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The Detective Prince Chapter 104 A Strand of Reveals That very question remained on their minds. It was at this time that those occupying the room gradually began to walk out of the room. They patiently waited as this process began, seeing no rush in following right away. “The discrepancy has come to pass, think they’ll allow us to use our phones now?” “Good question, but I’d wait until we’ve exited the building just to be safe,” Shinichi replied. “Why, did you need to call someone?” “A couple things I need to check in on.” “Before you do that do you mind answering something, I’m curious.” “About what?” Heiji asked. “You didn’t seem too sure of my analysis just a short time ago,” Shinichi began. “Did you believe the killer to be someone else?” “All my findings lead me back to Lonard,” Heiji replied. “It wasn’t just the things I came across, but the way he spoke when we talked.” “What do you mean?” “For instance, when informing him of the body found on the elevator,” Heiji stated. “His initial response was how long the victim had been dead, when I had yet to release that was the case.” “I had a similar run in with Hamilton when I returned to the lobby.” “How did that go?” “He took the news differently,” Shinichi replied. “His first question to me was if the person found was found was alright, that’s when I had a good idea he was no way involved.” “The subtle points always prove key.” “Something I think we can all agree on.” “The room is nearly cleared out,” Heiji said taking a look to the other side. “It would appear our work here is done.” “Right after you.” The two made a move for the door from there, following behind a small number of people who had yet to leave. Once out the two turned for the left, coming to find him leaning to the wall in wait. He looked up at the both of them, giving them two congratulating claps before standing up straight in his stance. “Excellent work.” Tim complimented. “You were watching?” Heiji asked. “Heard every last detail.” “Now I see, it was you,” Heiji said coming to a realization. “You were the one to go to officer Celek about those favors, but why tell him it was me who asked for those details to be looked into?” “Because I’m not a publicly qualified detective, I thought he would take the request more seriously if it had come from you.” “I see.” “In the end it all paid off, there’s nothing more I could have asked for.” “Why didn’t you tell me first,” Heiji asked. “That would have at least erased my confusion from when he came to me about the request I had given.” “I was still going through everything in my mind when I left the room,” Tim replied. “It wasn’t until after Nathan Bennet’s body was removed from the elevator that I got the chance to talk with him.” “What made you want to look into those surveillance tapes anyway?” Heiji asked. “That black bag that he wore,” Tim replied. “I wanted to know if he had removed what was inside over the course of the day.” “Wait, are you telling me you knew about the bag beforehand?” “Yes, we came across him and Bernadea at Mount Zomoph,” Tim confirmed. “That’s when we came across the mysterious bag being carried on his shoulder.” “By we, you mean you and Kudo?” “That’s right,” Shinichi spoke. “We crossed paths with the two while on our pursuit of that man who set explosion to that bathroom.” “What made you become suspicious of that bag in the first place?” “He seemed bent out on letting no one know of the contents inside,” Tim replied. “And when asked he claimed it was some kind of surprise.” “He didn’t even tell his fiancé,” Shinichi added. “She was as clueless as we were on the matter.” “And in the wake of all that happened I thought it’d be a good idea if someone looked into it.” “Now I see,” Heiji said. “And am I assume that you both had prior knowledge of his shooting range habits?” “Yes, that was something that Bernadea mentioned on my first encounter with them.” Shinichi confirmed. “That would explain the comfort level you showcased when handling the case, though it would have helped if you had clued me in on this information,” Heiji said. “On the flipped side of things what happened to the part about staying low key, are you trying to gain an audience?” “I didn’t exactly see any camera’s rolling, so I’d say there’s room for sliding.” “Strange way of putting,” Heiji said. “I think now would be a good time for us to leave if you plan on having that idea become successful.” “There’s got to be another way out, I have no interest in facing the media waiting outside of this place.” “There’s a back door we can take,” Tim informed. “But