Chapter 23: Mediation

That morning, Shiraishi summoned the heads of every department at the station and gave them all a dressing-down. However, he was immediately given one in return.

Scarcely had Shiraishi finished assigning tasks when he received a call from Chief of the Eleventh Area Headquarters, Damon Gant. Between the more than one hundred police stations in Tokyo and the Metropolitan Police Department, there exists an intermediate level known as the Area Headquarters. There are eleven such headquarters across Tokyo, each overseeing a specific jurisdiction. The Beika Precinct falls under the Eleventh Area Headquarters.

Among the eleven area chiefs, only those in charge of the first, fourth, eighth, and eleventh areas hold the rank of Chief Superintendent, while the others hold the rank of Senior Superintendent, the same as the heads of major precincts. Area chiefs generally serve concurrently as the head of a local precinct. If an area headquarters oversees several major stations, the chief is ranked as a Chief Superintendent. The Eleventh Area, which includes the Beika, Haido, and Kamurocho precincts, consists entirely of major stations.

Damon Gant, chief of the Eleventh Area, also serves as the head of the Haido Precinct and oversees a dozen other station chiefs in the vicinity. Initially, Gant attempted to ask for Ebihara, but Shiraishi took the call himself.

"Chief Gant, I assumed my post on September 17th and have already begun organizing a reinvestigation of the case. You may discuss any matters directly with me."

"Chief Shiraishi, you certainly have a sense of responsibility. I will speak plainly: the impact of this incident is extremely severe. Due to the recent scandal involving the former minister, the public is already questioning the integrity of the judicial system. From the National Police Agency down to the Metropolitan Police Department, everyone is walking on eggshells..." Gant’s tone was solemn as he proceeded to intimidate Shiraishi.

After a long lecture, however, Gant changed his tune. "Of course, I realize that Chief Shiraishi has no involvement in this matter. It was all Inspector Shirai, taking advantage of Chief Ebihara’s impending retirement and the transition of leadership to act on his own accord. I am well aware that you have only just taken office..."

Shiraishi frowned as he held the phone. He couldn't help but feel that this man had ulterior motives. Though on the surface Gant appeared to be helping him by shifting the blame, he was essentially throwing Shirai under the bus. It was true that the man deserved to be cast out, but it was clear that Gant wanted Shiraishi to accept his protection while allowing him to orchestrate Shirai as the scapegoat.

If Shiraishi were to agree, he would certainly avoid being implicated in the incident, but his authority within the station would be diminished, and he would inevitably find himself in a subordinate position whenever he had to deal with Gant.

"Inspector Shirai was indeed overly hasty in this case. I have already reprimanded him severely and ordered him to reflect upon his actions. As for the final disciplinary outcome, I believe it is best to decide once the investigation is concluded," Shiraishi replied, neither servile nor overbearing.

How Shirai is handled is a matter for Shiraishi as the station chief. If Gant wished to add any pressure, he could address it to him directly.

Hearing Shiraishi repeatedly reject his "goodwill," Gant was silent for a moment before a hearty, booming laugh erupted through the receiver. "Hahaha! As expected of our police hero, Chief Shiraishi is truly a chief who protects his subordinates. That puts my mind at ease."

"I am undeserving of such praise. It is my failure that has caused trouble for the Eleventh Area, and I must apologize for the burden placed on Chief Gant," Shiraishi said politely.

"What I can manage is, of course, nothing..." Gant’s tone shifted back to that of a kindly gentleman, though his voice dropped as he continued: "However, if this drags on too long, the Metropolitan Police Department will intervene at any moment. Once that happens, the situation will be beyond both our control. I hope you understand, Chief Shiraishi."

"Rest assured, Chief Gant, I will take full responsibility," Shiraishi replied firmly.

Shiraishi was now certain that Gant was attempting to break his spirit—the kind of "breaking" meant to force him into submission. It seemed the man's ambition was not small; otherwise, he would not have wanted to touch a situation like this, even as an area chief.

Clearly, Shiraishi had no intention of giving him the chance to "break" him. Furthermore, Shiraishi’s previous reputation at the Metropolitan Police Department meant that his "formidable aura" still lingered, which was why Gant had only offered a routine warning and had not pushed too hard. Even when his "goodwill" was rejected, he chose not to lash out.

After ending the call, Shiraishi understood that the situation was dire. He immediately began drafting an apology, preparing for the moment he would be asked to bow before the cameras. Such matters required the station chief to apologize; a mere inspector like Shirai was not qualified to stand before the press.

To finish the draft, Shiraishi ate nothing but bread for lunch. At one o'clock, having just finished his seventh or eighth piece of bread, Akasaka and Aoki arrived to report their work plan.

"Chief, our team will split up. One group will conduct interviews at the scene. Since there are no signs of forced entry or a struggle, it is likely the work of an acquaintance. Furthermore, since the valuables were not disturbed, this was not a robbery-homicide. We will canvas the neighbors to see if there are any new discoveries," Akasaka said, outlining the plan.

"The other group, Gen and Yamada, will go to verify the surveillance footage and witness statements from Beika Park. Although the area was empty at the time of the incident due to the lack of shade, someone may have seen something."

Aoki added, "We also plan to investigate the kitchen knife, which is the primary piece of physical evidence. If it were used because of a house party, why are there no fingerprints other than the victim's, and why is that the only knife with prints? We will also check the surveillance records around the scene and attempt to find the only person who ordered at the coffee truck in Beika Park during the time of the crime. Perhaps someone else made the purchase!"

"Understood. Thank you for your hard work," Shiraishi said, nodding. He added, "I will be working until at least ten tonight. If there are any developments, report them to me immediately."

Shiraishi stood up and glanced through the blinds. Sure enough, a crowd of reporters was still gathered in front of the station; he would certainly not be leaving on time. However, since the regulation time for interrogations and questioning ended at ten, there was little point in him staying much later as a desk-bound chief.

"Yes, sir!" the two replied in unison.

"Also... do not accept any interviews. Do not speak to any reporters—not a single word. Ensure the younger detectives follow this as well," Shiraishi instructed strictly, hoping to prevent his words from being taken out of context.