The Stray Kids of Edogawa Rampo

Case 1.2: Slum Book

CASE 1.2: SLUM BOOK

"What's your hobbies?"

Z E N Gomez

December 8, 3:54 pm.

Perez's Residence, 2nd floor, Guestroom.

Four people currently sitting in front of us. At first glance, you'll say that they're just normal and mourning people, not until you realise that one of them is a killer. Being near the crime scene and all is very new to me, iniisip ko nga kung okay lang ba sa akin na mapunta dito but then I realised that as long as I'm surrounded with cops, I am untouchable. And I find this situation very interesting and thrilling.

Now, back to the current dilemma.

In front of us is the four people suspected to be Mr Perez's killer. Sila ang apat na tao na nandidito sa bahay nang maganap ang krimen, it is natural to deduce that one of them killed the former Mr Perez. And we're about to hold an interrogation. May mga pulis na nagbabantay sa may pinto pero bukod sakanila at kay Chief Walrus, wala nang ibang tao ang nasa loob ng kwarto.

Mia sat on the couch facing them. Lahat sila tahimik, only Jenna Perez's sobs and silent weeping could be heard. Twelve whispered something to Chief Walrus which I heard unintentionally.

"Have you let them change clothes since yesterday?"

"Ano ako, engot?"

Nginisian lang siya ni Twelve, "May syota ba 'yung Jenna?"

Lance pulled him by the ear, "Behave tayo, daddy."

"Yes, mommy."

"Hi!" Mia greeted them with a very sweet smile. Oh, don't you be swayed. Ganyan din ang ngiti niya samin kanina sa kotse nang muntik niya na kaming patayin. "We'll now hold an interrogation. I don't want you to feel pressured, okay? Just answer the questions naturally and honestly. You'll do it, right?"

Walang sumagot kahit isa sakanila. Sinamaan siya ng tingin ni Jenna. "Who are you? Bakit high school student ang nag-iinterview samin?! What kind of a joke is this?!"

Mia innocently glanced on her uniform, she chuckled then. "Oh, my bad! I forgot I was on my uniform. Nag-one day kasi ako for this investigation. But no worries," she showed her badge. "We're an official detective from the Oedipus agency. And we're requested to investigate this case, we want your cooperation, madame, sir."

Jenna maintained her glare and Mia just smiled sweetly. She shifted her glance to the Chief, "Just make sure na gagawin niyo ng maayos ang trabaho niyo. I want my name clear on my father's death!"

"That's what we want to know, Ms Jenna," Twelve leant forward and sat beside Mia. "We really wish for your cooperation. Of course, if you don't, that'll raise our suspicion on you."

Her eyes flared in anger, "How dare you—"

"Ma'am Jenna," The guy beside him gently placed a hand on her arm. Natigilan si Jenna at napatingin dito, her eyes soften as it started to water once again. She went back on weeping silently.

The old woman wiped a tear from her eyes gently, "Dios ko, bakit ito nangyayari?" she wept and the girl beside her comforted her.

"Ma, tahan na."

Mia pulled her headphones off, the first time today, and clipped her hair behind her ears. "So, shall we start?" she smiled.

"I think you should," Chief Walrus motioned and he sat on a chair on the other side of the room. Naupo kami ni Lance sa kabilang couch.