look and couldn't resist pinching Tamako's cheeks before stealing another peck. A blush flared across Tamako's pale skin.

"I'll go alone tonight," Kawai said softly. "Too many people increase the risk."

Fushimi thought, Funny—she didn't care about numbers last night. Guess I don't count as human.

"But—" Tamako didn't want her friend in danger alone.

"Relax, I aced the investigation practical," Kawai reminded her, then grew serious. "And it's not just your fight. A cop can't turn a blind eye to an unsolved murder."

"Okay... be careful!" Tamako nodded vigorously.

"Promise!"

Kawai ruffled Tamako's hair, savoring the texture, then added, "Oh, could you run to the convenience store for strawberry milk? I'm out of change."

"Right now?" Tamako was still buzzing from the conversation.

"Bath time's almost here, and milk after a soak is heaven!" Kawai nudged her toward the path. "Please? If you wait, they'll sell out!"

"All right."

Tamako's figure disappeared beyond the courtyard. Kawai watched her go, then turned to Fushimi, who was already heading for the bathhouse.

"Hey, you."

Kawai's tone hardened; her gaze felt like a detective grilling a suspect. "Stay away from Tamako from now on."

...

Wasn't she just saying "Tamako's friends are my friends"? The girl's jealousy meter is off the charts. Fushimi wondered about her orientation.

When he didn't reply, Kawai pressed on. "You were manipulating her so she'd steal that diary, weren't you?"

"What makes you say that?" He looked down at her.

"Everyone knows you ticked off Sakurai during practicals. She's made your life hell. You don't care about justice—you just want leverage."

No jokes now; Kawai's voice cut sharp. "I can tell you think you're smarter than Tamako. She told me about your little deduction game. You know what I think?"

She didn't wait for an answer.

"You despise rules and treat the law like a toy. A guy like you should keep his distance."

Fushimi shrugged. "It was only a game."

"Only a game?"

Kawai stood. "Then play one with me. Tamako solves riddles; I create them."

"Sorry, not interested—"

"The game's already started," she cut in.

She lifted one finger, leveling it between his brows. "Tonight I'll steal Sakurai's diary. Beat my puzzle and it's yours. Lose, and I burn it."