Chapter 4 Chapter 4 Bali

In New Pacific Corporation, Matsuzaki Kenichiro, who just joined the company this year, suddenly learned that the section chief was looking for him.Passing over his immediate boss, the department head, and being looked for by the head of the section, he walked into the head of the section with a mind full of doubts, and saw the head of the section looking at his resume at a glance. "Let's sit down and talk first." The section chief pushed him a chair, and then continued. "It has been decided to let you go to Jakarta, right?" "Yes, the company has decided that I will go to the Jakarta branch on the 25th of next month." Matsuzaki, who was only 23 years old, replied a little nervously.

"How are your English skills?" "A little bit more confident." "How about Indonesian?" "Since I decided to go to Jakarta, I have been studying. At present, I still only know some daily greetings." "Where's the passport?" "Already got it." "Very good, then let's leave early tomorrow. This is a plane ticket." The section chief took out a plane ticket from the desk drawer and put it in front of Matsuzaki. Matsuzaki looked at the section chief in surprise, then looked at the plane ticket, and said, "But, it doesn't mean that I will be on the 25th of next month—"

"This is a special order from above. You are not going to the Jakarta branch, but Denpasar, an important city on the island of Bali. There is no branch of our company there, but there is a resident. His name is Jun Muto. I did not If you make a mistake, he should be a senior who graduated from the same university as you and is three or four years older than you." "Mr. Muto, I know you." "That would be perfect. After arriving in Denpasar, you go and do a thorough investigation of the Assam Chamber of Commerce. This is your job. Muto-kun has already done some research, and you just need to follow his work. Just go down."

"Is there any trade relationship between the Assam Chamber of Commerce you mentioned and our company?" "No, not currently. In short, after you have thoroughly investigated the Assam Chamber of Commerce, you can report to the vice president Kajigi." "To the vice president?" "That's right. This is an order from Vice President Kajigi. At the airport in Denpasar, Muto-kun should come to meet you." To be honest, Matsuzaki couldn't understand what was going on.However, since he has already taken office in New Pacific Corporation, he must obey the orders of his superiors.

So he set off so hastily.That night, some college friends gathered for a small send-off party for him. At a not-so-high-end farewell party held in Shinjuku, some said: "You are so dull and innocent, you should pay attention to the temptation of Balinese beauties." Some said: "Give birth to a half-breed child." Said: "It is said that there is no Turkish bath over there, why not go and enjoy it tonight." Friends laughed casually about these things that they don't usually say.Whether it's advice or a joke. He only slept for two or three hours. At 7 o'clock in the morning, he washed his face and began to prepare for going out.

Outside the window, it was raining lightly.A bit chilly with light rain.Indonesia is a country located exactly on the equator, so you don't need to bring winter clothes.He put on a raincoat over his summer clothes, put on an umbrella which he could do without, and walked out of the apartment.One apartment with six tatami mats and one apartment with four tatami mats has already been agreed to be lent to my younger brother who is going to college to live on his behalf. At the airport, because it was an urgent trip, only the section chief came to see him off. "Are you ready? Don't forget Vice President Kajigi's instructions. As soon as you get in touch with the old couple from the Assam Chamber of Commerce, report their every move to Vice President Kajigi. Directly make an international call The phone call. Vice President Kajigi said that he will pay for it.” The section chief repeated Matsuzaki’s instructions in the little time before departure.

"Can I ask you a question?" Matsuzaki asked while keeping an eye on the boarding time. "what?" "Isn't this something personally confessed by Vice President Kajigi?" "Even if you ask me, I don't know. In short, just report after the investigation. This is your job." "Understood." Now that he had asked all he wanted to ask, Matsuzaki had no choice but to stop thinking about it and walked towards the boarding entrance. A direct flight from Tokyo to Bali took off. Matsuzaki boarded a St. Page Air jet at 10 o'clock. The Japanese who looked like tourists also boarded the plane in groups.

While waiting for the plane to take off in the air, Matsuzaki opened the travel guide that recorded the situation in Bali. "At eight degrees south latitude near the equator is Bali, an hour's flight from Jakarta, with an area of ​​only 2,200 square miles and a population of about 2.5 million. People call it the 'Island of the Gods'" Romance Island, "the last paradise on earth" and so on. The public life in Bali is mainly agriculture and animal husbandry. In the spare time of life and work, people are keen on artistic activities such as sacrificial dance, music performance, sculpture and painting. ..."

The young Matsuzaki imagined all this, feeling very happy on the one hand, and feeling uneasy on the other hand.No matter how you look at it, Matsuzaki seems too neurotic.Even an unknown thing, he would be so uneasy. The jetliner is still flying the same way.Matsuzaki fell asleep at some point.During the sound sleep, the plane flew over the equator line. Bali International Airport in Bali has been surrounded by night. Standing in the airport full of English and Indonesian, it is really hot. Suddenly, "This way! Translator, come here!" You can hear shouts in non-standard Japanese.

A Japanese tourist group was still passing through the customs inspection, and the leader was called because they couldn't understand the staff's English. In the cabin, he drank a little whiskey and seemed to feel a little drunk. As soon as he walked outside the hall, Muto was already there to greet him. In college, Matsuzaki and he had played football together. Matsuzaki was still a new recruit at the time, and Muto was already the official player of the highest grade, a very awesome senior.Even here, Muto's sense of awe as a senior hasn't changed a bit. "Isn't the customs very boring?" Muto said.The sun-tanned face smiled.

