The Perfect Insider: Chapters 8-11

By MORI Hiroshi

Dozens of investigators have arrived at the isolated island one after another by helicopter and boat to investigate two murders at Magata Research Institute, where communication with the outside world has been cut off. However, the mystery of the case deepens when the third murder is discovered, just as the police are conducting a truly extensive investigation.

Moe Nishinosono, a freshperson at N University, and Sohei Saikawa, Associate Professor and Moe's mentor, are gradually closing in on the culprit's identity and the trick with the help of a few clues. Just then, a message has arrived on a computer from the culprit, who is believed to be hiding somewhere in the research institute.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Saikawa-sensei."

Invited by a mysterious criminal who calls out to Saikawa, all the people involved, including the police investigative team, gather in the VR (virtual reality) space. The murderer who appeared in front of them used the victim's image to hide the identity. When the culprit lightly fends off Saikawa and Moe's pursuit, the one begins to tell the astonishing truth, and the case reaches an astounding conclusion that no one could have predicted.

This book is the third (final) volume of a three-volume English edition of "The Perfect Insider," which was MORI Hiroshi's legendary debut novel making a significant impact on readers of Japanese mystery novels!

At the end of the book, "The Interview About The Perfect Insider with Dr. MORI, Hiroshi" is also included.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Feb 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9781312903883

Book preview

Chapter 8: The Dark Blue Order

-1-

Yamane did not return.

There was a knock at the door. Debora said nothing. Saikawa got up, walked to the door, and placed his right hand on the glass on the wall. When the door opened, Ayako Shimada stood there, and she looked a little surprised to see Saikawa.

Is Yamane-san inside? Shimada asked. I mean, he hasn’t shown up at all since a while ago ...

No, we also don’t know where he is, Saikawa answered.

Ayako Shimada walked into the room. Saikawa put his right hand on the glass again to close the door.

Shimada-san. You guys still can’t use Deborah? He confirmed.

We can only use that with Red Magic, the operating system. Shimada looked at the display Yamane had been using. We can finally use the phone and e-mail, but where has Yamane-san gone? Oh, man.

You know, we have already contacted the police. Saikawa reported to Shimada.

Perhaps, I think Yamane-san did so, too. Shimada looked back at him.

What happens when you receive a call from outside? Moe questioned. Who is it supposed to be connected to?

Let’s see, when Deborah is working, she will answer the phone and call the person in charge. But now ... Shimada answered while thinking. Calls from outside will be connected to everyone. Anyone who reacts the quickest will pick up the phone. After the one answers the call, they can call the person in charge by e-mail and connect the call. It’s a bit tedious, though.

Don’t you have a common phone at this facility? Moe inquired. I mean, an ordinary phone with a handset.

No, since Deborah took control of the phones, no one uses them anymore ... About five years ago, we got rid of them all. Shimada shrugged. We’re a little inconvenienced, though ... It can’t be helped for now. It’s been hard for us just to get things back up to this point. I want to get Deborah back in order by the end of the evening ... So, I’ll get back to my work.

Ah, Shimada-san, Saikawa called her back. You were talking with Yamane-san, weren’t you? I saw your name on the window.

Yes, I was earlier ... Ayako Shimada nodded. I had chatted with him using the Talk for a long time before the reset.

The Talk was the act of real-time conversation through e-mail exchange.

I had actually intended to reset at 10:00 a.m., but Yamane-san suddenly noticed one problem after another. We both had been checking it out ... I really wonder what had happened to him? After the reset, Yamane-san had gone somewhere ...

Saikawa opened the door for her. Ayako Shimada left the room.

An electronic sound came from the terminal, and Moe ran toward it. A button was flashing in the push phone window on the screen, so Moe clicked it with the mouse.

Hi, I’m Nishinosono, the Aichi Prefectural Police Chief ... It was a low, articulate voice.

Uncle, it’s me. Moe.

Ah, it’s you ... I’m relived ... Already, the first group is on its way. They should be there in about thirty minutes. You okay? Why are you at such a place?

Uncle, I have a favor to ask you, Moe said as she took the seat in front of the terminal.

Moe told her uncle the events of the past two days. Saikawa was surprised at how straightforward and well-organized her story was. Moe’s story began the night before last when she brought Saikawa to the research institute. Within about a minute, Moe explained that they had found Ms. Magata’s body, that Director Shindo had been killed on the roof, and that they had searched Ms. Magata’s room. Then, she also explained that the deputy director had asked them yesterday to hide the fact of Ms. Magata’s death and that, in return, Saikawa and Moe had searched the research institute about the incident ...

So, what is your request? They heard the voice of Chief Nishinosono.

Can you not announce Dr. Magata’s death for a week? That way, Saikawa-sensei and I will not have to lie.

We cannot, that’s impossible. Moe-chan. Chief Nishinosono’s voice was gentle. Why should you two lie?

Because that is what we promised, Moe said.

If it’s just for a day or two, I can handle it because of the location, though ... Hiding the facts for one week is out of the question. I’ll make time to come over there this evening. I’ll get your full story then.

All the people here are trying to hide Dr. Magata’s death. I won’t talk about it either.

Why? That’s a crime. Don’t ask me to do the impossible ... Okay, here’s what I’ll do. I’ll come over there and talk to the people at the research institute directly. So, tell the police the truth. Nothing to worry about.

Understood. Moe nodded.

You okay? Are you in a safe place?

I’m okay. Uncle ...

Give my regards to Saikawa-sensei.

Saikawa, of course, listened to everything. They heard the sound of a phone call disconnecting. Moe turned around and looked at Saikawa’s face, and they stared at each other for about three seconds.

That’s enough, Saikawa said at the table. We better tell them everything. I’m sorry for Yamane-san, though ... I’ve already decided. I’m going to tell them everything.

