Beautiful Blood

The New Victim

-Please, have a seat. - Det. Miura said as I walked into his office, carefully closing the door behind myself.

I bowed lightly and sat on the armchair in front of him, the wooden desk separating us. His desk was covered with papers, paper clips, a computer, a fan, pens, pencils and with a single mug filled with warm coffee on his side.

He sipped the coffee, staring at some papers –Would you like tea or maybe coffee? - He offered.

-No, thank you. - I shook my head, tapping my lap with the fingers of my both hands, looking around his office.

His office seemed bigger than the one of Eihi and Kimura and Miura did not seem to be sharing his office with someone else. I thought of that as unfair.

He placed the paper down and looked at me, shifting his position –You were the owner of that apartment, right? Well, your parents, but you know what I mean.-

-Yes, my parents. - I said, thinking that calling them that way now was not very appropriate.

-Did you ever notice anything strange? In the apartment, building, neighbourhood? What was it like living there?-

-It was...It is a nice neighbourhood. Very calm, people are polite and willing to help at any moment, especially some people from my building.- I replied –Nothing strange happened. Well, nothing until I was kidnapped about two years ago, or so.-

-Yes, I am familiar with the case. It’s closed now, is it not?-

-It is.-

-How does that make you feel?-

-Why is that important?-

-Answer the question, please.-

-I was angry and disappointed but I knew nothing could be done about it, there was no evidence.-

-Right. - He nodded –Why did your parents move to Osaka?-

-Dad got a new job. Why?-

-Did you have any family problems? We were told arguing was often heard during the few months before you moved out.-

-It was just arguing of a teenage child and her parents. - I raised an eyebrow, my voice sharp and earnest –Why? What does that have anything to do with anything?-

-Mm. - He nodded –Everything should be questioned, we have three people dead. Now.- He eyed me –What did you think of the Aokis?-

-I thought they were nice. I knew them for about an hour or so, I was just supposed to give them the keys. I think my parents know them somewhat more, for like a few days or so.-

-And what did they seem to be like?-

-Nice? - I shrugged –They were young, their daughter was cute. I thought they seemed polite and loving, especially towards their daughter. They seemed to be happy together and pleased to have a new, spacious apartment. Nothing seemed odd, if that is what you are wondering.-

He nodded –I did wonder that. So, nothing out of the ordinary? Even during the day you spent alone in the apartment, before they came?-

Yes, a ghost came once but that was months before that and she was quite friendly, I thought.

I shook my head –No. Nothing.-

-Alright. Thank you for coming to the station, miss Akiyama.- He said.

-I can go now?-

-Yes.- He nodded.

I got up, bowed saying bye and left his office, almost bumping into Kimura.