"Hmm. Are they always that strict?" "Right now, it's the time of the presidential election in Indonesia, so be extra careful." "I see." "Still, let's get in the car first." Muto said as he pushed Matsuzaki into the passenger seat of a Nissan sedan.That is a new car. On both sides of the road, red bougainvilleas and pink bougainvilleas bloomed in succession under the moonlight.For Matsuzaki, who came from Tokyo in autumn, the vividness of these flowers really opened his eyes, but for Muto, who has been here for three years, he is probably tired of seeing them.He accelerated expressionlessly. "Your work, the section chief has already called. I heard that you are entrusted to investigate the affairs of the Assam Chamber of Commerce." Muto said while driving towards Denpasar, 12 kilometers north of the airport. . "Well, speaking of it, I'm only doing this job for the time being." "You have to work hard." "What kind of company is that?" "It's not really a company. It's just a small grocery store run by an old couple." "What's going on? Such a small shop also needs to be investigated?" "I don't know either. I called to ask, but the section chief just replied that it was an order from the superior. In the end, you were asked to come. That's good, I can concentrate on my original work." "How is life here?" "Not so bad." "Tired?" "A little bit. But here, life can be considered a luxury, because the prices are very cheap, especially the personal expenses are extremely small." The car ran onto the streets of Denpasar. Speaking of the first street in Bali, the population is only 60,000.It makes people feel that there are few street lights and vehicles, just like a country street. There are many bicycles and motorcycles, and there are also horse-drawn carriages with portable oil lamps, and they are walking leisurely while ringing bells. Temples are everywhere.Since it is a Hindu island, the streets are no exception.On the square, the pagan Matsuzaki saw a stone statue of a Hindu god standing there with a terrifying appearance and grinning teeth. Muto stopped the car at the side of the street, and the two came to a stylish house with a lawn in front of the garden. "This is my home." Muto said with some pride. "What a big house." Matsuzaki couldn't help sighing.Muto's monthly income should be 250,000 to 60,000 yuan.Even with the subsidy for working in other places, because the work in Southeast Asia is less than in Europe and the United States, it is about 300,000 yuan, but it can live in such a large villa with a courtyard and a private car. Let's just say life here isn't bad. The door of the porch opened, and a young woman with a slender figure came out to greet them, and said in not very fluent Japanese: "Please come in." She had a round face, dark skin, and looked very cute.Typical Balinese woman. "You come in too. Ta'e." Muto seemed to be looking at the woman majesticly.The woman called "Ta'e" nodded tenderly and said, "Yes, master ("master" in Japanese can also refer to husband, so there is a misunderstanding below)." "We have a guest today, prepare a dinner for us right away." Ta'e trotted into the inner room and disappeared.But behind you can smell the fragrance left behind.Like the scent of tropical flowers emanating from her hair. "Muto, are you married?" Matsuzaki's first question, while leading him into the room, Muto explained: "The one just now was a maid." "You are so good that you can even hire maids." Matsuzaki envied him.Especially he kept such a young Balinese beauty by his side as his maid, which made him even more envious. Muto turned on the switch of the electric fan.That fan is made in Japan. "As I just said, the labor costs here are extremely low. In this country, the daily labor income of an adult man is only seven or eight hundred rupees (490 to 560 yen). The manager of the company in Jakarta One person hired three maids, equipped with two luxury cars, and lived in the most luxurious villa in Jakarta." "It's really enviable!" "If you want to find a maid, I can help you." He quickly lowered his voice and continued, "As long as you pay, the other party will say that there is a girl who is willing to work. Hire that kind of girl It’s really good to be a maid. As long as you pay a little money, it’s not only cheaper than hiring a professional maid, but also safer.” Soon, the girl I met earlier brought food.Matsuzaki was dumbfounded by the sumptuous dishes placed on the dining table one by one. Mutton soup in tomato sauce, fish in pepper soup, grilled fish, and potato gravy were served in trays. Even though Matsuzaki was reluctant, he had to remind him of the meals in Tokyo.During the day, I ate too many large bowls of meals such as curry and rice in the company's staff canteen.Dinner is basically the same.Although I sometimes go to Ginza with my friends to eat, but after that moment, I will return to that kind of hard life. "Do you always eat such rich