Chapter 4: Forgotten Threads

Rain tapped softly against the windows of the investigation room in Kyoto, Japan. Files covered the table. Old photographs. Newspaper clippings. Names circled in red ink.

Takeda looked at the board silently.

Aiko entered with two cups of coffee. “You’ve been staring at that wall for an hour.”

Takeda took one cup. “Something doesn’t fit.”

Aiko sat down. “The victims?”

Takeda nodded. “Both connected to the same case. Both received accusations before death.”

“‘Guilt’ and ‘Liar,’” Aiko said quietly.

Takeda looked at her. “The killer wants them judged before they die.”

Aiko crossed her arms. “Or exposed.”

The room fell silent.

Ren entered moments later. “I found something.”

Takeda sighed. “You really enjoy appearing without warning.”

Ren ignored the comment and placed an old newspaper on the table.

Aiko picked it up. “Five years ago…”

Takeda read the headline slowly.

> Young Woman Found Dead Near Mountain Road.

Aiko frowned. “Her name was Emi Kuroda.”

Ren nodded. “Twenty-four years old.”

Takeda looked at him. “And the case was ruled an accident.”

Ren replied, “Officially.”

Takeda’s eyes narrowed. “Unofficially?”

Ren hesitated. “People believed she was silenced.”

Aiko looked up sharply. “Silenced by who?”

Ren pointed at the board. “The four people connected to the case.”

Takeda spoke quietly. “The same four now being targeted.”

Aiko looked back at the article. “Who was Emi?”

Ren answered, “A university student.”

Takeda asked, “Any family?”

“Her mother died years earlier,” Ren replied. “Her father disappeared when she was a child.”

Aiko frowned. “So she was alone.”

Ren nodded slowly. “Mostly.”

Takeda looked at the victim photos again. “Then why would these four want her dead?”

Ren stayed silent.

Takeda noticed. “You know something.”

Ren looked away. “Only rumors.”

Takeda’s voice hardened. “Say it.”

Ren finally spoke. “Emi accused them before she died.”

Aiko leaned forward. “Accused them of what?”

Ren answered quietly—

“Blackmail.”

The room became still.

Takeda spoke first. “Against all four?”

Ren nodded. “According to rumors, she discovered something about them.”

Aiko asked, “What kind of something?”

Ren shook his head. “No one knows.”

Takeda stared at the board. “Maybe the killer does.”

Aiko suddenly looked at another file. “Wait.”

Takeda turned. “What?”

She held up a photograph. “The second victim worked at this company five years ago.”

Takeda stepped closer. “And?”

Aiko pointed at the image. “So did Emi.”

Ren’s eyes widened slightly. “That can’t be coincidence.”

Takeda immediately grabbed the file. “What company?”

Aiko answered, “Kanzaki Financial Group.”

Takeda froze for a second.

Ren noticed. “You know it?”

Takeda replied quietly, “Very powerful company. Political connections. Expensive lawyers.”

Aiko looked at him carefully. “You think they buried the case?”

Takeda gave a bitter smile. “Wouldn’t be the first time.”

Ren crossed his arms. “Then the killer may not just want revenge.”

Takeda looked at him. “What do you mean?”

Ren spoke softly.

“They may want the truth revealed.”

Silence.

Aiko finally asked, “So what now?”

Takeda picked up his coat.

“We find the remaining two victims before the killer does.”

Ren added, “And if they’re hiding something?”

Takeda opened the door.

“Then they start talking tonight.”

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