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PART 29 – Bona Fide Warning

“If your trip to Saiga proved useful, do share the specifics. Not in too much detail, though, for sake of everyone’s hues,” Ginoza coldly stated, looking at Kogami and Akibara.

Kogami filled the rest of the team in. She backed him up on several occasions, so they wouldn’t miss something of importance. Shepherd One listened carefully.

“Kunizuka… add these criteria to the cross-analysis with the recorded interviews we had with potential suspects from Hitagawa’s list. Run patients and medical staff again, just in case. See if there is a match with the photo from the street scanner,” Ginoza instructed.

“We will have to broaden the search,” Shizuka said, to what Kunizuka responded:

“Already making a parallel algorithm on a larger scale. It will take some time, though.”

Shizuka was impressed once again by how fast Kunizuka caught up.

“Good. Yayoi… can you please show me the photo from the crime scene again?” Shizuka asked. Kunizuka nodded and then zoomed the image, putting it on the display for everyone. Kagari sighed.

“No matter how we look at it… it’s quite shitty image. Not much of a lead.”

Like a certain photo on certain Enforcer’s wall, Shizuka thought. Kogami narrowed his eyes.

“It won’t be very helpful, given the lack of quality,” he remarked. Shizuka felt bad after hearing his tone. She had to agree. Yayoi enlarged it the best she could, but noise grains and pixels were on the way of determining the looks of their suspect.

“There should have been more than one photo, though,” Kogami noted, pulling his Spinel pack out. Street scanners usually made a few before archiving it.

“There were several, actually,” Kunizuka said. “However, they were deleted the moment scanner snapped them. This image was the only one I was able to save before someone interfered. They were fast.”

“Nevertheless, well done, Yayoi,” Shizuka looked at the capable Enforcer, smiling to her. “We are lucky you are always monitoring the scanners. Without you, we wouldn’t even have this much. So… good job.”

Yayoi shortly smiled back. She was grateful for the praise. “Thanks, Inspector.”

Shizuka was ignoring the fact that Shinya was standing next to her, she had to shake off the presence of his warmth. The tension was still there, and they were both quite reserved towards one another. They had to act professionally, though. They had more important things to solve rather than their personal dispute.

“Well, we now know for a fact that he has an accomplice,” Gino verified. It was good to confirm one theory. It meant they were closer to solving the case.

“It’s someone very skilled,” Yayoi nodded. “I wasn’t able to backtrack the deletion. We have a dead-end.”

“Or not. Come on, everyone. Let’s work with this lead. We can go through this in the good old-fashioned way,” Masaoka said, wanting to encourage the team.

“What way?” Kagari asked.

“Conclusions through mere observation. What do we see?”

“Someone blurred?” Kagari told what was first on his mind. He hated the case at that point. He had enough of working double shifts.

“All we get from it is that the killer is male. Other than that…” Kunizuka tried to fish for some details. It was very hard to tell. The photo was taken after midnight. The street lights cast very little light to the suspect’s face. The shadow was covering most of his appearance.

“Dark hair, either black or dark brown,” Kagari was struggling to estimate. “The coat is black, though… and those gloves too.”

Kogami was looking at the photo, putting another cigarette between his lips.

“He is wearing branded clothes,” Masaoka noticed. This guy was rich. Quite rich.

“He’s tall. Like… Gino-san type of tall,” Kagari remarked, looking further. “Compare his height to the vehicles around, and with the scanners.”

“He is also well-built. No wonder the fourth victim, Wakimoto Aiko, couldn’t overpower him. He must have had… some training or something. He seems quite strong,” Tomomi remarked.

Heads turned in Shinya’s direction. He kept looking at the photo.

“Does he look like anyone we’ve had a conversation with?” he asked. Ginoza’s wristcom ringed, and he pressed the button to receive the call. Shion’s image projected on hologram.

“Not like anyone I spoke to,” Kunizuka said. She started typing something on her keyboard.

“I didn’t have many tall guys to interrogate,” Kagari said. “Now when I think about it… I think I interviewed two guys. Shorter than me… not strong at all. And that’s about it.”

“Because you chose to interview ladies instead, pervert,” Kunizuka said, checking on the data she could get from digital properties of the photo.

“Are you jealous, Yayoi?” Kagari grinned, teasing.

“Why would she be?” Shion asked over Ginoza’s wristcom. “She has sex, unlike you.”

Kagari’s jaw dropped. “Not fair.”

“You want me to turn this off?” Ginoza asked Shion, because he wasn’t amused. “Tell me. Is there anything unusual with the fifth victim? What does autopsy report say?”

“Other than her eyes, he took her breasts. Almost professionally. He also… raped her for hours, as it seems. Other than that… it’s the same like with previous victims,” Shion sighed.

“Fuck… this motherfucker!” Kagari was really pissed off. “Just wait until I get my hands on this psychopath. I am going to take my time with him.”

Kogami shared his viewpoint. He wanted to inflict much pain on this individual. He looked at Shizuka, who was clenching her fists. He was sure she felt the same.

“Could it be there are two people? One rapist… and the other a killer?” Kagari wondered out loud.

“Other than that… how can we even be sure that this is a valid image of the killer?” Shizuka asked, crossing her arms over her torso. The team took some time to process these possibilities.

