Everyday Life with a Murderer

Chapter 29: I'll be fine

The warm summer gave way to the slowly beginning autumn. It was September.

After a long day at work, Seiji stepped out of the office building, loosening his tie as he prepared for the walk home. The evening air was cool, but something in the atmosphere felt off. He glanced around, noticing a man lingering near the building's entrance. Another figure moved from across the street, subtly closing the distance.

His pulse quickened, but Seiji kept his expression neutral. Whatever was happening, he couldn't afford to draw attention to himself. He continued walking as if nothing was wrong.

Suddenly, one of the men approached, flashing a badge. "Mr. Sekiguchi?"

Seiji's eyes flicked to the badge, a wave of stress washing over him, but he remained outwardly calm. "Yes?"

"We need you to come with us for questioning. You are one of the suspects in an ongoing investigation into a murder committed at a nearby hospital."

It was clear now - this was about Hideaki. Seiji's mind raced, but he couldn't let them see him falter. With a measured nod, he replied, "Alright." He didn't resist as they led him to the car, every step deliberate, masking the tension building within.

---

At the police station, Seiji sat calmly in the interview room, his hands folded neatly on the table. The sterile lighting made the room feel cold, but Seiji kept his expression composed. The officers had been strategic, catching him off guard after work. But he wasn't going to give them anything easily.

The door opened, and Officer Nakamura entered with another detective. Nakamura held a file in his hands, his expression sharp but calm.

"Mr. Sekiguchi, we appreciate your cooperation," Nakamura began, sitting across from Seiji. "Like I mentioned before, you are one of the suspects in an ongoing investigation into a murder, committed at a nearby hospital by Miyahara Hideaki."

At the mention of Hideaki, Seiji felt a tightening in his chest, but his face remained unreadable. "Go ahead," he said, his voice steady.

Nakamura opened the file and placed it on the table. "We have evidence linking Miyahara to a series of brutal attacks. You were at the hospital on the day of the most recent incident. Records show you were there, asking about him. Can you explain?"

Seiji's mind worked quickly. He had to remain calm. "I was visiting a different friend that day. Maybe the surnames are just similar." he said smoothly. "But no, I do not know Miyahara, that being said, I wasn't there because of him. I'd only heard about him from the news, and I am not connected with any of his crimes. I didn't even know he was connected to this hospital incident."

Tanaka leaned slightly forward, his eyes narrowing. "But you showed up at the hospital right when this incident occurred. Are you sure you don't know more than you're letting on?"

Seiji forced a small smile, though it didn't reach his eyes. "It's just a coincidence. I don't know where Miyahara is now. And frankly, I'd prefer not to get involved. I have my own life to deal with, and this situation doesn't help."

Nakamura wasn't convinced. "You don't seem too troubled by the fact that someone as dangerous as Miyahara is a wanted serial killer and could end your life just like that if encountered on the streets."

Seiji shrugged, his tone still measured. "I've learned to keep a level head, Officer. Panicking won't help anyone. Miyahara, as any criminal made his choices, but I'm not part of whatever he's gotten himself into."

The two officers exchanged a glance, clearly frustrated. They didn't have enough to hold him, but something about Seiji's calm demeanor left them unsatisfied. "We'll be in touch, Mr. Sekiguchi," Nakamura said, closing the file.