Chapter 3 Chapter 3 The First Victim
The Olympic swimming pool used for the Tokyo Olympic Games is located on Udagawa Street in Shibuya, adjacent to the NHK Broadcasting Building.
In summer, it is open as a swimming pool.In winter, the main swimming pool becomes an ice skating rink, and the auxiliary swimming pool becomes a warm-water swimming pool.
From here to the nearest National Railway Harajuku Station, you just need to go up a few steps and pass through a concrete corridor.
Rather than calling this corridor a corridor, it is more appropriate to call it a promenade.Flowers and trees are planted along the roadside, and rest benches are placed here and there.In fact, this concrete corridor with a width of about 20 meters and a height of 12 to 3 meters has become a place for young lovers to take a walk.
In the early morning of December 19, when two teenagers were doing their daily long-distance running exercise under this corridor, they suddenly found a man in a kimono lying on his back.
It was in the shade where many rhododendron trees were planted, a place that was generally not easy to be found, and only occasionally some teenagers would go there in a hurry to urinate.
This is a man about 50 years old, the front of the kimono is open, and the forehead is stuck with Japanese soil, and the clogs are scattered five or six meters away.
When the two teenagers saw the blood, their faces changed in fright, and they ran to the nearby police station in a hurry.
It was a young policeman from last night who was on duty.At first, he was dubious about the report of the two teenagers that "a man died". When he heard that it was a man in kimono and about 50 years old, he suddenly remembered.
At about 9 o'clock last night, a housewife in her forties came to report that her husband had gone out for a walk and hadn't returned, hoping to help find it.He also went to the NHK Broadcasting Center and the Olympic Swimming Center to look for the person he was looking for. The person he was looking for was the survivor of the "First Japan" that was recently famous on TV stations and weekly magazines-Captain Miyamoto, aged 54, Went out for a walk in a kimono and didn't come back.
Age, clothing, exactly the same.
The police were in a hurry, and immediately asked Er Juvenile to lead the way and rushed to the scene.
Even though he was a young policeman, he could tell at the time that the man was dead.The policeman swallowed hard, knelt on one knee beside the corpse, and looked up.
The cliff made of stones and concrete has a height of 12 or 13 meters, and the walking path is on the cliff.Did you accidentally drop it?Or prepared to commit suicide?Or, by whom?The police deliberated, but still could not come to a conclusion.
The policeman immediately reported to the Shibuya Police Station.Then, he took out his notepad and dialed the apartment phone number left by Captain Miyamoto's wife last night.
The Shibuya police car and Miyamoto Asako arrived at the scene almost at the same time.
Asako looked at the corpse in a trance, and then said hoarsely to the police officer at the police station that it was indeed her husband.Her eyes were red.
By asking Asako, the criminal police learned that Kenichiro Miyamoto had been worrying and worrying since he returned to his country, so he believed that the possibility of suicide was higher.In addition to the front of the corpse, there were also abrasions on the hands and feet.It is conceivable whether it was due to the collision caused by the slope of the cliff when the suicide jumped down.
"Did you come here last night when you were looking for your husband?"
Hearing the policeman's questioning, Asako sobbed and said:
"My husband always walks on the promenade above, then passes through Harajuku Station, and then walks towards the Meiji Shrine, so I and the patrol police on duty only searched in those places."
"Oh, that's right. I'm sorry, but I want to ask, has your husband received any threatening letters or phone calls since he returned to China?"
"No, nothing. On the contrary, I received many encouraging calls and letters from friends and acquaintances."
In other words, it is still because the whereabouts of the subordinate crew members are still unknown, and the loss of precious oil, as the captain, he was condemned in his heart and couldn't extricate himself, which eventually led to suicide.
The criminal police of Shibuya Police Station thought so, but, for the sake of prudence, after obtaining Asako's consent, they decided to send the body to Keio Hospital on Shinano Street for autopsy.
In the evening of the next day, Totsukawa, who was searching the first section of the Metropolitan Police Department, was quietly called by the section chief.