dishes?" "No, because you came tonight, I specially arranged for her to cook. She is very good at cooking. It is really a dish that I can boast about. Especially this dish, it is cheaper than Japan. I went. There is a famous restaurant on the main street of Denpasar, and a meal there is as expensive as 2,000 rupees (1,400 yen) at most." Muto said. Matsuzaki picked up his chopsticks and ate while listening to those words.The characteristic of Indonesian food is that no matter what kind of dish, chili should be put.Don't think about it, it must be very spicy. "When I first came here, I got used to it very quickly because everyone put it in the food. It's an incredible thing. Once you get used to it, if you don't put chili in the dish, you will feel tasteless no matter how you eat it. Even though I Said, if you want to eat Japanese food, there is only one Japanese restaurant in the city, and I can take you there." When Muto said this, Matsuzaki shook his head again and again and said, "Since I came here, I am determined to live like the Indonesians. Therefore, in terms of food, I plan to eat Indonesian food." Muto grinned and said, "Don't do that. Even I just do it properly. At home, I absolutely only speak Japanese. And let the maid learn to speak Japanese forcibly. If she uses Bahasa Indonesia Talk to me, and I will never answer. At least I think this home is Japanese territory. You should think so too." "You mean you have a clear distinction in terms of ideas?" "By the way, what's the situation in Tokyo now?" Muto asked, changing the subject. "When I came, everyone was always talking about the topic of the Yangping. In short, because the New Pacific Oil Company and our company are brother companies, and on TV, the sinking of the Yangping was also reported and broadcast one by one." "But from this point of view. The Indonesian reaction, no matter how you look at it, I feel that they always want to applaud the sinking of the Yangping. In fact, when the Yangping was sunk by the Philippine Navy. Some people did stand up and clap their hands. You and I are both members of New Pacific Corporation. Nothing should be given priority over this. Starting tomorrow, you must not forget this when you are working." "I don't quite understand what you mean." "There used to be a trading company with a young member like this who was dispatched to Indonesia. He had a sense of justice and innocence that young people usually have. In his contacts with Indonesians, he had a deep understanding of their unimaginable poverty. I feel sympathetic. As for the instructions from the company's headquarters, as long as he thinks that there is something that is not good for Indonesians, he opposes it. From his immature sense of justice, it is a matter of course. But as a trading company , having a resident like him is an obstacle." "Then what happened?" "He was dismissed." "And then..." "It seemed to him that he was getting fired for doing things for the Indonesians, so at that time he thought they might help him. So he opened his own shop and was going to start a little business. Because he thought he was in Japan He can enjoy both sides with Indonesia, and his business will definitely be prosperous. However, in the eyes of the locals, it has become a good opportunity for commercial revenge. Therefore, he is given small shoes everywhere. This is also natural. The young man therefore It’s such a disappointment because I’ve done so much for them and they’ve turned their backs on me.” "What's next?" "It is said that he committed suicide. It should be said that he was too naive, or he should be said that he was too childish." Totsukawa glanced at his watch again.Ever since this case happened, he had already developed the habit of looking at his watch, needless to say. At 10 a.m. yesterday, 1 million U.S. dollars had been transferred to the Tokyo branch of Bank Indonesia.It is absolutely correct that Riko Tamura and Vice President Kajigi drove out in a car.Totsukawa also saw the receipt. Then more than 24 hours passed. Only two subordinates remained in Tamura's mansion, and Totsukawa returned to the Metropolitan Police Department.Because it is more convenient there after all. The prisoner never contacted me again after that.Perhaps he would not plan to contact the old couple at the Assam Chamber of Commerce in Denpasar, Bali until the $1 million was delivered. "Bali?" Totsukawa whispered. "There may be some secrets of this case hidden there." Totsukawa blamed himself for thinking of it too late, and borrowed three books about Indonesia from the library, because any one of them was like a travel book. Guide, he thought that it might not be of much reference for this case, but he still picked up a copy. At this moment, he was called over by Ben Duo, the head of the investigation class. Totsukawa walked into the section chief's room, and saw Honda raised his head from the stack of books and said, "The Indonesian police