FAN FICTION
Into the Black Organization
Chapter 7
Tropical Island
It was only the second day yet I felt tired. While I sat in front of the study table pinching the bridge of my nose trying to ease the stress, the door to my room opened.
"It's a good idea to not tell them more than they need to know Cool Guy. Be very careful. That Person is not forgiving." Vermouth then smirked and gave me the laptop I needed then left me in the room to rest. I really hope things will be over I thought to myself as I decide to finally rest on the bed before I continue with the new information I got from Vermouth. Shit…shit…shit…Onegai Kami –sama. Help me. I shouted in my mind as I recall our trip to Tropical Island yesterday.
It was roughly two o'clock in the afternoon. It was really hot but Takagi can't think of anything much at the moment since it's been a while since he and Sato has been in Tropical Island. Frankly speaking the last time they were at Tropical Island was both heaven and a nightmare. It was truly heaven for it is the first date they have. He can still remember the stolen glances he took as Sato ate curry rice and the times they rode different theme park rides. However, it was a nightmare when they were once again pulled into another bothersome case because of Mouri or was it Conan. Truthfully, sometimes he doesn't know who brings cases one after another anymore. In any case, this trip to Tropical Island is definitely not heaven. Yes, Takagi and Sato are undercover observing their target.
"You know Sato-san, I have my doubts about this Edogawa Masami." Takagi whispered.
"You think she is not capable of killing anyone?"
"No. We are trained to basically be suspicious until proven that we are correct or wrong. And frankly, I have no qualms in being suspicious of her regarding the incident with Hashimoto Toru…"
"So what are you suspicious of?" Sato asked as she discreetly leaned her head on Takagi's shoulder pretending to rest her head as how lovers usually act during dates. This act caused Takagi to squeal softly and turn beet red. "Will you please calm down Takagi? We are on a stake out here."
"Hai…" he answered as he try to slightly look away. "An..y..anyway, as I was saying, I think there is something wrong with the set up." he continued.
"Oh so you noticed also?" she said. "I mean, I can't believe the inspector isn't suspicious of her being Conan kun's mother. I expect her to be at least Japanese but her file suggest that…"
"…that she is half Japanese and have stayed in America until she supposedly marry her husband who died shortly after she gave birth." Takagi responded as he looked at the summarized file of Edogawa Masami hidden behind the Tropical Island map.
"You're right. For one, being half Japanese is hard to believe, her features aren't even close to a Japanese. Plus why can't we have more information than this? This is outrageous. No matter what files or angle we approach, we can't find much about her." she responded.
"Well, maybe before you try to dig deeper on her, you should watch what she is doing first with Conan kun." Shiratori injected as he sat on the bench behind them. This shocked Sato and Takagi.
"What are you doing here Shiratori san?" Takagi said as he peeked behind.
"Turn around baka!" Shiratori reprimanded Takagi. Takagi immediately went back to his position. "Well, to answer your question, Inspector Megure might be suspecting the same as you two but he can't put his fingers on it yet. So he called me from my vacation to help out." he said.
"We understand that but really, Shiratori we can handle this. You have been planning this vacation for a while. We can assist the inspector." Sato whispered.
"Well, actually… I just came here to check his suspicion but I will be doing a different investigation from you guys." He said calmly.
"What do you mean? Sato asked as she moved closer to Takagi causing Takagi to sit up straight and stiff. She could only sigh as she watch Takagi."
"Well, there is only one way to see if she is telling the truth." Shiratori responded. "We have to find that detective." he continued.
"Detective?" Takagi said after finally finding his voice to respond. There was a short silence in the group.
"Of course, our missing detective, Mouri… He is the only one who can confirm her identity. I have to find him as soon as possible." Shiratori responded.
In the short distance, Takagi looked at Conan sitting beside Masami eating his ice cream happily. Right, I cannot bring myself to tell Conan that his mother, if she really is his mother, is a murderer. He is only a child. Takagi told himself.