Totsukawa has many nicknames, some call him a badger, others call him a wolf.Call him a badger, probably because of his funny appearance: he is 1.63 meters tall and weighs 68 kilograms. Even if he is flattering, he is not flattering. He is handsome, and because he is fat in middle age and has a slightly protruding belly. It's really a bit like a badger, because the beard is too lazy to shave, it looks more like a badger.Because he is not handsome and often lazy to shave, he looks older than his actual age of 37 years. Calling him a wolf is obviously due to Totsukawa's attitude towards the case.As long as there is a case, he will always bite on it, and rarely give up halfway, really like a wolf that preys on it.And once, when he just became a criminal policeman, when catching a murderer, when his left hand was pierced by a bullet and his right hand was tightly bound, he bit his opponent like a real wolf. Let go.Because of that time, his left hand is still a little inflexible.
Totsukawa walked into the section chief's office and suddenly sneezed loudly.
"Sorry, I don't seem to be recovering from the cold."
Unexpectedly, the moment he lowered his head just now, another big sneeze followed.
The burly section chief looked at Totsukawa apologetically.
"It seems to be very cold this winter, so be careful."
"thanks"
"Come on, sit down."
The chief pointed to the chair and said.
Totsukawa took out a handkerchief and wiped his snot. This year's cold is very unpleasant, really annoying.
"What do you want me to do?" Totsukawa asked in a nasal voice.
"There is indeed a very tricky thing to ask you to complete here."
The section chief took out a cigarette from his pocket, but when he heard Totsukawa's wheezing breathing through his nose, he put it away again.
This time, he took out another letter from the drawer and placed it in front of Totsukawa.
"Let's take a look first."
"Okay, let me see."
Totsukawa put away his handkerchief and took the letter.
On the cover of the white envelope, the words "Mr. Chief of the First Investigation Section of the Metropolitan Police Department" were written fluently.On the back of the envelope, there is no name of the writer.Totsukawa was not surprised by this, as such letters were commonplace.There are also fanatical mailers like lunatics, who claim to be the perpetrators whenever something happens and send anonymous letters.
There was only a note in the envelope.
I want to kill all 6 remaining survivors of the "First Japan".
Now, the first person has been killed by me near the Olympic swimming pool.The remaining 5 people could not escape the same fate.
If you want to protect them, try it.
Totsukawa silently read the letter two or three times, then held the letter up to his eyes, and read it again through the light.
"First of all, can I ask about my impressions after reading it?"
said the section chief.
Totsukawa held up the letter paper in the air again.
"A very interesting letter."
"Interesting? How do you say it?"
"The envelope and the letterhead are nothing new. Whether the fluent handwriting is my own hand is still unknown. It's just a fingerprint, have you found it?"
"No. No fingerprints were found on the letter. It must have been written with gloves on."
"I think so too. Even so, it exudes a kind of childishness. From the literal point of view, it can be seen at a glance that it is challenging us. X's signature is also particularly childish."
"So you think naughty children are playing tricks?"
"No, quite the opposite."
"Oh?"
The section chief looked at Totsukawa with interest.
"I want to hear your reason."
"This letterhead was rewritten, leaving the indentation of the writing on the previous page on the letterhead, which can be vaguely recognized through the light. Well, it is written like this, 'The remaining 5 people, please be careful.' He probably thought that the tone written earlier was more gentle and the police would not intervene, so he changed to a provocative tone again. What a strange wording, this Mr. X is looking forward to our participation."
"Very interesting idea."
"Another interesting point is the postmark. This letter is an express letter sent from the Central Post Office, and the postmark date is 9:30 am yesterday. The death of Captain Miyamoto will definitely be broadcast on the morning TV news. In this way It will make people feel that the person hastily sent this letter after reading the news. However, it is still unknown why he did this, which is very interesting.”
"That's your point of view. So, what do you think about Captain Miyamoto's death?"
Totsukawa didn't answer the section chief's question immediately. He wiped his nose with a handkerchief again, and then said:
"The Shibuya Police Department seems to have judged it as a suicide. Judging from the results of the autopsy, the fatal injury was a head injury. It seems impossible to conclude that it was a homicide..."
From Totsukawa's innocuous words, it may be possible to explain the origin of his nickname of "Badger".
"I don't believe you have no doubts."
The section chief looked at Totsukawa with sarcasm.Totsukawa's small eyes narrowed little by little.
"It's hard for me to say that, because the Shibuya Police Station has already confirmed it."
"It's okay, I just want to hear your thoughts."