“The timeline fits,” Kunizuka said. “The crime scene fits. From this, it looks like he is leaving Nagano Shizuka’s area. He was close to her house, to be more precise.”

Kogami put down his cigarette in an ashtray, looking at Akibara. Nagano resembled her in appearance. She even shared her name. This was a strange coincidence… if it was a coincidence at all. Shizuka could feel his gaze on her. She glared at him, knowing he was about to bring it up.

“Gino… I have something to discuss with you,” Kogami said, and Shizuka literally turned towards him in threatening manner. Ginoza annoyingly turned at both of them.

“Discuss what, Enforcer Kogami?” he asked. “You can say it in front of others.”

“Kogami,” she warned, he could hear it in her tone. Gino straightened his back. There was trouble in Paradise, and he was intrigued to hear why.

“About Inspector Akibara’s wish to play the bait in this case,” Shinya was never the one to back down once he set his mind. Nor was he intimidated by her. He knew things would get ugly with her… but he wasn’t going to let her have her way this time. For her own sake. She was hell-bent on catching this guy.

“Akibara, I need you to stop insisting. It’s illogical, emotional decision that could cost you your life,” Ginoza coldly responded.

“It won’t work,” Kogami said with that calm, reassuring tone he used to reason with others. But, rarely with her. She didn’t need to be reasoned with at most times. “You heard Saiga. Dangling bait won’t mean anything,” he reminded her of his words.

“You two expect me to just sit and let him kill whoever he wants next?” she looked at Nobuchika, then at Shinya. She wanted to hear their reasons.

“We will get him before he kills anyone else,” Kogami stated confidently.

“Really? Because we have a singular, blurry picture? Which was conveniently timed and given to us, as if it was thrown in our laps? Isn’t it too clumsy of someone who’s supposedly that competent, to make this kind of mistake and leave us the trail?”

“We are closer than ever and there’s no need to risk an Inspector when we can settle this ourselves,” Kogami’s tone was becoming more dangerous. More cold… and more scornful. She wasn’t used hearing him talk like that to her.

“For all we know, it could be a setup. It could be a scam. He might be wearing a holo-suit,” she told him. There was a possibility.

“Full body-holos are forbidden,” Kagari noted.

“And messing with street scanners isn’t?” she asked back.

“Don’t make me suspend you, Akibara,” Ginoza said, getting angry with her for being so stubborn. “Even Kogami, who always supports your stupid plans, knows how dangerous it would be to put you through this. Don’t be a fool this killer expects you to be. He knows escapists, he may as well personally know you. You playing the bait is out of question, for you already are the bait. I am not going to push you towards him just because you fit the IVT.”

“Don’t you presume to tell me…” she started, but he cut her off with his response.

“Drill this into that thick skull of yours! You aren’t doing this!” Ginoza lost his patience and raised his voice so much that Kagari and Kunizuka looked one another. Even Kogami was surprised.

“Inspector Ginoza,” Masaoka frowned, “this is not the time to act this way.”

But, Gino was too focused on telling her off to pay attention to his Enforcer.

“You won’t be the sixth victim as far as I am concerned... no matter how stupid, or smart idea to set you as bait might be. END of discussion,” he was categorical.

“Gino, I demand…” she tried, but he was really, royally pissed off.

“You don’t get to demand anything, Shepherd Two! The whole unit agrees on this!” Gino snapped at her again. “Stop being a stubborn fool before I put you off this case for good. One more sentence and I will suspend you!”

He wasn't threatening, he'd really do it. She didn’t know what to do with her anger. She wanted to scream. But, she remained calm and like he asked, she didn’t say a word. It was too unpleasant to keep talking anyway. She felt ashamed because he spoke to her like that in front of others. It was humiliating.

“Don’t be so hard on her, Inspector. She is offering a solution she sees fit,” Masaoka’s reasonable voice made Ginoza even more agitated.

“She’s offering a dumb one! Don’t encourage her to be more stupid than she already is!”

Kunizuka turned at Ginoza. Kagari too.

“What did you say?” she asked, furious at that point.

“Hey!” Masaoka rose from his seat, getting towards his son in a threatening manner. “It’s your partner you are talking about, and talking to, Inspector. I think you were raised better than that!”

“That’s the thing… you wouldn’t know how I was raised, would you?” he asked, approaching Tomomi as well. Shizuka got in between. She gave one sharp look to Ginoza. She fought the urge to teach him a lesson.

“It’s okay, Masaoka san. You don’t have to speak for me, and I certainly don’t need protection from Shepherd One. I can handle him,” she said bitterly.

She then looked at Kogami. “Look what you’ve done!”

“He’s done the right thing, for once,” Ginoza said. “He knows how fickle your hue is at this point.”

She had to swallow that. She wanted to punch them both, though.

“I am glad you two got decided to be best friends again. It surely took you long enough.”

The two of them exchanged glances.

“Missy…” Masaoka tried to calm the situation down, but she already stepped aside and took her overcoat, putting it on. She looked at Ginoza in quite scornful way.

“I believe you have this, Shepherd One. I will go home and treat this fickle hue of mine so you don’t get your hands full with worrying about me. Call me if, by any means, you need me.”

To Hell with all of this.

“Shizuka… calm down, and get back here,” Shinya said, looking strictly at her. Enforcer or not, he didn’t want her to rush out like that. To his surprise, she obeyed, but for different reasons. She was about to tell him off as well.

