All of us are standing in front of Yoko-san living room looking at the horrifying scene in front of us.

Kogorou : TH-THIS IS?! The police.... Call the police!!

I heard Oji-san says but then Yamagishi-san interrupt him.

Yama : P-please wait, Mr. Detective! If the media gets word of this, it'll turn into a scandal around her....

After Yamagishi-san said that, Oji-san then look at Yoko-san seeing her crying. Shock and horror still present on her face. Me and Conan are standing side by side watching everything unfold.

Yoko : How could this happen in my own apartment....?

Yama : If you could keep it secret....

Kogorou : Y-you're right, we'll make it secret....

From the corner of my eyes, I can see Conan with a so done face right after Oji-san utter that word, but I know better that that's not what Oji-san wanted to say. Oji-san voice then booming in the whole room startling everyone except for me since I have expected it.

Kogorou : ARE YOU TOTALLY INSANE?! THIS IS A MURDER!! Ran!! Call the police right now!!

Ran : Yes!!

Kogorou yell at Yamagishi-san then command Ran to call the police. Ran then hurriedly to the phone and call the police. I then can feel eyes on me. I look for the source to see Conan is looking at me.

Erena : What?

Conan : You knew!

Erena : Knew what?

Conan : That old man will get mad and call the police?!

Erena : Ahh.... Yes I know. He's an ex-police officer. Of course he would do that no matter who's the client is. You really ough to sharpen your observation skills, unless you want me to surpass you....

Conan : Hey!! You better not!! I'm going to be the most greatest detective ever and even surpass Sherlock Holmes himself....

I then chuckle cutting him up. I can see Conan look at me then blush after realization hit him making me laugh. He glare at me his face still red.

Conan : D-don't laugh!

Erena : Hahaha. Okay, okay. Sorry. But don't worry. Sherlock Holmes may be my idol, the same as you, but I don't want to be like Sherlock Holmes. I want to be like Professor Watson. Being by your side, helping you solve cases. That's my goal.



Erena : Hahaha. Okay, okay. Sorry. But don't worry. Sherlock Holmes may be my idol, the same as you, but I don't want to be like Sherlock Holmes. I want to be like Professor Watson. Being by your side, helping you solve cases. That's my goal.

After she said that, she look at me and give me her most beautiful smile I've ever seen on her face. I can feel my face warming up even more. How her eyes turn into a crescent shape and her bright, kind, innocent smile showing a bit line of her white teeth is so mesmerizing.

I feel like I'm being struck in my heart making my heart thumping fast and loud that I thought everyone can hear it from miles away.

Conan : I am sure now. 100% sure. I like (Y/N). I like her more than a friend, more than a family, more than Ran.... RAN!! If I like (Y/N) more than Ran, what is this feeling that I feel towards Ran. Is it only a fling....

Erena : -kun.... nan-kun.... CONAN-KUN!!

I snap out of my trance and look at Erena. Her face is so close that I can feel her warm breath on my face. I can feel my face heating up again at how close we are. She look at me worriedly.

Erena : Are you okay?! I've been calling you since just now but you never respond. What's been on your mind?

She asked me. I shook my head and give her a small smile.

Conan : How can I tell you what I've been thinking just now. I'm fine Erena-chan. Let's just drop it and focus back on solving the cases, okay?

She was a bit hesitant at first, but eventually nod her head. She still didn't move, looking at my face for something.

Conan : Uhm.... Erena-chan? Can you.... uhm.... moving away a tiny bit?

I said to her. She then look at me in realization. A blush creep up to her cheeks while she back away a bit.

Erena : S-s-sorry....

I smirk as I saw her stuttering and blushing knowing full well that I am the reason behind it.

Conan : Now I am certain of my feeling. I'll make sure to protect and be there for her just like how she have always been there for me.

After a few minute of waiting, the police arrive and of course, Inspector Megure would be here too. A few forensics are either taking pictures, notes or searching for any evidences around the room and near the body. Inspector Megure is investigating Yoko-san and Yamagishi-san.

Megure : I see.... So you say he was already killed when you returned here.

