Chapter 11
"Do you want to go out after school?" Shiho asked Shinichi during a second break.
Shinichi blinked, and then he smiled. "Finally, you want to go on a date with me."
"Don't go ahead of you. We're only going as friends." Shiho crossed her arms.
"Of course."
Shiho wore an uninterested impression on her face, but inside she was relieved that this went smoothly. She still didn't know how exactly she was going to take information about Akai Shuichi out from Shinichi. Even, if Shinichi would mention his cousin, he would become suspicious, if she would start asking too much.
Ran and Sonoko joined in.
"Shinichi got his next girlfriend." Sonoko teased.
"I'm not his girlfriend. We're only going out as friends," Shiho stated.
"Of course. Of course."
"By the way, I heard that you two used to date," Shiho said to Shinichi and Ran. "May I know why aren't you together anymore?"
"I spent too much time talking about cases and running to solve them than with Ran." Shinichi laughed.
Ran chuckled. "Yes, we often fought because Shinichi just talked about Sherlock Holmes. However, I'm happy that we're still best friends."
"So, you broke things up, Ran?" Shiho asked
"It was me, actually," Shinichi said. "I could see Ran getting annoyed by my obsession with Holmes, so I didn't want her to suffer anymore, even though I can never understand why people don't find Sherlock Holmes fascinated."
"Because, we aren't detective geeks like you," Sonoko snorted.
"I thought you broke up with me because you didn't feel the spark with me," Ran said.
"Oh yeah," Shinichi said, his cheeks light pink.
"Don't be embarrassed." Ran tapped Shinichi on his back, while she smiled at him.
"Hey, I'm not."
"Anyway, I hope you two will enjoy your day out, " Ran said to Shinichi and Ai.
"Thank you."
Shiho nodded and gave her a small smile. If they just knew how this date was crucial. Gin and that person had been pushing her to gain information about Akai Shuichi. She understood they wanted quickly finish her mission, so she could come back on working on a drug, but still, she had a feeling there was something more.
Her stomach tighten when she imagined Shinichi dead, which she knew was inevitable. She wished she could prevent the organisation from killing the innocents just this once. However, she knew if she would do anything to stop them, they could kill her straight away. And Vermouth and that person would lose their chance to go back to normal.
Mika and Wataru walked out of the police headquarters when Mika noticed Subaru standing a few metres away from them.
"Oh, It's Subaru-san." Mika smiled.
"What is he doing here?"
"I don't know. Let's go say hi."
Wataru pulled his sister before she could do any steps. "Remember what our dad asked you in the morning."
"I don't think it's a good idea. It may scare him off." Even though, Mika doubted Subaru could be scared off easily.
"I'm sure it won't be that bad," Wataru assured his sister.
"Inviting him to the family dinner where my dad would attack him with all kinds of questions is a terrible idea."
"You're right." Wataru sighed. "Well, you don't need to invite him today."
Subaru approached them. "Hello."
"Hello, what you doing here?"
"I just wanted to check up on you. I hope it's all right for me to do it."
"Yes, thank you." Mika beamed, even though she wished her face didn't show so much enthusiasm on seeing him. "You remember my brother, Wataru."
"Yes, we met during the case at the restaurant."
"Yes." Wataru nodded.
"I really enjoyed our time together at the cafe. I would like to meet you again."
"I-"
"I'm sorry I didn't mean to impose."
"No, no you don't." Mika shook her head. "It's just- uhm- I'm not ready to pursue any relationship yet."
"Oh, no I didn't mean that. I thought more of a friendly meeting. You could tell me about the cases you solved, and I'd like to hear from you as well, Takagi-san."
"If that is the case, come to our house for dinner. We could talk about the cases there, " Takagi said.
Mika threw an alarming look toward Wataru, however, he ignored her. Their dad would surely embarrass her in front of Subaru when he was going to throw all one hundred questions at him. She wanted to get Subaru to know better. She didn't plan to date him, but she had a feeling they could become good friends. She was also curious about whom she reminded Subaru of. It could be connected to her real parents. Or maybe it was just wishful thinking.
"I wouldn't like to make any trouble."
"You wouldn't make any trouble. Our parents will be happy to host a teacher who is interested in the criminal cases."
"What about you, Mika-san?"
"I will be happy if you come." Sooner or later, Subaru would meet her parents, anyway. It would be better to put it behind her at least.
"Is today at seven all right?" Wataru asked.
