"Of course," Inspector Samezaki said sympathetically. "We'll notify you if needed."
"Thank you. I leave my husband's case to you," Mrs. Miyagi choked out, bowing before turning to leave.
But a clear, melodious voice rang out. "Mrs. Miyagi, rushing off to destroy murder evidence?"
"What did you say?!" Mrs. Miyagi's grief froze, turning to anger. "You're accusing me of killing my husband?"
As all eyes turned to her, Samezaki looked at the girl with a headache. "Fujimine, you can't make accusations without proof."
"Yukiko, what are you saying?" Her parents rushed to stop her.
"I'm calling Miyagi Yuko the killer because I have evidence," Yukiko declared, chin high. She glanced at Hayashi Shuichi, and his nod boosted her confidence.
"Fine, let's hear your evidence," Mrs. Miyagi sneered. "If you're lying, we'll meet in court."
"Let's start with your murder process. Director Miyagi had diabetes, and you tampered with his medication…" Yukiko began.
"…When he collapsed from low blood sugar, you rushed over…"
Though Yukiko's deduction skills were average, her stage presence was exceptional. She performed Hayashi Shuichi's reasoning with vivid emotion.
The crowd felt less like they were hearing a deduction and more like watching a crime reenactment.
"…After killing him, you provoked Goto," Yukiko mimicked Mrs. Miyagi's actions, "to make the syringe you planted in her pocket fall out, framing her…"
"Utter nonsense!" Mrs. Miyagi interrupted, teeth gritted. "You say I used a poison needle? Where is it?"
"Mrs. Miyagi, confess now while you can," Yukiko urged. "Once I reveal the weapon, it's over."
"Hmph, you're bluffing!" Mrs. Miyagi scoffed. "Think I'll fall for that?"
"So be it," Yukiko sighed. "Mrs. Miyagi, can you remove your pearl brooch for police inspection?"
Samezaki eyed the brooch. "That one?"
"…How did you know?" Mrs. Miyagi paled.
"Your brooch has a large pearl with smaller ones forming five petals," Yukiko explained. "When Mouri asked for your autograph, it was perfectly aligned. Now, the petals are crooked."
"When Miyagi collapsed, you rushed to hold him. With everyone focused on him, you used his body to shield you as you removed the cyanide-soaked brooch, stabbed him, and put it back. But you couldn't see it and pinned it crookedly."
"Mrs. Miyagi, please cooperate," Samezaki said, approaching with two officers.
"She's right. I killed Kazuya with this brooch—the gift he gave me when he proposed," Mrs. Miyagi said, caressing it with nostalgia. "He swore to love me faithfully, so I gave up my acting career for him."
"But a year into our marriage, he reverted to his old ways, chasing actresses, even bringing them home when I was away."
"I fought with him, threatened divorce, but he didn't care, saying he'd sign the papers anytime."
"I couldn't accept it. I gave up so much for him, only to lose so miserably…"
She handed the brooch to the forensics officer, then looked at Yukiko. "Your performance was impressive, especially capturing the hatred and struggle I felt killing Kazuya."
"…Thank you," Yukiko nodded, her mood heavy.
As Miyagi Yuko was taken away by the police, the crowd applauded Yukiko's deduction and performance.
Hayashi Shuichi clapped too. Eri, a bit jealous, muttered, "You really spoil her, giving her your deduction to shine."
"I provided the reasoning, but she performed it," Hayashi Shuichi chuckled. "Yukiko dreams of being a star. What better stage for her debut than tonight? Besides, I spoil you too, Eri. Have I ever refused your reasonable requests?"
Eri huffed but said nothing. If Yukiko pursued acting and left Teitan High and the izakaya, that'd be a win.
Kogoro, conflicted, held up Miyagi Yuko's signed photo. "Miss Nagashima must miss her acting days. She reminded me she's Miyagi Yuko now, but signed her maiden name."
"Marriage is love's grave," Sharon Vineyard sighed, patting Hayashi Shuichi's shoulder. "Great deduction, kid. Hope your skills with two girlfriends match your reasoning."
She left with a mischievous smile.
Hayashi Shuichi laughed wryly. Two girlfriends? More like wrangling two stubborn daughters.
Yusaku's expression was complex. A lifelong puzzle enthusiast, he'd never been smitten until Yukiko. He'd hoped to outshine Hayashi Shuichi with his deduction, impressing her, but it backfired, worsening her impression of him.
But I won't give up! Yusaku vowed. Hayashi Shuichi was entangled with both girls without committing to either, leaving an opening.
(End of Chapter)
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