File 02 - Okina City Jewel Heist [Case Closed!]
My grandfather once told me to "never discount the butler on principle alone". I imagine he'll be quite amused when he learns that the butler really did do it this time.
Once I was able to obtain a record of the previous owner of the jewels, the rest of the case began to fall into place immediately. Two years ago, there was a young couple, both from wealthy families, who were engaged. Mr. Fujimoto came from old money, with a lot of prestige. Blue-bloods. Ms. Sakaguchi was from new money, having become wealthy through aggressive investment practices. The jewels were old heirlooms of the Fujimoto family, dating back at least six generations. They were given to the bride as a gift, on her wedding day (with the exception of the engagement ring, which was presented to her at an earlier point in the relationship).
Unfortunately, the relationship didn't last long. Ms. Sakaguchi filed for divorce. Mr. Fujimoto demanded the return of the heirloom jewels, but since they had been given as a gift, he no longer had any legal ownership, and they now rightfully belonged to his wife. After the divorce settlement had been reached, Ms. Sakaguchi sold the jewels off to the store.
Now, this is where things get interesting. Apparently, Mr. Fujimoto's butler (who was kept apprised of the situation) felt that the jewels should have been returned to the Fujimoto family, where they rightly belong. Without Mr. Fujimoto's knowledge or approval, the butler orchestrated this grand jewel heist, even going so far as to hire petty thugs to make a few break-ins prior to his heist, to throw any suspicion off the most likely suspect (which would have been Mr. Fujimoto himself, as he has both a motive and means).
An interview with Mr. Fujimoto revealed that he later found the family jewels returned to the vault not long after this jewelry heist had taken place. Fearing that the police would make him a suspect in the case, he declined to come forward with this information.
Well, now that the case is solved, all that remains is for the police to make their arrest and go to trial. While I certainly feel that the jewels "rightfully" belong with the husband, legally, the wife is the one who has ownership. Of course, my job isn't to mete out justice: I simply follow the clues, gather evidence, and draw logical conclusions based on the facts. I solve mysteries: what happens afterwards is the jurisdiction of the police.
Still... this case leaves a sour taste in my mouth. That butler was so devoted to his employers, he was willing to get his hands dirty in order to restore honor to the Fujimoto family. Noble, if not misguided. It's a shame there are fewer people like him left in this modern world.
I wonder... how far would Yakushiji-san go in order to protect me and my family...?
Once I was able to obtain a record of the previous owner of the jewels, the rest of the case began to fall into place immediately. Two years ago, there was a young couple, both from wealthy families, who were engaged. Mr. Fujimoto came from old money, with a lot of prestige. Blue-bloods. Ms. Sakaguchi was from new money, having become wealthy through aggressive investment practices. The jewels were old heirlooms of the Fujimoto family, dating back at least six generations. They were given to the bride as a gift, on her wedding day (with the exception of the engagement ring, which was presented to her at an earlier point in the relationship).
Unfortunately, the relationship didn't last long. Ms. Sakaguchi filed for divorce. Mr. Fujimoto demanded the return of the heirloom jewels, but since they had been given as a gift, he no longer had any legal ownership, and they now rightfully belonged to his wife. After the divorce settlement had been reached, Ms. Sakaguchi sold the jewels off to the store.
Now, this is where things get interesting. Apparently, Mr. Fujimoto's butler (who was kept apprised of the situation) felt that the jewels should have been returned to the Fujimoto family, where they rightly belong. Without Mr. Fujimoto's knowledge or approval, the butler orchestrated this grand jewel heist, even going so far as to hire petty thugs to make a few break-ins prior to his heist, to throw any suspicion off the most likely suspect (which would have been Mr. Fujimoto himself, as he has both a motive and means).
An interview with Mr. Fujimoto revealed that he later found the family jewels returned to the vault not long after this jewelry heist had taken place. Fearing that the police would make him a suspect in the case, he declined to come forward with this information.
Well, now that the case is solved, all that remains is for the police to make their arrest and go to trial. While I certainly feel that the jewels "rightfully" belong with the husband, legally, the wife is the one who has ownership. Of course, my job isn't to mete out justice: I simply follow the clues, gather evidence, and draw logical conclusions based on the facts. I solve mysteries: what happens afterwards is the jurisdiction of the police.
Still... this case leaves a sour taste in my mouth. That butler was so devoted to his employers, he was willing to get his hands dirty in order to restore honor to the Fujimoto family. Noble, if not misguided. It's a shame there are fewer people like him left in this modern world.
I wonder... how far would Yakushiji-san go in order to protect me and my family...?