sent a preliminary investigation report, which is about the Assam Chamber of Commerce." "Then what's the conclusion?" "There is not much difference from the investigation results of New Pacific Commercial. The company is run by an old couple named Tan Sharino and Tan June. The taxes have always been paid on time. It is said that they are a kind-hearted old couple. He also said that there is no reason to arrest them at present. Even the high-ranking government officials mobilized by the New Pacific Commercial Corporation probably cannot arrest people who have never committed any crimes. Puff puff!" Honda burst out laughing. "Then the old couple have nothing to do with Japan?" "That's what the report from over there said. This couple was born in Lombok, and they have no children. They have never been to Japan before." "That's all there is?" "That's all. At present, it doesn't seem to have anything to do with the Japanese. Besides, Indonesia is going through a presidential election. The police are also busy with things like vigilance and crackdown." "When did the Assam Chamber of Commerce open, is it stated in the report?" "It was last November. However, the bank account was opened three months ago." "Three months ago? If the Assam Chamber of Commerce hadn't opened an account in the bank, this criminal operation should not have been established. Maybe it can be said that the plan was started three months ago." "It may also be that the Assam Chamber of Commerce opened an account in the bank after it was planned." "Well, in short, I think they must have planned this criminal operation from November last year to around August this year. And the remittance of 1 million US dollars from abroad to Bank Indonesia is naturally the reason for this criminal operation A strong umbrella." "But what about the US$1 million. Why did the prisoner ask us to prepare it in cash? Whether it is the New Pacific Oil Company or the New Pacific Trading Company, let them transfer the US$1 million directly from their commercial bank to Indonesia The Denpasar branch of the bank should be fine." "Then do you think that the prisoner expressed a kind of abusive psychology towards President Wakamiya, Mr. Kajigi and others?" "How do you say that?" "From the beginning of the case, the prisoner may have been confusing us. Will he ask the Assam Chamber of Commerce to remit money to him, or will he flee abroad with 1 million US dollars? Then, in the end, he chose to use the Assam Chamber of Commerce, or It's safer, isn't it?" "I see." "By the way, how is my trip to Indonesia going?" When Totsukawa asked, Honda shook his head helplessly and said, "I'm sorry, the permit has not yet been issued. The case here It has not been resolved yet, and it is not easy to entrust the Indonesian police to assist in advance. If there are Japanese people killed there, or people are killed, in this case, it can be said that it will be over soon.” "Understood." Totsukawa nodded.As expected, he wasn't particularly disappointed.However, the investigation of the Assam Chamber of Commerce was entrusted to others. In the eyes of those who value accuracy and reliability in everything, he was somewhat uneasy. "Speaking of this Assam Chamber of Commerce, what do you think?" Honda asked when the phone rang.Honda picked up the phone and listened, his expression suddenly became tense. "The car was found!" "Where is the location?" Totsukawa only felt his eyes light up. Although he only found the car where the accident happened, it is still uncertain whether he can find the prisoner and the kidnapped President Tamura and driver Watanabe. But after all, To be sure, the case has progressed. "It's said to be in the streets near Inokashira Park." Honda said this to Totsukawa, then put the microphone to his ear and listened. "What? The driver was also found? Hmm. You mean in the back seat of the car? Delirious?" Upon hearing those words, Totsukawa rushed out of the head teacher's room.He took Mr. Kame and drove towards Inokashira Park. The Lincoln Continental that was involved in the accident was parked on the west side of the park, on the bus avenue toward the Kichijoji Station of the National Railway.The inspectors from the nearby police station stood beside the car, and Totsukawa and others waited aside. The pitch-black car was a little wet, probably from the light rain that fell last night. The young inspector ran into the police department of this hall, feeling a little nervous, and his face turned red.He ran over and reported, "Because this car parked illegally, I stuck the ticket on the front window of the car. At that moment, I inadvertently saw a young man collapsed in the VIP seat." "Then it should be the driver Watanabe?" "yes." "Where is he now?" "He was carried to the nearby Sato Hospital. He suffered a slight injury to the back of the head, and then he was given sleeping pills." "Mr. Kame, let me have a look right away." After Totsukawa