Chapter 26 Proof Problems: Two Little Black Faces!
The sound was coming from the second floor.
As soon as you step onto the wooden stairs, you can hear the soft meows of a kitten, which makes your heart skip a beat and prompts you to quicken your pace.
There are no rooms on the second floor; the entire floor has been opened up, making it feel exceptionally spacious. Along the walls are rows of cat beds, food bowls, and water bowls.
The kittens huddled together in their cat bed, their shadows visible from the outside, clearly frightened.
The floor that was originally used for them to move around on now had an adult man lying on it, along with a wooden ladder used for repairs.
The man's phone fell to the ground beside him, and the screen happened to go out at that moment.
On the ceiling, a light fixture that had been partially removed dangled its wires in the air.
"It's an electric shock! Turn off the power!"
Without needing Kitagawa Ryusei to remind him a second time, Furuya Rei took three steps in two to turn off the light switch, then turned to ask Iwashita Misato where the main power switch was.
Three police officers rushed over, moved the ladder, and rescued the man on the ground, whose life was uncertain. They took turns performing CPR.
"Has your boss not returned yet?" Kitagawa Ryusei frowned, took out his phone to dial an ambulance, and turned back to speak calmly.
Misato Iwashita stood helplessly to the side, wanting to help but unable to do so, her expression terrified.
Before she could answer, hurried footsteps came from the stairs.
"Iwashita, what happened?!"
The man who rushed up was panting heavily, with beads of sweat on his forehead. He leaned against the second-floor door frame, and the plastic bag in his hand contained a new light bulb.
Finally seeing a familiar face, Iwashita Misato seemed to have found her anchor, her fear turning into anxiety: "I don't know either, I heard something fall down from upstairs, and then I saw Nakabayashi lying on the ground—"
"They said it was an electric shock..."
The person on the ground is named Nakabayashi Yuki, the son of the cattery owner. He has been helping out at the cattery since graduating.
"Didn't I tell him not to change the light himself and to wait for me to come back?" The man frowned and asked Kitagawa Ryusei and the others who were taking turns to resuscitate him, "How is he now?"
After performing two rounds of CPR, Kitagawa Ryusei stopped and let Asahina continue the resuscitation. He glanced up at the man but didn't acknowledge him immediately.
Maintaining his friendly demeanor, Morofushi Hiromitsu explained, "The police are still trying to save him, and they've already called an ambulance. You must be Mr. Karasawa?"
It's unclear what word made the man pause, appearing slightly awkward, before replying, "Yes, my name is Karasawa Hiro."
“Mr. Karasawa,” Kitagawa Ryusei said, stepping away from the group of people being rescued and walking toward the man.
He took out an ID badge with a cherry blossom emblem from his coat pocket: "I am Inspector Kitagawa from the Criminal Planning Division of the National Police Agency. Your store is currently involved in a case we are handling, and we need you to suspend business to cooperate with the investigation."
Rei Furuya and Kagemitsu Morofushi suddenly turned their heads, their gazes fixed on the young man with surprise.
Karasawa Hiro was clearly mistaken, looking incredulous: "This...this wasn't an accident, was it?"
Asahina and Kawashima immediately understood what he was about to do.
—The electric shock happened suddenly, and we don’t know if it’s related to their investigation. Rather than worrying about the accounts being damaged, we should focus on controlling the current situation first.
As for whether it's compliant or not... well, it's not the first time he's done it. Afterwards, Kitagawa Ryusei always has an explanation to cover it up—if he really can't find it, it's because of the mission or the Zero Group.
Tell the criminal investigation officer to go next door.
"It's not just about Mr. Nakabayashi being electrocuted; of course, we will investigate that as well."
Karasawa Hiro was speechless. It was the black-haired man, who hadn't said much until now, who spoke hesitantly: "The Criminal Planning Division... we won't deal with this, will we?"
Now Leigh was even more certain that the three Japanese policemen shared the same goal as them.
The policeman in front of us is quite interesting. Even though ordinary people are in imminent danger, he still has the mind to prevent them from taking advantage of the situation and takes the time to control the situation and seal off the store.
I don't know if it's because he's calm under pressure or because of his cold-hearted nature.
The ambulance finally arrived downstairs with its emergency lights flashing. Kind-hearted Morofushi Kagemitsu lent a hand and helped lift the person onto a stretcher and carry them downstairs.
Mr. Zhonglin rushed back without even seeing the police before getting into an ambulance and going to the hospital.
Only after watching the ambulance leave did Kitagawa Ryusei turn around.
He bent down, wrapped his handkerchief around the phone that Nakabayashi Yuuki had dropped, picked it up, turned on the screen, glanced at it, and stuffed it into the evidence bag that was originally meant for the ledger. He then turned and glanced at Kawashima Chisa.