first we’ll need to return to the lobby.” “Think there might be a group sitting around back as well?” Heiji asked. “Wouldn’t doubt it, but there really is only one way of finding out,” Tim replied. “Come on, we’ve spent enough time here as it is.” “I can agree to that,” Heiji said. “Think the elevators will be clear for us to use?” “I’d assume, as long as we don’t use the first one on the left.” Shinichi said in response. With that in mind the three resulted to making their way down the hall. It was just as they had been anticipating, looking to the left wall to see the elevator blocked off by two police officers. They turned for the right just in time to see four people exit out of the elevator. They took this opportunity to walk in, pressing down to the button which would take them back to the lobby. “Let’s just get one thing straight,” Heiji said falling back to the wall. “Regardless of the lack of information I had on their backgrounds, I too was close to figuring that Grahm was in fact sitting in as his brother.” “Sure you were.” Shinichi smilingly said. “What are you implying,” Heiji questioned. “That you were the only one closing in on Fournier’s little show he was putting on?” “I never said I was the only one to know, I’m not even certain if I was the first to figure.” Shinichi admitted. “What do you mean, who else knew besides you?” “Why don’t you ask him yourself?” He immediately spun around to face him. “Drake is that true,” Heiji asked. “Did you truly know that was in fact Grahm?” “Not initially, but I did have my doubts.” Tim replied. “What do you mean?” “When we were first approached by him after arriving, he gave me that folder to hand over to Bruce.” “What of it?” “I found that to be odd.” “Why’s that?” “If you’ve followed his track record Lonard is a man of direct business, if he has something to go over he’ll see to it in person,” Tim replied. “Not hand it over to a second source to deliver to the main handler, which in this case would be Bruce.” “How many times have the two of them met?” “On two separate occasions,” Tim replied. “One which included their first meet at Nano High.” “At what point did you realize that he knew?” Heiji asked turning back to the other side. “It was when he made that comment when we were all standing in his office,” Shinichi replied. “.. ‘A mirror sided performance’, I knew then that he was aware of the show Grahm was putting on.” “I see,” Heiji said turning to him once more. “That would also explain the conversation you had with Ms. Flower’s, you were checking to see if she was in the running for being the one to have used that axe in the killing of Nathan Bennet.” “Spot on,” Tim replied. “I would have told you about my suspicions earlier, but I wanted to be sure.” “I guess the only question that remains is what opted for both Grahm and Bennet to orchestrate what conspired between last night and this morning.” Shinichi said as the elevator finally came to a stop. The three walked out, stopping soon after. “Where is that back door you mentioned to us?” Heiji asked. “On the right.” Tim pointed. Before they could make a move into that direction they were quickly joined by Celek and two other police officers who had found their way over from the main lobby. “Glad to see you all made it down in one piece,” Officer Celek said. “Are you ready to leave the building?” “You bet, but we plan on taking the back exit,” Heiji informed. “You know, to avoid all the press waiting on the other side of that door.” “But what about your statements,” Officer Celek questioned. “They’re setting up the podium now, I’m sure everyone is anxious to hear what you and your friend have to say regarding the situation.” “Concerning my part on the matter, I’d be grateful if you would keep my involvement a secret,” Shinichi said. “All credit and any possible questions can be forwarded to Hattori here, I’m positive he’ll have the answers to what the people want to know.” “Why come to such a decision?” “Reasons which I don’t have time to discuss now,” Shinichi replied. “But rest assured Hattori can handle all proceedings from here.” “If that’s what you wish, we’ll see to it.” “Thank you.” “Alright,” Officer Celek said. “I’ll let the headman know of the situation.” “I appreciate that.” “So,” Officer Celek said turning his attention toward him. “Are you ready to give your statement?” “I’m going to have to hold off on that, we’re kind of in a bit of a hurry,” Heiji replied. “There’s something I need to do first.” “When do you propose you’ll get the chance to give your public statement on the matter?” “Sometime today,” Heiji replied. “I’ll report