SSJBowser

The Detective Prince Chapter 94 Shocked All gathered material had been taken to the book room to be further examined, keeping it in order from the right side to left. They used the computer to surf for any additional information unknown to them surrounding the names listed. After skimming through each once more, he looked down to the slip of paper in hand before placing it down to the table as well. "Cennals Inc, Delmore Industries, Scnapp Labs, Syclons, and Wayne Enterprises," Heiji read. "The five companies tangled in a partnership with Starlest." "Which isn't something you'd normally find as linked associates," Conan said. "All companies excluding Syclons are all technology based." "Starlest doesn't exactly fit the criteria either, they put out common accessories for clothes and shoes," Heiji said. "And of course the expected jewelry line they're known for." "Why don't we start with Syclons," Conan said looking down at the printed sheet. "It's a small company that distributes goods from this city to others, and vice versa." "Besides Starlest, Syclons is in a partnership with another shipping company in the area," Heiji said. "Which has two stations located here in Gotham." "I hardly see that as a place of gathering," Conan said. "I think it's safe to assume Syclons isn't the place referred to in the riddle." "Next we have Cennals Inc, a computer company," Heiji said. "Their expertise being in the field of design, in the form of architectural construction." "And the companies linked with it?" "Salvon's Bridge and Silver Engineering," Heiji replied. "All in the same line of work." "Starlest would be the odd apple amongst the four," Conan said before looking back to the list. "What about Scnapp Labs?" "The only company of the lot with only one connected associate," Heiji said. "Scnapp Labs is under the radar, located at the bottom of a building near the center of the city." "And the name?" "Futures Building," Heiji replied. "That's what it is called." "And this Futures Building is directly connected with the Scnapp Labs?" "That's what it says here," Heiji replied referring back to the sheet. "The lab was created first, with the building being built on top of it roughly a year later after beginning their project." "Any mention of what these projects are?" "That has yet to be reveled, but we'll know soon enough," Heiji informed. "They plan on answering that very question at their grand opening set for two nights from now." "That leaves Delmore Industries and Wayne Enterprises." "Always the best for last." "So what do we know about Delmore Industries?" "They're a company that manufactures sophisticated systems to collect and store important data on a large scale." "What kind of data?" "It didn't say, must be some real secretive stuff," Heiji replied. "And that's only their main operative." "What else are they commonly known for?" "Nothing that doesn't fall under the same category." "That leaves Wayne Enterprises, which we're already quite familiar with." "Now comes the task of linking one of these companies to the riddle." "Using the process of elimination could prove key," Conan said. "Starting with Syclons." "You think it's a possibility?" "It has no set facility for their operation, only several smaller buildings throughout." "Right," Heiji said catching on. "Syclons has no true vocal point, making it next to impossible for a gathering as foreshadowed in the riddle." "That's one of twelve," Conan said. "We still need to narrow it down." "Why don't we focus on the purpose of each," Heiji suggested. "The product and the demand for the companies tells a story in itself." "Not a bad route to go." "Eliminating Libits from the equation next seems fit." "Why's that?" "It's secluded, and they rarely receive visitors," Heiji replied. "As stated by one of the employees on my visit." "I'd say that's a safe bet then," Conan said. "Next we have the company for collecting data, Delmore Industries." "They didn't have detailed information surrounding the contents of their facility, so we'd have to go in for a visit to gain further information," Heiji said. "They do happen to be holding an open house event in the next couple days." "Which could be the affair referred to in the riddle," Conan said. "How many people are estimated to show?" "They're expecting a full house, however many that may be." "Which leads into my second question, what is this open house event for?" "A test run for updates they've made to a margin of their software." "Think you could get a list of all software that will be shown?" "One call should do the trick," Heiji replied. "What's your take on Cennals Inc?" "I'd rule that out," Conan said in response. "I doubt a center for architectural design sparks for the highest interest, which wouldn't be a place the thief would choose." "Then there's Scnapp Labs, located under the Futures Building," Heiji continued on. "They've also got an upcoming event of their