Thanks to the tacit understanding between the team members, Kawashima Chisa instantly understood and showed her identification to the black-haired man: "Inspector Kawashima, First Investigation Division, National Police Agency."
In charge of serious/violent cases such as murder, kidnapping, and bombing.
"Do I have the right to interfere now?" Kitagawa Ryusei glanced silently at the black-haired man.
Unexpectedly, the police officers who were on the same field assignment and seemed to have a close relationship actually came from different departments. This was the second surprise the Japanese police had given Lei today.
“Sorry,” the dark-haired man shrugged, indicating that he had no more questions. He leaned against the window, hands in his pockets, and fell silent again.
Kitagawa Ryusei seemed about to laugh, but before he could even manage a smile, the blond youth interrupted him with a worried tone: "Inspector Kitagawa, may we leave? My friend and I have nothing to do with this."
It seems like they don't want to get too involved with the police.
Misato Iwashita quickly explained the three men's identities: "Officer, they are here today for a job interview, not customers or employees of the store."
From the moment they went up to the second floor, Kitagawa Ryusei didn't make eye contact with Furuya Rei again. The two maintained the social distance that "strangers" should have. Upon hearing this, he simply hummed in agreement, acting out of character: "Of course, you can leave now."
After saying that, he casually looked at Furuya Rei and the other two.
I just don't know if those suspected of being members of a criminal organization would be willing?
The atmosphere instantly became tense.
Bourbon, Scotland, and Rye, who were still on a mission: ...
Although staying here won't allow me to complete the task for the time being, the atmosphere is already so intense that it would be too frustrating to be asked to leave just like that.
Especially since they were the ones who initiated the decision to leave.
Kitagawa Ryusei remained silent, deliberately looking back with a puzzled expression, almost as if he were gesturing for them to go downstairs.
"Actually... I've always been interested in solving cases, and I usually enjoy reading murder mystery novels," Morofushi Kagemitsu said, rubbing his nose with his fingertip after receiving pleading looks from his two teammates. He forced a smile and asked, "Will staying here bother you?"
Every day in the organization felt like a murder case. Whether as a police officer or a member of the organization, everyone paid close attention to the police's movements... Taking things out of context is perfectly fine.
Lai and Bourbon quickly said from the steps that had been set up, "I have no objection if you want to stay." / "You can make a reservation at the restaurant next time."
Kitagawa Ryusei remained silent, and at that moment, the three policemen fully demonstrated the consideration and tolerance of public officials towards "curious citizens".
To be honest, they didn't want to let people leave either.
The man suspected to be the mysterious sniper, along with two other men who didn't look like ordinary people, if they were indeed connected to the organization they were investigating, then this was the first time in two years that the special investigation team had come into close contact with these people.
Go back and make the portraits! Also, make one profile for each person and archive them together!
Of course, it would be even better if they could just handcuff the person and take them back! They pressed down the restless hands.
"Solving cases isn't as fun as in novels; it's incredibly boring. People usually just focus on the smallest details." Since he didn't need to help with the case, Asahina Yuugo took the initiative to probe the three suspicious individuals and started chatting about the case they had just discussed.
However, in a moment of inattention, he failed to keep an eye on the blond youth, who darted to Kitagawa Ryusei's side.
"Officer, doesn't Sherlock Holmes usually have Dr. Watson by his side?" The blond-haired man leaned forward, smiling. "Where's your partner?"
Kawashima Chisa, who was surveying the scene, looked at him with a puzzled expression: ...She and Asahina are still standing here, alive and well.
Is it possible for someone so young to have such poor eyesight?
Kitagawa Ryusei did not answer, leaving the man to his own devices for the time being.
He leaned closer to the light switch and sniffed it, but didn't touch it with his hand. He looked up at the ceiling light, which had been stripped down to just a loose wire, and pondered.
Would a normal adult change a light bulb with the power on?
Moreover, Karasawa Hiro, who went out to buy electric lights, has not yet returned. Why would he climb the ladder at this time?
"Kawashima, call the police," Kitagawa Ryusei said decisively.
As soon as he finished speaking, Misato Iwashita and Hiro Karasawa turned their heads to look at him at the same time.
Ignoring their reactions, he calmly answered Furuya Rei's question: "The Watsons didn't bring their professional equipment today, so Holmes needs to call Scotland Yard for help."
"Huh? There's more than one Watson?"
Rei Furuya's eyes widened slightly, his expression unique.
As Leigh and Scotland were dealing with the overly enthusiastic and ardent Asahina, they noticed the situation here and clicked their tongues.
This Bourbon... can't he sometimes tone down the intelligence team's curiosity? Can't he see the police are already suspicious of them...?
After making the call to the police, Kawashima Chisa asked, somewhat puzzled, "Why didn't you call the Forensic Science Division?"
Although this kind of thing is not under their jurisdiction, it's not impossible for them to get involved if it happens.