The heat of the moment was interrupted by Kunizuka’s monitor. Something started beeping, and a line-box was loading on the display. She quickly searched through the data.

“We have eight probable visual matches,” she said. All Enforcers and both Inspectors leaned over her monitor to look at the profile. Kogami leaned from Shizuka’s right side, Ginoza came from her left. All three seemed to have forgotten about their dispute. The culprit was the priority.

Shizuka looked at names. She froze. Kogami looked at her, he could immediately tell why she was so shaken. The one who made the top of the list, with 56% percent match… was someone she knew.

“Why… why him?” she gasped. Ginoza looked at profiles too.

“Why was he cleared?” he asked her. He recognized the face as well.

“Because I spoke to him and he has an alibi,” Masaoka explained, backing Shizuka up. “I did the interview so she wouldn’t get blamed for clearing him based on personal ties. She didn’t clear him. I did.”

Gino opened his mouth to say something offensive. This time, Shizuka interrupted.

“It’s not him,” she claimed. But, something in her chest was hurting really bad. It was gripping her, suffocating her. This would break her entirely if true. She had to sit down. She covered her head with her hands.

“Because you say so?” Gino’s eyes could kill in that moment. “Alibis can be faked! Kogami… according to what you know from this case, and what you’ve heard from Saiga today… could he be the killer?”

Kogami was thinking. “Logically speaking… he is a powerful figure… rich… and hard to access. He has good connections because he is in politics. People owe him favors; he does know holo-designers and people that could possibly mess with the system, if needed. He is influential, is refined and has interest in arts…”

“It’s not him,” Shizuka exclaimed again.

“But he does resent escapists, Shizuka. He fits the profile,” Kogami had to be honest.

“Damn it, it’s not him!” she was upset. Ginoza activated his wristcom.

“Your CC is rising,” Ginoza showed her the device, “it’s already seventy two. Akibara… I have no other choice but to rem…”

She knew well what he will say. She couldn’t have it.

“No. Gino, no,” she interrupted him. “Please… don’t. It’s not him. I have to prove it. Don’t put me off the case just yet.”

It took a lot of pride-swallowing to say those words to him after the scene they caused. But, she needed to say those words. She needed to stay on that case no matter what.

“It’s too personal for you,” Ginoza retorted angrily. “You leave me no other option.”

“Here’s another option. I will reset the CC. I can do it. Just… don’t let me sit this case through.”

Gino looked at Kogami, as if he was asking for his support. Kogami took a few moments to think. She gave him a short look that wasn’t implying anything this time. But, a lot of things depended of his answer. Quite a lot. He knew this.

“She can do this, Gino. Let her,” he said. She exhaled, and Gino rolled his eyes.

“So be it. But this is your last warning. If your CC gets up to 75, I am bona fide taking you off this case. You are to attend psychological treatment as soon as we end here. Take therapy. Take meds. If I get the slightest sign that your value is getting up, I am going to suspend you. Without further debate.”

“Fine,” she said. He looked at the picture of the suspect once more. He spoke to her once more.

“I expect you to remain professional, Shepherd Two. We need to play this smart, not rush in like some hotheads. If he is the killer, he must not know we are on his trail.”

“I understand,” she uttered. His green eyes scanned her.

“I warn you, Shizuka. Not a word to Mio. She must not know about this,” he felt obliged to tell her.

Yamano Ryou was Akibara Mio’s husband… and in that point, he fit the constructed profile more than anyone else.

---------------------------------

She took some time to cool off, and she remained a bit longer after everyone left. Shinya entered the office and approached her. He looked at her monitor. She was going through Ryou’s video interview, over and over. Her head was starting to hurt.

“Still analyzing?” he asked.

“Don’t.”

She was still so angry at him.

“Come on. Silent treatment never worked for us,” he reminded her, taking a chair and putting it next to her. He casually sat next to her. She could feel his hand next to hers once he leaned over. He took a cigarette, putting it between his lips.

“Shinya, get lost or I will smack you. I don’t have the capacity to talk to you right now.”

But, look at you. You are still talking to him.

“Okay then… we don’t have to talk,” he smiled, lighting up his cigarette. His eyes spoke things his mouth never did.

“What are you implying?” she asked, glaring at him.

“What do you think I’m implying?”

He was distracting her. Kou had that magnetizing appeal that would put any woman in his bed before he even said anything. Ironically enough, he didn’t see it. His picture of himself was that of an ordinary guy who simply wanted to learn as many things as he could, training his brain just as he trained his body. But that was it. He was even willing to wait for Sibyl to recommend a partner to him before meeting Shizuka. It was mini-miracle he did anything about her at all. But, once he did something… he was determined to get it by any cost. It’s a feature they both shared.

“That I need stress-relieving, as by Gino’s recommendation?” she sharply answered.

“I know you are angry. But, Gino is right. The whole case is too personal for you.”

“Why did you back me up, then?” she asked.

“Because it’s one thing to stop you from playing bait… and completely other to put you off the case altogether. Don’t hold it against Gino. He is just worried in his own way,” he said simply.

“I can’t stand either one of you right now. I can’t believe I…”

“I am afraid,” Shinya boldly stated. “Can’t you tell? I am afraid you’ll die, even if you aren’t afraid yourself. Same goes for Gino. He bears even bigger responsibility when it comes to you. And he is trying to keep you safe no matter what.”