own." "Key point, between that and Delmore Industries I'd say we have a set out of the two." "Yea, but which one?" The door opened in that moment, causing both to look across the way. "Hope I'm not interrupting," Tim said upon entering,"Any made progress?" "We're heading in that way," Heiji replied. "We've got the list narrowed down to two locations." "Scnapp Labs and a company known as Delmore Industries." Conan elaborated. "Which one is favored at this given time?" "We're still undecided," Heiji replied. "We've referred back to the riddle several times to help make a determination." "At least it's coming along," Tim said. "I thought I'd drop in to let you know I'm on my way out." "Where to?" Conan asked. "Back to the city." "What about that virus of yours, did you run a scan?" "Already launched the trial," Tim confirmed. "So there's no need to stick around, especially when there's more to attend." "Wait up," Heiji said. "I'll come with you, there's a stop I'd like to make myself." "Fine by me." "Think you can handle this in my absence?" Heiji said looking down to him. "I'll keep you informed." "Hold on," Tim said. "Have the two of you discussed what we talked about earlier?" "That completely crossed my mind." Conan replied. "What are you guys talking about?" "I received a call from Ran earlier today, unfortunately my phone must have been off at the time." "So you missed a call, I don't see the big deal in that?" "In most cases it wouldn't, but she probably just found out about my trip here." "What do you mean she just found out?" "She received an invitation for a sporting event about a month ago, which she accepted," Conan informed. "That's where she's been for the past three weeks or so." "Oh, that's right," Heiji said recalling this. "And the facility where this was held had no signal for you to reach her by phone, correct?" "That's right." "So what did you need to speak with me about?" "I thought it'd be a good idea for you to let her know the two of you traveled here together," Tim replied. "There's a higher level of comfort if you know what I mean." "Can't disagree with the idea." Conan said. "Sure, I'll give her a call tonight." "I was actually thinking I'd tell her myself." Conan said in protest. "Don't worry, I've got this one covered Kudo," Heiji said laying a hand to his shoulder. "You just focus on those riddles, you can speak with her as soon as I've explained everything." "Why do I have a bad feeling about this?" "Remember to call if anything comes up," Heiji said heading for the door. "I'll leave my phone on for your services." "As will I," Tim said. "I'll be calling in the next hour to check on your progress." "I'll be sure not to disappoint." He watched as he to left the room, finding himself as the lone investigator to go through everything laid out along the table. He walked back to the chair, taking a seat as he looked directly to the most recent riddle "(X) the prosper of growth isn't fostered within the past or present, for the Diamonds eye is for all to see.... the Shows beginning shall proceed with all λ0-(-30) 105 accounted in (Y)." "Delmore Industries and Scnapp Labs, this is what it comes down to," Conan said. "But it can only be one out of the pair, so.. which one is it?" He looked over all collected riddles as a whole, memorizing each sequence of numbers and structured messages, bringing it all to the surface of his conscious to try and untwine the mystery at hand. "There's something wrong... something's missing," Conan thought with a long pause. "One key element still lays abstruse, and until that's figured we'll be stuck in this same position." The ride there had been a smooth one, taking over an hour for him to finally arrive. He stepped out of the vehicle after stalling at the side of the street, heading straight for the entrance doors in the near distance. Things were quiet and calm as opposed to the earlier hours, which was to be expected visiting the police station at this time. He slid up his sleeve to look down at his watch, coming to find it was roughly forty after eight. "Got here much sooner than anticipated." He arrived to the doors, walking in to surprisingly find the room half full of those standing around. "It's getting late, I wasn't expecting to find so many still here at this hour." It didn't take long for him to realize something was taking place. Very few spoke as he made his way further into the room, still unclear what the matter was at hand. He stopped once reaching the center of the room, surrounded on all sides by those who stood in wait. It was then that he felt a hand weigh down to his right shoulder, turning to see him with a smile on his face. "What a surprise, you're here too," Heiji said. "Any idea what's going on?" "I'm just as surprised to see you," Rick said in response. "We're all actually here for an update on the case." "And which one is that?" "The riddles of course," Rick replied. "And what of you, who