Megure Juzo and his team arriving at the house was something Takayanagi Ichiro had already anticipated. After all, earlier that day he had just loaned money to Yamagishi Eiichi, Yoko Okino's manager, and he was also the one who had introduced Mouri Kogoro to Yoko.
"Inspector Megure, I don't know exactly what happened, but you coming to my place like this time and again might disrupt my business," Ichiro said, putting away the coffee on the table without offering them any tea.
"That woman we met on the stairs earlier was probably one of your clients, right? Our visit shouldn't interfere with your business," Megure replied, then signaled to Takagi Wataru.
Takagi took out his notebook and asked, "Mr. Takayanagi, do you know someone named Tojo Shoichi?"
"The name sounds familiar… oh right, I think one of my debtors was named Tojo Shoichi. Don't tell me one of my debtors got into trouble again and that's why you're here?" Ichiro asked with some curiosity.
"How much does Tojo still owe you?"
"About two million yen, repayment due soon. Why?"
"He's dead."
"Are you saying you suspect I killed him?" Ichiro didn't look at Megure or Takagi when he said this—instead, he turned directly to Kogoro.
Feeling Ichiro's gaze, Kogoro quickly explained the events of the night. It was also a chance for him to prove he could solve the case and thus earn his commission, which meant he could repay his debt to Ichiro.
After hearing the story, Ichiro frowned. "So the truth is Tojo tried to frame his first love, Yoko Okino, through suicide. That has nothing to do with me. You officers showing up at my place repeatedly is going too far."
"It's just that Conan said—" Takagi began. He had privately looked into Ichiro a bit after the last incident, so hearing Ichiro's displeased tone, he was about to explain the reason for their visit. But Megure's sharp cough cut him off.
Even with just Takagi saying Conan's name, Ichiro had already guessed this visit was probably sparked by that little brat. He gave Conan a meaningful glance.
Ran noticed Ichiro's look and immediately spoke up. "We're actually here to thank you on behalf of Miss Yoko Okino, since it was you who introduced my father to her."
Ran's quick reaction smoothed away the frown forming on Ichiro's face, and his gaze shifted away from Conan. "No need for thanks. I just hope that when incidents happen in the future, you don't come to me first or afterward."
"Don't worry, Mr. Takayanagi. We at the police headquarters won't abuse our authority," Megure assured him.
"I hope so. If there's nothing else, please leave—I still have work to do." Ichiro clearly didn't put much faith in Megure's promise, and his tone made it clear they were being dismissed.
"Very well. Thank you for your cooperation," Megure said, standing up with Takagi to leave. Kogoro also took Conan with him, while Ran stayed behind.
Once the other four had stepped outside, Ran said to Kogoro, "Dad, you take Conan home. I have some questions for Mr. Takayanagi."
"No, I'm staying too," Conan protested. But Kogoro grabbed him by the collar before he could run back in.
"Brat, stop making trouble. Tonight you almost cost me Inspector Megure's goodwill." Then to Ran, he added, "Are you sure you don't want me to stay?"
"No need, Dad. I'm plenty strong," Ran said before closing the door.
Kogoro didn't insist—he trusted his daughter's abilities. So he took Conan downstairs despite the boy's resistance.
After all that, Ran's cheeks were slightly flushed. This was her first time voluntarily staying alone in a man's home, even if he seemed harmless.
Ichiro had heard the movement at the door but didn't stop her. Having a lively high school girl like Ran stay around was pleasant enough.
"Mr. Takayanagi, what are you doing?"
"I'm sending a contract I have to Lawyer Eri Kisaki so she can review it," Ichiro answered honestly without trying to hide anything.
(End of Chapter)
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