to the station when a convenient time arises.” “Roger that,” Officer Celek said. “I’ll go ahead and let them know.” “Not that there’s any real meaning to it, but will you be at the station later?” “I suppose so,” Officer Celek replied. “With a big case like this I’m sure there will be plenty of papers to file; I also have another open case I’ve been handling.” “Then I’ll see you then.” “I look forward to it.” He turned back for the other side from where they had come, both officers following as they headed back to the lobby. “That turned out well,” Shinichi said. “Think they’ll actually keep my name out of the discussion?” “I think they will,” Tim replied. “But if they do by some chance don’t let’s remember they only know you as Nogort, not by your actual name.” “That’s right.” “Speaking of Nogort, I couldn’t quite figure out why you chose that name at first,” Tim said. “Now that I have, I kind of like the spin you put on it.” “It was the first things to come to mind in the heat of the moment,” Shinichi said. “Not something I had thought through beforehand, something I probably should have.” “We’ll worry about codes and names later,” Tim said beginning to walk once more. “We need to return to the Manor, it would seem something urgent has come up.” “Are you referring to the call you missed while the investigation was underway?” “Correction, calls,” Tim said in response. “I received multiple calls from both Bruce and Dick.” “Why didn’t you answer before we were informed not to use phones?” Heiji asked. “It was set on silent, so I was unaware at the time.” “So what’s the plan, catch a taxi?” “That’s the quickest option.” “I’ll take that as a yes.” They walked clear to the right end of the hall, coming to a stop upon reaching a door with an exit sign above it. The two braced themselves as they watched him turn the knob, unsure of what there would to come on the other side. The door was opened with one quick motion, revealing nothing but a roadway with cars passing by, coupled in with smaller structures across the way. “Looks like we’re clear.” Tim said being the first to step out. They followed right behind; making sure the door was securely shut in the process. “Glad that one’s locked into the books.” Heiji commented. “Not bad for your first official case here,” Tim said. “I’d count your first night while at the City Hall, but you weren’t exactly locked in as a part of the system if you know what I mean.” “I can’t take all the credit, we all played a hand in this one,” Heiji said. “But I am curious about the name.” “The name?” “The name Kudo chose to use,” Heiji said facing him. “Nogort.” “What about it?” “There are several names you could have chosen,” Heiji said. “Why go with one so out of the left field?” “You really haven’t figured it out have you?” It was at that moment that a loud honk could be heard from across the way, causing all three to look to the street to see a car come to a stop in its path. “That car,” Heiji said slightly recognizing it. “Isn’t that Grayson’s?” “No doubt about it,” Tim said. “It appears we won’t need a taxi after all.” “But how did he know we were here,” Heiji questioned. “Didn’t you miss his calls?” “Bruce sent me here on his behalf to look into the situation,” Tim replied. “He must have been the one to inform Dick of our whereabouts.” “I thought that much,” Shinichi said looking both ways before stepping out onto the road. “We’re good to go.” With that the three made their way to the other side in a timely fashion, arriving a few yards away from where the car could be seen sitting in place. The door to the driver side slid open as they continued their approach, all three watching as he stepped out of the car onto the sidewalk. In the motion of making a move toward the three he stopped, unfamiliar with the person walking at the front of the group. “You’re both here,” Dick said. “What happened in there?” “A lot would be putting it lightly,” Heiji replied. “But we’ll keep it at that for now.” “And what of Lonard Fournier,” Dick asked. “Were you able to determine who shot and killed him?” “Long story.” “We’ve got plenty of time, you can give me the details on the ride back,” Dick said before looking to the right. “Who’s this with you?” “I guess this is the part that requires some explaining.” Heiji said. “It’s me,” Shinichi said as informative as possible. “Conan.” “You’re not serious, are you?” He looked him straight in the eyes, standing there for several seconds to pass as flashes of a memorable resemblance fell into place. He took a small step back in a slight realization. “There is something there, but how,” Dick questioned