The Detective Prince
Chapter 105
Stage Set
They arrived into the kitchen soon after, looking to the left wall to where the TV could be found. He turned after seeing them stop at his side.
“You’re all here, good.”
“What’s going on?” Dick asked.
“It seems the full extent of what happened at the Futures Building is just now coming into the light of things.”
“There’s more?” Heiji asked.
“Does this have something to do with the device that was taken,” Tim asked. “The G3 Power Emitter?”
“Yes, to a certain degree that is,” Bruce replied. “It has more to do with what was left behind.”
“That diamond?”
“That’s right, turns out it was one that had been stolen,” Bruce informed. “It had been taken from the Gotham museum over a month ago.”
“I remember that incident.” Dick said.
“What’s the punch line?” Tim asked.
“There were prints found on the diamond, prints that matched that of an individual already registered to the criminal database.”
“Can’t wait to hear this.”
“Marco Gaffney, a man known for breaking and entering homes in the south side of the city,” Bruce informed. “He’s also rumored to have links to one of the highest drug rings here in Gotham.”
“Doesn’t exactly sound like your typical diamond thief.” Heiji said.
“You’re right, he doesn’t,” Bruce said. “And I’m almost certain he’s being set up.”
“How’s that,” Heiji asked. “You said it yourself, his prints were found on that diamond.”
“That’s because they were probably put there.”
“What leads you to believe that?” Dick asked.
“That’s the same way the thief gained access to one of the Wayne helicopters,” Bruce informed. “I was told by an employee of Wayne Enterprises they ran a finger scan on the individual disguised as me which gave him the clear to authorize a lift off.”
“How on earth did he get ahold of your prints?”
“I’m still in the process of figuring that out,” Bruce replied. “But since he’s a master of disguise as documented in several reports I went through last night, there’s a number of possibilities when he could have accomplished this.”
“I don’t like it, who’s to say one of us is next?” Dick questioned
“Only if there is something to gain, the tactics he uses is never without reason,” Shinichi said. “That’s always been a part of his motto.”
“Alright then, why impersonate Bruce,” Dick asked turning to face him. “Why not just slide in as someone less known among the guests, he’d have had a better chance of not being noticed.”
“The diamond,” Shinichi replied. “He needed to get in close enough to switch out that diamond with the G3 Power Emitter he had his sights set on the whole time.”
“The finger prints found on the diamond was a means of circling out a culprit for all to see, one which we would all find believable,” Tim added. “The question is why Marco Gaffney, there’s dozens of others he could have chosen.”
“He could have chosen someone without a record even,” Heiji said. “But then again, that wouldn’t be his style.”
“It wouldn’t,” Shinichi agreed. “Regardless of the obvious tweaks in his actions as of late.”
“It seems you know quite a bit about Kaitou Kid,” Bruce said. “Just as I was lead to believe.”
“To a degree.”
“Which might be the deciding factor between catching him within a matter of days as opposed to weeks.”
“That’s all well and said, but we don’t even know what he plans to do next.” Heiji stated.
“Maybe not an exact move, but we do have an idea.” Bruce said in response to his claim.
“How so,” Heiji asked. “Did he indirectly leave behind another riddle?”
“No, what happened at the Futures Building was just the beginning,” Bruce said. “If you read through the riddle again you’ll come to find all elements within the message have yet to be covered.”
“That doesn’t sound good.”
“It isn’t,” Bruce agreed. “But if we can find out why Marco’s prints were chosen to be displayed on that diamond we might have a better understanding of what his next move is to be.”
“Speaking of which, what is the case surrounding Marco?” Dick asked.
“The authorities have already ransacked his home and taken him in for questioning,” Bruce replied. “That was just shown a minute before you all arrived.”
“I bet that’s not going to sit well with a lot of guys,” Tim said. “Especially the ones in business with him, this little incident will only enrage them.”
“But only to the point of uncertainty,” Alfred said. “They don’t have the knowledge of who really was the one to have stolen that diamond from the museum, and then return it in last night’s heist in such a fashion.”
“You mean not yet.” Bruce corrected.