"All right, it's time for my exit." Shiratori stated. He walked over to Takagi and Sato and dropped his pen in front of Takagi. He apologized and faced them while placing a small note on Sato's lap. "I don't know why but this case seems more than meets the eye. I will be using this number for this investigation. By no means must you contact me unless absolutely necessary and I mean it." he said staring straight in their eyes. I don't know why but my instincts are telling me that we must be extremely careful. The disappearance of Mouri Kogoro included. One last thing, you never saw me today. I am on my vacation." The exchange was swift. Shiratori muttered apologies like he doesn't know the couple. Of course, even he was on a disguise that shocked both Takagi and Sato, but all of that was hidden as the two take in his words like some sort of last words. Now everything seems scarier than an ordinary murder case.
On a short distance, about two tables north of Takagi and Sato, eyes were watching the police carefully. "Can you believe it Cool Guy, these policemen are probably the worst as they come. They actually believe that we cannot detect them out of all these people." Vermouth said as she gaze slightly at Takagi and Sato's direction trying to act all lovey-dovey but failing miserably. She slowly gazed at Conan, brought her handkerchief and wiped off the ice cream from his cheeks. "You know they should really learn from you." Conan glared with disgust briefly at Vermouth that earned him a smile from Vermouth's lips.
Really, how can the police be this stupid? I thought to myself. Yes, I couldn't agree more with Vermouth. The police have been trailing us since we left the apartment. Inspector Megure was in the usual car that practically screams police… simple, cheap car that needs a trip to the mechanic after today. Of course with Inspector Megure riding with no disguise at all and an ordinary police he can't remember the name, who in return screams newbie in every definition of that word. Sigh. I just hope that they stay out of the way for their own good. With the Black Organization involved, I don't think I can move much plus there is Haibara. Vermouth must have sensed his thoughts and said, "Don't worry about Sherry, as agreed, she will be out of the game so long as you keep your end." she smiled. "Now shall we get down to business? Where would you like to ride?" she said. "Ok let's ride that…" I answered cheerfully pointing at the haunted coaster. "Hmph, I guess it's time to lose the police." she replied.
We made our way to the Haunted Coaster as the police followed. As usual, there was a long line, but because of a VIP sticker wrapped around our wrists we can skip the line and head straight to the front. I pretended to walk to the Haunted Coaster ride then suddenly I pulled Vermouth to the line for the Ferris wheel. Before the police could react and follow, Vermouth and I were riding the last car up in the air. "Let's get down to business, Vermouth" I said as I stared at the faces of the policemen. Vermouth could only smile at my boldness as I pulled her like a child who lost interest in a toy in exchange for a new one. She thought that I will be taking her in the haunted house ride but suddenly pulled her to the Ferris wheel ride. My boldness to fool even her seemed to make her shiver in excitement.
"So what would you like to ask me Cool Guy? We have a good 20 minute ride." she said. I brought out the Kamen Yaiba folder with the police report from the Black Organization and the printed photos I took from Vermouth and Hashimoto Toru's case.
"Let's start with Hashimoto Toru san… What did the Black Organization had him do to have him killed?"
"hmm, He isn't exactly someone we needed or wanted for anything, but let's just say that he had something we wanted to complete something."
"I guess, that part is left for me to investigate." I replied. Vermouth smirked, a silent agreement.
"Then let's move on to Fujioka Asuma, ten years ago you were connected to him through research projects, am I correct?"
A smile broke from her façade, "Yes. What made you trace a connection?"
"On the day that you came to the office a week ago, television stations have been reviewing news about the politician and how that year ten years ago was not only the worst days of Japanese politics but also of Science and of the police for not being able to come to arrest the murderers of about five important scientists who died one after another."
"So what about if there were news about Fujioka? Isn't just coincidence? What connects me from him?
I brought my phone out and replayed a clip from the NHK channel's news about Fujioka a week ago. Vermouth smiled as she watched. "Ohh, that was only about a second and the focus was on Fujioka but you spotted me. Amazing observational skills Cool Guy."
"So? Care to share your organization's involvement?"