"I think judging from the autopsy of the corpse and the scene where it was discovered, it is a suicide or a homicide, and we can't draw a conclusion. Some people say that if you commit suicide, you will take off your wooden clogs in advance on the walk. Of course, this may be The choices of the dead are different, so it doesn’t matter what you say.”
"Go on."
"I was thinking about the psychology of the deceased Captain Miyamoto. It is acceptable to have suicidal thoughts because of the loss of his subordinates, the loss of the ship, and the loss of a large amount of oil. The problem is where the death is, and among my friends One is the captain, and he is still on the cargo ship on the route to the United States. Last year, when he returned to Yokohama, we had a drink together. Then, for some reason, the conversation suddenly turned to the issue of responsibility as a captain. He said, If you want to commit suicide due to responsibility, you should die in the sea you love. Captain Miyamoto is also a person of the sea, so he should have the same thought."
"No, no."
The section chief seemed to be nodding with satisfaction.This is because Totsukawa's thinking is the same as that of the section chief himself.
Totsukawa's nose was still humming, "This year's cold seems to be viral." He continued with a heavy nasal voice:
"Captain Miyamoto's experience has been published in newspapers. During the war, he was a lieutenant in the navy and served as the deputy captain of the destroyer. After the defeat, he still couldn't forget the sea, and he joined the New Nippon Line Headquarters until now. Looking back at the source, he is also the same. Son of the sea. I feel a little abnormal that such a man chooses a walking path as a place to commit suicide."
"I'm feeling it too."
The section chief nodded vigorously, and then said:
"If, as you and I think, the cause of Captain Miyamoto's death is homicide, the cause must be the sinking of the 'Daiichi Japan'. If so, this motivation will affect all 6 remaining survivors. Just like this letter As written in the letter, they may be killed one by one. I want to prevent such incidents from happening again."
"Then you want me to take on this task?"
"Exactly. I would like to invite you to do it. But, at present, I only want you to do it alone. This is due to the delicate situation of the survivors of the 'First Japan'. They are treated as heroes, and on the other hand, due to The other crew members are missing, precious oil and ships are damaged, and they are criticized. At a time like this, if the police are openly operating around them, there will be some kind of misunderstanding."
"Understood."
"I know the difficulty, no one but you can do it."
The section chief said flatteringly, stood up, and patted Totsukawa on the shoulder lightly.At that moment, Totsukawa sneezed louder again.
"how old are you?"
The section chief frowned and asked.
"37 years old. Why do you ask this?"
"Still alone!"
"I always feel that no woman will come to me."
Totsukawa scratched his head as if he had no face.At this time, Totsukawa looked childish.
"That's not okay, you should get married early. First-class detectives in the first investigation department must use clean handkerchiefs. Your handkerchief is a bit dirty. If you have a cold that doesn't heal, it's because you don't have a wife. Oh, hurry up." Take this medicine."
The section chief took out a large paper bag containing medicine from the drawer with a rattling noise, and handed it to Totsukawa.
"My wife took it from a relative who is a doctor of traditional Chinese medicine. I also have a bit of a cold. I ate it twice and it got better immediately. Even if I let you fool me last time, eat it. Three times a day, the cold is sure it is good."
Totsukawa thanked him, put the medicine in his pocket, and was about to leave the room when the voice of the section chief came from behind him:
"My wife is nosy, let her help you find a good wife."
Totsukawa bought a white handkerchief for 100 yen at the small shop of the Mutual Aid Association, and then walked to the apartment of Kenichiro Miyamoto's family on Udagawa Street, Shibuya Ward.
There was a dry and cold wind blowing outside, and the wind irritated the mucous membranes of Totsukawa's nose, and he sneezed again and again as he walked.
In Captain Miyamoto's room, he kept a vigil all night today.
The daughter and son-in-law in filial piety also came.There is an altar in the living room.The corpse transported back after the autopsy has been placed in a coffin, and a photo of Captain Miyamoto in uniform is placed on the coffin.
Totsukawa frankly introduced "I am a policeman" to the widow Asako, and said:
"Can I burn a stick of incense?"
"thanks."
Asako, who was dressed in mourning, bowed respectfully.
Totsukawa bent over to light the incense, and then looked at the picture of Captain Miyamoto.