“How long are you expecting it will take for them to realize?” Alfred asked.
“The moment it is revealed to the world.”
“I don’t think I quite follow sir.”
“Heiji,” Bruce said looking his way. “I want you to report back to the station as soon as possible, you’re going to be the one to let them know what conspired yesterday night.”
“And what exactly am I supposed to say,” Heiji asked. “It’s not like I can go in declaring something on a blind eye, we don’t have any stellar proof that says Kaitou Kid was the one to take off with that device.”
He chose not to reply, simply reaching into the top pocket of his jacket to reveal a small gizmo that had been tucked away.
“What is that?” Heiji asked.
“Give this to Commissioner Gordon, and Gordon only,” Bruce instructed before handing it to him. “It’s live footage of what occurred last night.”
“Do you mean to say you recorded his escape through that window?”
“Not only that,” Bruce confirmed. “But the first minutes after before he took off completely.”
“How were you able to achieve this?”
“I set up dozens of surveillance cameras throughout the area, each fifty yards apart on all sides,” Bruce continued. “The only area that I chose not to set up security was to the east.”
“The direction he escaped to.”
“Exactly,” Bruce said. “The plan was to redirect him anywhere else, and we failed to keep containment.”
“More like Damian failed in doing so.” Tim remarked.
“I’m still unaware of what happened just before you blacked out,” Bruce said. “Do you remember what you saw last?”
“Korn, I saw him,” Shinichi replied. “I’m sure of it.”
“The same Korn of the Black Organization?”
“You know of him?”
“I gave him all information regarding the subject known to me.” Tim informed.
“Is your plan to go after them?” Shinichi asked.
“If they’re here in Gotham, then it’s no question,” Bruce replied. “They’re asking for war.”
“Then let me help,” Shinichi said stepping up to him. “I know Kid better than most, and I could key you in on some of the Organizations subtle habits.”
“I’ll agree on both counts, but only as a consultant.”
“Only as a consultant?”
“Here’s the thing, I don’t plan on waiting for any more moves to be made,” Bruce declared. “I plan on going after Kid starting tonight, and if these mercenaries are really dealing business in Gotham as you’ve hinted at I will track them down as well.”
“And why can’t I come with you?”
“Your safety is a top priority, and given your current state who knows what could happen at any time.”
“And what if I’m cleared after further tests are done?”
“My answer will remain the same.” Bruce answered before turning for the table.
“Why’s that, you don’t think I can manage it?”
“It’s not this Organization or Kid I don’t feel you can bear,” Bruce said. “But the things hidden beneath the crease on the outside is a limit I will not hold you to.”
“I appreciate the concern, I really do,” Shinichi said. “But my safety shouldn’t be your problem, especially when the danger is as high for you as it is for me.”
“The moment I have to scrape your remains from the side of some secluded alley and lay it into a tomb to ship back to Japan is when it becomes my problem,” Bruce stated. “I don’t plan on that happening.”
“So you’re not even going to think about it?”
“Hold out your arm.”
He stood there for seconds, finally complying with a look off to the side as the cold needle penetrated the skin. It took all but a few moments for him to drain the blood he needed.
“There, we’re done.”
He removed the needle from his arm just in time to hear the sound of the kitchen phone go off.
“Would you like me to answer that sir?” Alfred volunteered.
“Don’t mind it,” Bruce said placing the syringe to the top of the table. “I’ll answer it myself.”
He walked over next to the kitchen door where the phone was placed, taking the call immediately. The conversation lasted for nearly a minute, the expression on his face remaining the same throughout.
“Who was that?” Tim asked after watching him hang the phone back to the hook.
“Another business call.”
“From who?”
“Nano High,” Bruce replied. “It would appear that after Ms. Fournier received the news of her father’s death she suffered a heart attack.”
“I’m not an expert on her medical history, but a heart attack at that age,” Heiji questioned. “I’m full aware of the circumstances, but she couldn’t be any more than twenty five from what I could tell.”
“You’re thinking this might have something to do with our lead poisoning victims aren’t you?” Dick asked.
“What do you think?”