called you in?" "No one did, I'm here on my own accordance," Heiji replied. "Believe it or not, I'm here with a potential lead of my own." "That doesn't surprise me," Rick said. "I assume you've been at that from the time we parted ways earlier?" "It's been on the back of my mind the whole day," Heiji said looking around the room. "I'd say this meet isn't squarely based on a hunch, not with this many people showing up at this given time." The two of them then turned at the sound of the entry doors sliding open, looking to see five others join them in the room. "How many officers are expected to show anyway?" "Can't say, we've got guys coming in from all across town," Rick replied. "And this isn't the only meet being held." "From the way you've put it, it would seem they believe they know where the thief plans to make their move." "That was my first impression when I walked in to see everyone gathered." "Who's supposed to be the one dropping down this newly acquired information to us?" "The commissioner himself." Rick replied. "Gotcha." "You said you had a lead of your own, mind sharing?" "I have an idea or two," Heiji replied. "I'll let you in on it as soon as we've heard what the commissioner has to say." "Sounds like a deal." They continued to stand around for a time to come, watching as the room gradually filled with those who came in through the entryway. Checking the time on his watch became very apparent the longer this lasted, coming to find the wait was now over twenty minutes from the time he had arrived. "Time sure is passing, makes you wonder how long they plan on keeping us waiting." Unknown to them they didn't have much longer to wait. The door located to the right side of them room flew open, captivating everyones attention who stood throughout the room. "Bout time we got this thing underway." Rick said in delight. "How long have you been here?" Heiji asked. "Arrived about fifteen minutes before you." The two then directed their attention to the front of the room to see Gordon making his way there assisted by two police officials at his side. The room gradually fell silent as this occurred, leaving it open for him to take the floor. "I appreciate everyones attendance as well as your patience during this process, as you all know we have a situation on our hands," Jim began. "The daunting riddles that have circulated throughout this city, and most recently to others surrounding our own." "But from the ground we've covered in these past two days, we're certain this will be put to an end very soon." An officer aside him spoke. "We now have a selected location to where we think this thief will appear to preform their next act," Jim informed. "A place known as Kelver Side Crafts." "Kelver Side Crafts," Heiji questioned. "What's that?" "It's an art museum," Rick whispered back. "Pretty popular with the locals if you know what I mean, not too bad with the many visitors either." "Gotcha." "Most who don't follow Kelver's schedule wouldn't know about the auction they're holding two nights from now, high profiled items are listed for any to gain at the right price," Jim continued. "We've already made plans for security measures that will be taken." "And we've also alerted all other stations across the way about our findings," The unnamed officer spoke once more. "They two will play a hand in making sure this thief is properly apprehended before any further damage can be done." "And what makes you so sure Kelver Side Crafts is the place?" Someone asked from amongst the crowd. "Those details will be addressed tomorrow, but right now I'd like to discuss how everyone will be positioned for the big night." What was said from there on became lost to him, feeling they were ultimately wrong in the direction they were taking. "There's no way this Kelver Side Crafts is the chosen target, not once did it flash to our radar," Heiji thought to himself. "But there's no way of getting them to look elsewhere until I've gained more evidence in my corner, Scnapp Labs or Delmore Industries has to be the true destination of the affair." He stood there for awhile longer, continuing to listen in on what was instructed to the others. Without warning a deepening feel came over him, that same feeling he ever got when standing in the mist of it all.. an unclear view in a small sense. "There's no telling when the clock on the deadline will come to an end, it could be as early as tomorrow," Heiji thought. "The times ticking, which means finding the true location before it's too late." His speech lasted for a short time more, only catching small amounts of what was said. It didn't take long for them to start heading for the doors once he was finished, clearing out the room one by one. He looked back to the front of the room to see the commissioner still standing along with three others who continued to engage in conversation. "Can't go to him yet, there's not enough to support my belief just