Yoko : Y-yes....

Megure : And when you arrived, you were with....

Inspector Megure trail off glancing at old man with a not so please look.

Kogorou : Me, Mouri Kogorou, Inspector Megure!! Ahh this reminds me of the days back when we solved all those cases together!!

Old man said a bit to cheerful despite being in a possible murder case.

Megure : Yes.... And because you were my subordinate it always turned into a nightmare....

Conan : Hahaha.... So, he have always been like this since his police days.

I thought at old man. Me and Erena then started our investigation looking around the room for possible evidences.



Megure : But this room is really hot.... Do you always have the heater on so strong?

Inspector Megure said while tugging on his collar coat.

Yoko : No. Never this powerful. And I turned all the power off when I left.

Megure : That is quite strange....

Conan : That's not the only thing that's strange, Inspector Megure....

Conan said interrupting Inspector Megure while looking through the magnifying glass he got from the forensic team seeing a dried water marks all around the body.

Conan : There are small dried water marks all around the body and this chair next to the body, everything else in the room is knocked over, but this chair is standing. And this room is too hot. Is it to make it impossible to tell the time of death? No, wait.... Maybe if the body was doused with water, this would....



I continued on explaining, oblivious to the two figure hovering behind me and beside me until I feel a tuck on my sleeves. I turn to my left where the tuck is seeing Erena.

As I turn to her, she heave a sigh then point to my right making me turn to my right. As I turn, I see old man on my right and Inspector Megure beside him, behind me.

I awkwardly laugh at them while scratching the back of my head sheepishly. Before I can do anything, old man knock me on the head hard. I heard Erena sigh and went somewhere while I go to Ran, glaring dagger to that old man.

Megure : Who's the kid?

Kogorou : Just watching him for a friend. Didn't I tell you not to interfere with my work?!

Old man said glaring at me. I just roll my eyes when I feel something cold being place on my head where I'm being knock. I look behind me seeing Erena with her arm outstretch to my head holding a cold-wet handkerchief. I open my mouth to say something to her, but she cut me off.

Erena : I've told you to be cautious. Now look at what you got? A big bump on your head! Remember not to do it again next time, okay?

She said glaring at me. Ran have gone somewhere else. I quickly nod, but then smirk as I thought of something. Her glare falter off as she sees me smirking and I went close to her ear.

Conan : You know, I think I don't mind being knock on the head often.... I have you to take care of me. Don't you think so?

I whisper then give a light blow to her ear. She quickly cover her ear and whip her head to face me. Her eyes are wide and her face is beet red.

I chuckle seeing her expression as I move away and backing away a bit from her, the cold-wet handkerchief on my head still.

Erena : W-wh-w-what d-di-did y-y-you ju-j-ju-st....?

She asked stuttering hard.

Conan : What? What did I just did? Oh gosh.... Can't believe I just do that to Erena.

I asked back making an innocent face. I am trying really hard not to laugh seeing that expression on her, eyes wide with her face beet red and still covering her ear.

Conan : So cute.

Inspector Megure voice then interrupt us making both me and Erena to turn to him.

Megure : How's it going? Have you discovered the cause of death?

Inspector Megure ask the forensic team that are investigating the body. Me and Erena then focus back on the case.

F. 1 : It does seem to be the knife in the body's back.

F. 2 : Most likely instant death....

After hearing that, Inspector Megure the turn to Yoko-san.

Megure : Is that your knife?

Yoko : Y-yes....

Megure : Then it will have your fingerprints on it of course.

Yoko : Y-yes....

Yoko-san reluctantly replied. Yamagishi-san then quickly defense her.

Yama : Wait, are you accusing Yoko of....?

Inspector Megure then ask him who he is? I feel bad for him, not. No one seems to realize his existence around here. (Oof, meanie me. Hahaha, but for real. even in the comic, his presence doesn't show up much. Poor him, not. HAHAHAHA.)

Megure : And who are you?

Yama : Yoko's manager, Yamagishi.

Megure : Do either of you recognize the victim?

Yoko : W-well....

Yama : I was so scared, I haven't taken a good look?