Shinya could be a really smooth talker. Too smooth sometimes.

“Keep defending him, see where it takes you. And you… we are yet to talk about your behavior,” she snapped.

“Last time I checked, you weren't Tomoyo,” he kept smiling, amused by her anger.

“I wish your mom was here. She would at least put you to your place,” she frowned.

“You could too, if you wanted to. Just in other ways,” he teased.

She looked at the video again, trying to ignore Shinya.

Ryou’s grey eyes seemed distant. Serious. His expression gave nothing away. He was told the interview was routine check. He was asked several questions, Masaoka kept it simple and pretty... cozy. Friendly, even. But, the more she looked at Ryou, the more he seemed nervous behind that icy mask of his. He also resembled the man from their photo, not to mention that he was about the same height as Gino. But, could it really be? That he…

“Ryou is many things… but he can’t be the Butcher,” she stubbornly claimed. “He just can’t. A lot of people dislike escapists, but Ryou doesn’t hate anyone enough to kill them. If he did… then Mio…”

“Mio tried escapism. She never mastered the ability,” Shinya explained. “But, other than that, he wouldn't treat Mio the same way as his victims. He feels for Mio. Others could be just... outlets for whatever deviations he might entertain,” he suggested.

“You know he is a difficult person, but... he is a good husband. And a good father,” Shizuka said. “He was even a friend to you before you got demoted.”

“He could be all of those things, and still be the killer. In my place, you'd say the same thing if it wasn't about Ryou. Shizuka… you have to prepare yourself for that possibility. You have to at least consider it,” Kogami said, finishing his smoke.

“I can’t believe you think he…”

“I don’t know what to think. He doesn’t seem like a killer, but how well do we truly know someone?”

She was getting nervous. It will be bad for her condition.

“I have… to talk to Mio…”

“Shizuka, you mustn’t. Gino was right to warn you. If you tell her now, who knows what might happen? If he’s the killer, and he hasn’t harmed Mio yet, that’s because she doesn’t match his criteria, or he really has feelings for her. In any case, he won’t hurt her. Some killers are like that. Loving husbands on the surface… but dreadful monsters under the façade.”

Like dad, who almost chocked mom that night… and then beat me for getting in his way. A loving husband... and a loving father... whose hue got clear only after he'd beat someone in the household up. What a way to manage stress. What a way to grow up.

“Shizuka… don't drift away now. Look at me. You need to be prepared,” Kogami's voice got her back into reality.

“I don’t think I can,” she admitted.

“Yes, you can. You have to. For Mio. Especially if he isn't the killer that we seek.”

The look she gave him almost hurt. She seemed so tired... weak... fragile... that he had to hug her. She inhaled his scent. She sighed.

“I am not going to cry,” she told him. He smiled.

“I know,” he responded, “you know better than to cry over an unconfirmed claim.”

He gave her a moment. She was hugging him tightly. Then, she raised her guard again, separating herself from him.

“Thanks.”

He turned off the video for her and then rose from his seat. He helped her get up, his hand felt warm on hers.

“Come… let’s check that hue… and provide that necessary stress-relief.”

“I hope you are referring to gym, Enforcer. Don’t forget - I am still pissed off,” she pulled her hand from his and stepped away.

He smiled, opening the door for her. There were ways to get pass her anger, and he knew most of them.

“Wipe off that cocky smirk, jerk,” it was like she had eyes on the back of her head when it was about him.

“That even rhymes,” he noted, following her. “You get poetic when you are angry.”

“How observant of you.”

He stepped in front of her, blocking the way.

“Forget about the gym. Let’s go to my place.”

“You can't be serious.”

“I am not screwing around; I want to test a theory. You want to take the Butcher head on? You have to think like him, Shizuka. No… I have to think like him, and you have to fight me like you mean it. You have to forget I am your subordinate… and fight me with all you have. If it’s really Ryou, you will need resolve of steel.”

That was so like him, in fact. He wanted to catch this guy as much as she did. He would even try to think like him.

She still refused to consider Ryou to be the killer, though.

“Are you seriously proposing this?” she followed Kogami, unsure of the idea. It was one of those moments that showed that he was really thinking like a criminal, like an Enforcer... and she like an Inspector. A small, albeit meaningful difference that kept them on different levels. For now.

“If things get stressful, we will handle them differently. But, you have to go through this if it comes to direct face-off between you and the Butcher. Regardless of who he is.”

“How thoughtful of you,” she said, “... and how convenient.”

After so many years of being with him, one would think she'd get tired of him. And yet, here they were. Here she was, still drawn to him like moth to a flame.

He had that effect on people. She sometimes fought it just to prove she could resist him. Like now. Not to mention she still remembered how Gino tasted, once he kissed her.

She still felt bad about that. And she needed to forget it as soon as she could.

“Nothing will happen,” Kogami promised, in tone that didn't sound too reassuring to her. “At least... nothing that you wouldn't approve of, Inspector,” he clarified.

“I know, Enforcer. I wouldn't let it be any other way. Keep going,” she said, refusing to smile at his remarks. It was matter of principles.

He kept his smile along the whole way, though. Shinya knew how to get what he wanted, regardless of the circumstances.

And that's what made him so different from Nobuchika.