"Well, he was one of the many powerful people the organization turned to for financing different researches and just like everyone… his corrupt deeds caught up to him. He thought the organization will help him but ultimately he is nothing but a pawn. And just like the others, he thought he hold something against the organization." she answered.
"So he blackmailed the organization…?" The silence served as her answer. What could Fujioka have against the Black Organization to make him think of blackmailing them? I asked myself until I realized something. Chotto matte… I think I remember seeing something from the crime scene photos before. I scanned the police report about Fujioka Asuma once more. I analyzed the photographs of the crime scene and the photos Vermouth showed me on our way to the police station earlier. I compared the photos looking for similarities. I was lost in my thoughts that I did not realize Vermouth took a photo of me on her cellphone and send it to That Person. Then, eureka moment came as I stared at the office table from the crime scene photo. There on the right side of the table neatly placed beside a stack of disorganized books was a box. It is the box that Vermouth showed him containing the sample of the APTX 4869. However as I browse through the police record, I saw that the box was never listed as part of the investigation. How could this be? I could not understand how my father, who was one of the people who helped the investigating team then, could have not noticed that the box went missing after the initial investigation. Nor even thought of its importance since out of all the things on the table, the box was the only and the ONLY one that was placed neatly unlike everything else that were disorderly placed. Well at least for now, I have a lead to follow.
Just as the thought came, the ride was over. I and Vermouth made our way out of the car when I noticed from the corner of my eye, Professor Agasa together with the kids and Haibara a few feet from them, lined up for the Ferris Wheel. I cannot let them see me with Vermouth not the Professor and most especially not Haibara. Vermouth sensed this and slowly picked me up and pricked me with needle just like that of my watch's needle with sleeping drug. She carefully held me close to her chest and pulled my hoodie over my head. She walked passed Agasa's group who was then busy with their quiz with me sleeping on her chest and said, "Sherry." softly getting the attention of Haibara. By the time Haibara looked up Vermouth and I was already covered by the crowd. She felt shivers run down her spine.
It was six in the morning when I woke up. It is the second day of the investigation with Vermouth watching my movements. I immediately notice the call log from my phone. Then, I immediately called Subaru back.
"Subaru san, you have something for me?" I asked. Subaru went and closed his door afraid that Hattori will hear our conversation.
"Yes, It is about Mouri san's client Sawara." I offered no response queuing Subaru to continue his report. "His name is Sawara Hajime, 45 years old. He is married to Sawara Michiko with an only son, Sawara Yasuo who was 7 years old."
"was?" Conan interrupted.
"Yes, was. Yasuo died a week ago. He apparently has been hospitalized since birth due to his weak health. Very ironic indeed. But that is not the only thing I have. His wife Michiko also died with Hajime san on the same night a week ago. As of now, the police is ruling it as double suicide with the angle of despair for the loss of their only child."
"But it doesn't fit. If Sawara san really planned to commit suicide with his wife, why ask uncle Kogoro to investigate something for him?"
"I also find it strange. Anyway, Kudo kun, do you remember any of the things he wanted Mouri san to investigate?" Subaru asked.
I tried to recall as much as I can. "All I remember was that he wanted to investigate two people who gave him a drug to help his son. They apparently are not from the hospital. According to these men the drug can help cure his son."
"Isn't that a little suspicious? Why would the couple gamble on the health of their son?"
"According to Sawara san, the men showed them results of tests done abroad and his son would be the first trial in Japan. The results seemed good so they wanted to try. After all, the doctors have told them that his son will continue to deteriorate soon and would die in days' time."
"But wouldn't his doctors forbid it? And what would these men get from conducting the test in Japan?" Subaru asked.
"Well, he bribed the doctor for one and according to him, they just wanted him to fund the further research of the drug. I actually find it suspicious myself."
"Did Sawara san mention any names? Or did he show photos of the men in question?"
"That's the thing, he will show it to uncle Kogoro on the day that they will meet and that was a week ago. From what I gathered from Takagi and Sato before this Vermouth case, it is Detective Chiba who is handling this case now since Inspector Megure, Detective Takagi and Sato are on our tail."