That’s good ... Moe smiled.

-2-

The sun was high in the sky, and it was hot on the rooftop.

Saikawa, Moe, and Mrs. Shindo were in the small shadow of the elevator house, staring off to the north. Of course, Moe was the first to spot them. She had a twenty-twenty vision in both eyes. It was a bit past noon.

Three helicopters came and landed one after another. Moe mentioned the names of the helicopter models, but Saikawa was unfamiliar with them. Including the helicopter in which Director Shindo had been killed, there were now four helicopters. Still, there was plenty of space on the rooftop of the research institute. The last helicopter to land brought down the most people, and they were about twenty in all.

A plainclothes, crew-cut man in his forties noticed Saikawa and the others and walked toward them. His forelock area was white, as if he had sprayed it.

My name is Shibaike, The man said in a low voice resounding in his stomach. The helicopter’s rotors were still spinning.

This lady here is Director Shindo’s wife. Saikawa introduced Mrs. Shindo to him. And I’m ...

Saikawa-sensei and ... Nishinosono-san, right? We’ve heard most of the story. Could you show us around?

All three helicopters took off and flew in a northerly direction.

Shibaike was giving some instructions to the men who had come down from the helicopters. A few of them were wearing police uniforms, and many of them were wearing short-sleeved shirts and dark blue work pants. The square aluminum trunks they carried slung over their shoulders were conspicuous.

Following Mrs. Shindo, a large group of men disappeared into the elevator house. About five policemen remained on the rooftop.

Shibaike was still there, too, and he was smoking a cigarette.

Are some more coming? Saikawa asked as he approached Detective Shibaike.

Two more helicopters and about forty more people will come, Shibaike replied in a low voice. They will also come here by ship. By the evening, there will be about one hundred people in total.

Saikawa was inwardly surprised that so many people would come. He had expected at most twenty people.

If they come by ship, it will take much longer to walk here from the port, Saikawa said.

Don’t worry, sir. They will bring a car, too. Shibaike smiled, showing his white teeth. Could you please explain the situation a little? This place is hot ... Let’s go indoors from there.

Shibaike pointed to the elevator on the far side. That was the public entrance, not the entrance exclusively for the director that the police officers had just entered. Moe followed them. It was weird to Saikawa that Detective Shibaike did not go to see the body immediately.

Inside the elevator house, the air conditioner was not working very well, but it was still better than the heat outside. Shibaike did not enter the elevator but threw his cigarette into an ashtray by the wall. Then he stared at Moe and said.

Don’t leave my side, Nishinosono-san.

Huh? Moe tilted her head.

The Chief ordered me to do so by radio, Shibaike said, with his mouth slanted. He told me to ensure your safety absolutely. I am sorry, but I ask for your cooperation.

Yeah ... Moe nodded, reluctantly.

Can I stay with you guys? Saikawa took out a cigarette and lit it.

Yes, of course. Shibaike folded his arms and stood haughtily. So, what on earth happened? I heard two people were killed, but you don’t know who did it?

Why don’t you go see the bodies first? Moe suggested.

If we barge into the scene in large numbers, we will only confuse things. We have plenty of time, so we must get information first.

-3-

After spending about 10 minutes, Moe organized her story and told it to the detective. Shibaike listened to her story with a nod, but halfway through, one of his eyes narrowed, and his expression changed to a look as if he wanted to say something.

That’s an odd story ... Those were Shibaike’s first words. Moe had just about finished telling him about the drama of the past two days.

Yeah, you’re right. I find it odd too. Moe nodded with a serious face.

How about you, Sensei? Shibaike stared at Saikawa.

What she told you was very accurate. I saw them too. Saikawa said. There is no correction and no need to add to them.

Well, let’s just check them out. Shibaike narrowed one eye enough to close it. In any case, it is not an easy story to believe.

Young men knocked on the door from outside, and Saikawa opened it for them. They were three of those who had remained on the rooftop, dressed in plain clothes.

How can we open this door? one of the men who came in asked.

Register your data in the computer in this facility, and it will open when you put your right hand on the glass there and say your name, Saikawa explained slowly.

Sir, we’re going to check inside the building. Another man said to Shibaike.

Go around the building anyway. Shibaike said with his hands in his pockets. Go check the entrances and exits.

There is only one way in and out, Saikawa said. And you can’t open the door. You need to register your data. For now, that registration system is down ...

Saikawa had trouble explaining it. To some people, this system is indeed just a hassle. In particular, the tediousness of explaining the system to such people is the greatest weakness of the research institute’s system, he thought.

The elevator came up. The doors opened, and Chief Mizutani stepped out.

Mizutani-san ... You’ve come to the right place ... Saikawa spoke to him. Could you please make sure the police people can open the door?

Ah, they’ve arrived already. That’s a relief ... Mizutani said, out of breath, shaking his belly. Okay. I’ll set the doors to the entrance and public areas so anyone can open them. But I can’t do that to private rooms.

That’s fine, Shibaike said. I’m Shibaike of the Aichi Prefectural Police.

I’m Mizutani. Mizutani introduced himself with an amiable face. Currently, the control system in the research institute is having a little trouble now ... It will be working again in a few hours.

Mizutani then turned to Saikawa and said. Saikawa-sensei, do you know where Yamane-kun is?

Ah, no ... Saikawa shook his head. Have you not found Yamane-san yet?

Who is Yamane-san? Shibaike interrupted.

He is the deputy director, Saikawa answered.

Then I’ll look for him here and there. After saying this, Mizutani rode down in the elevator with the three detectives.

Is there a meeting room or conference room anywhere? Shibaike asked Saikawa.

"This facility is unusual ... in that it does not have a room that looks like a meeting room. There is no large room that can accommodate