Description
PART 29 – Bona Fide Warning

“If your trip to Saiga proved useful, do share the specifics. Not in too much detail, though, for sake of everyone’s hues,” Ginoza coldly stated, looking at Kogami and Akibara.

Kogami filled the rest of the team in. She backed him up on several occasions, so they wouldn’t miss something of importance. Shepherd One listened carefully.

“Kunizuka… add these criteria to the cross-analysis with the recorded interviews we had with potential suspects from Hitagawa’s list. Run patients and medical staff again, just in case. See if there is a match with the photo from the street scanner,” Ginoza instructed.

“We will have to broaden the search,” Shizuka said, to what Kunizuka responded:

“Already making a parallel algorithm on a larger scale. It will take some time, though.”

Shizuka was impressed once again by how fast Kunizuka caught up.

“Good. Yayoi… can you please show me the photo from the crime scene again?” Shizuka asked. Kunizuka nodded and then zoomed the image, putting it on the display for everyone. Kagari sighed.

“No matter how we look at it… it’s quite shitty image. Not much of a lead.”

Like a certain photo on certain Enforcer’s wall, Shizuka thought. Kogami narrowed his eyes.

“It won’t be very helpful, given the lack of quality,” he remarked. Shizuka felt bad after hearing his tone. She had to agree. Yayoi enlarged it the best she could, but noise grains and pixels were on the way of determining the looks of their suspect.

“There should have been more than one photo, though,” Kogami noted, pulling his Spinel pack out. Street scanners usually made a few before archiving it.

“There were several, actually,” Kunizuka said. “However, they were deleted the moment scanner snapped them. This image was the only one I was able to save before someone interfered. They were fast.”

“Nevertheless, well done, Yayoi,” Shizuka looked at the capable Enforcer, smiling to her. “We are lucky you are always monitoring the scanners. Without you, we wouldn’t even have this much. So… good job.”

Yayoi shortly smiled back. She was grateful for the praise. “Thanks, Inspector.”

Shizuka was ignoring the fact that Shinya was standing next to her, she had to shake off the presence of his warmth. The tension was still there, and they were both quite reserved towards one another. They had to act professionally, though. They had more important things to solve rather than their personal dispute.

“Well, we now know for a fact that he has an accomplice,” Gino verified. It was good to confirm one theory. It meant they were closer to solving the case.

“It’s someone very skilled,” Yayoi nodded. “I wasn’t able to backtrack the deletion. We have a dead-end.”

“Or not. Come on, everyone. Let’s work with this lead. We can go through this in the good old-fashioned way,” Masaoka said, wanting to encourage the team.

“What way?” Kagari asked.

“Conclusions through mere observation. What do we see?”

“Someone blurred?” Kagari told what was first on his mind. He hated the case at that point. He had enough of working double shifts.

“All we get from it is that the killer is male. Other than that…” Kunizuka tried to fish for some details. It was very hard to tell. The photo was taken after midnight. The street lights cast very little light to the suspect’s face. The shadow was covering most of his appearance.

“Dark hair, either black or dark brown,” Kagari was struggling to estimate. “The coat is black, though… and those gloves too.”

Kogami was looking at the photo, putting another cigarette between his lips.

“He is wearing branded clothes,” Masaoka noticed. This guy was rich. Quite rich.

“He’s tall. Like… Gino-san type of tall,” Kagari remarked, looking further. “Compare his height to the vehicles around, and with the scanners.”

“He is also well-built. No wonder the fourth victim, Wakimoto Aiko, couldn’t overpower him. He must have had… some training or something. He seems quite strong,” Tomomi remarked.

Heads turned in Shinya’s direction. He kept looking at the photo.

“Does he look like anyone we’ve had a conversation with?” he asked. Ginoza’s wristcom ringed, and he pressed the button to receive the call. Shion’s image projected on hologram.

“Not like anyone I spoke to,” Kunizuka said. She started typing something on her keyboard.

“I didn’t have many tall guys to interrogate,” Kagari said. “Now when I think about it… I think I interviewed two guys. Shorter than me… not strong at all. And that’s about it.”

“Because you chose to interview ladies instead, pervert,” Kunizuka said, checking on the data she could get from digital properties of the photo.

“Are you jealous, Yayoi?” Kagari grinned, teasing.

“Why would she be?” Shion asked over Ginoza’s wristcom. “She has sex, unlike you.”

Kagari’s jaw dropped. “Not fair.”

“You want me to turn this off?” Ginoza asked Shion, because he wasn’t amused. “Tell me. Is there anything unusual with the fifth victim? What does autopsy report say?”

“Other than her eyes, he took her breasts. Almost professionally. He also… raped her for hours, as it seems. Other than that… it’s the same like with previous victims,” Shion sighed.

“Fuck… this motherfucker!” Kagari was really pissed off. “Just wait until I get my hands on this psychopath. I am going to take my time with him.”

Kogami shared his viewpoint. He wanted to inflict much pain on this individual. He looked at Shizuka, who was clenching her fists. He was sure she felt the same.

“Could it be there are two people? One rapist… and the other a killer?” Kagari wondered out loud.

“Other than that… how can we even be sure that this is a valid image of the killer?” Shizuka asked, crossing her arms over her torso. The team took some time to process these possibilities.