“Regardless of any opinions someone should go check on her,” Shinichi said. “I’d feel a lot better if we knew the extent of her current state.”
“Agreed,” Tim said. “A heart attack in this situation isn’t out of the question, but farfetched.”
“I’ll go,” Dick volunteered. “I’ve got a couple friends who work up at the hospital, I’ll see if I can get one of them to run a scan.”
“Then if you’re heading up that way take Heiji with you,” Bruce instructed. “You’ll pass by the police headquarters going through there.”
“Not a problem,” Dick said before checking the time on his watch. “It’s just after four, little chance we’ll beat rush hour even if we were to leave now.”
“Then you two had better get going,” Bruce said. “If there’s anything to report on the situation at the hospital get back to me at your earliest convenience.”
“I’ll see to it.”
“I have one final question before we leave,” Heiji said. “What do I tell the commissioner when he asks how I got a hold of these tapes; I don’t think it would sound all that believable if I told him I was the one to have set that all up.”
“I was hoping you’d ask,” Bruce said handing him a folded slip of paper. “This is the number to a side contact of mine, let Gordon know this man helped you with the set up.”
“What if he tries reaching this contact of yours?”
“Not to worry,” Bruce assured. “I’ve already notified him of this possibility if that does come to pass.”
“That clears things up.”
“Any more questions,” Dick asked. “Or are you ready to hit the road?”
“I’m ready,” Heiji replied. “We’ve covered everything that needed to be.”
“Good, then we’ll see the rest of you later.”
“Don’t worry about closing the gate on your way out,” Alfred said. “I’ll handle that as soon as you get past.”
“Loud and clear.”
With that the two made their way out past the kitchen door.
“I guess I’ll be on my way as well,” Tim said. “I have some further tests to run on the Red Eyed MB.”
“And how long do you think these tests of yours will last?”
“I’m guessing up to the next two hours, and that’s if everything goes completely solid.”
“And what about tonight?”
“Uncertain, there are about three things I’m juggling with right now.”
“I’m going to need you to put whatever it is you’re dealing with on hold.”
“What for?”
“I want you to join me on patrol tonight.” Bruce replied.
“Why, is something wrong with Damian?”
“He’s taking the night off at my request,” Bruce replied. “I want you to join me for a little task.”
“Alright, is there anything specific that you wanted me to bring?”
“All feed you have collected from the west side in the past week.”
“Will that be all?”
“Yes,” Bruce replied. “Be no later than ten past midnight.”
“And where might we be meeting?”
“I’ll get back to you on that sometime later.”
“I’ll keep my phone close.”
“If you don’t mind I’ll see you out,” Alfred said. “I have something to retrieve from the garage as it stands.”
“That’s fine by me,” Tim replied before turning to the other side. “Oh and before I forget, Shinichi do you mind if I hold onto your shoes for a while?”
“My shoes?”
“Yea, the ones you left at my place,” Tim clarified. “It’s not like they’ll fit you anyway.”
“You didn’t have to ask, I have no use for them anymore,” Shinichi said. “Well at least not now.”
“I figured that, but wanted to be sure,” Tim said. “If it does come to pass and you revert back I’ll be sure that they are returned to you.”
“I’ll hold you to that.”
“Pending on what the results reveal, you may need some accessories,” Tim said. “If that is the case I know a couple places you could check out.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“I better be on my way.” Tim said looking to make an exit from the room.
“Right after you.” Alfred said.
They left the room from there, beginning a conversation of their own on the way out. This left just the two of them.
“I’m going to go and begin trials with the blood just collected from you, in the mean time I want you to go and rest up for a bit,” Bruce said. “I’ll be in to check on you in the next hour.”
“You seem to have a really good idea of what caused this to happen,” Shinichi said. “You also seem to believe there are more side effects to come.”
“That’s what we need to monitor for,” Bruce replied. “But your blood should give us the complete story of the situation.”
“And if it doesn’t?”
“Then we’ll have to result to a deeper examination,” Bruce replied. “But we won’t concern ourselves with that unless the circumstances call for it.”
“Gotcha.”
