Chapter 2
Finding the Fake
Kaito
There was still so much I didn't understand.
The Kid resumed activity a few nights ago. My father has been dead for 8 years. My dad is certainly dead, I attended the funeral. So who became Kaitou Kid a few nights ago?
I set the white top hat back in the cubby and ran upstairs.
I'm pretty sure Kaitou Kid leaves manifestos after a heist warning the officers where he's gonna strike next.
My mind was racing so many different ways when I ran up the stairs.
I located my laptop and clicked it on. I searched:
Kaitou Kid next expected appearance, Tokyo
I found an official news page. While I was scrolling, I found a name that caught my eye.
Nakamori.
Aoko Nakamori.
Aoko's father is in the police force and is trying to take down the Kid.
Oh.
Oh GOD.
I knew Nakamori-keibu was in the police force somehow... Given his title. But I didn't know he was working to take down Kid. I took in a sharp, stinging breath, and read on.
I found a picture of his latest manifesto.
It read:
I will be back this Monday at Park Place to obtain the Shimmering Ruby at 11:00pm. Be ready, I want a challenge this time!
~Kaitou Kid ツ
Ok, great. A time and place.
I closed the laptop and ran back down the stairs.
It turns out the mirrors are motion activated. I collected each article of clothing and cradled it in my arms.
I sauntered over to the framed photograph of my dad.
I held the clothes up to my face and took a big whiff.
It smelled like cologne and magic...like Tou-san.
I looked straight into dad's picture eyes. He had a wide smile with all his bright white teeth showing. His eyes crinkled at the ends.
"Don't worry Tou-san,"
I stood tall and took a deep and shuddering breath.
"I accept my fate."
-
Aoko
My dad was stressing out tonight.
Apparently Kaitou Kid was scheduled to appear at Park Place and was going to steal another jewel. Aaaaand like always, my dad was assigned to be on guard.
"Don't worry dad, you'll do great. You'll catch 'em for sure." Ha, no.
My dad was looking down at the dinner table, about to leave for work, frowning.
He was a tall guy, 6'1 at least. Short, brown hair always kept at a crew cut. He had a short mustache just above his lip that often twitched when he worried.
Man, was it twitching right now.
"I get soooo close to catching him, Aoko. But he always somehow has the upper hand. I can't keep up with him anymore."
Twitch.
"It's ok, dad. Just take a deep breath and focus. You're just as smart as him."
Ok, I seriously doubt it. But I definitely wasn't gonna tell him that.
"Eeeeeh maa maa...I guess you're right."
Twitch.
"Of course I'm right."
Twitch.
He stood up and pushed in his seat.
Because my dad is a formal guard, he wears suits almost every day. And almost every day, he messes up the tie.
"But before you go dad, lemme fix your tie. How can you still not have learned?"
I jump up from my seat and focus on straightening out his sloppy knot.
"I hope you catch him today, dad. Remember, take a deep breath and FOCUS."
He cleared his throat and then opened the front door.
"I'll be back by 2. Don't stay up until I get home."
He hesitated a moment, then turned to face me, his eyes smiling,
"I love you, Aoko."
I felt my eyes tear up.
"I love you too, dad."
He flashed me a smile, this time with his mouth, then turned out the door.
Right before the door shut, I noticed his shoulders rise and fall, taking in a deep breath.
-to be continued ;)-