“The timeline fits,” Kunizuka said. “The crime scene fits. From this, it looks like he is leaving Nagano Shizuka’s area. He was close to her house, to be more precise.”

Kogami put down his cigarette in an ashtray, looking at Akibara. Nagano resembled her in appearance. She even shared her name. This was a strange coincidence… if it was a coincidence at all. Shizuka could feel his gaze on her. She glared at him, knowing he was about to bring it up.

“Gino… I have something to discuss with you,” Kogami said, and Shizuka literally turned towards him in threatening manner. Ginoza annoyingly turned at both of them.

“Discuss what, Enforcer Kogami?” he asked. “You can say it in front of others.”

“Kogami,” she warned, he could hear it in her tone. Gino straightened his back. There was trouble in Paradise, and he was intrigued to hear why.

“About Inspector Akibara’s wish to play the bait in this case,” Shinya was never the one to back down once he set his mind. Nor was he intimidated by her. He knew things would get ugly with her… but he wasn’t going to let her have her way this time. For her own sake. She was hell-bent on catching this guy.

“Akibara, I need you to stop insisting. It’s illogical, emotional decision that could cost you your life,” Ginoza coldly responded.

“It won’t work,” Kogami said with that calm, reassuring tone he used to reason with others. But, rarely with her. She didn’t need to be reasoned with at most times. “You heard Saiga. Dangling bait won’t mean anything,” he reminded her of his words.

“You two expect me to just sit and let him kill whoever he wants next?” she looked at Nobuchika, then at Shinya. She wanted to hear their reasons.

“We will get him before he kills anyone else,” Kogami stated confidently.

“Really? Because we have a singular, blurry picture? Which was conveniently timed and given to us, as if it was thrown in our laps? Isn’t it too clumsy of someone who’s supposedly that competent, to make this kind of mistake and leave us the trail?”

“We are closer than ever and there’s no need to risk an Inspector when we can settle this ourselves,” Kogami’s tone was becoming more dangerous. More cold… and more scornful. She wasn’t used hearing him talk like that to her.

“For all we know, it could be a setup. It could be a scam. He might be wearing a holo-suit,” she told him. There was a possibility.

“Full body-holos are forbidden,” Kagari noted.

“And messing with street scanners isn’t?” she asked back.

“Don’t make me suspend you, Akibara,” Ginoza said, getting angry with her for being so stubborn. “Even Kogami, who always supports your stupid plans, knows how dangerous it would be to put you through this. Don’t be a fool this killer expects you to be. He knows escapists, he may as well personally know you. You playing the bait is out of question, for you already are the bait. I am not going to push you towards him just because you fit the IVT.”

“Don’t you presume to tell me…” she started, but he cut her off with his response.

“Drill this into that thick skull of yours! You aren’t doing this!” Ginoza lost his patience and raised his voice so much that Kagari and Kunizuka looked one another. Even Kogami was surprised.

“Inspector Ginoza,” Masaoka frowned, “this is not the time to act this way.”

But, Gino was too focused on telling her off to pay attention to his Enforcer.

“You won’t be the sixth victim as far as I am concerned... no matter how stupid, or smart idea to set you as bait might be. END of discussion,” he was categorical.

“Gino, I demand…” she tried, but he was really, royally pissed off.

“You don’t get to demand anything, Shepherd Two! The whole unit agrees on this!” Gino snapped at her again. “Stop being a stubborn fool before I put you off this case for good. One more sentence and I will suspend you!”

He wasn't threatening, he'd really do it. She didn’t know what to do with her anger. She wanted to scream. But, she remained calm and like he asked, she didn’t say a word. It was too unpleasant to keep talking anyway. She felt ashamed because he spoke to her like that in front of others. It was humiliating.

“Don’t be so hard on her, Inspector. She is offering a solution she sees fit,” Masaoka’s reasonable voice made Ginoza even more agitated.

“She’s offering a dumb one! Don’t encourage her to be more stupid than she already is!”

Kunizuka turned at Ginoza. Kagari too.

“What did you say?” she asked, furious at that point.

“Hey!” Masaoka rose from his seat, getting towards his son in a threatening manner. “It’s your partner you are talking about, and talking to, Inspector. I think you were raised better than that!”

“That’s the thing… you wouldn’t know how I was raised, would you?” he asked, approaching Tomomi as well. Shizuka got in between. She gave one sharp look to Ginoza. She fought the urge to teach him a lesson.

“It’s okay, Masaoka san. You don’t have to speak for me, and I certainly don’t need protection from Shepherd One. I can handle him,” she said bitterly.

She then looked at Kogami. “Look what you’ve done!”

“He’s done the right thing, for once,” Ginoza said. “He knows how fickle your hue is at this point.”

She had to swallow that. She wanted to punch them both, though.

“I am glad you two got decided to be best friends again. It surely took you long enough.”

The two of them exchanged glances.

“Missy…” Masaoka tried to calm the situation down, but she already stepped aside and took her overcoat, putting it on. She looked at Ginoza in quite scornful way.

“I believe you have this, Shepherd One. I will go home and treat this fickle hue of mine so you don’t get your hands full with worrying about me. Call me if, by any means, you need me.”

To Hell with all of this.

“Shizuka… calm down, and get back here,” Shinya said, looking strictly at her. Enforcer or not, he didn’t want her to rush out like that. To his surprise, she obeyed, but for different reasons. She was about to tell him off as well.