instructed Kamei's criminal mission, he further asked the patrol at the police station, "Do you know when this car has been parked here?" "I didn't see it at 11 o'clock last night. I found it at 4 o'clock in the morning, so I thought the parking time should be during that time. But at 4 o'clock in the morning, I thought it was just a temporary parking, so I didn't go. Steal. It was about an hour ago, at 9:00 a.m., just stumbled upon it just to put up a parking ticket, as I told you." "Did Driver Watanabe say anything to you?" "He seemed to be talking in his sleep and asked me to help him contact the police. That's all he said, and then he lost consciousness, so I had to call an ambulance." The gloomy sky gradually sees the light of autumn. The police car for the identification work arrived, and the police officers from the Forensic Section surrounded the Lincoln Continental and got busy.At this time, one of them called out: "Totsukawa Police Department!" "What's up?" "I found this thing on the back of the sun visor of the driver's seat." As he spoke, the man held out a white envelope. It is said that it was found on the back of the board when the sun visor was pulled down. Totsukawa picked up the envelope with his gloved hand.Although there was nothing written on the front and back of the envelope, Totsukawa felt intuitively that it was not just an envelope. After tearing off the neatly pasted edges, Totsukawa pulled out the contents. What was pulled out was a letterhead and a color photo.Totsukawa glanced at the photo first.It was taken with a "Boraro Land" camera (a disposable camera). The photo shows an old man in a baggy suit, with his hands bound from the front and his eyes blindfolded.Obviously, this person is President Tamura of New Pacific Corporation. Totsukawa also unfolded the letterhead that he put inside together, and began to look at it. On it was written in dark blue ink the following words: To New Pacific Commercial: I have confirmed the remittance of US$1 million to Bank Indonesia Tokyo Branch.I will liberate President Tamura as soon as the Assam Chamber of Commerce in Denpasar, Bali withdraws money.However, if the cashier is arrested by the Indonesian police before or after that, the life of President Tamura cannot be guaranteed.In order to prove that our contest is fair, here is a photo of President Tamura. These imposing words are written in the upper right corner of the letterhead.However, the prisoner does not seem to intend to conceal his handwriting.Totsukawa also felt a little surprised by this. Generally speaking, no matter what the case, the prisoner always tries not to leave his handwriting.So it should be even more so for this kidnapping case.Handwriting identification often has objections to determining whether a person is a real criminal, but what is certain is that it can only be used as a reference for finalizing the case. Knowing this, the prisoner either used the cut-out text from the books and periodicals as a collage, or deliberately wrote that kind of angular characters according to the standard font. Even so, it cannot be determined that this is the handwriting left by the prisoner in this case. The prisoner not only left his handwriting, but also shouted for a fair fight. "Strange prisoner." Totsukawa thought to himself. It is very likely that this is an act that the prisoner wants to stop his crime out of his own conscience and cannot control himself.Kidnapping should not be an aboveboard act, and the prisoner had just such an idea.However, this has become an Achilles' heel for them in most cases. After putting the letterhead and photos in the envelope, Totsukawa hailed a taxi and rushed to the Sato Hospital where the driver Watanabe was treated. As soon as he arrived at Sato Hospital, which is located north of Kichijoji Station, Criminal Kamei greeted him. "Did you ask what's going on?" When Totsukawa asked, Kamei Kai shook his head apologetically, and said, "He's still sleeping now. According to the doctor, he really took sleeping pills. Moreover, the injury to the back of the head , most likely caused by beatings with blunt objects." The door of the ward opened, and a female nurse wearing the head nurse's logo leaned out and announced, "The patient is awake." "Can I have a few words with him?" "You can talk for five or six minutes," said the female nurse. So Totsukawa and Criminal Kamei walked into the ward. Driver Watanabe, who was lying on the hospital bed, was not yet fully conscious.He looked at the two of them vaguely with his uncoordinated eyes. "I'm the Totsukawa Police Department." Totsukawa slowed down and started talking with the other party, "Can you hear me clearly?" "Yeah, I understand." Watanabe blinked, and he rubbed his face with both hands, although it didn't work. "Are you Mr. Watanabe, the driver of President Wakamiya?" "yes." "Well, what happened, can you tell me? If you think of something, talk