To put it mildly; Mother's upset. With the fall of night during police investigations, and the fact that I chose to go to Agasa's for my things instead of straight home afterwards, I had no choice but to remain with the Kudo's until morning. With no other way to reprimand me, Mother gave me quite an earful over the phone for my actions, which somehow ended with my soda privileges revoked. Which is... surprisingly okay with me.
"Thank you for having me!" I chimed. Then deeply bowed to Shinichi's parents.
Shinichi draped his arms over my shoulders, a casual counterbalance to my formal behavior. "Mom, can we keep her?"
His mother giggled, "Of course we can keep her."
To which we cheerfully chorused, "yay~!"
Agasa, being the kind man he is, dropped off my items from the sleepover. Then it was time for bed. However I wasn't too sure about sleeping in the living room, where his parents could spot me drooling, and wanted to ask Shinichi if there was anywhere else I could sleep. But then there was the problem of getting him alone to ask, and not seem selfish in front of his parents.
"Shinichi," I called, "could you help me make my bed?"
"After three stays at my house, you're no longer a guest. Make it yourself."
I huffed as he disappeared into the halls. There goes my opportunity. As I spread covers over the couch I thought, okay, so there's a slight chance they'll catch me drooling. Or snoring. Or whatever I do in my sleep. Just a chance. But here's me thinking his parents would be sleeping in an entirely different room, when, in fact...
"Not to be rude..." I said once I mustered up the courage to speak after lights out, "but why are you two sleeping in the living room?"
"Since it wasn't maintained properly, the cooling system in our bedroom broke," Shinichi's mother answered. They had snuggled up into the other two couches on either side of me. "And it's so hot."
"I hope you don't mind sharing the living room with us," Shinichi's father added with a chuckle.
"No problem, Shinichi's dad," I answered.
"Please, call me Dad," he responded. Shinichi's mom giggled.
"Okay..." Mom, Dad... I don't get it... am I being secretly adopted?
Thankfully the dark hid my fear stricken expression as the clock ticked on into the night. I sighed. Forget selflessness. "I'm gonna check on Shinichi." I gathered up my covers and pillow then left.
The halls leading to Shinichi's room were painstakingly quiet. My footsteps against the carpet could be heard, even while wearing socks. The only thing pushing me closer to Shinichi's room at that moment was the thought of the two living room crashers.
"Shinichi?" I whispered upon knocking at his door. "Shinichi, you awake?"
He opened it a crack. "What?"
I briskly slipped inside, shut the door, and asked, "can I sleep in your room?"
His eyebrows jumped to his forehead, he glanced between me and the door, and finally said, "you've never had a problem with the living room before."
"Your parents, um, I don't really feel comfortable sleeping in front of strangers... I mean, they're nice, I'm just... shy... I guess..."
Shinichi carded a hand through his hair to hide a smile. "Alright. Find a spot on the floor."
"Okay!" I eagerly flipped my covers out onto the carpet beside his bed.
Shinichi stepped over me, into his own bed, and said, "goodnight."
"Night."
For a bout of insomnia I stared at the ceiling, reminiscing of the past, yet it proved difficult to stay focused when the wind created eerie moans against the window outside.
Suddenly, Shinichi peeked over his bedside at me. "Knew you'd still be awake," he grinned. "I wanted to give you this." He reached into the drawer of his bedside table then handed an item to me.
"A lanyard?" I held the object up to the moonlight. A visible sheen of glitter embedded in the green fabric illuminated beautifully with sparkles ranging in size throughout it, like stars in the night sky. "Wow, it's so pretty. Where'd you get it?"
"Guess."
"The place where you exchange items for currency?"
"Correct!"
"Hey," I laughed. "That didn't answer my question."
"In general it did," Shinichi smirked, "I bought it when you were choosing your dress," he spoke while leisurely falling back into bed. "I thought you would like something to keep your keychains on."
"Thank you." I slipped the gift under my pillow.
Silence nestled into the atmosphere once more— aside from the howling wind. Yet this time my eyelids felt heavy. Breathing even. Thoughts calming...
"Keiko?" Shinichi's voice tugged me back from the pull of dreams.
"Hm?"
"Why won't your parents allow you to go outside at night? " Once the question passed his lips I froze. His casual tone on such a serious topic threw me.
The excuses piled in my mind, and before I knew it the words were spilling from my mouth, "there's tons of malicious junk that goes on at night. You know better than anyone."
Shinichi continued as if I hadn't spoken, "when we met, you were in a hurry. At the time I said I wouldn't pry for information, but now that we've spent so much time together, I've noticed things... about you and your parents. Nothing I've seen adds up to anything good. What are you hiding, Keiko?"