The heat of the moment was interrupted by Kunizuka’s monitor. Something started beeping, and a line-box was loading on the display. She quickly searched through the data.

“We have eight probable visual matches,” she said. All Enforcers and both Inspectors leaned over her monitor to look at the profile. Kogami leaned from Shizuka’s right side, Ginoza came from her left. All three seemed to have forgotten about their dispute. The culprit was the priority.

Shizuka looked at names. She froze. Kogami looked at her, he could immediately tell why she was so shaken. The one who made the top of the list, with 56% percent match… was someone she knew.

“Why… why him?” she gasped. Ginoza looked at profiles too.

“Why was he cleared?” he asked her. He recognized the face as well.

“Because I spoke to him and he has an alibi,” Masaoka explained, backing Shizuka up. “I did the interview so she wouldn’t get blamed for clearing him based on personal ties. She didn’t clear him. I did.”

Gino opened his mouth to say something offensive. This time, Shizuka interrupted.

“It’s not him,” she claimed. But, something in her chest was hurting really bad. It was gripping her, suffocating her. This would break her entirely if true. She had to sit down. She covered her head with her hands.

“Because you say so?” Gino’s eyes could kill in that moment. “Alibis can be faked! Kogami… according to what you know from this case, and what you’ve heard from Saiga today… could he be the killer?”

Kogami was thinking. “Logically speaking… he is a powerful figure… rich… and hard to access. He has good connections because he is in politics. People owe him favors; he does know holo-designers and people that could possibly mess with the system, if needed. He is influential, is refined and has interest in arts…”

“It’s not him,” Shizuka exclaimed again.

“But he does resent escapists, Shizuka. He fits the profile,” Kogami had to be honest.

“Damn it, it’s not him!” she was upset. Ginoza activated his wristcom.

“Your CC is rising,” Ginoza showed her the device, “it’s already seventy two. Akibara… I have no other choice but to rem…”

She knew well what he will say. She couldn’t have it.

“No. Gino, no,” she interrupted him. “Please… don’t. It’s not him. I have to prove it. Don’t put me off the case just yet.”

It took a lot of pride-swallowing to say those words to him after the scene they caused. But, she needed to say those words. She needed to stay on that case no matter what.

“It’s too personal for you,” Ginoza retorted angrily. “You leave me no other option.”

“Here’s another option. I will reset the CC. I can do it. Just… don’t let me sit this case through.”

Gino looked at Kogami, as if he was asking for his support. Kogami took a few moments to think. She gave him a short look that wasn’t implying anything this time. But, a lot of things depended of his answer. Quite a lot. He knew this.

“She can do this, Gino. Let her,” he said. She exhaled, and Gino rolled his eyes.

“So be it. But this is your last warning. If your CC gets up to 75, I am bona fide taking you off this case. You are to attend psychological treatment as soon as we end here. Take therapy. Take meds. If I get the slightest sign that your value is getting up, I am going to suspend you. Without further debate.”

“Fine,” she said. He looked at the picture of the suspect once more. He spoke to her once more.

“I expect you to remain professional, Shepherd Two. We need to play this smart, not rush in like some hotheads. If he is the killer, he must not know we are on his trail.”

“I understand,” she uttered. His green eyes scanned her.

“I warn you, Shizuka. Not a word to Mio. She must not know about this,” he felt obliged to tell her.

Yamano Ryou was Akibara Mio’s husband… and in that point, he fit the constructed profile more than anyone else.

---------------------------------

She took some time to cool off, and she remained a bit longer after everyone left. Shinya entered the office and approached her. He looked at her monitor. She was going through Ryou’s video interview, over and over. Her head was starting to hurt.

“Still analyzing?” he asked.

“Don’t.”

She was still so angry at him.

“Come on. Silent treatment never worked for us,” he reminded her, taking a chair and putting it next to her. He casually sat next to her. She could feel his hand next to hers once he leaned over. He took a cigarette, putting it between his lips.

“Shinya, get lost or I will smack you. I don’t have the capacity to talk to you right now.”

But, look at you. You are still talking to him.

“Okay then… we don’t have to talk,” he smiled, lighting up his cigarette. His eyes spoke things his mouth never did.

“What are you implying?” she asked, glaring at him.

“What do you think I’m implying?”

He was distracting her. Kou had that magnetizing appeal that would put any woman in his bed before he even said anything. Ironically enough, he didn’t see it. His picture of himself was that of an ordinary guy who simply wanted to learn as many things as he could, training his brain just as he trained his body. But that was it. He was even willing to wait for Sibyl to recommend a partner to him before meeting Shizuka. It was mini-miracle he did anything about her at all. But, once he did something… he was determined to get it by any cost. It’s a feature they both shared.

“That I need stress-relieving, as by Gino’s recommendation?” she sharply answered.

“I know you are angry. But, Gino is right. The whole case is too personal for you.”

“Why did you back me up, then?” she asked.

“Because it’s one thing to stop you from playing bait… and completely other to put you off the case altogether. Don’t hold it against Gino. He is just worried in his own way,” he said simply.

“I can’t stand either one of you right now. I can’t believe I…”

“I am afraid,” Shinya boldly stated. “Can’t you tell? I am afraid you’ll die, even if you aren’t afraid yourself. Same goes for Gino. He bears even bigger responsibility when it comes to you. And he is trying to keep you safe no matter what.”