before turning to his side. “What happened to him?” “We don’t know,” Tim replied. “When I returned back to the house he was like that, I have yet to determine what caused his sudden shift.” “We might not, but it seems Bruce is onto something,” Dick informed. “That’s why he sent me in search of you.” “Where is he now?” “Back at the Manor setting up.” “Setting up what?” Heiji asked. “It has something to do with the blood extracted from Conan,” Dick replied. “I’d say he’s figured out what had been causing Conan’s untimely blackouts over the past week.” “No doubt it’s linked to his transformation,” Tim said. “Between the two of you I received seven calls, I was under the impression you might have had something additional to tell me.” “No, that’s pretty much it,” Dick said before shifting his head once more. “So tell me, how do you feel?” “Fine, the best I’ve felt over the course of the week.” Shinichi replied. “No increase in temperature, radical breathing, or headache even?” “I’ve been fine since it happened,” Shinichi said in response. “I haven’t felt any of those symptoms mentioned or anything else for that matter.” “That’s rather surprising given the circumstances,” Dick said. “We’ll save further questions for later.” “Agreed,” Tim said. “If the urgency is high as you say, we better get back and have a look at these results that have been collected.” “That’s something we can all agree on.” Heiji said. “Alright, what do you say we get this show on the road?” Dick said turning back for the car. “I’m right with you.” Heiji said being the first to follow. After piling into the car and strapping in he turned the key in the ignition, starting up the car while resting back to the seat. “Now, about what happened in Nano High,” Dick said. “Try not to leave out any details.” “I have a question for you first.” Tim said from the passenger seat. “What is it?” “You knew we were here, but how did you know we’d leave from the back exit,” Tim asked. “Not to mention the almost coincidental timing.” “With the large crowd occupying the front side, I was certain you wouldn’t come out through there,” Dick replied. “The timing just happened to work out in our favor.” “How long were you waiting before driving around to meet us?” “In under a minute,” Dick replied. “Why do you ask?” “Never mind… it’s probably nothing.” He set his sights back to the road before finding his way back into the lane. “Ok, now let’s hear it.” Several minutes passed as they found themselves driving through heavy traffic, something which was expected given the time of day. Things smoothened up the further north they went, losing sight of almost all traffic after crossing the bridge. An hour was fast approaching from the time they had begun their drive, looking ahead after passing the hill to see the mansion in the clear. “That didn’t take long, not long at all,” Heiji said checking his watch. “We’re about twenty minutes ahead of schedule.” “You’ve actually been keeping count?” Tim asked glimpsing back at him. “With the amount of times I’ve driven from the city here and back you have to do something to keep your mind occupied.” “And here I thought your cases were on your mind twenty four seven.” “Hey, did Bruce tell you what these tests determined concerning my health,” Shinichi asked. “You know, the one he just finished with?” “I wasn’t told exactly what was found, the only thing to gain was from his tone,” Dick replied. “He was pretty tense when delivering the news, there’s a lot you can take away from that.” “Looks like you’ll have to receive the diagnosis directly from him.” Tim said. “How are you feeling now as opposed to forty five minutes ago?” Dick asked in concern. “No noticeable complications,” Shinichi replied. “I feel about the same as I did when you first arrived.” “That’s a positive; let’s hope it stays that way.” They continued down the clear path, arriving to the front of the gate which slid off to the side upon their arrival. “Good, they know we’re here.” He accepted the invite in, finding a parking spot off to the side before bringing the car to a stop. They got out of the car shortly after, closing the doors in the process. “Now comes the moment of truth.” Shinichi spoke to himself as they marched forward. They arrived to the bottom of the outside stairs soon after, pleased to see the front door swing open about halfway up. “Glad to see you have all made it here in one piece,” Alfred greeted taking only moments to notice him. “Who is this with you?” “That’s a long story in itself,” Dick replied. “But putting it in the shortest way possible, this is none other than our little friend Conan.” “I