The Black Lizard by Edogawa Rampo

Author:Edogawa Rampo [Rampo, Edogawa]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781802063196
Publisher: Penguin Random House UK
Published: 2023-07-13T00:00:00+00:00

14

The Star of Egypt

The next day, the story of the abduction of the jeweller’s daughter was carried in the national dailies. The local police and the Osaka district constabulary applied all their might to the search for Sanae. Sofas in department store displays, the show windows of furniture stores, and railway station freight storehouses were all the subject of suspicious scrutiny. Some nervous citizens would not sit on their drawing room sofas without first checking the condition of the base.

A full day passed without any news as to the whereabouts of the sofa into which a person had been crammed. Was the beautiful Sanae still alive or had she died? It was as if she had completely vanished from the face of the earth.

Naturally, Mr and Mrs Iwase were very distressed. And given that it was entirely their fault that Sanae had been led into a perilous situation and that the kidnapper had been overlooked, they could not hate anyone. Still, overwhelming sadness and rage caused them to lose perspective and they felt like blaming Akechi for his imprudence in leaving the house.

Of course, Akechi was aware of this feeling. Moreover, in light of his reputation as a master detective, he felt a heavy sense of responsibility regarding the abduction as well as frustration that mistakes could not be undone. Nevertheless, he was not in the least disconcerted, like an ever-victorious army chief who always retains hope in his breast.

‘Iwase-san, please believe me when I tell you that your daughter is safe. I promise that I will get her back. Even though she is in the kidnappers’ hands, she will definitely come to no harm. They will treat her as carefully as a treasure. There are reasons why they must do so. You should not be concerned in the slightest.’

Rephrasing the same message several ways, Akechi sought to assuage Mr and Mrs Iwase.

‘You say you can get our daughter back Akechi-san, but where is she now? Are you suggesting that you know her whereabouts?’

Iwase’s question was full of sarcasm.

‘Yes, I do. Or as good as.’

Akechi was unmoved.

‘Hah! Then would you be so kind as to go and bring her back? Since yesterday, you seem to have just folded your arms and left everything up to the police. If you know as much as you say, please take the appropriate action quickly.’

‘Well, actually I’m waiting.’

‘What do you mean waiting?’

‘For a message from the Black Lizard.’

‘For a message? That’s silly. Do you mean to say that the criminal will send a message saying “Please come and collect your daughter”?’ Iwase’s question was laced with loathing, and he snorted derisively.

‘That’s right!’

The master detective answered like an innocent child.

‘I think the criminal might send a message asking us to come and collect your daughter.’

‘Hah?! Are you in your right mind? The criminal would never do such a thing … Akechi-san, I’m offended that you make jokes in this situation.’

The jeweller spoke bitterly.

‘It’s no joke. You’re certain to find out at any moment … Aha! Perhaps there’ll be a message among these.

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