He grabbed hold of the syringe that was still atop the table before making his way for the door. He stopped about halfway there, looking back at him once more.
“Are you hungry?”
“A little bit, I haven’t eaten much of anything today.”
“Mind holding off on that for another half hour or so,” Bruce asked. “I’d first like to take a look at your blood before adding anything else to your system.”
“Sure thing.”
“Good,” Bruce said pushing the door aside on his way out. “I’ll revisit you soon.”
He held up the sample of blood as he made his way through the front room, wondering exactly what he would find in the coming hours.
They had been driving for a little over an hour, looking into the clear to see the sun had made a move to the opposite side of where it had been earlier in the day. By this time the temperature had dropped down to cooler standards. He gazed out the window as they drove, semi fiddling with the device that had been given to him.
“You’re awfully quiet.” Dick said looking his way upon reaching a stop light.
“Haven’t we both?”
“True enough,” Dick smilingly said in response. “What do you plan on saying when you get in there?”
“I’m still in the process of sorting out my approach,” Heiji replied. “You know as well as I word choice is key.”
“Especially in a situation such as the one you’re in.”
“I don’t plan on letting this drag on any longer than it needs to be.”
“I wish you luck in that department.”
The street light switched back to green, giving them the ok to move on.
“I don’t recognize this road,” Heiji said taking notice of the surrounding area. “Where are we?”
“Not to worry,” Dick assured. “Short cut.”
“I’ll put my trust in that.”
“Your confidence in me is to be accepted.”
They drove for about another minute, finally coming into view of the police headquarters which was just ahead.
“Not bad, this really was a short cut.”
“I try never to disappoint.”
They continued into that direction, taking a right at the next intersection. He stopped after finding an empty spot right next to the sidewalk.
“And here we are.”
“Thanks for the ride.”
He pushed the door open after unlocking it but stopped on his attempt out, turning back to Dick who became confused by this.
“What’s wrong?”
He sat in silence for a few moments, finally unbuckling the seatbelt with the shake of his head.
“Never mind, I’ll bring it up to you another time.”
“You sure everything is alright?”
“I’ll be fine.”
He stepped out from the passenger side, calmly closing the door before stepping onto the sidewalk. He began to walk toward the building, listening to the sound of the car take off after his departure. The doors to the entrance slid open as he neared, stepping aside as two officers walked past.
“Hopefully he’s here.”
The path was left clear for him to move on after they passed. He walked in to see a small group of people, including a man who was being booked in at the front desk on the far left of the room. He continued to search the room in hopes of finding officer Celek.
“What are you doing here?”
He turned back to the entryway at the sound of a familiar voice.
“Detective Gates.”
“You seem rather surprised to see me.”
“Not entirely, the timing of your arrival couldn’t have been any better actually.”
“Is that so.”
“I need to see the commissioner again,” Heiji informed. “I have something for him.”
“Am I to assume this has something to do with what happened last night?” Rick asked.
“That’s right.”
“Please tell me you know who the thief is.”
“Perhaps,” Heiji said. “But I’ll leave that for the commissioner to share with everyone here when he so chooses.”
“Playing it to the book I see.”
“Would you happen to know if he is here?”
“He was at the time when I left twenty minutes ago,” Rick replied. “I could take you up to his office to go have a look if you would like.”
“That would be great,” Heiji said. “Do you have a key to enter the stairwell?”
“Always.” Rick said being the first to head for the door on the opposite side of the room.
“I do have something else I wanted to ask.” Heiji said following at his side.
“What is it?”
“Why not install an elevator in this place,” Heiji said. “Wouldn’t it make things a lot easier?”
“There is an elevator.”
“There is?”
He looked from one end of the room to the other, sighting no such thing.
“I don’t see it.”
“It’s located in the back room just pass the front desk.” Rick informed.
“If that is true then why take the stairs,” Heiji asked. “It would be a lot simpler if we used the elevator.”
“That would be an option if it were currently running,” Rick said. “It’s been out of commission for two weeks now.”
“Any plans on fixing it?”