beg your pardon?” “The drug circulating in his body must have reacted to something,” Tim informed. “Something which in the heart of the moment rapidly returned his body to normal standards.” “Thus reconfiguring his appearance and figure,” Dick finished. “What caused this is still unknown.” He became silent for seconds to come, simply widening the door for all four to step in. “I think it’d be best if I left this for you and the master to make sense of.” “Speaking of which,” Dick said coming to a stop. “Where is he?” “Waiting in the study,” Alfred replied. “He’s been anticipating your return.” “We’ll see to it that he waits no longer.” With that he turned for the study, wondering just what it was he had discovered. He stopped upon reaching the door, giving it a light knock to alert him of his return. “Come in, it’s unlocked.” He forced the door off to the side, all four walking in to find him standing over the desk with his back to them. “What are you doing?” Dick asked. “Looking over the results gathered for a final time.” “Speaking of which, we have a minor problem.” “Yes, I know.” “What?” “Tell me, how do you feel Conan,” Bruce asked turning to face him. “Or is it Shinichi that you’re going by?” “You knew,” Shinichi asked. “How?” He reached back to the table, tossing him a test tube which had been lying in place. He immediately knew what was inside after taking a peak down at it. “Blood?” “Your blood,” Bruce informed. “I finished looking over the blood obtained from you about thirty minutes ago.” “And?” “It would appear from what was found in your blood that your body was unleashing an unnatural amount of GH.” “Growth hormones?” “I wasn’t surprised when I came across it, I’m almost certain your adenoma experienced some difficulties,” Bruce continued. “That would explain the serve headaches and weakened vision you mentioned, which also means you probably sustained a degree of pressure to your optic nerves.” “All those symptoms are in line with gigantism.” “There are obvious similarities, but your condition is much different.” “How so?” “There was something you wouldn’t normally see,” Bruce replied. “Something that was linked to several of your blood cells, a bacterium if you will.” “What kind of bacteria,” Shinichi asked. “Something uncommon?” “To most, yes,” Bruce replied. “But there’s no need for panic, I have an idea of how you may have been infected.” “Finally some good news.” “At least tell us one thing,” Heiji said stepping to the front. “Is he going to be alright?” “That is yet to be determined; another sample of his blood will be needed so I can then examine the nature of any further progressions that may have taken place.” “You said you may know what caused the infection, what exactly did you mean by that?” “I have a question for you first,” Bruce said in response to this. “I was told you obtained further information on the woman we’ve been looking for, what did you learn?” “The same woman we’ve been trying to pursue for almost a week now?” “Yes.” “I didn’t exactly learn anything new,” Heiji stated. “But I did get something clarified which had been visited before.” “Which was?” “I was first under the impression that her name was Sam,” Heiji reminded. “But it turns out after talking with the guy who has spoken with her on numerous occasions that her name is actually Pam, of course that could be code for something.” “It’s just as I thought.” “Are you saying that hooded woman had something to do with this?” Heiji asked. Not responding to his question he immediately turned to Shinichi who did the same in return. “That woman, at any time did she make contact with you?” “Physically, no,” Shinichi replied. “At least I don’t think... hold on.” “What is it, have you remembered something?” Tim asked from his side. “That’s right,” Shinichi recalled within that instance. “That kiss, the one given to me after thanking me.” “She kissed you,” Heiji said turning at this. “Funny that you failed to mention that the first time around.” “I hardly see how that’s an important detail.” Shinichi muttered. “It’s just as I had expected, Pamela,” Bruce said turning back for the desk. “Pamela Isley.” “Pamela who?” Heiji asked. “Leave it to me,” Bruce replied. “I think it would be best if I handled this one alone going forward.” “Smart call,” Tim said in agreement. “But if any assistance is needed, I’m open.” He stood in front of the desk in silence for seconds to come, thinking of what he was to do next. He didn’t let this cloud his mind for long, knowing there was a task right in front of them that needed to be attended to. “Roll up his sleeve and see to it that his arm