Non-challenge: A Policeman's Tale (Day 56)
Title: A Policeman's Tale (Day 56)
Author: ytak
Word count: 1129
Rating (chapter): K (G)
Rating (whole story): T (PG-13)
Comments: Some parts in this chapter seem a little awkward to me but I'm maybe I'm over thinking it.
Other chapters can be read through here or here.
Day 56
Takagi stood ensconced back in the dark recesses of one of the many file rooms of the department. Megure had asked him to collect a few of his old case files. "They might have some relevance in an on-going case," was all he volunteered. So, Takagi followed the file clerk as they moved from cabinet to cabinet, piling files up on the cart. Each one was marked off on a list as it was pulled. And when they made it back to the front, each one would be checked out with a scanner using the barcode on the front of the files.
It did not take long for Takagi to realize that all the files had something, or to be more accurate, someone in common. Now that they were being put together, it was truly scary to see just how many cases Conan had been involved in. In fact, a number of these files were ones that had disappeared and reappeared later. It gave him a chill that did not want to disappear.
Quicker than he could have found the files by himself (which only the filling clerks were allowed to collect these days), the files were all collected and checked out to Takagi. He made what ended up being a quick stop back with Megure, who wanted to see him as soon as the files were collected. Megure told Takagi to wait while he scanned each file. Most files were put into one pile to go back but some went to a smaller file. When Megure finished, he told Takagi, "Please have these files copied and bring the copies back to me."
It was not long before he was in the copy room, wishing he could put in a request for the files to be copied. But the inspector had been clear that he wanted Takagi to take care of it himself. In fact, he had been told to request that specific clerk to pull the files.
It looks like Megure is circumventing the procedures some. In fact, he's outright cutting out some steps. It's like how he allowed Sato and I to hold back that piece of evidence. What is going on? Takagi thought as he ran off copies. And there is not denying something is going on. There have been too many closed meetings and odd things going on. I know I'm not the only one wanting to know but those who do aren't talking.
His thoughts drifted to the case that Megure had them put aside because of the lack of leads. There had been a few phone calls that identified the police sketch of the victim as the missing man. So, even without the DNA, they were fairly confident they were the same person. Still, he thought, I hope the evidence turns up soon or we can submit the last piece for testing. Irrefutable proof would be nice. I know Sato-san agrees. She's been making unhappy noises about it.
It was almost lunchtime by the time he finished copying all the files. Wearily, he made his way to Megure's desk and put the box full of the copies on it because it appeared the inspector was out to lunch.
He went to his desk and sat down for a minute and stared off into space. Absently, he played with a report that he had yet to file. Probably should take it down with the others, he considered but did not move.
Abruptly, he snapped himself out of the fugue. A general rustle indicated that a number of the other officers were coming back from their lunch break. Which means it is time for mine, he thought happily. He put the box with the files to be refiled under his desk (slipping the one he needed to have processed on top so he did not forget it) and slipped out to the break room.
He grabbed his lunch of leftovers from the refrigerator. Staring a moment at it, he decided it was worth the trouble to warm it up. It took a few minutes of waiting and jockeying for the microwave but he eventually warmed up his meal. Seeing that the tables in the room were full, he decided that it would be fine to eat at his desk even though he wanted a change in scenery.
Stepping out of the room, he nearly dropped his meal as he ran square into someone. Fumbling for an apology, he said, "I'm sorry! I wasn't looking where I was going."
"It's okay, Takagi-kun," said Sato, who looked a little flustered after her close encounter, "I was looking for you anyway." Without preamble, she gabbed his hand and dragged him off.
She let go after a minute when it was clear that he was going to follow her. "So, what do you need me for?" he asked, worried that something had turned up on a case.
She flushed as she led him into an unoccupied, small study room, "I found out how my mother learned about us. I was so angry that day when she called and 'casually' asked about you. It's taken me this long to wear her down."
He felt a little better because he thought there was something really wrong. "That's why Shiratori called telling me about it," he muttered.
Sato grimaced, "Yeah, I was feeling pretty mean after hearing from her. I think I might have snapped at a few people."
Takagi chuckled, Judging by Shiratori's tone, you had everyone scared.
She shooed him over to the table, "Let's eat and I'll tell you." Then he noticed that she had her own lunch set up there. She noticed his look. "I eat here, sometimes, when I want to enjoy a quiet meal or to have a good think."
So this is where she disappears to during those lunches. I don't think I'll be telling Yumi. I'd rather have her mad at me than Sato-san.
“Anyway,” she began between bites, “I managed to get it out of her last night. Well, she's kept in touch with some of the wives of my father's coworkers. They have irregular gossip sessions. Apparently one of them wanted to know more about the man her daughter was dating.” She bit into a sandwich with surprising viciousness. “Mother said she was so surprised that she couldn't say anything for a few minutes. Then she got the details from them.”
Takagi shook his head but refrained from saying anything about gossipy old wives. Tentatively, he asked, “Has she said anything about me?”
Sato sighed, “Not much. I think she's keeping me in suspense for not saying anything. But I'm returning the favor by not asking her either.”
Takagi shook his head but did not say anything.