slowly, don't worry." "I was ordered by the president to pick up President Tamura of New Pacific Corporation." "At that time, I was indeed near President Tamura's official residence. There are many large official residences in that area, and the cars generally don't give way too fast there. A car broke down and stopped there, and a young man asked I wave." "Does that gesture mean to stop you?" "Well, that should be it." Driver Watanabe hesitated, "When others encounter difficulties, I think they should help. So I got out of the car and asked him what was wrong. Then, he said He didn't understand himself, so he asked me to help him see. I went over to lift the hood of the car, and poked my head in to check the engine. At that moment, someone punched me from behind." "It's quite a rudimentary technique." Criminal Kamei smiled. "It's really unlucky. I was so polite to him, and I ended up like this." "At that time, did you see what the other person's face looked like?" "His face?—" "What's the matter with his face?" "That location is far away from the illumination range of the street lights, as if he was suffering from a cold, the man was wearing a big mask, I said—" "I see. The other party was quite thoughtful in their preparations. But, can't you remember your age, clothes, etc.?" "Let me think about it. I'm about the same height, I think it's about 1.74 meters tall. The age looks like 30 years old. But I'm not sure. The clothes I wear are a jacket." "What happened to you after that?" "When I regained consciousness, I found that my hands and feet were bound and my eyes were blindfolded." "Are you locked up with President Tamura?" "President Wadamura? You mean that President Tamura was also kidnapped. Is that true?" Driver Watanabe looked up at Totsukawa with his eyes wide open. "It's true. But, if you weren't locked up with President Tamura, how did you know?" "The guy told me." "Is it the prisoner who beat you to death?" "Yes, that's right. He said he picked up President Tamura in that car instead of me, and then kidnapped him. I was half-believing at the time." "Did the other party take off your blindfold?" "No, didn't take it off. And then, the guy said that. You're only involved, so I'll let you back right away. You and your car. If the police ask anything, you Just say that President Tamura is safe and sound. Later, he asked me to drink the medicine, and I lost consciousness again. Later, this is what I am now.” "Any other things about the prisoner, can you recall anything else?" "Maybe I can remember some, but I'm a little dizzy now." "Then one last question. After your eyes were covered, you must have been tied somewhere. He must have made you lie down." "Yes. He tied me from the front and put me on my back on the bed. No, it wasn't the bed, it was the couch. I think it was the couch thing." "Can you imagine what kind of place it is? After covering your eyes, it's difficult for me to see, but did you hear any specific sounds? For example, the sound of a tram, the sound of a car's horn or something." "Wait." Driver Watanabe seemed to remember something, and closed his eyes. Totsukawa quietly waited for the other party to recall. "Ah," driver Watanabe opened his eyes, "I inadvertently heard the siren of the fire engine. I couldn't help standing up, but the guy said that the fire was near there, but not there, so I can rest assured. That's all. I didn't know what to do for a while because there were several fire trucks gathered, and I was very worried. Since my eyes were blindfolded, I became nervous in a daze." "Oh, so. Did you feel anything besides the fire?" "Footsteps—" "What kind of footsteps?" "That guy's footsteps. I can hear them clearly. Footsteps on the concrete floor." "When he walked to where you were lying, were those footsteps on the concrete floor?" "Yeah, that's right. So, the floor in there should be a concrete floor." "Is that room cold?" "No, it still looks a little hot." "Can you think of anything else? For example, the scent of flowers, the smell of the toilet, any hobbies the prisoner has, it doesn't matter." "I'll think about it again. I can't remember it right now. I'm afraid I can't report it to you." "Don't be so polite. Take a good rest. If you think of anything in the future, please contact me first." Totsukawa smiled, saw the female nurse coming in, and urged Kamei Kai to leave the ward quickly. Bali is a veritable Indonesian typical climate.The temperature basically does not change throughout the year, with an average temperature of 278 degrees.Due to the influence of the South China Sea monsoon, there is a rainy season from December to March and a dry season from June to October. It's October now, and since it's the dry season, I thought it wouldn't rain, but in the morning, a strong wind blew up. The dry season appears to be coming to an end. There are puddles of mud everywhere along the asphalt road.Five or six-year-old children were playing