is rinsed off.” Bruce instructed after turning back to face them. “What for?” Dick asked. “I’ll need another sample of his blood for further observation.” Bruce replied before heading for the door. “Already ahead of you.” Dick said making his way for the door as well. “The rest of you wait here.” Bruce instructed before making his exit. They did just that, leaving a clear path for the two of them to walk. Regardless of the bright wide spread sky; there was a limit to how much of its clarity traveled into the room. A time had passed since the latest move had been made. All windows were locked down tightly, covered by the curtains that hung over head. No light could be found peering into the room from outside, only the running TV a few feet away made for a marginable view of the room. He did not concern himself with the visuals, only interested in what was to be said in the coming hours. A faint sound from behind caused him to raise his head, figuring it was the opening of the door. “You’re back.” “I revisited the scene like we agreed.” “Any sign that they believe there to be two of us?” “Not at all, they seem to have cornered themselves into phase of uncertainty.” “Good.” “And the tracker installed within the device?” “Disabled, we’re clear to look it over.” He watched as he made a move for the light switch, raising his hand up in protest. “I’d rather we kept the lights out, let’s remember the circumstances concerning our situation.” “I understand the importance of staying hidden, but I for one find this to be rather unnecessary.” Going against his wishes he flipped the switch upward to fill the room with light. He brought a hand to his eyes in response to this, only taking a couple seconds for his pupils to adjust to the sudden change. “It’s either this or an open curtain, your choice master Kurorba.” “I prefer hibernation,” Kaito said sitting up from the end of the bed. “At least until night fall.” “We’ve switched from four locations in the past week; do really find that to be necessary?” “Only proper precautions Jii, after what is set to be revealed later today we’re bound to have a target on our backs.” “You mean the Kaitou Kid.” Konosuke corrected. “Staying in one place over a two day period wouldn’t be the wisest of moves, especially since we have no real connections in this town.” “And cheap motel’s is your answer?” “For now yes,” Kaito replied. “At least until we’ve found some place secure enough to hang a glove and hat.” “You’re still thinking of the night of the heist, aren’t you?” “All went as planned... but that boy, the one to deduce my code,” Kaito said. “I’m still trying to figure out why he was there to confront me.” “He’s obviously working within some kind of organization,” Konosuke said. “The thing I find bizarre is the age range you brought up to me, why send someone at such a young age to see the job through?” “I doubt the GCPD, CIA, SAD, or even lesser known division would employ someone of that age,” Kaito said. “Let alone let them handle a task on their own.” “It does beg the question.” “But that wasn’t it,” Kaito continued. “The way he moved, his weaponry even.” “Remind you of a dance you had with a certain masked man six months ago?” “The code name would seem to hint at that,” Kaito acknowledged. “But you can never be too sure with these things.” “While we’re on the subject, I think now would be a good time for us to go over the potential problem we have yet to discuss regarding this cities… night guard.” “The one they call Batman, right?” “Correct.” “I see no reason for concern, anyone with a straight conscious would know it’s just a local myth.” “I’d hardly call it a myth,” Konosuke said in disagreement. “Several sightings have been reported, some even caught on camera.” “I’m not denying the concept as a whole,” Kaito clarified. “We all know the real truth behind the Batman is one of many, something the police in this city have utilized in their approach against crime, something that seems to be quite successful.” “Is that what you believe?” “From what I’ve heard he’s been in several places at once, how is that possible,” Kaito declared. “It’s not, which can only lead to the conclusion of there being multiple participants who don that persona at once.” “Like a unit?” “Exactly,” Kaito said in response. “From the sounds of it I’d say these guys are formidable, defiantly a group not to be taken lightly.” “Do you believe this group to be connected to the GCPD?” “Maybe not directly,” Kaito replied. “But I’m sure there’s a link to be found somewhere, one which we’ll need to exploit to maintain our secrecy while here.” “We’re running low on