Yoko-san and Yamagishi-san then walk around to see the victim face. When they saw it, their face then turn to a shock and horrified one, the color leaving their faces. I turn my head to Erena who have gotten over my teasing just now seeing that she also saw it. I turn back to them seeing not only us but also Inspector Megure saw it.

Megure : Do you recognize him?

Yama : No.... Let me take a closer look....

Yamagishi-san then went closer to the body then 'accidently' slip because of the blood falling on top of the body. But, what caught my eyes is not that. He quickly move away from the body while screaming.

Yama : UWAAAA!!!

F. 1 : Hey, you can't touch the body like that!

Yama : I-I'm sorry.... My feet just slipped.

From the corner of my eyes, I can see that Erena too is observing Yamagishi-san.

Conan : Huh. Great mind think alike eh! But, that manager Yamagishi, he just took something out of the body's hand!! What is it?!

Megure : Well? Do you recognize him?

Yama : Nope, never seen him before, right Yoko?

Yoko : N-never....

I see Yamagishi-san put it in his coat pocket, but it slip out and fall on the floor near him. I hurriedly run to it making the handkerchief on my head fall, but ignore it and stomp on the evidence Yamagishi tried to destroy. This action of course make a loud noise. He look at me questioningly while I just laugh sheepishly rubbing the back of my head.

Megure : Very well.... If we find out his identity, you'll know for sure.

Inspector Megure said turning around walking away with Yamagishi-san and Yoko-san following behind. I feel someone poking on my left. Turning my head to the left, I see Erena. Before I can feel my face heating up from the close proximity, she ask me in a whisper.

Erena : What's it that Yamagishi-san take?

She ask looking at my feet, the one with the evidence. I look at it then lift up my leg.

Conan : A-a hair? Hair in the body's hand? Whose is it? Why is the manager trying to hide that? Is the killer....?

Megure : The window was locked, it's the 25th floor. It appears entrance from outside is impossible, so the only entrance to the apartment is the door. And we haven't discovered any fingerprints on the knife other than Yoko-san's. So I can't see how the killer can be anyone other than you....

Inspector Megure explain everything then look at Yoko-san suspiciously.

Yoko : N-no. I couldn't kill anyone!!

Kogorou : She's right inspector! Yoko-san came specifically to me for help.

Megure : Hmph.... The one who calls for help is often the one who did it....

Kogorou : But, sir....

Kogorou tried to defense Yoko-san when Erena-chan walk up to him and tuck on his suit pant getting his attention. He look down to Erena-chan then crouch down to her level. Everyone were looking at her.

Erena : Oji-san.... Don't they have duplicate keys?

Kogorou : Duplicate keys?

Yoko : My manager, Yamagishi-san has a duplicate.

Yama : Yes, I do.

Kogorou : W-what....?

Old man then stand up with Erena-chan still beside him.

Kogorou : Oh that's it!! The killer is.... YAMAGISHI, THE MANAGER!! YOU!! Yoko-san must have rejected you, so out of spite, you....

Old man said clutching Yamagishi's collar and before he can continue, Inspector Megure cut him.

Megure : Hey, wait,.... Where's the proof Yoko-san didn't do it?

Old man then turn to Yoko-san putting his hand reassuringly on her shoulder while Yoko-san looks uncomfortable from the action and sweat dropped.

Kgorou : Poor little Yoko-san couldn't possibly have done this, right?

Megure : Oh, really....

Conan : Stupid....

Both me and Inspector Megure look at him disbelieving, so done with his antic. I look at Erena seeing her looking around still searching for a clue.

I went up to her and tap her shoulder to get her attention. I can see she's a bit startle then she turn her head towards me with a little hint of scared on her face. Upon seeing me, she visibly relax. Seeing her reaction making me smirk wanting to tease her and that's what I did.

Conan : Hehe. Why're you so tense? Afraid Inspector Megure or old man caught you sneaking around?

Erena : N-n-no, I'm not. J-just.... Uhh.... W-what do you want?

She blush and stuttering while answering then asked. I chuckle seeing her reaction as it was just too cute.