yet." "So," Rick said coming back to his side. "What was this hunch you have locked away?" "Never mind it," Heiji replied. "What I've heard tonight sounds much more plausible." "So what now, plan on heading home?" "Maybe after a stop or two." "Need a ride?" "No thanks, I think I'll be able to manage." "Your call," Rick said turning for the door. "Until next time." He elected not to follow, standing there for awhile longer to figure what he would do next before the nights end. He didn't have to wait long for a distraction to arise, feeling the vibration of his phone from below. He raised it to his eye level, thankful to see the number on the screen. "Please tell me you've got something." Heiji said answering the call. "You'll be pleased to know that I do," Conan replied. "You sound a little distressed, everything alright?" "The police say they have a lead, I disagree," Heiji replied. "We're going to need more than we have to convince them otherwise." "Not to worry, though we don't have a clear cut answer I've made some progress." "Ok, what do you have?" "As you know the Futures building is where the Scnapp Lab is located." "Yea." "And we also know they're getting ready to have their grand opening," Conan continuied. "Then you have Delmore Industries, they have an event scheduled as well." "Ok, so what's the connection?" "Not necessarily a connection, but the opening event for the Futures building is two nights from now," Conan informed. "As is the event at Delmore industries." "Meaning we now have a set date for when the thief plans to make their move," Heiji said. "We have less than two days to figure out the correct location of the two." "There's no stop there," Conan said. "There's also a big time auction being held at an art museum." "Kelver Side Crafts?" "I see you've heard of it." "That seems to be the wild card of the day," Heiji replied. "What's your take on it?" "Unlike the other two locations, Kelver Side Crafts doesn't connect with the riddle on all fronts." "So what you're saying is you don't believe Kelver is part of the equation." "Correct," Conan confirmed. "No matter how you look at it, it just doesn't key in with all elements in the riddle." "If that is true, then what brought your attention to it?" "During my cross examination between Scnapp Labs and Delmore Industries," Conan replied. "After finding both had scheduled events for the same night I checked for any other planned activity within that time frame." "And that's when you discovered the auction to be held at the art museum?" "It didn't take long," Conan confirmed. "But I do have a question for you, why do the police believe Kelver Side Crafts is the place where the thief plans to make their mark?" "Don't know," Heiji replied. "They chose to remain mum on that tonight, but said we'll be enlightened tomorrow." "We've got less than forty eight hours to make the correct call, every minute is vital at this point." "I know that just as well as you." "Delmore Industries is having an open house for newly acquired products while the Futures Building is hosting their grand opening," Conan said. "As common as the two may seem, on a business stand point there's bound to be a denominator that separates the two." "And figuring that should give us the answer we seek." "I'll see what I can find." "That's all I can ask." "Not to direct the subject elsewhere, but have you spoken with Ran since the time you left?" "Planned on doing so after catching the bus." "What do you plan on saying when you get a hold of her?" "I haven't put much thought into that, but don't worry," Heiji assured. "I'll keep it simple, just a couple of guys taking a tour around the world right?" "Careful not to over shoot it." "Think you'll be up in the next hour?" "Why, do you plan on stopping by again?" "Well of course," Heiji replied. "The sooner we crack this thing the more time we'll have to figure out what exactly they're after." "I'll hold down the fort in the mean time." "Good, I'll be there as soon as I can." He lowered the phone from his ear, tucking it away into a secure area within his jacket. He then turned for the door, coming to find the room had nearly been emptied. "That didn't take long, I suppose they all left to make preparations for where they think the heist is to take place." He too made his way for the exit in those following seconds, not once turning back on his way out. Not many could be seen as he walked to the end of the block. He stopped once there, having a seat at the bench located right next to the bus stop. He sat there for minutes to come in wait of the bus. All file work he had set out was dealt with just as planned, feeling a small sense of relief as he stepped up from where he sat. He shut the light off on his way out, entering the front room to find it darkened. The only flash of light cracking through the door of the book room. Unaware of who was inside he made a move toward the room, pulling the door aside to