The curiosity of a detective is not one to be trifled with. I nearly smirked at the thought. He was bound to ask eventually, although it's still a shock that he did. I sat up, remembering a promise that would be broken if I spoke. Yet something of the moment felt right for a confession. There's something so open about sharing a room in the dark that invites the sharing of secrets. It's how Ran and Sonoko got me to confide even the most embarrassing stories to them.
"Tonight," I said instead. "You were amazing. I'm surprised you noticed, and deduced, the things you did."
"It's nothing." Shinichi replied in a bashful voice. "I've done it before. Just simple reasoning."
"It is simple to you, isn't it?" I chuckled. "It's simple to Sherlock Holmes too. Like second nature. You've got a gift for noticing what others miss. And that, to me, is beautiful."
By that point Shinichi had shied away into a modest silence. The fact that he could still be so skilled, and modest in the face of praise, urged me to continue.
"It is truly stunning. However, if I'm going to tell you, whatever you notice of me from now on, I want you to dismiss."
Shinichi shot up. "Why?"
"Promise," I told him.
In the dark, even though we could not clearly see one another, we stared each other's silhouettes down with wavering thoughts.
Until he finally conceded, "I promise to try."
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. In that moment my elation matched my devastation. On one hand, I finally have someone who would understand the life I'm living, while on the other there's a chance he'll never treat me the same again.
I exhaled with trembling words, "I swear, I only had the best intentions..." With a strengthening grip, my hold of the covers provided some form of support. "Um, I guess you need a bit of backstory to even understand the big thing. That would be about three years ago; before I moved from Japan to America." I bit my lip, entirely too self-conscious of Shinichi lingering in the bed above. "My parents always got the wrong end of the rope when it came to wages. No promotions. No privileges. One dead end job after another. It was wearing them down. To them, the escape from this cycle meant owning their own business. Stop working for someone else. So, they saved up money to do what they wanted. To travel. See new places... That's how they met Toreck Wendell.
Wendell.
Even now his image in my mind was not that of a bad guy. A balding man with inviting smiles. A man always wearing black, who inevitably led us down a dark path.
"You mentioned his name before," Shinichi said after I paused. "I did a bit of research. He's a real estate agent. Mostly deals in finding land for pharmaceutical plants and laboratory testing facilities."
"Y- yeah." I cleared my throat, picking up where I left off. "Wendell offered my parents land in America, in Oregon. Entirely too eager, we moved immediately. But as time went by, the cost of supplies became increasingly more expensive to acquire. They couldn't afford to finish building our dream business, let alone the land we were building it on. Soon after, hotels refused to accept our debt ridden credit cards. My parents were forced to find work, but everywhere they went no one would take their applications. It was humiliating. The only one I could think to turn to at that point was Wendell. I begged him to help my parents, and he offered me a job. Apparently Wendell had a side operation right there in Oregon. Owned and operated by a doctor. When I got there... The truth of Wendells dealings threw me. Because this doctor had a whole string of professional colleagues who would prescribe their friends dangerous drugs only to resell them on the black market."
"Organized crime..." Shinichi uttered apprehensively.
I nodded. "The job they gave me was simple enough. I was a... delivery girl of sorts. It was easy for me to slip past the police notice to drop off any goods. Payment for the goods was done beforehand, so I never had to worry about getting robbed by the clients. The money I received helped us buy food and my parents believed that I got people to feel generous enough to hand me charity. Then I remember my first big payday." I hesitated. "I thought my parents would be ecstatic for the money I earned, nevermind the method to getting it, but they wanted to know how it got into my hands. Once I told them, they refused it. Ordered me to return it. I'd never seen them so upset. They kept repeating over and over that they raised me better than that."
"Keiko..." Shinichi mumbled sympathetically when my voice cracked.
"How could I give the money back?" Knee deep in memories, I could feel hysteria of the situation grabbing hold of me once more. "I mean... what would I say? These people were terrifying. I've heard others, way more important than me, were murdered for even thinking about quitting. I never imagined..." I scrubbed my hands over my eyes. "So, I turned myself in. Walked right into the police station and dropped the money I earned on the front desk. After that, I don't know what I expected to happen, but everything got a ton more complicated. Not even ten minutes into interrogations, the FBI took over my case. I'd never even heard of the FBI, but they worked fast. A few hours later, they stormed that doctor's place of operation. Everyone involved went behind bars that day."
"Isn't that good?" Shinichi questioned upon hearing my dire tone of voice.
I shook my head. "It's not just that. Toreck contacted us that night, or at least I think it was him. The person used a masked voice; said we should consider ourselves dead."
