T.A series Volume 7: Feathers of Fury

Chapter 11 - Suffocating

As Emiko looked at Ranran, Shinichi, and Ran sitting together in the Tantei Association headquarters, an uncanny resemblance to Leonardo da Vinci's famous painting, 'The Last Supper,' crossed her mind.

The way they were seated at the table, their postures, and even their expressions seemed to echo the iconic depiction of Jesus and his apostles.

Except for studying them, Emiko ain't certain why is it that Ran reminded her of Judas, while Ranran is Jesus.

The artist couldn't help but feel a bit uncomfortable with the comparison that had crossed her mind. She knew that 'The Last Supper' was a significant and revered painting, depicting a pivotal moment in religious history. Comparing her friends to figures from such a renowned work of art felt strange and inappropriate.

Still, she couldn't shake off the eerie resemblance she saw in their poses and expressions. Ranran, sitting at the centre, exuding a sense of calm and authority, could be seen as the focal point, much like Jesus in the painting. Shinichi, sitting at Ranran's right hand, had a contemplative expression that could be likened to the figure of John in the artwork. Noticeably, Shinichi sat next to her a little closer this time.

But the comparison that troubled her the most was the notion of Ran resembling Judas, the betrayer. Ran shifted in her seat and ignored him and Ranran, as Emiko couldn't but notice the growing tension in the room, she lifted a questioning eyebrow but said nothing.

Michio was the first to speak, announcing the contents sergeant's call. "So Sergeant Genzo called earlier, and er....the man we saw on the bike while fleeing from Professor Shibuya's mansion last night....they found his corpse floating not far from the neighbourhood. Which is why....he wants us to be off the case."

Takuma wrinkled his brow, "Woah! Just because that man on the motorbike tried to steal a dead eagle?! That is too extreme!"

Emiko's eyes widened in shock upon hearing Michio's update about the man they had seen fleeing from Professor Shibuya's mansion. The news of the man's death was both unexpected and disturbing.

"I wonder if the professor had anything to do with killing the man on the bike?"Junko asked, at the same time wondering what is with the tension between Ran and Shinichi.

Michio frowned. "Good question," he nodded, "Though Professor Shibuya Jirou doesn't look much like a criminal or murderer to me."

"On another note, let's talk about the possibility Professor Shibuya is hiding something through that stolen stuffed eagle, and why would he want to lie to the officers about the stolen eagle," Shinichi announced.

"As I mentioned yesterday, gold. He must have placed gold inside the bird." Takuma insists.

"There are several fancier mansions compared to Professor Shibuya's creepy-looking mansion in that neighbourhood, if I were a burglar, the last place I would target is Professor Shibuya's, I mean why would I be expecting gold there?!" Junko rolled her eyes and scoffed.

"Exactly as Junko said," Emiko nodded, agreeing with her point. "There are wealthier options available. And if the eagle did contain gold, why would the professor lie to the police about it? It's all very puzzling."

"How about some key to some unknown safe?" Ran suggests.

"A key....that is a good one," Ranran jot it down. "Junko, what is your assumption of a possible item stuffed to the stuffed eagle?"

"My assumption...." Junko took a good look at the photo of the stuffed eagle, with the measurements written onto the said bird, "It ain't big enough to fit a gold bar....."

"And it's unlikely to be a key to some unknown safe either," Takuma added. "I mean, why would someone go through the trouble of hiding a key inside a stuffed eagle? It doesn't make sense."