the identity of the party who hired the car, that information is

being withheld pending a full investigation. And just to save you

some time, the limousine company has been requested not to reveal

that information until we have completed our inquiries.”

“So was it the Ginza Monster, Inspector?”

“We have not yet established the identity of the perpetrator and I

would not care to engage in irresponsible speculation.”

“But what about the condition of the bodies? Was it the same as

in the Ginza murders?”

“No, as a matter of fact, it was not. However, that proves

nothing, one way or the other. We are not discounting any

possibilities.”

“So you’re saying it could have been the Ginza Monster?”

“It could have been anyone, ” said Sakahara. “As I said, we are

not discounting any possibilities. Can you account for your

whereabouts last night?”

That produced a laugh.

“Inspector, is it true that Inspector Katayama was dismissed

from the Ginza Monster case for incompetence?”

Katayama stiffened. The reporters were all intent on Sakahara

and had not yet spotted him.

“That’s ridiculous, ” snapped Sakahara. “That sort of innuendo

makes for irresponsible journalism. You owe your audience better

than that. Inspector Katayama is a fine officer and it is my

privilege to work with him on this case. As a matter of fact, I see

him standing over there and if you people will excuse me, I must go

and confer with him. You will, of course, be notified of any further

developments in the investigation as they occur. Thank you very

much. That will be all for now.”

He turned on his heel and quickly walked away from them,

ignoring further shouted questions.

“I heard that, ” Akiro said as he came up to him. “That was very

nice of you. Thank you.”

“No need to thank me, ” Sakahara said. “They’re all a bunch of