Shinichi pitched forward, now with his feet hanging over the edge to face me directly. By now my eyes had adjusted to the dark, and I could see the distress in his expression.
"Though they gave incredible efforts, the FBI never found him. He's more than likely in hiding. But with the death threat looming over our heads, the FBI rushed us into Witness Protection."
Shinichi gasped, "the reason you're here—?"
"No." I interrupted, playfully shrugging to lighten the mood. "I volunteered to fix this whole mess. They stationed me back in Japan as bait to lure Wendell out of hiding. Those people in my house aren't even my real parents, they're bodyguards. However, that old lady living with us is my Grandma. She moved from our original home in Osaka to support my decision."
"So, your real parents are in Witness Protection?"
My face fell as I nodded. "To answer your original question. Wendell's organization reaches far. There's no flaws we can take advantage of. As you may have guessed, this gives him the confidence to have a calling card. Any crimes his subordinates commit, they commit after sundown. Another example would be, specifically with murders, they cut a "V" out of the top of ones ear; out of the helix. It symbolises the bite of a crow, as if to say the carrion birds have already made a meal out of the victim's body." With a lighter voice I then said, "although, even when I'm not home, I shouldn't worry. There's FBI tails on me at all times; bodyguards. Even now, one's more than likely hiding outside your home for me."
Shinichi perched a hand thoughtfully against his chin. "As for your parents, I knew something was off. Your "mother" has a widow's peak. That trait is always passed on to the child from their parents, however you don't have one. But the bodyguards who constantly tail you... I never would have guessed..." He crossed his arms, a determined look in his eye as he said, "Keiko, there's too many variables, too many risks. Join your parents in hiding. Allow the FBI to deal with Wendell."
I smirked, remembering his earlier tease to a similar situation, "Scared?"
"Of course." His honest response startled me. "This Wendell guy is more than likely waiting for an opportunity to present itself. You can't just sit back and wait for him to make a move."
"We're not waiting," I retaliated. "We're searching for signs. With my help we've caught so many of his men before, but they never talk, some have even gone so far as to commit suicide. With such faithful followers, I can't have this guy roaming free! What if he finds my parents?!" My words came to a halt. Emotions welling in my throat urged me to cease talking. But biting back a need to cry, I continued in a trembling voice, "I'm scared. I know I'm in danger. However, this is better than simply waiting in Protection while the FBI tries to hunt him down."
I awaited his response, yet was scared there was none. Until he huffed, "fine, it's your decision, but you have to let me help. Tell me know what intel the FBI has, maybe I can draw conclusions as to—"
"I made a promise." I confessed. "My parents and the FBI ordered me not to involve anyone else or they'll force me into Protection for endangering civilians. You shouldn't do anything, okay?"
"So... I shouldn't?" Shinichi smirked. "But that doesn't mean I wouldn't."
I shook my head in defeat, "I guess I can't stop you there."
With Shinichi so eager to help, the promise I made felt so insignificant. Because he can help. Besides, it's not breaking the promise if he's not a civilian, right? He's a detective. So, awake in bed, I relayed every bit of information I could recall to Shinichi. Although he gave no opinions, Shinichi questioned even the tiniest details. It was strange, yet exciting. Hiring a private detective, who just so happens to be my friend. After witnessing his skill though, I had a feeling this was no mistake. With Shinichi on the case we'll track down Wendell in no time.
The morning came, and with it, a feeling of refreshment... or something... What actually awoke me was so peculiar, I thanked my lucky stars for being a light sleeper.
"What are you doing?" I asked Shinichi's mother, who towered over me, onto Shinichi's bed.
She flinched, a sure sign of guilt, then grinned down at me. "Nothing important. Ah," she smiled uneasily, "right. I came to tell you: breakfast's ready." And with that, she left.
Shinichi yawned soon after. Then the oddest thing occurred; we looked at one another, gave puzzled looks, then pointed at the other's face.
"Why are you wearing lipstick?" he questioned while I stated, "you've got a kiss mark."
"Eh?" We chirped simultaneously.
Using his cover he wiped his cheek clean, as I touched my lips. We found the lipstick, but why is it there?
"I think your mother did something." I glanced at the door. "She was here when I woke up."
"Then you didn't—?" Shinichi cut himself off. Only then did I notice how his cheeks were flushed red.
"Didn't what?"
He scoffed, then stormed out of bed. I tailed him to the kitchen where he shouted, "if you're going to play pranks, don't involve me!"
His mother giggled, "but then, what would be the point?"
The meal laid out before us nearly took my breath away. Real breakfast foods; eggs, bacon, pancakes, juice, the works! Each place at the table had been prepared ahead of time, like a normal family meal.
