Remnants in smouldered ashes

Chapter 3

"Is this it?"

Tsunemori opened the car door and stood out of the vehicle.

"... It's a lot smaller than what I remembered."

Ginoza was clearly bemused at how time had taken its toll on its surrounding environment as he stepped out of the car. The smell of the abandoned harbour, the worn down buildings along with abandoned infrastructure that stood in the waters like abandoned watch-towers.

"The safe house is just right ahead."

He pointed at the small building.

"Back when dad worked in the Metropolitan Police department, he had it built in case there was an emergency."

"I never thought places like this had ever existed," the inspector gave the same bemused look at the surroundings.

The two strode towards the old building, its exterior resembled to that of an abandoned shop as its only entrance was a garage door. By the time the two stood before its entrance, Ginoza slipped his hand into his pocket and grabbed the keys. After turning the key into its slot, wordlessly, he hauled the garage door open. The first thing they saw was an old, red 21st century car along with shelves filled with tools and endless amount of objects that the enforcer hadn't seen for so long.

Oddly enough, the place didn't appear to have worn down its interior despite the many years without its residence. Ginoza gestured for Tsunemori to come inside, leading the way towards the stairs. When they reached the second floor, a wave of nostalgia hit him at the sight of where everything was put into its place.

"This sure does bring back memories," he smirked at the thought. "My father's desk is right over there."

He gestured to a table, only then realize there were objects that had been left scattered on the surface of the wood. They were cleaning tools his father had once used to clean the revolver back when Ginoza had temporarily resided in the safe house.

"Ginoza-san?"

"...Its nothing," he said, smiling sadly.

Kougami was here.

Without a doubt, he had known that the weapon Kougami held was Masaoka's. Before he could entertain the thought any further, Ginoza opened the study drawer, revealing pocket-sized books as well as old biro pens and other little items he didn't bother noting on. His gaze then eyed a leather bound notebook with a button clasp on its side.

"This might be it," he grabbed the notebook as he pried the clasp open.

He then realize how Tsunemori hadn't spoken a lot after their arrival; he turned to meet her gaze, only to be met with a familiar, curious look that he hadn't seen in almost two years. Their eyes met briefly, in response, he gave a curt smile as he turned back to the notebook to inspect the contents.

Dates, schedules, timetables, notes and contacts. He smirked as he was right on the money.

"I was right, this would have to be it.

He handed over the leather book to the inspector.

"I cannot give you any guarantees if it has any use to you since this is the first time I've seen it, but I hope you could find some use to it."

"No," Tsunemori began, "I cannot thank you enough for going through all the trouble of having to get this for me."

She paused for a moment and looked at him.

"May I?"

She had meant to look inside the diary. He nodded at her request. Having sat down on a sofa in the room, she immediately went to work on scanning the contents of the diary. Ginoza on the other hand was amused at the familiar enthusiasm she wore on her face. The learned, innocent look on her had become a rarity on his part after the Makshima case. More so after the Kamui case.