This is a man with a strong body and short and thick arms.Thick eyebrows make people feel that they are showing his bold personality.Look carefully, although there is a smile on the corner of the mouth, but there is calmness in the eyes, he is a person who will always remain calm.He wouldn't have looked a careless man if he hadn't known he was the captain.
"What a talent!"
After burning the incense, Totsukawa wiped his nose with the Tekiwa he had just bought, and sneezed again.
Asako pressed her sore nose with her fingers to hold back her tears.
When Totsukawa was putting his handkerchief into his pocket, he touched the medicine bag.
"Excuse me, can I have some water?"
He asked Asako.
"What? Water?"
"I have a cold. Our section chief gave me medicine, and it's time to take medicine."
"Then, warm water is best."
Saying that, Asako poured water.Totsukawa then walked to the study inside.
In the small study room, only four and a half yuan "tatami" in size, there is a beautiful deep red sandalwood desk.There are thick books lined up on the bookshelves.
Asako came in with the tea bowl she was holding.
"Is this study often used?"
Totsukawa took the tea bowl and looked around the study again.
"The study is nice!"
"Yes, my husband said this is his little world."
"Yes, it's a small world."
Totsukawa nodded and swallowed the medicine in one gulp, but unexpectedly, he was choked by the bitter taste of the medicine and grinned. This is not as good as jade wine (a kind of medicinal wine that is often drunk when you have a cold).
"Is it okay?" Asako asked worriedly, and then said:
"What's the matter with you? I don't think you're just here to burn incense for my husband."
"It may seem strange to say this, but I am only interested in this matter personally. Therefore, it is always your freedom whether you assist me or not."
"Could it be that there are still doubts about the cause of my husband's death? The criminal police of Shibuya Police Station have definitely committed suicide."
"Does Madam think so too?"
Totsukawa put the tea bowl on the table and asked.
"This, I haven't considered anything else..."
"Just for that reason?"
When Totsukawa asked, Asako looked embarrassed.
"After my husband was rescued and returned to the country, he seemed to be troubled all the time. I think it must be because of the captain's duties."
"Did you tell your husband that?"
"I didn't ask him directly. Because I knew what he was thinking."
Asako replied confidently.This is probably the self-confidence developed in the long-term married life, Totsukawa thought so.Being alone, he honestly doesn't understand the trust and self-confidence between husband and wife, but while feeling envious, he also feels a kind of danger.Although they are husband and wife, they are not alone after all.Isn't it a dangerous misunderstanding to think that you understand everything about the other party?Totsukawa thought so, of course, only said:
"It's really enviable."
"Can I open the drawer and have a look?"
"please."
Totsukawa first opened the first drawer from the top.
In the drawer was a letter of resignation in an envelope.
According to my current situation... it is a resignation report with such wording.If you fill in the date, you can hand it in immediately.
"It's a letter of resignation to the company."
Totsukawa looked at Asako and said.
"Yes. After my husband wrote the resignation letter, he put it in a drawer. I knew this beforehand."
"Oh."
"My husband is a very responsible person, and I think he has been blaming himself for being sorry for the company."
"yes."
Totsukawa sneezed again.Because of the loss of the ship and subordinates, it is very possible to write a resignation report driven by a sense of responsibility.Totsukawa himself has written several resignation reports.That was when the murderer was not caught and let him escape, and when important witnesses were killed.Therefore, he understands the mood of Captain Miyamoto who wrote the resignation report.However, this does not mean that there is no doubt about the matter.
If it were me, I would submit my resignation report before committing suicide.
What's more, there is a resignation report but no suicide note. The psychology of being a suicide is really special.
Totsukawa opened the second drawer.There are pens, letter paper and other supplies here, nothing special.
The third bottom drawer was locked.
"Where's the key?"
Totsukawa was looking for it on the table, and Asako reached out and handed it over from the side.Totsukawa took the key and opened the bottom drawer.
"Does your husband have a suicide note?"
"No, no."
While talking with Asako, Totsukawa looked inside the drawer.Here, there are neither suicide notes nor valuables that should normally be locked.
In that drawer, there were only twelve or thirteen newly published books.
Really confused about the reason, Totsukawa tilted his head in thought, while placing these books on the table one by one.Totsukawa, who was already a bit disappointed, suddenly became nervous.
