"It felt like the atmosphere got really strange whenever they talked about that person..." Ran Mouri, seated nearby, whispered.
It seemed that not only did everyone know about the death of the editor named Akiba, but they all had their own thoughts on it as well.
Compared to Masutaka Shirokuchi, who had worked with that editor for many years, the others wore even heavier expressions of grief.
"His death probably had something fishy behind it," Tangze replied.
Ran Mouri could not help glancing at him.
Though he had used the uncertain word "probably," Akechi's tone had been quite certain, making her curious.
On top of that, everyone's reactions were strange, especially Masutaka Shirokuchi's own attitude.
His words about the deceased editor had clearly been full of praise, yet he kept repeatedly bringing up the man's death in a rather suggestive way. It did not sound like remembrance at all.
Conan, who had already sent out his message, frowned as he looked at the reply on his phone.
His father was certainly more renowned in the publishing world than Masutaka Shirokuchi. Naturally, he had asked Yusaku Kudo whether he had heard anything.
The answer Conan received was far beyond his expectations.
The conversation among the group nearby had happened to reach the same subject.
"Not to mention, the circumstances of Akiba's death were extremely unusual. Few people would kill themselves that way, wouldn't you say? The police merely ruled out homicide, which was why they classified it as suicide." Masutaka Shirokuchi raised a hand, the brilliant gleam of his diamond ring flashing between his fingers. "For detective fiction, it is a very common and effective point of entry."
Harue Anabuki pursed her lips. Kakuji Ideda quietly looked away. Even Wataru Tarumi, the photographer who had not spoken from the start and