Shinya could be a really smooth talker. Too smooth sometimes.

“Keep defending him, see where it takes you. And you… we are yet to talk about your behavior,” she snapped.

“Last time I checked, you weren't Tomoyo,” he kept smiling, amused by her anger.

“I wish your mom was here. She would at least put you to your place,” she frowned.

“You could too, if you wanted to. Just in other ways,” he teased.

She looked at the video again, trying to ignore Shinya.

Ryou’s grey eyes seemed distant. Serious. His expression gave nothing away. He was told the interview was routine check. He was asked several questions, Masaoka kept it simple and pretty... cozy. Friendly, even. But, the more she looked at Ryou, the more he seemed nervous behind that icy mask of his. He also resembled the man from their photo, not to mention that he was about the same height as Gino. But, could it really be? That he…

“Ryou is many things… but he can’t be the Butcher,” she stubbornly claimed. “He just can’t. A lot of people dislike escapists, but Ryou doesn’t hate anyone enough to kill them. If he did… then Mio…”

“Mio tried escapism. She never mastered the ability,” Shinya explained. “But, other than that, he wouldn't treat Mio the same way as his victims. He feels for Mio. Others could be just... outlets for whatever deviations he might entertain,” he suggested.

“You know he is a difficult person, but... he is a good husband. And a good father,” Shizuka said. “He was even a friend to you before you got demoted.”

“He could be all of those things, and still be the killer. In my place, you'd say the same thing if it wasn't about Ryou. Shizuka… you have to prepare yourself for that possibility. You have to at least consider it,” Kogami said, finishing his smoke.

“I can’t believe you think he…”

“I don’t know what to think. He doesn’t seem like a killer, but how well do we truly know someone?”

She was getting nervous. It will be bad for her condition.

“I have… to talk to Mio…”

“Shizuka, you mustn’t. Gino was right to warn you. If you tell her now, who knows what might happen? If he’s the killer, and he hasn’t harmed Mio yet, that’s because she doesn’t match his criteria, or he really has feelings for her. In any case, he won’t hurt her. Some killers are like that. Loving husbands on the surface… but dreadful monsters under the façade.”

Like dad, who almost chocked mom that night… and then beat me for getting in his way. A loving husband... and a loving father... whose hue got clear only after he'd beat someone in the household up. What a way to manage stress. What a way to grow up.

“Shizuka… don't drift away now. Look at me. You need to be prepared,” Kogami's voice got her back into reality.

“I don’t think I can,” she admitted.

“Yes, you can. You have to. For Mio. Especially if he isn't the killer that we seek.”

The look she gave him almost hurt. She seemed so tired... weak... fragile... that he had to hug her. She inhaled his scent. She sighed.

“I am not going to cry,” she told him. He smiled.

“I know,” he responded, “you know better than to cry over an unconfirmed claim.”

He gave her a moment. She was hugging him tightly. Then, she raised her guard again, separating herself from him.

“Thanks.”

He turned off the video for her and then rose from his seat. He helped her get up, his hand felt warm on hers.

“Come… let’s check that hue… and provide that necessary stress-relief.”

“I hope you are referring to gym, Enforcer. Don’t forget - I am still pissed off,” she pulled her hand from his and stepped away.

He smiled, opening the door for her. There were ways to get pass her anger, and he knew most of them.

“Wipe off that cocky smirk, jerk,” it was like she had eyes on the back of her head when it was about him.

“That even rhymes,” he noted, following her. “You get poetic when you are angry.”

“How observant of you.”

He stepped in front of her, blocking the way.

“Forget about the gym. Let’s go to my place.”

“You can't be serious.”

“I am not screwing around; I want to test a theory. You want to take the Butcher head on? You have to think like him, Shizuka. No… I have to think like him, and you have to fight me like you mean it. You have to forget I am your subordinate… and fight me with all you have. If it’s really Ryou, you will need resolve of steel.”

That was so like him, in fact. He wanted to catch this guy as much as she did. He would even try to think like him.

She still refused to consider Ryou to be the killer, though.

“Are you seriously proposing this?” she followed Kogami, unsure of the idea. It was one of those moments that showed that he was really thinking like a criminal, like an Enforcer... and she like an Inspector. A small, albeit meaningful difference that kept them on different levels. For now.

“If things get stressful, we will handle them differently. But, you have to go through this if it comes to direct face-off between you and the Butcher. Regardless of who he is.”

“How thoughtful of you,” she said, “... and how convenient.”

After so many years of being with him, one would think she'd get tired of him. And yet, here they were. Here she was, still drawn to him like moth to a flame.

He had that effect on people. She sometimes fought it just to prove she could resist him. Like now. Not to mention she still remembered how Gino tasted, once he kissed her.

She still felt bad about that. And she needed to forget it as soon as she could.

“Nothing will happen,” Kogami promised, in tone that didn't sound too reassuring to her. “At least... nothing that you wouldn't approve of, Inspector,” he clarified.

“I know, Enforcer. I wouldn't let it be any other way. Keep going,” she said, refusing to smile at his remarks. It was matter of principles.

He kept his smile along the whole way, though. Shinya knew how to get what he wanted, regardless of the circumstances.

And that's what made him so different from Nobuchika.