"Brazil's History and Present"
"Brazil Sightseeing Tour"
"Brazil and Japan"
All books are related to Brazil.Look at the back of the book, and there's a book that was just released a week ago.Judging from the fact that some of the pages are still folded, Captain Miyamoto is very intent on reading these books.In addition, there is still space on the bookshelf, so why put books related to Brazil in the drawer and lock it?It's really special.
"Have you and your husband talked about Brazil recently?"
Asako thought about Totsukawa's question.
"No."
"yes?"
"Yes. My husband hasn't talked about Brazil since he came back."
"Do you have any relatives or friends in Brazil?"
"No."
"Has your husband ever sailed to Brazil?"
"Two years ago, I went to Brazil as the captain of a cargo ship. It was probably a mission for Chuo Shoji."
"Didn't your husband say anything about his interest in Brazil after that voyage?"
"Regarding this, it was last year. He once told me that after retirement, the two of them would go sightseeing in Brazil together."
"Speaking of retirement, how old is the retirement age stipulated by the head office of New Japan Airlines?"
"55 years old."
"Captain Miyamoto is 54 years old, so he should retire next year?"
"yes."
"After retirement, the treatment will change, right?"
"I heard that I can't work at sea anymore. I guess I'm doing some clerical work as a non-regular employee."
So, did you collect these books for a trip to Brazil after retirement next year?Or do you intend to go to Brazil after submitting your resignation report?
Totsukawa looked at the 12 books on the table and shook his head, feeling dissatisfied with any idea, always feeling that something was wrong, and suddenly couldn't figure it out.
"So, can you tell me a little bit about your husband before he went for a walk that evening?"
"I have talked to the detectives at the Shibuya Police Station many times about the situation."
"Yes, I understand your reluctance to think about it. I don't feel well about it either. Just ask you to talk about it again."
"This, I understand."
"Did your husband go for a walk after supper that night?"
Totsukawa took out his notebook and asked.
"yes."
"What was said at dinner?"
"Actually, I didn't say much. After my husband returned to China, he seldom spoke."
"It's like this, no matter how trivial things are, it doesn't matter, just talk about them in the order you recall, okay?"
"If there is any sign of suicide, I don't think there is any at all."
"You don't want to talk about that, just recall the general situation at that time. Oh, let's start with the dishes for dinner. What were the dishes for dinner that day?"
"Is it okay to introduce this?"
Asako's face showed a reassuring but somewhat confused expression, but the conversation also became natural.
"That day I made soup tofu, which my husband likes to eat, and I brought him a bottle of wine."
"Let's talk about it."
Totsukawa smiled.
"Does your husband like to drink?"
"I like it. But recently, I only drink one or two cups for dinner."
"I also like soup tofu. Eating it and drinking alcohol is very delicious. I must have had a good time drinking it?"
"No, he put it down after drinking half of it."
"What a pity! Then, doesn't he have something important to say? Doesn't he?"
"So I do remember. After my husband put the glass down, he said it had been a week since he came back, and then he said he wanted to tell me something."
"and then?"
"Then he said, you might be surprised."
"Oh? Then, what did your husband say?"
"Well, he suddenly said to come back from the walk and go for a walk as usual. Therefore, he didn't say anything. But I know what my husband has to say."
Asako said in a confident tone.
"What do you think your husband wants to say?"
Hearing Totsukawa's question, Asako said with certainty:
"Of course it is about resignation. My husband must have blamed himself and planned to resign after knowing that only the six of them were rescued, but he was afraid that I would worry, so he never told me. Because I know that there is a resignation letter in his drawer .”
"So," the chief of the first search section lit a cigarette in his hand, looked at Totsukawa, "do you agree with the widow Asako?"
"No, I cannot agree with her. She firmly believes that she has a complete understanding of the psychology of her dead husband. There may be some truth in the nearly thirty years of married life, but unfortunately, I don't understand it very well."
"What do you think?"
"I think the shocking words of Captain Miyamoto are definitely not a matter of resignation. Judging from the fact that Captain Miyamoto put the resignation report in an unlocked drawer, the matter of resigning from the company is very serious to Captain Miyamoto. It’s not a big deal.”
"So, what do you think Captain Miyamoto wants to say?"
"Probably, it's this."
Shiluchuan opened the fur skin, spread out the twelve borrowed books, and put them on the table.