"Yes, I'm free then."
"Perfect, then we'll see you then." Wataru smiled.
After Subaru walked away, Mika sighed. "I hope I'll survive this."
"Don't worry, I'm sure nothing will go wrong."
Ai and Shinichi put trays with their burgers, chips and coke on the table and sat down. Shinichi had suggested a restaurant, but Shiho had thought that they shouldn't go overboard. After all, it was only a friend's day out.
"Wow, I didn't expect to be so busy during a weekday." Ai looked around.
"I see you didn't go to many of the fast foods." Shinichi chuckled.
"Well, I was too busy with self-study." Ai took a sip of her coke.
"So, what do you enjoy more, going to school or self-study?"
"They both have their advantages and disadvantages. But I think going to school is growing on me, but I still enjoy the self-study."
"I see." Shinichi took a few chips and dipped them in ketchup.
"I'm curious what made you become a detective?"
"As you may know, my father is a famous criminal writer, and he also used to help the police with their cases. My dad often brought me along, so I learned few things from there."
"Interesting. Is your dad only interested in criminal cases or your mum as well?"
"My mum was a famous actress, and she used to play the main role as a police officer in the tv series. She also helped my dad during cases, but I think she's more interested in theatrics." Shinichi laughed. "But my older cousin works in the FBI."
Shinichi had to admit that he was impressed by Ai's acting skills. If he didn't know about her true allegiance, he would believe in her 'genuine' curiosity.
"Wow, it must be amazing having a family member in the FBI. I bet you wish to join it someday."
"When I was a kid, yes, but now I just want to open my own detective agency. However, I wouldn't mind helping the FBI and the police with their cases."
"I bet both your dad and your cousin must be your role models."
"Yes, I really admire both of them. My cousin is practically my hero, well after Sherlock Holmes, of course."
Right now, he went against what his parents, Shuu and his aunt had told him. They had advised him to say that he and Shuu weren't close at all. Aunt Masako had even suggested to him not to mention Shuu at all. However, Shinichi found this idea impractical. Ai could easily find out about Shuu from Ran and Sonoko. If he would lie and say that he and Shuu weren't close at all, and Sonoko would mention how he often talks about his cousin and wish he could be smart as him, then Ai would find it suspicious.
Besides, Shinichi had analysed this situation a few times already. The fact that he and Shuu were close wasn't going to be much of use for Ai or the organisation she worked for. The only way they could use this information was to kidnap him and used him to lure his cousin in. But if that was their plan, then they would have whole Tokyo police and FBI on their necks.
"Do you see often your cousin?"
Of course, she would ask this question. " Last time I saw him was a year ago, but it was during a case."
"I bet you helped the case." Ai smiled.
"Well, I actually was helping New York police to solve their case. I stumbled on my cousin later. He was chasing a serial criminal."
"Oh, did he catch him?"
"Well, the serial killed committed suicide." Or what they wanted them to believe.
"I see."
"So, what about your family. What do your parent do?"
"My parents are dead. They died when I was a baby. I was raised by an aunt."
"I'm sorry to hear that."
"So, why you don't live with your aunt?" Shinichi asked.
"She wanted me to learn some independence."
"I see."
"What about you. I know your parents are famous, so they probably aren't at home that often."
"Yes, they moved to America, when I was fourteen, so I was living on my own for over two years. But they returned, a few months ago. However, knowing them they would most likely go back to America any time soon."
"Your parents must trust you to leave their house under your care."
"Yes." Shinichi chuckled. "Well, they're quite carefree."
"I don't want to sound as some fangirl, but I actually read some books by your father, and I really enjoyed them. I would like to meet your father. Of course, I wouldn't like to make any problem."
"No, I'm sure my dad will be happy to meet one of his fans."
"Great. Should I come to your house then?"
"I'll ask my dad, first and let you know."
He was positive that Ai had some agenda regarding visiting his house. He first was going to discuss it with Shuu.
"So, do you think you would like to go out some more with me?" Shinichi asked.
"Hmm, I don't know, maybe."
She sure knew how to make guys chase after her. He would fall for it, but the fact that she worked for the criminal organisation didn't help. Had she killed someone before, he wondered.
"What with that serious face?"
"What? Oh, I'm sorry. Well, I hope the maybe will change into yes."
"The time will tell. Anyway, I should get going."
"I'll walk you home."
"It's so nice of you, but I will be fine. I'll see you at school." Ai kissed Shinichi on his cheek.
