Malice: A Mystery by Keigo Higashino

Author:Keigo Higashino [Higashino, Keigo]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
ISBN: 9781250035615
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published: 2014-10-06T16:00:00+00:00

5

CONFESSION

OSAMU NONOGUCHI’S ACCOUNT

For several days I’d had the feeling that the next time Detective Kaga paid a visit to my hospital bed, he’d bring with him all the answers he’d been looking for. Based on what I’d seen of his work so far, it seemed likely: he was precise, thorough, and startlingly fast. Whenever I closed my eyes, I could hear his footsteps’ swift approach. When he found out about Hatsumi, I resigned myself—at least partially—to what was to come. His eyes were far keener than I’d expected. I’m hardly qualified to pass judgment on others, but I think he made the right decision by getting out of teaching.

When next he did come, Kaga was bearing two pieces of evidence. One was a knife, the other, a videotape. To my surprise, the tape was inside a hollowed-out copy of Sea Ghost. How like Hidaka’s sense of humor, I thought. Though one could also interpret it as a tactical move. Had it been any other book, even Detective Kaga might not have arrived at the truth so quickly.

“Please explain what we found on this tape. If you’d like to look at it, I’m sure the hospital has a player we can borrow.”

That was all he needed to say to get the full story out of me because nothing less than the truth would explain the scene captured on that tape.

Yes, I still offered some resistance—refusing to answer, even though I knew it was in vain and wouldn’t put him off. When he saw me clam up, Detective Kaga wasted no time and began relating his own theory. Clearly he’d expected this to happen, and with the exception of a few details, he nailed it.

By way of an epilogue he added, “All I’ve said is pure conjecture at this point. However we feel this is enough to construct a viable motive for your crime. You told me that we were free to create our own motive? Well, I think this will do nicely.”

It was true. If the only other option was confessing the real reason I killed Kunihiko Hidaka, I’d have been perfectly willing to let them make up something. Of course, I’d never dreamed that the story Detective Kaga would “make up” would be the truth.

“It looks like I’ve lost,” I said after a few moments of stunned silence. I spoke calmly, in an attempt to mask my bewilderment. In this, too, I failed.

“Will you talk?” he asked.

“If I don’t, you’ll submit what you just told me to the court?”

“Yes.”

“Then I’ll talk. Since the cat’s out of the bag anyway, I’d feel better if all the details were correct.”

“Did I get some of it wrong?”

“Hardly anything. It’s quite impressive. Still, there are a few details that should be included. It’s a matter of honor.”

“Your honor?”

I shook my head. “Hatsumi Hidaka’s honor.”

Detective Kaga nodded. He instructed the detective with him to take notes.

“Hold on a moment,” I said. “Do we absolutely have to do it this way?”

“What do you mean?”

“Just … it’s a long story, and there are parts of it I’d like to get straight in my head.

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