After reading the book one by one, the section chief looked puzzled. "Are the couple planning to travel to Brazil?"
"no."
"why?"
"If it's a sightseeing trip, you don't lock these books in a drawer. So, I think there is a more important meaning in it."
"So, emigrate to Brazil?"
"I think so. Of course, this is just speculation. Captain Miyamoto may be planning to resign from the company and then move to Brazil with his wife. However, since Asako was born and raised in Tokyo and has no experience of overseas travel, if you ask When she explained things like emigrating to Brazil, she was naturally surprised, so it was always difficult to speak. In order not to let his wife see, he locked the books on Brazil that he had collected in a drawer."
Having said that, Totsukawa stopped talking and wiped his nose with a handkerchief.What a nagging cold!
The section chief seemed to be thinking about Totsukawa's words, and looked at the vast night sky outside the window.After a short silence, he said:
"Your conjecture may be correct, but I was thinking, why did Kenichiro Miyamoto decide to emigrate to Brazil?"
"From a general point of view, it is difficult to live in Japan because of the loss of ships, subordinates, oil, and psychological guilt."
"But you don't think about it that way, do you? There must be different opinions."
"Yes, you knew it when I opened my mouth."
Saying that, Totsukawa smiled.
"Tell me why."
"This is not the first time that a large ship has sunk. Ships weighing tens of thousands of tons have sunk quite a lot. Of course, world-class giant oil tankers are more eye-catching. In Kashima's rough and difficult seas, large container ships have sunk many times. It has attracted the attention of the world. Fortunately, it did not cause marine pollution. Moreover, the captain was rescued, and the subordinate crew members were killed. Even so, the captain does not need to take any responsibility. This is a matter of course. The captain and the ship share The idea of fate is an old idea. I think Captain Miyamoto will realize that too."
"Then why did he move to Brazil?"
"That's what I want to know."
Totsukawa sneezed again.
"Is the cold still not cured? Have you taken the Chinese medicine I gave you on time?"
"have eaten."
"Then it will be all right tomorrow."
"I hope so."
As soon as Totsukawa finished speaking, he sneezed again.
The next day, Totsukawa came to the head office of New Japan Airlines in Nihonbashi, Tokyo.
On the top of the 20-story building stands a huge antenna over 10 meters high.This is supposed to be for wireless communication with our company's ships sailing in the world's oceans.
Totsukawa walked up the 3rd floor with a "thump thump" and went straight to the office of the Minister of Personnel.In the spacious room, the walls are covered with world maps.On the display racks, there are models of giant tankers and container ships.Compared with the general company's office, it is indeed a little different.
The Minister of Personnel is a tall, dashing middle-aged man.During the exchange of greetings, he smelled of perfume, and his chin was shaven, which was in stark contrast to Totsukawa's long, lazy beard.His thin lips seemed to be about to burst out a series of foreign languages.
"Captain Miyamoto's murder was a shock."
The Minister of Personnel said in a low voice while handing Totsukawa a Havana cigar.
"Thank you, I'm fine with a cold." Totsukawa declined the cigar, and then, as if to confirm what he said, he took out a handkerchief and wiped his nose.
"What kind of person is Captain Miyamoto? I'm really sorry for asking such a general question."
"If you can sum it up in one sentence, he is an outstanding person."
"To be more specific?"
"About him, I think you will also know that he can be said to be a survivor of the Japanese Navy. Because of this, he has a strong sense of responsibility. I think his suicide is also due to such a strong sense of responsibility. On the one hand, he feels sorry for the company. , I’m sorry for the missing subordinates. On the other hand, it may have stabbed his self-esteem as a man of the sea, because he has decades of shining experience.”
"However, most of the 6 remaining survivors are senior crew members. Do you have any comment on this?"
Regarding this question, the Minister of Personnel shook his head vigorously.
"There is no such thing. In a maritime accident, whether to be rescued or not depends on luck. Besides, for the other 26 crew members, hope is not completely lost."
"However, the Indian Ocean disaster occurred on December 5th, and half a month has passed. Is there any possibility of survival?"
"Before the death is confirmed, we always believe that they are alive. In the world's shipwreck records, there is also a precedent for a small boat drifting for nearly two months to be finally rescued. Moreover, the lifeboat of the 'First Japan' is equipped with Food and water for 20 days."
