Megure Juzo worked in the Criminal Affairs Division, and, just like in the anime, whenever a case arose, he was the first to appear. Only if he was unavailable would his subordinates, such as Takagi Wataru, show up in his place.
Takayanagi Ichiro was a moneylender, and not all of his loans would be repaid in full. Those who couldn't pay, when pushed to desperation, might turn to crime—and when that happened, the debt link would inevitably connect back to him.
Ichiro wanted a clean break from such situations so that the next time something happened, the Metropolitan Police wouldn't immediately come knocking at his door.
"We appreciate having citizens like you, Takayanagi-san. If necessary, we may pay a visit to your uncle," Megure said, easing his tone. He didn't know Ichiro personally, but he had heard of the Takayanagi family's lending business. If Ichiro truly was a member, then someone of Megure's rank had no authority to move against him.
Ichiro nodded, approving of Megure's decision. With that, Megure left with Takagi, and Mouri Kogoro's group of three followed suit.
"Takayanagi-san, I'll repay my debt on time. But… do you really know Eri?" Kogoro lingered behind, lowering his voice to both promise repayment and probe about Ichiro's connection to Kisaki Eri.
At present, Eri and Kogoro were only separated, not divorced. Earlier, Ichiro's tone had made it sound as if Eri were his personal lawyer, so Kogoro had to confirm.
"It's just business," Ichiro replied. For now, his relationship with Eri was purely as business partners. He then added, "That little brat your daughter's bringing along isn't simple. I think your reputation, Detective Mouri, will soon echo across the country. A small portion of debt is no big deal."
With Ichiro's denial and unexpected flattery, Kogoro was pleased and felt the statement made sense.
That kid named Conan had barely been brought to the office by Ran before a client appeared at the door—a major construction company owner, no less. Even though Conan had caused some minor disruption at the scene, he ultimately solved the kidnapping case. The company president promised a reward, which was why Kogoro felt confident about repaying his debt.
"Well then, I'll be going," Kogoro said with a smile. On the stairs, he spotted his daughter just coming down. He didn't think much of it and caught up to her, asking, "Where's that brat Conan?"
"He went after Inspector Megure."
"Such impudence… looks like I'll have to teach him a lesson when we get back," Kogoro muttered, slightly irritated.
This time, Ran didn't stop her father.
…
At the Metropolitan Police parking area downstairs—
"Inspector Megure, Uncle Mouri just told me that Takayanagi Ichiro might really be the mastermind. He hopes you can check his call records with Naoto Mizukami," Conan said, catching up to Megure and Takagi and speaking between breaths.
Normally, Megure wouldn't entertain the words of a child, but since Conan cleverly framed it as coming from Mouri, Megure responded, "Conan, tell Mouri that helping our department with investigations is fine, but some matters are for us alone to handle. He shouldn't trouble himself."
"But—"
"No buts. If he has a problem, he can contact me directly," Megure said firmly before getting into his car. Takagi followed. He knew Megure would have further instructions for him later.
The two patrol cars drove off. As for Mouri's group, their agency was just across the street, so it was a short walk back.
Upstairs, Ichiro had heard the entire exchange between Conan and Megure. He silently acknowledged that Kudou Shinichi truly was a clever man—shrunk or not, he still found ways to achieve his goals.
It seemed he'd have to find a time to teach Conan a lesson. Even if nothing happened, having someone that sharp watching him was an uncomfortable thought.
Still, tonight he'd rest. Tomorrow was another day.
…
At the Mouri Detective Agency—
"Brat, you're sleeping with me tonight," Kogoro said to Conan after he came out from his bath.
"Huh?" Conan was baffled. On the way home, Ran had told him he was cute and that it would be nice if they could sleep together. Although a little embarrassed, Conan had looked forward to it. But now, instead of Ran, he was expected to share a bed with the drunken Kogoro. He glanced at Ran in confusion.
"Conan, just sleep with my dad. I'm… not convenient tonight," Ran said.
Kogoro, hearing his daughter's words, quickly caught on. He strike Conan on the head and said, "You already have a self-important high school detective pining after you. You're not a good kid either, brat."
Ran's face flushed, and she darted into her bedroom. Only Conan was left standing there, thinking helplessly to himself—Kudou Shinichi and Conan are the same person!
(End of Chapter)
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