supplies, at some point we’re going to need to make a trip into the public.” “I’ve been contemplating on that very matter myself, on whether or not to go out in disguise.” “I don’t see the reasoning in that,” Konosuke said. “No one has seen your face, out or while in suit.” “Except for that boy.” Kaito reminded. “I doubt he’d recognize you in the case you met in a civilized matter.” “Probably not.” “So what’s your decision?” “Tomorrow,” Kaito replied. “We’ll go tomorrow.” “And what of the latest message received,” Konosuke asked. “You have yet to tell me of the most recent proposition given.” “My compliance is growing thin with the… contractor.” “You don’t mean to tell me.” “I’m on border edge on canceling all plans,” Kaito said. “One call is all it will take, and then we’ll have our mystery friend’s location.” “And how exactly do you plan on gaining that,” Konosuke asked. “We have no idea to where we will be contacted by him this time around.” “Mind you, the gender of the contractor is still unknown.” “True enough.” “And to answer your question,” Kaito said walking toward the window located on the right. “Time isn’t the variable of high focus, especially when all locations are in lock.” “You seem self-assured of your preparation,” Konosuke stated. “Is there anything I can do to help?” “Nothing,” Kaito said in response. “From here, we wait.” He kept that in mind, though all other details were unknown to him. It had been over two minutes since the time they had both left the room. Dick was the first to return, walking in with a wet rag in hand as expected. “Hope the wait wasn’t too long.” “Not at all,” Shinichi said reaching down to pull up his sleeve. “Mind if I do it myself?” “Not a problem.” Dick replied holding out the rag for him to take. He wasted little time in grabbing hold of it, quickly rubbing down on his arm. The scent that came in the following moments alerted him that the rag had been soaked in something else other than water like he had originally thought. “Where’s Bruce,” Shinichi asked upon returning the rag to him. “I thought he’d have been here by now.” “He made a trip to the medicine cabinet located in his room,” Dick informed. “He should be down any minute.” “The faster we get this over with the better.” “Through the complexity of this whole situation there is one thing I’d like to ask.” “What is it?” “The suit,” Dick asked. “Where did you get the time to pick one up?” “I was wondering that very question myself.” Heiji said. “It’s simple,” Shinichi replied. “I borrowed it from one of the closets, after receiving the consent to do so of course.” “That was the quickest option,” Tim added. “I didn’t feel the need to stop somewhere to pick up clothes for him, borrowing a pair seemed sufficient enough.” “But now that the situation has been handled at Nano High I think it would be a good idea to reconsider going out to buy some,” Heiji said. “Pending on how long his current state will last.” “Speaking of which,” Dick said. “How long do these episodes of yours tend to last before causing you to revert back to your normal state?” “The limit has shown to vary,” Shinichi replied. “But in all cases it hasn’t lasted for a significant amount of time.” “I figured that much,” Dick said in response to this. “In any case, we’ll have this all sorted out in no time.” They stood in wait for a while longer; monitoring the clock to see another minute pass by in the process. “We’ve waited for nearly five minutes now,” Heiji stated. “What could possibly be the hold up?” “You guys wait here, I’ll go and check up on him.” Dick said before heading for the door once more. Just as he was to reach for the knob the door swung open to his surprise, stepping aside to see who stood before him. “Alfred?” “Come now,” Alfred instructed. “It seems there is a situation that requires your attendance.” “What kind of situation?” Tim asked. “They’re covering it on the news as we speak,” Alfred informed. “Master Bruce is already monitoring the situation himself.” “What happened, was anyone hurt?” Heiji asked. “I think it would be best if you had a look for yourself, let us go,” Alfred said turning back for the hall. “The story is on in the kitchen.” They did just that without anything further done or said. The very question loomed high to him as they walked, wondering what this latest trial would bring for them. Regardless of the unknown, he welcomed it, ready to engage anything that was to come their way. “A days beginning filled with a tower of deception, and it appears that was only the start,” Shinichi thought. “What an adventure this one is turning out to be.” To Be Continued