The Minister of Personnel was trying his best to pump his mouth, but his facial expression clearly showed a look of hopelessness.It can also be said that his words expressed his desire.From the perspective of the personnel manager of the shipping company, it is probably impossible to say that there is no hope.
"So, the dead Captain Miyamoto seems to be retiring next year, right?"
Totsukawa asked while looking at the map on the wall.
Regarding the sudden change of content, the Minister of Personnel seemed surprised, and raised his gold-rimmed glasses with his hand.
"Is such that……"
"What kind of work do you usually do after retirement?"
"According to the company's regulations, he must stop working at sea when he reaches the retirement age. However, since he has been working in the company since the armistice, his retirement has not been considered. Do some routine work."
"In that case, wages will be reduced, right?"
"Yes. Because of offshore operations, special allowances are given every time."
"How much difference can it make?"
"According to Mr. Miyamoto's situation, the difference is probably 100,000 to 150,000. However, he is only a husband and wife. I don't think there will be any problems in life."
"Do you have the residences of five people other than Mr. Miyamoto?"
"some."
The Minister of Personnel took out a thick employee registration record and handed it to Totsukawa.Just after Totsukawa wrote down the names of the five people in the notepad, the Minister of Personnel interjected:
"Mr. Takeda, the ship's doctor, can stop writing."
"why?"
"Did you not read this morning's paper?"
"Well, I haven't watched it yet. I'm single, so I wake up in the morning and prepare breakfast in a hurry."
Totsukawa scratched his head with his hands.
"Living alone is not good for your health!" the Minister of Personnel joked, and pushed the morning paper on the table to Totsukawa.
"The case of Takeda Ship Doctor is published in the social edition."
Totsukawa thanked him while opening the newspaper.
Totsukawa couldn't help but read the voice.This is not because the ship doctor Yoshihiro Takeda left Japan, but because he was surprised by where he went to Brazil.The dead Captain Miyamoto also bought many books related to Brazil.Is this just a random coincidence?
"Then, Dr. Taketa must have submitted his resignation report to the company."
"Yes, it was in the mail yesterday."
"It is clear that he left for Brazil immediately after sending out his resignation report."
Seeing Totsukawa thinking thoughtfully, the HR Minister smiled.
"This is due to the special status of the ship doctor. Judging from the situation of our company, there are very few ship doctors who are officially on the job, and almost all of them are hired before each sea trip. Especially for young doctors, for more than one month, closed sea doctors I am even more tired of work, and I don’t want to work in the company anyway. Therefore, Mr. Taketa is not a regular employee of the company. He only needs to submit a resignation report, and he is free to work elsewhere.”
"If I'm going to Brazil soon, is the procedure easy?"
"Well, Brazil is a developing country. I heard that people with professional expertise are needed. Doctors like Mr. Taketa are valuable to them, and they will be treated favorably."
"What about sailors? Is it easy to go to Brazil?"
"From the perspective of the world situation, there is a shortage of sailors, so I don't think it is a big problem, and the Japanese crews are excellent."
"That's right." Totsukawa nodded understandingly, and copied the addresses of the four people other than the Takeda ship doctor in his notebook, "Also, can you tell me the names of the 26 missing crew members? Maybe in the newspaper Introduced, but I want to be more precise."
"I don't quite understand why the police even want to investigate such a thing?"
"Everything is for the sake of caution. Regarding Captain Miyamoto's suicide, even if there is even a little doubt, we must investigate it. Sorry to trouble you."
"Then let me make a copy for you."
The Minister of Personnel spoke and called the female secretary.
"I'm really sorry, but if it's convenient, I'd like to take a look at the radio room here. Is it possible? Is there constant communication with the ships sailing here?"
"yes."
"I heard that the 'First Japan' was making regular contact with this place before it was about to sink. Do you understand the content?"
"Of course. They're all on tape."
"Be sure to let me listen."
"Okay, I'll take you there."
The Minister of Personnel readily agreed, stood up, led the way for Totsukawa, and walked to the headquarters on the 15th floor.
In the general headquarters, which occupies a total area of 15 floors, there are huge electronic computers, wireless appliances, teletype computer typewriters and so on.On the big world map, the positions of many box-shaped plates are probably the signs of the current positions of the oil tankers and cargo ships belonging to this company.
