"That really was a fitting description..."
Veteran detective Chosuke continued searching through the shoe cabinet. "Now that we've identified the suspect and the evidence points to him, all that's left is to confirm his identity, find evidence proving it, and determine how he committed the crime."
He carefully examined the shoe cabinet, then looked at Fujino. "As a Great Detective and consultant, do you have any thoughts?"
"Judging from the two of their reactions, it doesn't seem like they were working together."
After thinking for a moment, Fujino said, "I think Kato must have used some sort of time illusion to disrupt Chiba's perception of time."
"Using a detective as a false witness. That's quite an idea."
Chosuke murmured in admiration, then the corners of his mouth rose slightly as he suddenly said, "In that case, we can pin down his identity."
As he spoke, he took out a shoe from the cabinet and showed it to Fujino. "Do you notice anything strange?"
Fujino stared at it for a moment. "The crossed parts of the shoelaces are wet?"
"That's right. I think the guy rushed back during the morning rain and used a hair dryer to dry his shoes, but he didn't pull out the laces first."
"Chosuke, don't tell me you noticed that a long time ago?"
"Of course not. I was just trying my luck. After all, when you're a police officer, taking a look around the scene might turn up some useful clues."
"Looks like you won that bet this time."
"Yeah, my luck's through the roof..."
Chosuke replied as he pulled out his phone and took a picture of the shoelaces. "Since you found the car, Fujino, this old Senior of yours ought to make himself useful too."
As he spoke, he dialed a number. "Hello,