“They’ve been at that for weeks now,” Rick replied. “From my understanding the final touches are to be laid down as earliest as tomorrow morning.”
“I bet you’re looking forward to that.”
“Aren’t we all?”
They reached the door that next second. He then grabbed the stash of keys hanging from his belt, quickly singling out the one used for the door.
“You first.” Rick said upon opening the door.
He accepted, taking a step in.
“I’d let you go up on your own, but it’s policy that any outsiders are escorted when visiting the grounds.”
“I understand.” Heiji said making a move for the stairs.
They found their way to the top in a timely fashion, pushing past the door which brought them to the upper floor. The two made their way down the hall, taking a left after reaching the end of it. It was there that his office door could be seen.
“Think you’ll be ok from here?”
“I’ll be fine, thanks,” Heiji replied. “Besides I’m sure you have business of your own to take care of.”
“It’s been one of those days,” Rick said turning back for where he had come. “Good luck in there.”
“I appreciate the help.”
With that he turned for the door. He walked up to it, giving it a knock only to have the door fall open.
“Come on in, I’ve been expecting you.”
He turned in the chair at his desk to face him.
“Commissioner.”
“Call me Gordon,” James said. “I’d prefer that.”
“Yes sir.” Heiji said walking in with the close of the door.
“I take it you received my message from officer Celek?”
“Yes,” Heiji confirmed. “Celek told me you wanted to speak with me, he didn’t however go into any specifics on why.”
“That’s for us to discuss,” James said. “Care to have a seat?”
“Not today,” Heiji declined. “I’d rather stand.”
“Same as last time I see,” James said standing up from the chair. “You were right, that thief made his move at the Futures Building.”
“I had a feeling he would.”
“I’ve gone over the details with several of the other units involved with this,” James said stepping around the desk. “We’re now planning a new approach.”
“On what grounds?”
“I think everyone feels that we’ve learned enough about the thief, at least interest wise,” James began. “We’re now in the process of profiling the thief at hand.”
“And you want my input on the matter, right?”
“Is that too much to ask?”
“Here’s the thing, the thief in particular we’re dealing with doesn’t wish to remain hidden,” Heiji stated. “It’s actually quite the opposite if I’m not mistaken.”
“From the sounds of it I’d say you know who orchestrated the heist.”
“The footage never lies.”
“Footage?”
He reached into his pocket, pulling out the mini device given to him.
“Here, this is video feed collected from the premises of the building.” Heiji informed.
“Are you serious?”
“This is no joke, I can assure you.”
“Would this happen to include a visual of the thief?” James asked taking the gizmo into hand.
“It’s all there Gordon.”
“How in the world did you get a hold of something like this?”
“It was all set up from the beginning,” Heiji replied. “Thanks to the help of a friend.”
“Does this friend of yours have a name?” James asked.
“Better,” Heiji said pulling out the stashed away slip of paper. “Here’s his number.”
“This will defiantly do,” James said accepting the paper as well. “Is there anything else I should know?”
“Yes,” Heiji replied. “The name of the person we’re dealing with.”
“You know the name of the thief?”
“Kaitou Kid,” Heiji replied. “He’s a big timer from Japan, a jewel thief if you will.”
“I’ve heard that name,” James said. “It’s passed through here before.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised,” Heiji said. “He’s taken his travels overseas on more than one occasion.”
“If he’s a jewel thief then why take the G3 Power Emitter that was presented at the Futures Building,” James questioned. “Let alone leave a diamond in its place?”
“That’s where I’m stumped,” Heiji admitted. “I have yet to even find out why he’s here in Gotham.”
“You seem to have the best understanding of this guy, which puts you at the center of this whole ordeal.”
“Do you have an idea for what you plan to do next?”
“Since you’ve given us the name of the thief the profiling project will no longer be necessary,” James said. “I’ll have to discuss another route to take with all other parties involved, that is after I view this footage you’ve provided us with.”
“Is there anything else I can do?”
“Since I’m not too familiar with this Kaitou Kid I could ask you to fill me in further, but it would probably be easier to refer to other resources such as the criminal database.”