"Now, all 23 ships of our company are active in the world's oceans."
The Minister of Personnel introduced himself to Totsukawa.
"The 500,000-ton giant tanker 'Daichi Nippon' sank, but the tanker 'Nihon Nippon' of the same size is on the way."
"Is it the exact same boat?"
"Yes, exactly the same. Now, in the world, there are five oil tankers with a capacity of 500,000 tons operating at sea, and our company owns two."
"Are all five ships built by Japanese shipyards?"
"Yes, it was built by N Shipyard."
"It's amazing."
Totsukawa sighed from the bottom of his heart, and then stroked the precision model of the giant tanker in the room with his hand.
"I really want to board this tanker and have a look."
"After the 'Second Japan' returns to Hong Kong, I can be your guide."
The Minister of Personnel said with a smile, and ordered the staff to bring the audio tape.
"We are in contact once a day, on a regular basis. Do you want to listen to all the content of the Kafuji base after it leaves the port?"
"No, as long as it's on December 5th."
In the tape, there is a conversation between Captain Miyamoto and the staff here:
——我是“第一日本号”的宫本，向您作12月5日的定时报告。Did you hear that?
（听得很清楚，请开始。）
——现在位置，南纬3度9分，东经75度2分。NE风，风速为2.5米/秒。时速为12海里。现为正常航行。发动机没有异常现象，全体人员也在……
到这里，录音断了。一定是就在此时发生了事故，“第一日本号”后来便燃烧、沉没了。
十津川又让工作人员重新放了一遍录音，然后起身告辞，走出了总指挥部，乘电梯又返回人事部长办公室，正好26名人员的人名名单也复印好了。
离开新日本航线总公司后，十津川看了看手表，距中午还有一个小时左右。利用这段时间，访问一下4名余生者，也许会了解一点关于巴西的情况，十津川这样想。
这4人当中，只有一级海员佐滕洋介一人住在东京市内。
十津川看了看住址，是中野区，便乘上中央线。找到之后才知道原来是在练马区附近，新青梅街再向里走一点的一片新住宅区。
在满是沙土的土地上，排列着刚刚建成正待出售的住宅。在一个角上，一所房屋的门牌上写着“佐藤洋介”的名字。
在只有20的狭小土地上，建起了一座二层小楼。即使是外行的十津川，一眼也可以看出这是违反建筑法的。但望着这所最大限度占地的房屋，不知为何竟感受到一种房屋主人拼命努力、敢想敢闯的精神。
十津川用手帕使劲儿擦了擦鼻子，然后按响了门铃。
里边只传来了门铃的响声，却没有回答。
再仔细一看，一层、二层的木板套窗全都紧紧地关着。
没在家吗？
十津川想。又向那巴掌大的庭院张望。这时，背后传来了女人的声音：
“佐藤先生不在家。”
他回过头来看，原来是一位提着篮子的中年妇女。她正用探询的目光看着十津川。
“不在家吗？”
十津川突然产生了一种不祥的预感。
“在两个多小时之前，和妻子一起开车出去了。”
“是开车出去的吗？”
“是呀，是分期付款买的车。因为没有车库，就停在这附近的停车场上，一个月交5000日元的场地费。”
看来是个爱说话的妇女。
“房屋的贷款还没交完，又买车，真够紧张的。”她连这个也向十津川说了。
“是在两个小时前，开着那辆车，和妻子一起出去的吗？”
"yes."
“您知道去哪儿了吗？”
“不知道。我正打算向他夫人打听，可车子呼的一下就开走了。”
“您知道汽车的车型吗？”
“是新车，白色的。可什么牌子的我不晓得。”
十津川心中的不安在加重，是一种说不清什么特别理由的不安，蓦然间一种不愉快的感觉袭上心头，并且在不断扩大，然后奇妙地变成不样的预感。
十津川跑到有红色电话的香烟店，抓起电话与警视厅联系。
“一级海员佐藤洋介与妻子乘车出去了。方向不明。”十津川向科长报告。
“你好像很担心？”
科长在电话里问道。
“是很担心。我只知道是白色的新车，赶快帮助我查明车型、车号。”
“可以查明，只是车型、牌号都不知道的话，可是需要些时间啊。”
放下电话，十津川看了看手表，再有几分钟就要到12点钟了。
Notes:
Notes: