The 8 Mansion Murders by Takemaru Abiko

Author:Takemaru Abiko [Abiko, Takemaru]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-05-07T16:00:00+00:00

4

Kinoshita was carried into the empty guest room two doors away and a doctor was called.

As he was waiting for the doctor to finish, Kyōzō had an idea.

He could use this accident!

Mitsuko Kawamura was without a doubt on edge now, knowing that she was under suspicion. It was quite possible she might take some action sometime during the night. If they could stay in the house to watch her, she might make a mistake, or cave under the mental pressure and give herself up.

‘Doctor, there’s something I want to ask of you.’

‘Yes?’

‘Could you perhaps tell the others it would be better for Kinoshita to stay here for the night?’

The doctor looked puzzled.

‘I don’t mind, but may I ask why?’

Kyōzō pulled his police notebook from his pocket and showed it to the doctor.

‘I can’t explain the details, but it’s necessary for my investigation,’ he replied.

‘But I thought they’d already caught the culprit?’ said the doctor. Kyōzō looked around to make sure nobody was listening and whispered: ‘We did that to put the real murderer at ease.’

The doctor looked bewildered for a second, but then a big smile spread across his face.

‘Oh! That means….’

‘Shh… You understand, don’t you? Please don’t mention this to anyone until we nab the real killer.’

‘Ye—yes, of course. You might be surprised how good I am at keeping a secret. I see, so he wasn’t the real murderer. The wife will be so surprised when she hears this. Oh, but mum’s the word. The police do play a crafty game….’

‘So I hope you can help me out here.’

‘Of course. It’s the duty of the people to help the police in their investigations.’

Kyōzō didn’t trust people who could utter the words “duty of the people” without any embarrassment, but he had no other choice.

The two of them went downstairs. There were several people waiting for them on the ground floor. The only persons absent were the secretary Saeki, the master of the house Kikuo, and Yūsaku, who had remained in his room all the time.

‘…How is that poor boy?’ asked Tamiko anxiously, whilst Kikuji grinned. The doctor stole a glance at Kyōzō, and explained: ‘He broke his nose. That’s a fairly routine condition, so it’s nothing to worry about. However, there’s a possibility he hit his head hard, so I’ve advised that he not be moved tonight.’

Kyōzō was satisfied with this likely-sounding lie.

‘I see. I suppose it can’t be helped. He can stay in that guest room tonight, then. I hope that’s all right?’

So, before Kyōzō could suggest it himself, Tamiko had already offered the room.

‘Yes. I’m terribly sorry for causing you so much trouble. I’m quite worried about him, so I think I’ll stay by his side tonight as well.’

‘I see. I’ll have a guest room in the south wing readied for you, so you can use it if you want to rest.’

‘Thank you very much.’

Kyōzō grinned to himself. He shot a glance at Mitsuko, but she looked away, pretending she’d had nothing to do with it.

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