“There are also people you can contact,” Heiji said. “There are plenty of professionals who have plenty of experience dealing with Kid if the extra help is needed.”
“I’m not too worried about seeking help,” James said. “If push does come to shove I’ve got a pro of my own in my back pocket.”
“I like the sound of that.”
“It seems we’ve covered everything I wished to discuss.” James said making his way around the desk back to the chair.
“I’m glad I was able to help,” Heiji said. “Will that be all?”
“Yes, for now,” James replied. “Be sure to close the door on your way out.”
“Will do.” Heiji said before turning for the door.
He took a few steps forward, coming to a stop at the sound of his voice after contacting the door knob.
“One last thing.”
“Yes?” Heiji said facing him once more.
“Good work at Nano High.”
“You found out about that?”
“Word travels fast around here,” James replied. “As does reputation.”
“Thanks.”
“Just be sure to keep a clear view on things.”
Understanding what he meant, he nodded. He did as asked of him, closing the door on his way out.
The sun had long since dove down to the other side, leaving only the light filled city to provide for a clear path down the street. He checked his watch as they walked, coming to find it was now thirty seven after eleven. He lowered his wrist before slightly pulling down on the cap sitting atop his head.
“You’ve really taken this security thing to another level Kuroba, are you that concerned someone will recognize you?”
“It’s not the general public I’m shielding my presence from,” Kaito said. “After all, no one has yet to determine it was Kaitou Kid to apprehend that device.”
“No one except that boy,” Konosuke said. “And since there have been no reports on you, I think it’s safe to assume that he wasn’t working with the authorities.”
“Something I can agree with,” Kaito said as they continued their stroll through the city. “The only direct road block as it stands as of right now is the contractor.”
“You truly believe he is watching our every move?”
“It’s possible what he said was a bluff before,” Kaito said. “But he was rather detailed in describing our actions over the past week.”
“You still have yet to tell me how you plan to corner the disturbance.”
“Why tell you when you’ll see for yourself.”
“I’ll take your word for it, but I must know,” Konosuke said looking ahead. “Where are we going?”
“There’s not much longer to go,” Kaito promised dropping his hands into the jacket he wore. “I saw an ad on the TV earlier for this place.”
“What’s wrong with the several stores we’ve already passed?”
“It’s all about deals, and staying low key.” Kaito replied.
“I’ll take your word for it sir.”
They continued to walk along, taking a right after reaching the end of the block. It wasn’t long after that they caught sight of two joggers heading their way from up ahead. He couldn’t help but smile as they neared, finding an interest to the dragon oriented outfits they wore. He removed his hands from his pockets with the raise of his head, completely coming to a stop.
“Hello ladies.”
With a surge of speed they darted past with nothing said, not even acknowledging his presence. His hands dropped down to his side in response to this.
“It would appear they are in a hurry.” Konosuke said coming back to his side.
“I think you might have scared them away.”
“Nonsense.”
“Did you see the way they sped past us?”
“That could be part of their routine,” Konosuke said. “Several runners have a set pace for their shifts in stamina.”
“Yea, I bet.” Kaito muttered.
They began to walk once again, passing by a phone booth and a newsstand over to the right side. It wasn’t until a couple seconds later that they heard one of the phones begin to ring. Kaito stopped at this, causing Konosuke to do the same.
“What is it?”
He took a look around the general area, coming to a quick realization.
“There’s no one here,” Kaito said. “No one but us.”
“You’re not thinking that?”
“It’s possible,” Kaito said. “Only one way of finding out.”
“Do you want me to.”
“Stay here.” Kaito said cutting him off once more.
He followed the sound of its tune, coming to find it was the second phone on the opposite side that was ringing. He walked around, grabbing hold the phone with no hesitation.
“Good to hear from you sunshine.”
“You managed my expectations.”
“I’m touched, would that happen to be a compliment?”
“I was hoping you would exceed them, you were seen.”
“That was always a possibility,” Kaito stated. “Besides it’s not like the city as a whole knows of my business here.”
“You sure about that?”
“Someone sounds moody, did you call for the company?”
“Your arrogance rivals that of even your greatest quality.”