Erena : D-don't laugh!! Answer me first!

Conan : She's so cute blushing and stuttering like that. Hehehe, sorry, sorry. Just wondering if you found anything. So, did you find anything?

She look at me for a second then turn her head to the side, puckering her lips, pouting and puffing her cheeks, arm crossed over her chest making her look even more cute.

Conan : Oh god.... Did you have to do that? I swear to god, you will be the death of me.

Erena : I don't find anything and if you're here to interrupt me, then you can go!

Conan : W-what! N-no! I'm sorry okay. Please Erena-chan.

She glance at me then heave a sigh.

Erena : Okay. But don't tease me again, okay?

Conan : Okay, but I won't promise though~.

Erena : Hah....! Why~?

Conan : Don't.... Because I like to tease you~....

Erena : Ugh. Fine!!

Erena said then continue searching for a clue. I chuckle then soon follow her searching.

Yama : Yes. I did have a duplicate keys, but I lost it....

I stop from looking around to observe the conversation that is happening.

Kogorou : Aaah~.... WHAT?! ARE YOU LYING, YOU BASTARD?

Old man said taking hold of Yamagishi-san collar, again.

Yama : N-no, it's true!! Five days ago at the recording studio in the TV station....

Yoko : He's telling the truth!! The people at the station helped us look for it.

Yoko defense him.

Kogorou : Tch.... Well if Yoko-san says so.

Yoko : And since then.... I've been getting the feeling that someone else has been inside my apartment every time I come home....

Megure : Hm.... If that's true.... Do you have any ideas about who would bear a grudge against Yoko-san?

Yama : No.... Certainly not against Yoko....

Conan : What is it? I feel like we're not seeing the whole picture.... Like there's something missing. Something very important.

I was deep in thought until a tuck snap me out of it. I turn my head to the source and see Erena tucking at my sleeve.

Erena : I found something.... Under the sofa....

We then went to the sofa and she point to me to look under it. I get down on all four and look under the sofa seeing an earring. I quickly stand up wanting to tell Inspector Megure, but being stop by Erena holding my arm. She shook her head.

Erena : They won't listen.

Conan : Damn it. She's right. No one would listen to me as a child and I bet Erena's charm won't work this time. But, I can't be an adult.... ADULT! That's it!! This bowtie! Okay, set the dial to adult....

I pull my bowtie away from my neck, setting it and then went behind the sofa dragging Erena with me.

Stranger (C) : Inspector!! Look at what's under the sofa!!

I said into the bowtie.

Megure : Wh-who was that? Under the sofa.... Th-this is....!

Inspector Megure crouch down looking under the sofa. He take out a handkerchief as a replacement fo gloves, wrapping the earring with it and hold it up, careful not to leave fingerprints.

Megura : An earring?

Yoko : That's Yuuko-san's....

Megure : Yuuko-san's?

Yoko : Ikezawa Yuuko-san who made her debut the same time I did. We often work together, so I see her all the time.... But, why would Yuuko-san's earring be in my apartment?

Yama : Y-yes. I have heard that Ikezawa Yuuko bears a grudge against Yoko for taking away her acting role....

Yoko : Yuuko-san's angry at me?

Kogorou : Hehehe.... I understand this time. THE KILLER IS IKEZAWA YUUKO!! GO ARREST HER!!

Old man shouted to the group of police officer then turn to Inspector Megure.

Kogorou : Isn't it, inspector?

Megure : Y-yes.... We'll bring her into the station. Wait, no.... Let's have her come straight here!!

Kogorou : You heard the man!! Hurry!!

P.O : Y-yes!!

Old man rush the group of police officer out to get Ikezawa Yuuko over. I look at old man seeing his face all confident, maybe thinking he had solved the case, that Ikezawa Yuuko is the killer.

But then, I look over to Inspector Megure seeing his face saying a whole different things. I bet he's thinking that Yoko-san is actually the killer. But, not me though.

Conan : The manager's actions and these odd clues left around the room. The pieces are all here!! But, how do they fit together?

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Hey, another long chapter. Just a little bit more until the end of this case.

Enjoy your read.