Half an hour later, Ichiro Takayanagi arrived home and spotted a police car parked out front.
After parking, he sent Reika and Kaoru Tohsaka upstairs in the elevator, handing Reika the keys and the address, while he stayed outside to meet Inspector Megure.
"Inspector Megure, what's so urgent that you needed to see me right away?" Ichiro asked. Perhaps recognizing Ichiro's car, Megure—who had been inside—stepped out, leaving Wataru Takagi, who had been standing outside, to join him.
Hearing Ichiro's question, Megure glanced curiously around, noticing that the "younger sister" who had answered the phone earlier was no longer with him.
"We have a case that requires your cooperation."
"If it's not urgent, we can discuss it inside."
"That works."
Ichiro led Megure and Takagi into his home, where tea had already been set out—most likely prepared by Reika, since neither Kaoru nor Yuko Ikezawa would be capable of it. Yuko, in fact, probably wasn't even home.
Once seated, Takagi began explaining the situation.
As the story unfolded, Ichiro quickly understood.
A gang of Italian thieves had arrived in Japan, bringing with them 1,500 gold coins worth a total of 600 million yen. The Italian police wanted the Tokyo Metropolitan Police to apprehend the gang and recover the coins as soon as possible.
Normally, this wouldn't be Megure's case to handle, but on Takagi's suggestion, he had taken it on—specifically to enlist Ichiro's help.
The police knew the gang consisted of four members, but their ability to stay hidden had so far kept them from being caught.
"So, what exactly do you want me to do?" Ichiro asked.
"We've analyzed their likely moves. They'll want to convert the coins into cash, but because they're wanted, they can't use legal channels. They'll have to find another way. That's why I'm asking for your help."
"You want me to act as the person offering to exchange the coins, so you can nab them when they come to me?"
"That's exactly it," Megure admitted when Ichiro guessed correctly.
But Ichiro shook his head. "That's not my style. You're basically asking me to risk my life. If they managed to steal 600 million yen worth of gold coins, they definitely have weapons."
"We'll ensure your safety," Megure assured him. "And the Italians have said that if we recover the coins in full, they'll offer a 100 million yen reward."
"If I cooperate, I get the whole amount?" Ichiro asked, now interested.
If the Italians were willing to pay 100 million yen for the return of 600 million yen in coins, then the real value was probably much higher.
Megure gave a dry laugh. "If you help us recover the coins, the police are willing to give you half the reward. After all, we'll be doing our share in the operation."
Losing the full 100 million didn't disappoint Ichiro much, but he said, "I want a flawless plan. I'm not putting my life on the line. And I expect you to provide the 600 million yen in cash for the sting."
"Mr. Takayanagi, you're not short on money—especially after inheriting the Takayanagi estate," Takagi interjected.
Megure coughed lightly beside him. "It's just… your family's situation is a bit unique. Certain people keep a close eye on changes within the Takayanagi house."
This wasn't something Megure had sought out—it was follow-up from a previous investigation. Some had assumed he needed to be kept informed, so they had told him about Musashi's death and Ichiro's return to inherit the family estate.
Ichiro wasn't lacking 600 million yen in cash—but neither were the police. What they needed was someone like him who could plausibly offer to exchange the coins and draw out the thieves.
By asking the police to put up the money, he was agreeing to let them use his identity—but he wanted more than just a share of the reward; he wanted them to show real sincerity.
"You don't need to watch me so closely," Ichiro remarked.
"It's just incidental intelligence," Megure replied. "We'll work out the detailed operation plan back at headquarters and let you know. For now, we'll take our leave."
"I won't see you out. Let's hope this cooperation goes smoothly."
(End of Chapter)
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