“Tell them a rogue might be responsible. That ought to get their attention.”
Rogue was the term the Onmyoryo liked to use for non-contracted supernaturals who did whatever they liked with their powers. Almost whatever they liked. The Onmyoryo still spied on them and those who caused trouble faced severe consequences. The non-contracted supernaturals weren’t technically ‘rogues’, but the Onmyoryo wasn’t fond of supernaturals they couldn’t fully control.
Superintendent Yoshida was quiet for a bit before replying. “Very well.”
“Thank you, sir.” Shinji hung up and stared up at the cloudy sky. His body ached from using his sealedreiryokuand the chill of Ishida’s ghostly mist still hadn’t left him.
Why did he have to get such a complicated case on his first week here? The universe hated him. Finally putting his suit jacket on, Shinji returned to the apartment.
Teruo was discussing with Suzuki in a corner while Kojima and Taniguchi were taking the gurney out, Ishida’s body bagged on top of it. Kojima threw Shinji a glance, a shadow crossing her face. Their eyes met and she averted her gaze, giving Taniguchi another reluctant pat on the back.
After Suzuki left as well, Shinji approached Teruo who was staring at him with hiswhy-the-hell-did-you-run-off-again?face.
“Sorry about that,” Shinji apologized. “I thought I saw something suspicious, but I was wrong.”
That made Teruo’s brows rise high. “The killer?”
“I’m really not sure. The officers are searching the area right now, but…”
“Whydidn’t you tell me?” Teruo said through gritted teeth.
“I sort of rushed first before I thought it through, but it was too late. It might not have been the killer, after all.”
“Or itmight have. Next time, you tell me, do you understand? I hate crap like this—you dashing off with no explanation. We’re a team, so no solo confrontations with murderers.” Teruo rubbed at his shoulder absentmindedly.
The last case must have still been on Teruo’s mind, the guilt eating at him just how Shinji’s own guilt ate at him every night. Ishida’s mistake had nearly cost Teruo his life, but now Teruo probably blamed himself for playing a part in Ishida’s resignation and indirectly his death. That was obviously wrong as Teruo couldn’t have possibly known what would happen. But Shinji felt like a hypocrite telling Teruo not to take the blame, when he himself bore the burden of watching Haruna die in his arms.
Running a palm over his face, Shinji focused his attention back to the crime scene. “The list of classmates should help us narrow down the pool of suspects.”
“Yeah,” Teruo said. “And possibly future victims too.”
“You’re thinking the killer’s not done.”
“I want to be wrong, but…” Teruo trailed off.
Shinji nodded, following him back to the living room.
In the evening Teruo wrapped up the investigation. A few officers remained behind to keep an eye on things in case the murderer returned. But it was highly unlikely and Teruo grumbled as he climbed behind the wheel.
“Busy tonight?” Teruo asked.
“Not really, no. Do you want me to come over?”
“Yeah, if that’s okay.”
Shinji smiled. “Of course.” He placed a hand on Teruo’s knee and patted gently. Shinji guessed he didn’t want to be alone tonight after seeing his former work partner dead though Teruo definitely wouldn’t admit it out loud. “I’m sorry about this whole situation. I’m not sure if it’s of any consolation—probably not—but I understand how you feel.”
Throat bobbing up and down, Teruo glanced at him, but didn’t answer.
“And if you ever need to talk, I’m here,” Shinji added.
“I appreciate it.” Teruo took one hand off the steering wheel and set it on top of Shinji’s and squeezed. “Just... don’t go off on your own again.”
“I won’t, I promise.”
After reaching the house, Teruo made dinner and they enjoyed it together, exchanging non-serious details about older cases they worked on. Teruo seemed especially wary of diving into heavy topics and half-way through the discussion he moved to some fun stories of his time as a rookie officer.
“Wanna watch a movie?” Teruo asked as they cleaned up the dishes.