"Wooow!" My mouth watered. Yet, I hesitated. "Is it okay for me to take a spot at the table?"
They blinked, then ever-so-kindly his mother guided me to a chair. "Of course! You're a guest, eat as much as you want."
His father disarmingly smiled. "Why would you think we wouldn't prepare a meal for you?"
"Oh." My heart sped-up as I admitted, "it's been so long since I've actually had a proper meal like this; everyone in the home sitting for a family breakfast. Mostly, my parents are usually in a rush, so I get leftovers or some quick toast in the morning. You two have been gone for so long too. It's a special moment, ya know, I don't want to intrude."
He smiled warmly. "You're welcome to have a meal with us anytime, Keiko."
My heart swelled at his invitation. "Thank you very much!"
At that moment a look of contemplation overcame him, then with the kindest of smiles, he asked, "is it alright if I use you as a muse for the victim in my next novel?"
"V- victim?" my eyes widened. "...Yeah. Sure. I-if ya want."
He nodded gratefully. Although, why a victim? And more importantly, a victim of what? Fraud? Theft? Injury? He writes mystery novels. I never asked what kind... but seeing as Shinichi knows so much about murder... I sidelong glanced at said person, then hastily returned to my eggs. Best not to ask...
With small talks sprinkled here and there, breakfast ended on a happy note. I thanked them for the food, then dashed up to Shinichi's room.
A few minutes later, Shinichi knocked at the door. "Are you changing in my room?"
"Yeah," I half-mindedly answered whilst fiddling with my skirt. Once in place, I did a small twirl, and inadvertently stepped on something squishy. The unexpected texture felt gross and unnatural. I couldn't help but scream.
The door flew open. Shinichi urgently shouted, "what—?!"
I tossed my shirt at Shinichi's face, yelling, "not decent!" The clothing draped over his head. After he retreated backwards out the door I picked up the item which startled me. A small foam toy shaped like the world. "Is this a dog toy?"
"Oh, the ball shaped like the Earth? Actually it's a stress reliever. I got it as a gift last year." Shinichi answered. A beat of silence later, he asked, "do you want your shirt back?"
I snaked my hand out the door. "Yes..."
On our way out the front gate, Shinichi snuck around the corner, then signaled for me to walk over as if saying 'the coast is clear'.
"Acting like Mission Impossible," I raised an eyebrow. "They come out at night, remember?"
He rolled his eyes. "I know."
I laughed, yet soon bit my tongue when a camera flashed. A man in shades greeted Shinichi with a camera in hand. All smiles as he inquired the details of last nights murder. Shinichi listed off the main points, as if he prepared for the question ahead of time, then boldly stated that the case proved to be incredibly simple. Once the man left I glared at Shinichi. What happened to his humble attitude?
"Build a better mousetrap and the world will beat your door down."
Shinichi smirked. "I guess you're talking about me?"
"Don't you think it would be better to stay aloof. Out of the public eye? Unless absolutely necessary, because eventually people will come to rely on you to discover all the answers for them... like..." My voice trailed off as the idea arose in my mind; like Holmes.
"And why shouldn't they?" He laughed through his nose, excitement building. "I'll solve them all! Even yours. There's not a mystery in the world I can't unravel."
"But that's the exact thinking that'll get you in trouble!"
He innocently peered down at me. "What trouble?"
My shoulders fell. It's true. His feet haven't tracked mud like mine. "I guess you've got a point."
Home slowly came into view, and while I dreaded the thought of staying cooped up again, something else bugged me more.
"Hey, Shinichi," I said, grabbing his attention. "Even though you're helping, please, if you feel like you're in the slightest bit of danger, drop this investigation."
His expression turned solemn. "I can't promise that..."
"At least consider it then? If it ever comes to that... please?"
He shrugged. "Alright."
"Thank you." I pitched forward and pecked him on the cheek. Remembering all too late that I still wore lipstick. The pink evidence was all glossy in the shape of my lips against his cheek. I blushed at the sight, then quickly scurried home.
Once inside, I braced myself for a lecture of the century. However, the only one home to greet me was Grandma.
"Keiko!" Grandma joyfully embraced me, then not-so-subtly, sniffed my clothing, "You smell like man."
"Nice to see you too, Grandma..."
[Meanwhile]
"Ara!" Yukiko giggled into her palm. "Shin-chan, where'd that kiss mark come from?"
Shinichi's stomach dropped. "Eh?" One look in the mirror confirmed that, yes, Keiko's kiss could not be more obvious. Bright pink, small lips imprinted on his now reddening cheek, and even Yusaku couldn't hold in a laugh. "Geez," Shinichi growled, "why can't you two mind your own business?!"