Conan and Ai bump into Takagi coming out of a stakeout. He still has nightmares about falling off the plank he was tied to (see previous episode). A woman screams nearby and they discover the body of a publishing company president. 3 people were contacted by the victim right before his deadly fall. They all claim to have been alone in their apartment at the time. Takagi and Conan examine each apartment before the suspects can change anything. The first suspect shows the beer he recently poured out still foaming at the top. The second suspect shows her cup of hot coffee still steaming on the table. The third suspect shows his cigarette still smoking after it just burnt out. All 3 also admit that they're currently in a lawsuit against the president for doctoring photos and slandering a famous actress.