naked in that muddy puddle. Under the strong sunlight, Matsuzaki set off for the Assam Chamber of Commerce on Gejamata Street. Muto went to the factory to wholesale bamboo handicrafts because he wanted to finish his job as a resident. Matsuzaki followed the map that Muto had drawn for him, and walked on the street that had just rained.Although the section chief said it was an order from the vice-president, he didn't regard him as a business employee's official job, and he was a little reluctant to say so vaguely. In the eyes of Matsuzaki, who just flew over from Tokyo, the streets of Denpasar look like an old city.The morning market has already begun, and the hustle and bustle of the assembled crowd can be heard everywhere.The lively streets are not at all as modern as Tokyo.Moreover, rows of huts can be seen everywhere, which reminds people of the kind of shabby huts seen in the photos not long after the war in Japan.Build a home with a few wooden pillars and cover it with an electroplated plate. Really poor.Matsuzaki frowned while walking.Matsuzaki, whose life has improved somewhat, has a strange mentality.He hated himself living in poverty, and he didn't want to see people living in poverty.Because his chest hurts when he sees it.Perhaps it can be said that he did not dedicate his state of mind for others. Regarding the Assam Chamber of Commerce, Muto had already said that it was a small shop, but in fact, standing in front of it, if we say that in Tokyo, it is no more than a small shop on the scale of a candy house for children. In the store, everything from bamboo handicrafts to Japanese miscellaneous goods is filled with an immediate sense of miscellaneous items.Outside the store is bright and dazzling sunlight, but inside the store is dim and unclear. He looked inside and saw a thin old woman sitting there blankly.Her skin was tanned by the sun for a long time, and it really made people wonder if her skin was naturally so dark.And his face was covered with deep wrinkles.I thought she was asleep, but when I looked carefully, I found that her hands were moving dexterously, weaving a bamboo cage. Suddenly, Matsuzaki recalled the figure of his deceased grandmother.In his memory, the impression of his grandmother who died when he was nine years old was not very clear.但是那又瘦又矮小的身影在他的记忆里怎么也挥之不去。 面容很显然是不一样的。现在在那间小店里面坐着的老婆婆的脸是十分典型的印度尼西亚妇女的面孔。宽宽的额头厚厚的嘴唇。但是，松崎为什么还是会发现跟祖母的脸相像呢？大概是在日本，人们渐渐时髦了起来，那种老婆婆的脸也就很少见了。松崎竟看到了和祖母相像的脸，这或许是一种对失去的事物的乡愁吧。 松崎走进店里，用背过的印度尼西亚语攀谈了起来：“斯拉马多、喜安（早上好）！”老婆婆看了看他，并没作声，也没有停下正在编织小竹笼的手。还可听见“咝咝”地撕开竹篾的有节奏的声音作响。 松埼意识到可能因为自己的印度尼西亚语太差劲，对方听不懂，于是又重复了一句：“斯拉马多、喜安！” 老婆婆还是默不作声。他没有办法了，这次只好用英语说道：“How are you（您好吗）？” 他试着这么一说，老婆婆更加一脸茫然了，她看着松崎摇了摇头，像是在说：你说的话我听不懂。 松埼虽然一时间蒙了，不知所措，但是就算买点东西他也必须接触下去。因为只有接触这个店的老两口，他才能彻底地查清这两个人的情况并报告给上司。 松崎把一个竹制的小花篮拿在手上问道：“布拉帕、依纽（这个多少钱）？” 这次对方好像听懂了。虽说如此，但她真的听懂了松崎的印度尼西亚语了吗？却搞不清楚。 因为拿了这个货品放在手上，如果要说些什么，也一定是问：“多少钱？”吧。老婆婆总算是停下了手中的话，大声说了些什么。大概是说的价钱吧。但是由于说得太快，松崎没怎么听懂，他又问了一遍：“布拉帕、依纽？” 老婆婆还是回答得很快。也罢，这下子是听不懂了。他不得已，用日语说道：“嗯？你说多少钱？”他正这么问的时候，不料听见身后一个年轻女子用日语说道：“她说买一千卢比一个。” 他吃惊地转过身去，一名二十四五岁的女子正眯着眼笑着。由于她穿着印度尼西亚女性特有的民族服装巴迪库（蜡染布），所以是日本人还是很精通日语的当地人一下子看不出来。总之，他想是帮他解了围。 “你的日语讲得真棒哪！”他这么一说，那位姑娘便“咯咯”地笑了起来，解释说：“因为我是日本人。” “我真是要谢谢你了。我完全听不懂，真是见笑了。” “要是那个花篮真想要，我给你还到700卢比噢。” “1000卢比，也就700日元，那点钱没什么关系的。” 松崎掏了1000卢比出来，付了钱，拿起那个用竹编的花篮。 “特勒匹阿，卡西（谢谢）——”老婆婆答谢说。这一句，他听得很明白。因为只有那句话，在往这里来的飞机上也好，飞机场里也好，耳朵不知听了多少回了。 松崎拎着花篮，和那姑娘一起往外走去。 “我看你是刚到巴厘岛上来的吧？”那姑娘有点取笑他似的对他说。 “美人呐。”那时开始，松崎才意识到她的美丽。被太阳晒得有些黑的脸，溢出一股青春的气息。而且那是一种很大方自然的气息。 “昨天刚从日本那边过来的。”松崎边说边挠了挠头，“我原来是打算自学印度尼西亚语的，但是现在还是完全听不懂。” “那怎么行呀。我来这里已经有一年半了，尽管如此，有时也听不明白。而且，那个老婆婆，耳朵有点背。” “你和那位老婆婆熟悉吗？” "A little." “那么，你能不能给我当翻译呢？当然，我非常感谢同时我会酬谢你的。” “为了做什么呢？” “我想还是我先自我介绍一下吧。我叫松崎，是某个商业公司这次刚派往登巴萨市来的社员。” “新太平洋商事，是吗？” “你怎么会知道的呢？”松崎十分惊讶地问道。这时，那姑娘又“咯咯”地笑了起来，解释说：“西装上装的那么大一个徽章不是还在发光么？大概，那么郑重地别上那种徽章的也只有日本人吧。” "Miss, what is your name?" “三木由美子。我是来这里研究印度教文化的大学研究生。不用说，还是单身。” “三木由美子小姐吧？” “我还没回答你前面提的问题噢。” “那么一边吃饭一边谈怎么样？” “你想吃点什么呢？” “这里你是前辈，照理说应该早就熟悉了这地方的饭菜了吧。” “那好，我给你介绍个不错的饭店吧。” 三木由美子便领着松崎来到了离那里十五六分钟步行距离的萨的（印度尼西亚风味烧烤）店。 这一家店店面不大，虽不便恭维说十分漂亮，但串肉烧烤却是美味。十串一盘，共300卢比，价格也便宜。 松崎竟一下子吃光了三盘。 “其实刚才说的话只是……”松崎抽上了一支从日本带来的七星牌香烟后，对由美子说道，“老实说，我就像商社的侦察兵一样。也就是说，我是来调查向日本出口哪种产品比较有利润这种事情的。说到这，我倒是很喜欢刚才那家店里那位老婆婆制作的竹制工艺品。因此我想了解一下她和她的家人的一些情况。只要你同意，我想让你来给我当翻译。” “你对那些竹制的工艺品感兴趣？”由美子用指尖拨弄了一下那个竹制的小花篮，不解地问道。 松崎有点慌神地解释说：“当然我说的这些，应该是在了解调查了价格和能否规模生产这些情况之后才能作出的决定。我认为，这些工艺品正是由于其本身的纯朴，才流露出一种十分雅致的风韵。” “的确是很有风韵的竹制工艺品。” “日本买花的人口数据说有三千万或四千万。因此我想把这种竹制的花篮拿到日本去卖。你不是说你和那位老婆婆比较熟吗？” “还可以啦。因为我就住在那附近，有时会到那家店里买点杂货什么的。而且，我挺喜欢那家店里的老夫妇俩的。因为很像我住在日本下町的爷爷奶奶，顽固、亲切而又很有人情味。” “原来如此。我最开始看到那位老婆婆的时候，也想起了我那过世的祖母。我祖母也是在你说的下町出生的。另外我想问一下，那个叫阿萨姆商会以前和日本的公司做过生意吗？” “我可没有听说有那种事。那么小的商店怎么会和日本的公司做生意，我很难想像。” “他们有没有讨厌日本人的这种偏见？要是那样的话，可就难办了。就你交往下来，觉得怎么样？” “那两位老夫妇可是虔诚的教徒噢，因此决不会讨厌或者仇恨别人的。因为印度教的第一条教义就是被称作'巴库悌'的教义，指信徒要有奉献自己的爱心。” “你也是印度教教徒吗？” “不是。”由美子笑着说，“像我这种深受现代文明之害的人，恐怕是没有资格当的。印度教的教徒是禁止杀生，禁止食肉的。而我却像这样吃着烧鸡，而且自我意识强烈，要是叛教的话，也许会被他们清除掉也说不准。” “呃？”松崎暗暗地注意了一下由美子的表情后，说：“你是说那些人外表平和但又很恐怖吗？” “因此，我没有去做印度教的教徒。但是，我对印度教文化里的'加美拉'音乐啊，影画戏剧啊却十分喜爱。这个巴厘岛，可正是一座藏有那印度教文化瑰宝的宝库。” “为什么只有这个巴厘岛上，印度教文化会这么繁荣呢？