"Alright, I will visit the Haido City hospital to get as much information regarding the Sawaras and further the investigation on Mouri san. I'll contact you as soon as I can." With that Subaru san cut the line. Uncle Kogoro I hope you are safe. With that thought I rested my head on the desk of the study table to think.
With all the information I have so far, I can say that Fujioka Asuma financed the research on the APTX 4869 ten years ago. That would have been the time when Haibara's parents were heading the research so asking Haibara about it is useless and not to mention downright stupid. Ahhh! I immediately remembered the moment I was about to step out of the Ferris wheel cart, I saw Haibara and the Professor with the kids and… nothing. "Vermouth" I said angrily. I jumped out of the chair then ran to Vermouth's room. I did not knock anymore… a bad decision on my part. I instantly opened the door and was greeted by a short doorway. Since I was not wearing any slipper to begin with, I did not bother doing anything in the doorway and head straight to the living room with a big shock on my face. "Ahhh! What are you doing?" I shouted at Vermouth who was then standing on her way to the couch with a wine glass on her hands… naked.
"Hmm" she smirked. "Isn't that something I should say Cool Guy? I didn't know that you wanted it badly to peek at me like this." she said as she took a few strides to me still naked and knelt to caress my reddened cheeks. "If you want I can always give you this…" she showed me a vial of what appears to be a sample of APTX 4869.
I was able to peek briefly before shouting back at her, "Stop this nonsense! and p..p..pl..ple..ase, please put some clothes on! How can you walk around with nothing on?"
She just smirked "Well you are the one barging in my place to begin with…"and went to the robe she neatly placed on the chair next to the couch and put it on. "You can look now my Shy Cool Guy" she chuckled. "So what do I owe this presence of yours?" she asked. I remembered the reason I came and instantly glared at her.
"What did you do to them?" I asked. She took a sip from her glass then answered,
"…them? I don't know what you are saying Cool Guy."
"You know, what I am talking about!"
"hmm ... enlighten me"
"It's about Haibara!"
"Oh, Sherry…" she smiled, "nothing… I did not do anything to Sherry and your friends."
"Oh yeah… then what happened to me? How come I cannot remember anything from the ferris wheel incident?" I questioned her.
"Oh that… We both know that you do not want anyone especially Sherry knowing your connection with me until this is over. Unless you want That Person to collect you and end this game. That would be a pity. So, I just put you to sleep to avoid them from noticing you." She smiled. That's right, if I fail in this game… That Person will take me and use me to do his bidding as a member of the Black Organization. Of course it is something I would never tell Hattori or Subaru or anybody. I would die first before becoming a member of the organization.
"I assume things have been cleared up right?" she said.
Embarrassed and relieved at the same time I replied, "Y..yes. Now I have a favor to ask of you."
"Ohh, what might that be?"
"I need a laptop and time on my own."
"Is that all?" she asked. I stared at her for a short while and told her to not involve Haibara in this case.
I immediately went back to my room and brought out the Kamen Yaiba folder. I started arranging the files according to relevance. For now, I decided to start the investigation with Fujioka Asuma. This will help Hattori greatly. After all, until Subaru makes a break through with the Sawaras I cannot to anything. As for the Hashimoto Toru case, I decided to tackle it some other time. I have to make sure I follow the lead I have with Fujioka Asuma. After arranging the files that I need, Vermouth knocked and brought the laptop I needed then said "It's a good idea to not tell them more than they need to know Cool Guy. Be very careful. That Person is not forgiving." She then closed the door with a smirk on her face and left me alone to do my job… my job for the organization.
Author's Note:
1. In the conversation with Subaru and Conan about the Sawara's, Subaru mentioned how ironic it is for Sawara Yasuo (the only son of the couple) to be sickly. This is because the name Yasuo means a healthy man.
2. Thanks to the following reviewers and followers: a. Miho (do not worry, I promise there is a reason for not sticking with the canon's name of Conan's mother which is "Edogawa Fumiyo.") b. KK and c. Aeira. Please continue to support me!
3. I appreciate comments and suggestion from everyone!