see him sitting at the table with his eyes glued to whatever was rested upon the table. "You're still down here, I thought you'd be up in the room by now." "Not quite yet," Conan said taking the time to look away from the material. "I guess I can be a bit of a night person myself, especially if there's work to be done." "What is it you've got laid out?" Bruce asked moving in. "All the evidence surrounding the riddles that have sparked a wide audience." "And how has that been coming along?" "We've got two possible locations and only two days left until the thief's planned grand finale." "Sounds like progress to me." "If you're not too busy, there's something I'd like to ask." "What is it?" He glanced back to the table, directing his focus to the second line of the riddle. "the Shows beginning shall proceed with all λ0-(-30) 105 accounted in (Y)," Conan read before looking back to him. "I believe that part of the riddle is profiling a location." "And to what did you have in mind?" "Don't know yet, but I've got an idea or two," Conan replied. "I have a feeling the zero is the center point of it all." "Maybe." "Is there a location throughout the city considered to be the mid or center point?" "That would be the area in between the Gotham reservoir and Robinson Park," Bruce replied. "That area is widely considered to be the heart of the city in many peoples minds." "That helps, though I may need to pull out the map for further reference." "Why don't we stop there for a moment," Bruce said. "Tell me the names of both places where you think our unnamed thief plans to emerge?" "Scnapp Labs and Delmore Industries." "I know them both," Bruce said. "What lead you to this assumption?" "As you know the episode that occurred at Starlest was nothing but a red herring," Conan began. "And after reading this line from the riddle, we took our searches to companies associated with Starlest." He reached back down to the table, grabbing the riddle in question before handing it over for him to read. "i am solely for the eye beyond all affiliated kins, at the Affair shall I appear." He read over it for a second time before setting it aside. "I agree, a plausible response to what was written." "We didn't find anything on our first initial look, so we branched off even further which brought us to the second list of companies," Conan continued. "And out of the set both Delmore Industries and Scnapp Labs came to interest, both are holding events that are sure to attract a crowd." "What is being held at Delmore Industries?" "An annual event we came to find that is held every year." He didn't say anything in response to to the news gained. He brought a hand to his chin as he took a step back in thought. "Event.. grand finale, that must mean." The door pushed open within that moment, causing both to turn to see who had entered. "Oh, it's just the two of you," Alfred said. "Just checking to see if anyone was in here." "And perfect timing," Bruce said. "I want you to call that representative back from the Futures Building, let them know I've accepted their invitation." "Couldn't agree more on the decision." "This visit will benefit us in more than one way." "I'll make the call right away." Alfred said before stepping out of the room. "Invitation?" Conan questioned. "For their grand opening," Bruce informed. "I was asked if I could deliver a speech." "So you knew about the event set to take place in two days?" "Only at first was I hesitant on accepting, but now I've decided to make an appearance," Bruce said. "Because I now know that's where the thief plans to be." "Wait," Conan questioned. "How can you be sure?" "I'm familiar with the activities being held at Delmore Industries, since I've had the luxury of visiting myself," Bruce said. "Most of what they do is meant to attract the locals more than anyone else." "And the Futures building?" "It is their grand opening, and also the time to reveal the new technology they've been working on in the Scnapp Labs," Bruce replied. "Several from across the globe are expected to come for a first hand look." "Ok, but that doesn't explain why the choice over.." It all came to him within that moment, all details resurfacing with a clarity not seen before. "It makes sense, the reason other police stations outside of Gotham received the latest riddle," Conan said. "It was to broadcast their big move to be made on the biggest stage this city has to offer." "Exactly." "As you said before, this event is expected to grab the attention of many across the nation," Conan said. "The distrubuted riddle in the latest case is directly linked with the expected turn out in guests." "But why Gotham?" Bruce questioned not expecting an answer. "Guess we'll have to catch this guy to find out the answer." "How soon do you think you can get a hold of Heiji?" "He's already on his way now." "Good, we now have the location," Bruce said. "All that remains... the who and why." To Be Continued