The owner of the building was a peculiar man, to say the least. He had this everlasting grin on his face which made him look quite stupid, to be honest. Well, who smiles when they’re called in for questioning for not a single, not a double but a triple murder case.

“Very well,” said Kensuke, putting on his best polite façade. This man could be the only person, other than that iron-head Haru, who knew all the three women and he was probably the key against cracking open this case.

Again with the exception of a stubborn Haru.

“I’d appreciate it if you gave honest answers,” said Kensuke, looking straight into the owner’s eyes. “Makes my job and trust me, your job easier as well.”

The smile on the owner’s face still didn’t waver and he said, “Sure? Why not? I’ve got nothing to hide anyway.”

Kensuke gave a small smile in return, though it didn’t reach his eyes. Something about this permanent grin on the man’s face made him uneasy.

“First, I’ll need you to submit all rental contracts to the police. Including Haru’s.”

“I can submit for the women but I’ve afraid I can’t submit for Haru.”

Kensuke raised an eyebrow. This was odd. So odd. “And why is that so?”

“I’m not liable to answer that and I wish not to answer that.”

Kensuke felt the corner of his mouth twitch in annoyance. Okay, he had to calm down. Lashing out at a suspect and causing them to completely close off was the last thing he wanted to do.

“Okay, okay,” said Kensuke. “Can you tell us how each of these women approached you for renting your flat?”

“Simple really. Posted the rental ad everywhere and someone contacted me. Oh, they all rented the apartment at the same time. I was really surprised at the sudden popularity of my apartment. Whatever the reason, bloody good deal for me.”

Kensuke frowned, taking the information in. All three women, seemingly on the outside, the only connection that seemed to bind them was the fact that they lived in the same apartment. But the more and more they dug into the case, Kensuke can’t help but shake the feeling that this was a calculated murder and not a random serial killing.

“I assume you won’t tell me about how Haru came across your apartment?”

The owner scratched his head. “I’m afraid I can’t.”

Kensuke didn’t even want to bother.

“Have you seen any people visiting these women?” asked Kensuke.

This was much-needed information. So far, they had gotten nothing on these women. On paper, all these women worked in different places. They were single.

 However, one thing Kensuke did find odd was that all these women’s families, whether it be parents or sisters, were abroad. Well, it could be a major coincidence but with a case as complex as this. He refused to believe it was one.

“Visitors? Hm, not really. Really weird women they were, let me tell you. Very mysterious. But to answer your question, nope. I think uh one of them used to have a lot of debt collectors. Uhh, Eri? Yeah Eri, I think. She had various loan sharks coming after her. That was about all the visitor she actually had.”

 Kensuke ran his hand through his hair. How was it that everything, in this case, did not have any clear answers? It was like…all the answers Kensuke needed was with Haru.

Kensuke turned towards his assistant. “Did you question the loan shark?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Any useful information?”

“None, actually. All we know is Eri had a huge debt and she borrowed money from various loan sharks. However, we don’t know why she took these loans since none of these loans are official ones. And it seems like she doesn’t take loans from banks.”

Kensuke let out a sigh and looked at the man in front of him. What was he going to do now? He had questioned everyone related to the case, the relatives could come only within a week, the call records were absolutely useless and these women were still utter mysteries.

“You can leave,” said Kensuke.

The landlord got up and gave Kensuke a slight nod. Kensuke merely watched as he went out of the door.

“Aah” yelled Kensuke, frustrated. Seriously, such a block. How was it that none of these women had any sort of…life. None whatsoever.

“Sir, now what?” asked his assistant.

There was only one thing that came to his mind.

And he hated it.

----------------------

Haru stretched, yawning widely. Scratching his head, he got up from his couch and walked over to his desk, where his laptop and work material was kept. 

He slowly opened his laptop, quickly looked through it only to be met with disappointment. He opened his savings and oh boy, he was broke. 

But what he needed wasn’t money at this point.

What he needed was… 

Ding dong. The doorbell rang. 

Haru smiled ever so slightly. That was what he needed.

He walked towards the door and opened it, giving a wide grin to the person standing in front of him.

“Good evening, Kensuke-san."

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twt : @/flrtycandy