Epilogue

WEDNESDAY

Things had returned to the status quo. After all the excitement of the most recent case, Satoshi was grateful to have downtime, where Detective Yamamoto would stick to reading and drinking, allowing him to write in peace. Of course, as was also the case for those involved with Detective Yamamoto, the peace lasted only for so long. A knock at the door snapped Satoshi out of his writing trance. Reluctantly he set down his pen. Before Detective Yamamoto could prompt him subtly or outright ask, Satoshi had already stood up and began walking towards the door in response to the knocking.

On the far side of the door, Satoshi was not particularly surprised to see who had stopped by, but the combination of the two people together was enough to raise an eyebrow.

“Good morning,” Ssatoshi said, nodding to Katsumi and Officer Ishioka in turn. “To what do we owe the pleasure?”

“I came here to thank the detective,” said Katsumi. “I didn't really get a chance earlier.”

“We're not here together,” said Officer Ishioka. “It's just a coincidence.”

“Fair enough,” replied Satoshi. “Follow me please.” He led the way to Detective Yamamoto's office mainly for Katsumi's benefit, as he was certain the diminutive police officer already knew her way around without him. Satoshi stopped just outside the detective's office and rapped a knuckle on the door jamb.

“You have visitors, detective,” he said to get her attention. Detective Yamamoto, for the first time, managed to pry her nose out of her comic book and looked towards the door. Her expression was a mixture of delight and concern.

“Hi Katsumi! Hi Hitomi!” she said excitedly.

“Good morning, detective,” said Katsumi. “I have something for you..” She approached the detective's desk, and for the first time, Satoshi noticed she was carrying a small envelope in her hands. She set the envelope on the desk in front of Detective Yamamoto.

“What's this?” the detective asked, picking up the envelope and examining it.

“It's just a little something to thank you for helping me out,” said Katsumi. “I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't stepped in.”

“Don't mention it,” said Detective Yamamoto. She set the envelope to one side. “Is there anything else I can do for you?” Katsumi shook her head.

“You've done more than enough. Take care detective!” With that, Katsumi waved her goodbyes and left, leaving Officer Ishioka, who had been subtly glowering at the detective the whole while.

“Have you come to thank me too?” Detective Yamamoto asked, injecting a mocking tone into her voice.

“I suppose,” said Officer Ishioka testily. “I'll thank you to take a bit more care in the future.” Detective Yamamoto's expression became quizzical.

“Hitomi, what are you talking about?” she asked.

“That stunt you pulled with the kidnapping!” Officer Ishioka replied. “Did it ever occur to you that you might have gotten that poor girl injured or worse?” Satoshi was not keen to add his two cents, but he suspected the thought had not crossed the detective's mind. To Satoshi's surprise, however, the diminutive cop's words seemed to penetrate the detective. Her expression softened and became progressively more glum.

“I guess you're right Hitomi,” the detective said, once Ishioka had finished reprimanding her. Officer Ishioka heaved a sigh.

“Look, Hanako,” she said. “Your safety is important too. I know you mean well, but the next time you come across something like this, can't you leave it to the professionals?”

“I guess so,” said the detective.

“Thanks Hanako.” Officer Ishioka gave the detective a brief, polite smile. “I hate to drop by just to yell, but I've got things I need to do.” With that, the officer turned and left as well.

“Well,” said Satoshi. “That was something.” Detective Yamamoto nodded silently.

~~~

“Assistant, what's that noise?” Detective Yamamoto asked. Satoshi pried his attention away from his writing and listened. For a moment, there was nothing, but then he heard a faint scratching sound.

“I don't know,” Satoshi responded. “It sounds like it's coming from the front door.” Satoshi stood and walked to the front door once more. He opened it, expecting to find someone, but instead, no one was there. He nearly closed the door, but he felt something brush against his leg. Looking down, Satoshi saw the familiar shape of a black and white cat.

“Taro?” he asked. In response, the cat looked up and meowed at him. To Satoshi it certainly seemed like Taro. Satoshi crouched down until he was more or less on the same level as the cat.

“Are you here to see the detective? Is that why you're here?” he asked. The cat meowed again, as if to answer affirmatively. Satoshi scooped up the cat and carried him over to the detective's office.

“We've got another visitor,” said Satoshi, holding up Taro for Detective Yamamoto to see. Immediately upon entering the office Taro began to squirm fiercely until he wriggled free from Satoshi's grasp. He trotted over to Detective Yamamoto, where she still sat, and nuzzled against her leg. Detective Yamamoto could not help but look down at the cat and smile.

“I suppose I should thank you for your help,” said the detective, reaching down and rubbing the cat's head. Taro meowed and purred, enjoying the attention until Detective Yamamoto decided to return to her comic. Rather than get up and leave, Taro continued to sit by the detective's chair. The detective looked at the cat, expecting him to leave at any time.

“You can nap here if you want,” she said. Satoshi thought it was a bit bizarre that she would talk to the cat as though it could understand her, but nevertheless, Taro curled up underneath her chair and began to take a nap.