“And I have yet to hear a reason for your call oh lonely one.”
“A location.”
“For what?”
“Listen carefully, because I’m only going to say this once.”
“I’m all ears, give me the details.”
The clock struck twelve, which followed with the sound of the bell. He looked toward the bell tower in the distance knowing the time was near.
“It’s now midnight, he should be here anytime now.”
A gust of air blew past from behind, followed by a shadow that appeared in the thick of the moment.
“You’re early, good.”
“I’ve been here for the past ten minutes,” Red Robin said. “I brought the tapes like you asked.”
“I figured you would,” Batman said taking a step down to his level. “Do you have a copy for yourself?”
“The original is on my desk.”
“Good.”
“I doubt that’s the soul reason why you called for me to meet you here, I could have given you that any time.”
“I was going to confront you about something earlier but decided against it.”
“Decided against what?”
“The surveillance camera you found, the one discovered after following that man who left Mount Zomoph,” Batman said. “You have yet to tell me what you found after further examination, that’s concerning, and so has your secrecy on the matter.”
“I didn’t expect you to pay it much mind, at least not this soon.”
“What did you find?”
“I was able to wire it to my network,” Red Robin began. “This gave me the chance to see what the runaway shooter got to see from his end.”
“And?”
“It’s worse than I thought,” Red Robin replied. “Unknown to me at the time that camera had been rotating from side to side, and happened to get a complete shot of the side of my face.”
“Clear enough for identification?”
He nodded in response.
“You should have told me about this sooner.”
“But there’s something that bugs me about,” Red Robin said. “Unlike Shinichi if they were to run a scan on the footage gained of me they should have easily been able to find out who I was, pending they didn’t recognize me to begin with.”
“I see, you’re wondering why an attempt hasn’t been made against your life.”
“Exactly.”
“There’s another way of looking at this.”
“Opportunity.”
“Exactly.”
“I’ve already tightened up security, if this guy plans to make a move I’ll be ready.”
“Don’t lay blind to the fact there could be others in collaboration with him,” Batman warned. “From what we’ve learned I’m almost certain there is at least one other gunman.”
“A probability to think about,” Tim said. “But besides that, there’s something I wanted to ask of you.”
“Is this about earlier?”
“I don’t find it to be fair to detail Shinichi’s position as consultant going forward,” Red Robin said in protest. “I’m fully aware of the outside dangers, but it’s clear he knows these guys on a level beyond even our own status.”
“The risk is great, and I still stand by my decision,” Batman said. “Though there may be room for raise depending on the results.”
“What kind of raise?”
He stopped himself before he was to speak again, turning to his blind side to see him standing in place atop a roof sitting above them.
“How long are you going to stay up there?”
“Didn’t want to interrupt.” Nightwing replied dropping down to join them.
“What are you doing here?”
“You wanted to know the results I received from the hospital right?”
“A call would have been sufficient.”
“Trust me, I think it would be better if you heard it from me in person,” Nightwing said. “Which is why I’m here.”
“Alright then, what did you learn?”
The nerves only increased the longer he waited, unsure of what was being said between the two. He checked the time on his watch, finding six minutes had passed since the conversation had begun. Just as he found himself moving from side to side he heard the sound of his return from behind which cause him to turn.
“Was that?”
“Yes,” Kaito confirmed. “That was the contractor.”
“What did they say?”
“Instructions to the next site.”
“And where might that be?”
“It doesn’t matter,” Kaito said. “Because we’re not heading into that direction.”
“We’re not?”
“No, we’re going to head straight for them.”
“By them you mean the contractor?”
“Yes.”
“And how do you explain we do that?” Konosuke asked.
“With this,” Kaito said holding up a small device in hand. “It allows you to trace back any calls that are made no matter where you receive them.”
“But how?”
“I’ll let you in on that later.”
“Great job if I may say so myself,” Konosuke complimented. “And where might this device of yours point to?”
“I don’t have the answer yet, but once it completes its scan in the next minute,” Kaito grinningly replied. “We’ll have the true location we seek.”
To Be Continued
