Free A Cop's Eyes by Gaku Yakumaru

been in the community section, but I was assigned to the detective unit a year ago.”
    So the guy was a rookie.
    An underwhelming buddy—but all Nagamine had to do was take the initiative in the investigation as usual.
    The chiefs came into the assembly hall and the investigation meeting began.
    â€œThe victim’s name is Ayano Sakurai—twenty-six years old—an office worker at the Ikebukuro branch of a travel agency called Try Travel,” Yabusawa began describing the case.
    The cause of death was suffocation by strangulation. Estimated time of death, between seven and ten o’clock the previous evening.
    Ayano had been living in that condominium for a year. Since the complex had a gated intercom system, and because they couldn’t find her cellphone in her room, it was highly likely that the crime was committed by someone she knew.
    The semen from the condom left in the room and the hair left in the bathroom would be submitted for DNA testing.
    With a directive to pay particular attention to Ayano’s social life, the meeting was adjourned.
    As ordered by Yabusawa, Nagamine and Natsume immediately went to the travel agency to gather information from Ayano’scoworkers.
    They were shown through to the office, and after a while, the manager of the branch made his appearance.
    â€œTo think that … Sakurai would be involved in a case like this,” the manager, who sat across from Nagamine and Natsume, began speaking, barely able to hide his discomposure.
    â€œWhat sort of woman was Ms. Sakurai?” Nagamine asked.
    â€œA serious one. She performed her work diligently and, of course, was never late or took days off without permission. It hadn’t even been a full year since she started, but we could trust her with important work …”
    â€œDo you know what she did before working here?”
    â€œShe worked at another travel agency in Iidabashi.”
    â€œSo in the same industry. Do you know why she changed jobs?”
    â€œNo … I didn’t pry that much. Well, she came from the same industry, and we hired her because she would be an immediate asset.”
    â€œWe would like to ask you about Ms. Sakurai’s social circle …” Nagamine turned the talk to Ayano’s friendships and romantic relationships.
    The manager, however, answered, “I wouldn’t know much about that …” and instead called in the staff in attendance one by one.
    â€œWas there a man she was dating?” Nagamine asked Ayano’s coworkers, but every one of them replied that they never really discussed such matters with her.
    â€œShould we go to her old workplace?” he said to Natsume as they exited Try Travel, and together they headed toward Iidabashi.
    All Skies Travel was a small company along Mejiro Street in Iidabashi.
    â€œWelcome.”
    When they entered the store, there were three employees behind the counter.
    â€œWe apologize for coming at a busy time. I am Nagamine from the Metropolitan Police Department.” He showed them his police badge, and they stared at him with wide eyes. “We would like to ask you about Ayano Sakurai, who was employed here previously.”
    The woman right in front of him gave a doubtful look and said, “About Ayano?”
    â€œYes. Actually … Ms. Sakurai was involved in a case last night …”
    â€œA case …” the woman, who was staring at Nagamine, asked anxiously.
    â€œShe was murdered,” he informed her.
    She was speechless. The next moment, she angrily stood up. “That can’t be true!”
    â€œUnfortunately, it is. Someone strangled and murdered her. We are conducting the investigation and have some questions regarding Ms. Sakurai.”
    Though flustered, the woman nodded and offered them seats at the counter.
    â€œHow long have you known Ms. Sakurai?” Nagamine asked as he sat in the chair.
    â€œWe worked