Chapter 6

Kogoro heard the trigger click, then nothing.

He had forgotten to buy bullets.

Damnit, he couldn't even kill himself right! He was about to head out when there was a knock on the door. He ignored it, hoping whoever it was would just go away.

"Mouri, it's Meguri."

He stormed to the door and unlocked it. He knew Meguri wouldn't leave unless he saw him.

The inspector was shocked by what he saw. Kogoro looked like he hadn't bathed, shaved, or changed his clothes in a week.

"What!" Kogoro demanded.

Meguri was taken aback. "I just wanted to see if you were alright. I heard some things."

"I'm fine. Go away." he tried to shut the door, but Meguri put his foot in it.

"No Mouri. You're not fine. That gun you're holding makes me think you're planning on killing yourself."

"So what if I am? It's none of your damn buisness!" he tried to close the door again, but Meguri forced his way in.

The place was filthy. Empty bottles and cans were everywhere. Kogoro gave up trying to keep Meguri out and just laid back on the couch.

"Kogoro," Meguri began. The detective looked up, Meguri almost never adressed him by his first name. "You need help. I say this as your friend."

Kogoro hung his head. "I've lost everything. Conan is terrified of me, Ran hates me, my career is over..."

"That's not true. You're still a great detective. And Ran has already forgiven you. She told me so herself."

Kogoro looked at him. "You talked to Ran?"

He nodded. "She wants her father back. She misses you alot."

"Where is she?"

"With your ex."

Meguri could almost feel the hope draining out of the man on the couch.

"Great. I try to contact Ran, Eri'll probably have me arrested for child abuse. I guess I deserve it."

"No." Meguri countered. "I talked to her too. Ran doesn't want you in jail, and her mother doesn't want to press the issue with her. She's agreed not to press charges if you get some help."

Kogoro leaned forwards. "What kind of help?"

"You know what kind I mean. I know a place in Osaka that specializes in people with both your problems. It's state of the art. They have support groups, counciling..."

Kogoro leaned back again. "I'm not going into any psycho programs or rehab!"

Meguri stood up. "Yes you are. There's a plane leaving for Osaka soon and you're going to be on it if I have to drag you aboard kicking and screaming. I promised Ran I would help you."

"Forget it! Now get the hell out!"

"No!" Meguri slammed his fist down on the coffee table, causing an avalanche of beer cans. "I'm not going to let you destroy yourself! I've seen it all before! Men and women with anger and alcohol problems who get drunk and kill somebody they love! You could have killed Conan and you will kill somebody if you don't get some help! Now pack your things, we're leaving!"

Kogoro gave in. What choice did he have? Meguri was right, of course. He knew that everything the man had said was true. He needed help, and badly.

"Meguri," he began. "Tell me one thing. Is Conan, is he okay?

"Not yet Kogoro, but he's getting there. He's pretty resiliant, and he has Ran caring for him. I think he'll be fine."

A few minutes later the two men were in Meguri's car heading for the airport. As they passed the buildings painted by the sunset, Kogoro asked Meguri to stop.

"Kogoro, I thought you agreed that you need help?"

"I know. I just have to do something. Don't worry, I'll make it quick. Pull over here."

Meguri pulled into a parking space and got out with Kogoro. He watched as the detective went into a payphone and dialed a number, one he had thought he would never use but was glad he knew now.

Scene Change

Ran was helping her mother with dinner while Conan watched t.v. She was feeling good, confident that Conan was getting better. He was laughing and smiling like before and seemed to be enjoying life again.

Only one thing could have made her feel better...

The phone rang, and Ran excused herself to answer it. She picked up the reciver and held it to her ear.

"Hello?"

"Ran, it's good too hear your voice."

"Dad!"

Conand and Eri both started to get nervous. Conan because he was still a little scared of Kogoro, actually it was more then a little, and Eri because she was afraid he would play on their daughter's feelings to try and get her to come back to him.

"Yeah, it's me. Listen Ran, Meguri's taking me to Osaka. He says that there are people there who can help me."

"When will you be back?" she asked.

"I don't know. Ran, I've really messed things up this time. But I just wanted to tell you that I love you. I love you and Conan, and I'm sorry for everything. I know that doesn't make up for what I did, but I hope that you both can forgive me, someday."

Ran wiped tears from her eyes. "I already have, and I'm sure Conan will too. I'm so proud of you."

The voice on the phone sounded choked up as well. "Thanks Ran. I have to go now, Meguri says the plane's going to leave without us if we don't hurry. I'll call you later. I love you."

"I love you too."

"Ran, one more thing. Tell Conan I'm sorry."

"I will."

"Thank you."

Ran heard a click, then hung up the phone. She walked over to Conan and embraced him.

She knew things would be okay.

The End

To Darkinfernofire, sorry, but I just couldn't work your idea in. Perhaps another time.