印度尼西亚的其他岛屿不都是伊斯兰教吗？” “说起来，直到15世纪那个时候，印度尼西亚全国都只有印度教。15世纪结束的时候，伊斯兰教传入了。是从西方传过来的。所说的15世纪还是封建制度的时代，印度尼西亚各地自然都有各的君王。因为战争而被伊斯兰教追赶，他们于是逃到了在东端的巴厘岛上。那时，君主们是带着他们召来的音乐家、诗人、舞女和画家一些人来的。因此，在这个岛上诞生了独特的印度教文化。据说那个店的老公公年轻的时候也是名画家。即使现在他有时也画画印度教题材的画，而我就问他要过一幅，用来装饰房间。” “我也真想要一幅。” “你这莫非是想用它来作为接近他们的手段？” “哪里的话。我纯粹是想要一幅画而已。”松崎一本正经地解释说，“我这个人没有太多的爱好，只是喜欢画而已。” 林肯大陆型车已经做完了彻底的检查。结果检查出来了。 几种指纹。这其中有吻合渡边司机、若宫社长，还有新太平洋商事田村社长的指纹，而和谁也不符合的指纹找到了两个。这两个指纹立即拿到了前科犯人的卡片里去做了对照，但没有找到有吻合的人。在驾驶席的方向盘上和车窗上的雨刷上都发现粘上了这两个指纹。在这两个指纹中是否有绑架案犯人留下的指纹，目前还不清楚。 警方做的检查中除了指纹以外的另一引人注目的发现是在车内找到的头发，是比较地硬而长的头发，有渡边司机的头发两倍那么长。而且和被绑架的田村社长的头发也不一样。同样种类的头发在驾驶席发现两根，而在后排贵宾席上发现有5根。假如驾驶席上发现的头发是犯人身上的，那么从贵宾席上发现的头发应该也是。 从这些头发可知其人的血型为AB型，渡边司机为O型，田村社长是B型，若宫社长也同样是B型。从这一点考虑的话，警方判断，那头发来自犯人身上的可能性很大。 在那半天过后，原先送去指纹检验的信笺的检验报告也送到了十津川的手中。于是他先浏览了一遍。 “龟先生！”十津川眼睛睁得大大的，向龟井刑事喊了起来，“真是令人吃惊！这上面说从信封里的信笺上很清晰地检查出来了指纹。不仅如此，那上面的指纹和原来在那部林肯大陆型车上发现的两个指纹中的一个，竟惊人地吻合。” “也就是说，基本上可以断定是犯人的指纹了。” “很有可能。但是，龟先生，你说为什么犯人要这样明目张胆？”十津川这么一说，让人觉得他对此很不理解。十津川办理过的绑架案件里，这并不是第一次了。过去他也曾经指挥破过两次绑架案件。 然而，对付这样的犯人却还是第一次。故意不隐藏笔迹，又很沉着地留下厚厚的指纹。这样一来，犯人被抓住的时候，他岂不是无法否认罪行了吗？ “犯人是不是自以为绑架手段很高明，而故意炫耀一下？”龟井刑事说。 “犯人的确是充满自信噢。”十津川点了点头，说，“如果我们把这种信封什么的当成是面具背后的真面目的话，那我们可就要在此清醒一下了。在洋平号的案件里，也是这种情形。犯人在我们之前，就料到了这一步，至少应该可以确信的一点是，犯人是计谋好了的。因此，多少可能有像你所说的，有他在炫耀自己的成分。但是，他可是个决不会在这种地方暴露缺陷的家伙。” “那么，他为什么不隐藏自己的笔迹呢？” “我想有三个原因。” “三个吗？” “是的，有三个。第一点，犯人为了蒙骗我们的眼睛，而让他人代写了这封信。在车上留别人的指纹。掉落头发也许都是事先就准备好的。假设是这样的话，我们靠这个指纹，来搜寻血型为AB型留长发的男子，那我们就很可能落入了犯人设计的陷阱里去了。” “掉入陷阱的这种危险，你觉得可能吗？” “也许会有。但这种可能性我认为不到百分之五。” "why?" “因为犯人多次提到要公平较量。炸洋平号那时，是这么说的，这次绑架也是这么说的。因为他如果要耍这种小伎俩，他不就自己背弃了自己所说的公平较量了吗？” "I see." “第二点，即使我们知道了他的血型、笔迹和指纹，在这种情况下，犯人也有绝对不会被抓住的自信。比如说，我们可以假想犯人这时已经逃往了国外这种情形。这种情况下，田村社长可能已经被害了。” “要说国外的话，会是印度尼西亚吗？” “是巴厘岛的登巴萨市。犯人也许把司机放到那部林肯大陆型车上，接着在井之头公园弃车之后，再到羽田搭上飞往巴厘岛的班机。然后，在登巴萨市提款的不是阿萨姆商会的老夫妇俩而是从日本过去的犯人。如果这么说，应该是很有可能的。或者也许犯人之所以指定阿萨姆商会为收款人，是因为他以前曾去过巴厘岛。那时就先用钱买通，委托妥当了。” “万一犯人已经远走高飞了的话，我们这些人岂不被他占了先机？” “嗯。因此，我并不情愿去想那种可能性。”十津川说着，竟小声笑了起来，“要说那第三点的话，我认为犯人一点也不担心会被抓住。” "why?" “我不是很清楚。只是听见他电话里讲话的那种语气是那么地镇定自若，他决不会有那种气馁的担心。”十津川正讲到这里，这时井上刑事拿着备忘录送了过来。 “这上面有田村社长和渡边司机被绑架的那天夜里，东京都内，出动的消防车救火的五个记录。” 井上刑事根据备忘录在黑板上写下了发生的五起火灾的情况： ○晚上8时20分：新宿歌舞伎大街Ｓ碑酒吧。消防车七辆，9时过5分扑灭。 ○晚上10时2分：杉并区代田桥Ｆ糖果店。消防车三辆，10时36分扑灭。 ○凌晨0时16分：涉谷车站前N餐馆。消防车9辆，凌晨1时40分扑灭。 ○凌晨3时5分：浅草桥下Ｔ公寓三层。消防车5辆，凌晨3时20分扑灭。 ○凌晨3时17分：锦线大街车站前的市场消防车17辆，清晨4时30分扑灭。 “立即请求各个辖区的警署协助。”十津川对井上刑事指示说，“如果按照渡边司机的证言，他说在附近的地方听见了消防车的警笛声。而且还是来了两三辆消防车的样子。你派人到火灾附近的区域去找找他被监禁的地主或许比较好。还有一点，他还听见了在水泥地板上走动的声音，也就是说，是钢筋混凝土的楼房。我拜托你去给我打探一下情况啦！” 都内的五所警署都接到了协助请求。自然还有那些地区的消防署也被请求协助调查。 用电话传达完毕协助请求后，井上刑事像是有点叹气似的看着十津川说：“现在，又只好等下去了吗？没办法了吗？” “如果让新太平洋商事、新太平洋石油公司他们给我们稍稍协助一下，或许能知道犯人的一些情况。”十津川摆出一副沮丧的表情。 犯人很明显对新太平石油公司和新太平洋商事积有很深的仇恨。而且，犯人只凭自己一个人就挑战这种巨头企业。至少，犯人很有挑战的勇气。 进一步说，把印度尼西亚的一对老夫妇开的名叫阿萨姆商会的杂货店指定为100万美元赎金收款人，如果想想这点，就不难让人想到这和过去新太平洋石油公司、新太平洋商事在印度尼西亚从事过的什么事情有关系。 但是，新太平洋石油公司的若宫社长，新太平洋商事的副社长都说不知道公司有招徕过仇恨的事情。 应该有些什么隐情在里面。 如果不把这些发掘出来，犯人就不会浮出水面。 十津川思索了片刻，对龟井刑事说：“龟先生，我想新太平洋商事里总会有专门处理和印度尼西亚方面贸易业务的部门吧，请你尽快为我去调查一下那个部门的负责人的姓名和住址。” “直接询问对方不行吗？” “不行，因为对方那些家伙会由于这次案件的发生而变得神经非常过敏。你到资料室里去查看一下人事信誉录和绅士录。那上面应该会登记有新太平洋商事的课长们的信息。” 龟井刑事很快就调查回来了。 在新太平洋商事里，有一个东南亚新的印度尼西亚课课长的名字叫小岛昭平，现年39岁。 “他家中有妻子和两个女儿，其中大女儿在念小学六年级。他在大学时念的是国立大学的经济专业。” “这么说来，他是个精英社员了？”十津川苦笑着说，他只好打算瞒着若宫和梶木去私下见见他了。 等到了晚上，他便动身去造访了小岛课长的私宅。小岛住宅建在新兴住宅区的约二十五六坪（一坪约为3.3平方米）的造型别致的新建住宅，让人觉得非常适合作为大商社青年精英课长的家。让人感觉比那差一点不行，好一点也不行。车库里停了辆国产车，小小的庭院里还养了只小狗，真是恰到好处的一幢住宅。 小岛回家了。换了身和服的小岛有疑虑地把十津川领进了客厅。在精致小巧的西式厢房里，挤进了一台很大的名贵钢琴。很可能是给大女儿练习弹钢琴用的。 “请问刑事先生，你找我到底有何贵干？”小岛瞅着十津川问道，从他那眼神中掠过一丝不安的神色。 十津川像是为了让对方放心，微笑着说：“和你没有任何关系。其实，是我手头上正在办一件案子，因为这其中的某些原因，想听取一下你的看法。” “你是说你的案子和我们公司有关？” "good." “是什么案件呢？” “那个我还不能说。至于理由，以后你应该会明白的，而且今天我来你这里的事情请不要告诉你的上司。” "Ok." “首先想问的是你们公司在印度尼西亚方面的经营情况。这一年里是不是做了一笔金额巨大的买卖？” “说得不错。就在最近，我们公司和N汽车公司共同竞标成功了一个200辆观光巴士的大项目。” “你们应该也有和新太平洋石油公司在印度尼西亚有共同合作的经营业务吧？” “那多少有一些吧。因为印度尼西亚，你也知道，是个石油生产国。” “那么有没有和当地的组织在经营上发生过冲突纠纷呢？” “嗯——”小岛陷入了深思。然后像是想起了什么似的，从表情上看似乎在忖思到底说好还是不说好。也许是害怕事后会被上司责骂。 “其实，是因为副社长梶木先生讲过这些的详细情况你最清楚。”十津川扯了个谎。果真和他所料想的一样，小岛感觉如释重负般地应声说道：“真的吗？” “你们跟巴厘岛的登巴萨市的那个叫阿萨姆商会的杂货店之间，过去有过什么纠葛没有？” “你说的这个阿萨姆商会，昨天已经按照副社长的命令，让一名名叫松崎的年轻社员紧急赶赴巴厘岛调查去了。那些和你今天的来访也有关系吗？” “当然有，也就是，你们和阿萨姆商会之间过去有过纠葛？” “阿萨姆商会还是我第一次听到过的名字，而且是一家和我们公司没有任何贸易的店。” "Are you sure?" “是的。派遣松崎君的时候，我试着调查了以往的资料，没有任何和阿萨姆商会有过贸易的记录。” “那么，有过什么纠葛的话可以和我讲讲吗？讲讲你们公司和新太平洋石油公司一起在印度尼西亚因为经营而和当地发生的纠纷。” “那让我想想吧。”小岛的神情又显得慎重起来，他也想继续踩住明哲保身的刹车，“要说没有一点纠纷那是假话，但基本上也没有，要有也只是由于两国的商业在习惯作法上不一致。目前为止，已经全部解决了。如果还有没解决的，在那之后我们是无法在印度尼西亚继续经营下去的哦。” “有没有受害人呢？” “你指什么意思？” “当地人中有没有因纠纷而受害的？或者，日本人中有没有受害人呢？” “都没有。我们公司决没有那种事情。” “大致一个月前的报纸上，我看到过这样一则报道。某个商社的部长先生，在巴厘岛出差，在打高尔夫球的时候，遭当地的一名青年用手枪袭击。据说很幸运的是，他并没有受伤。但那不正是新太平洋商事的部长先生吗？” “的确，是我们公司的部长。但是那个事件，听说是因为误会而发生的。”小岛又眨了眨眼睛，好像不以为然。 “是什么误会？” “那件事，由于犯人尚未缉拿归案，所以动机还不十分清楚，但是可以断定的一点是，被袭者并不是因为是我们公司的部长遭人狙击，而是因为他是日本人才遭人狙击的。因为在当地人中，有些人对日本人非常反感。” “那么既然新太平洋商事和新太平洋石油公司在印度尼西亚有共同的副业关系，和当地人之间存在纠纷恐怕也在所难免吧？刚才你也那么讲过。” “这么讲吧，多少有点像你讲的那个意思。不过，就算从日本修一座桥过去，我们和在那边住的人们之间还是会有摩擦的。” “当真没有人受害吗？” “没有。因为我们公司的宗旨就是对工作讲人性。” “奇怪哦。” "What's the matter?" “据梶木先生说，的确有一次纠纷中出现了受害人，他还叫我问问你详细的情形。” “真这么说吗？”小岛的脸顿时露出了一副窘相。十津川则沉着地叼上一支香烟，点上火，接着说：“不错。那件事好像跟这次发生的案件有牵联。如果你不告诉我的话，这个案子就没法侦破了。” “真是伤脑筋。那明明是已经解决好的事情，怎么也想不到，直到现在竟还成了你那什么案件的起因。”