I thought he was going to say something about "everyone having their own job," but instead, Kitagawa Ryusei's face showed sincere helplessness: "Leave some business for the Metropolitan Police Department, miss."
"Although their efficiency is questionable, they are still somewhat useful."
...What a sharp tongue.
The others remained silent, inwardly feeling sympathy for the poor Metropolitan Police Department.
Metropolitan Police Department Public Security Officer Morifushi Kagemitsu suddenly felt as if an arrow had struck his knee.
I don't know if I can apply for workers' compensation.
Before Kitagawa Ryusei could say anything more, he felt a sudden weight on his trouser leg, as if it were being hooked and pulled down, and he slowly lowered his head.
As I looked down, my eyes met those of a small, dark-skinned man.
A small, round creature, about the size of a dumpling, was using its claws to hook onto Kitagawa Ryusei's pants and climb up.
Her eyes were a grayish-blue hue, and they were looking at him with round, bright eyes.
"Get down quickly!"
Misato Iwashita gasped in surprise, took a few steps forward, squatted down in front of the young man, and lifted the little creature, which was still climbing, to try to remove its claws.
Karasawa Hiro, who had been lost in thought, hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Iwashita, don't pull it too hard, you'll hurt its claws!"
These two sounds drew everyone's attention on the second floor—Kitagawa Ryusei stood tall and thin, his eyebrows twitching as he looked at the two adults squatting at his feet, with a cat clinging to him that he couldn't get off.
He stood frozen in place, unsure whether to move or not, his composure completely gone.
This scene was inexplicably hilarious.
Rei Furuya couldn't help but burst out laughing: "...Sorry."
He successfully received a piercing gaze.
"Is this a Siamese? What a lively little guy."
Zhu Fujingguang smiled faintly and kindly defused the situation.
“Yes, it’s only four months old, so its fur isn’t very dark yet,” Karasawa Hiro replied.
The kitten clung tightly to Kitagawa Ryusei, refusing to let go, and kept trying to climb higher, making him kneel on the ground in desperation.
The two members of the special search team also dropped what they were doing to watch the show—Kitagawa Ryusei's helplessness was a rare sight indeed.
Rei Furuya finally finished laughing and then half-squatted down to try and rescue Inspector Kitagawa's poor suit pants.
Before my hand could even touch the Siamese cat, the little thing turned its head and breathed on me mercilessly.
They had the air of "if you dare touch me, I'll bite you."
Jianggu Ling: "..."
This time, it was Kitagawa Ryusei who tilted his head and laughed out loud, his gaze now filled with appreciation as he looked at the cat on his pants.
Well done!
He bent down and easily lifted the little creature by the back of its neck.
The cat, which was screaming, was suddenly taken down and lifted up. It immediately straightened its legs and stood still, meeting another pair of light-colored eyes. Its voice turned into a soft whimper.
The gray-blue eyes blinked.
Misato Iwashita smiled gently: "She's quite the spoiled brat."
The young man's bewildered expression as he carried the cat made her overlook his identity, and she habitually said, "Sir, would you like to consider taking it home? Siamese cats are very intelligent, you can take them for walks, and if trained properly, they can even do backflips."
"Can we train them to turn the lights on and off?" Kitagawa Ryusei asked abruptly.
He still had a polite, faint smile on his face.
Everyone else present, except for Misato Iwashita, was taken aback.
Karasawa Hiroshi's behavior was the most obvious.
Moroboshi Dai Emerald's eyes slowly tapped out a question mark, unusually bewildered: How did the topic suddenly change? Are the Japanese police's case-solving methods so unconventional?
He looked at the native Japanese Scotsman with a puzzled expression.
Scotland shook its head.
From the time he started school, Morofushi Kagemitsu never quite understood the logic his friend used to solve cases.
Misato Iwashita had no doubts: "Sure, just like training a dog, you just need to associate the command, the action, and the food. Although this little Siamese doesn't know how yet, if Karasawa trains him, I think it won't take long."
The crowd suddenly fell silent. Only then did she realize something was wrong. She stammered, looking blankly at everyone, "You...you all suspect this wasn't an accident? That can't be, can it?"
The sound of police sirens gradually approached.
The ambulance had just left when a police car arrived, and many shop staff peeked out to observe the situation.
Faced with her words, Kitagawa Ryusei did not rush to a conclusion. Instead, she glanced at her phone and turned to instruct Kawashima Chisa: "When the Metropolitan Police Department arrives, first extract the traces from the switch. We need to examine the nose print, bodily fluids, and palm print. Then, we need to recover the victim's phone data. I'm going to take a call from a hospital."
After saying that, he casually shoved the cat in his hand into the arms of Furuya Rei, who was closest to him, and turned to leave without looking back.
Rei Furuya, who had been left behind, and the cat in his elbow looked at each other in bewilderment.
The two dark-skinned men remained silent for a moment, then simultaneously turned away.
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