"See you."
Everything was set on Takagi's table. Food, drinks and snacks. Mr Takagi approached Mrs Takagi and gave her a kiss on her cheek. "Mmm, this smells delicious."
"Thank you." Mrs Takagi eyed the table. "Hmm, I think it's everything.
"Seriously, mum. Subaru-san is just an acquittance. There's no reason to make an effort," Mika said.
"Come on, Mika, don't complain. You should be glad that your mother put so much effort for your acquittance as you called him. He will have a good opinion on us, at least, and let's hope we have it too on him," Mr Takagi said.
Mika sighed and shook her head.
"Is there a problem?"
"No, I mean why wouldn't there be any problem, except the fact that you invited a guy that I went out with just once just to check whether he's some kind of serial killer."
"Mika."
"I'm doing this for your own safety."
"Why? Just because you're working for PSB doesn't make it right for you to control my life."
Mr Takagi looked at his daughter with a serious expression, yet there was sadness in his eyes. It seemed he aged up within those few seconds. "I only want you safe." It came out almost as a whisper.
Mika looked away. She felt a ting of guilt in her stomach. Maybe, she should not go at her dad like that, but he could be over-protective sometimes. She wanted to say something to end this silence, but before she could find the right words, the doorbell rang.
"I'll open it," Wataru said. Both Mika and her father like they woke up from some kind of trance.
Wataru welcomed Subaru inside. Subaru held a bouquet of flowers and gave it to Mrs Takagi. "Wow, they're so beautiful. Thank you. I'll put them into a vase. Please, come in."
Mr Takagi and Subaru shook hands. "It is good to meet you, Subaru-san."
"You too, Mr Takagi."
"Please, come to the table, dinner's ready." Mrs Takagi called.
"The food smells splendid." Subaru complimented.
"Thank you, please sit."
After everyone sat and pour drinks into their glasses and put the food on their plates. "So, tell me, Subaru-san, how did you meet our daughter."
"During the case in the restaurant. You may know that I work as a substitute teacher in high school, so I brought four students for a meal in a Chinese restaurant, and unfortunately, the murder happened in there. Mika and other police officers arrived at the crime scene. I need to say your daughter is talented."
"That's not true. Kudo-kun is so more talented."
"This boy's a prodigy, that's true. However, you shouldn't think of yourself short, Mika-san."
"I agree with Subaru-san, you're a talented policewoman, "Mr Takagi said and turned to Subaru, "I heard you're interested in criminal cases, so have you thought to join the police someday?"
"Yes, I did, but I like teaching as well, so it's a hard decision for me. I could perhaps open my own private detective agency someday."
"What an excellent idea." Mrs Takagi said.
"What were you doing before, Subaru-san?" Mr Takagi asked.
"Here we go again," Mika muttered under her breath.
Subaru gave her a quick glance and then answered the question. "I graduated Tohto University, a few months ago. I have a degree in engineering,"
"I see it is good to have qualifications, which field of engineering, did you do?"
"Computer. I'm quite good at them, though I rather spend more time outside than inside in front of a computer."
"Then why did you choose to study it?" Mrs Takagi asked.
"I found the skills how to deal with computers. In addition, this course helped me to develop my detective skills further."
" I see." Both Mr and Mrs Takagi nodded.
"So, are you two also working for the police."
"Yes, so how long are you planning to stay as a substitute teacher?"
Of course, her dad would change the subject away from his job, and of course, he would ask this question. He was basically asking how long he was planning to hang out around his dear daughter.
"Mm, I don't know. I like my job as a teacher and I like spending time with the students, but I don't know. It may be just a few months, but it can stretch into years."
A few houses away from Takagi's house, the black car was parked, a man with short black hair and black sunglasses on sat behind the steering wheel. He looked at the dark sky. Soon, your daughter will perish. He touched his face, everything was in place. His disguise was perfect, well her disguise. Vermouth figured Takagi had to have cameras in front of their house, not that it would matter as soon the camera and the entire house would go down in flames. She just wanted be extra careful. If somebody would see her, it was better if they were misled by her gender.
Vermouth threw a last glance towards the sky and come out of the car. She paced towards the house. Soon.
After they finished their main meals and Mika and Mrs Takagi cleaned up the plates, Mrs Takagi served the dessert.
"During the time you're here, do you plan anything with our daughter?"
"Dad!"
"It's okay, Mika." Subaru smiled. "I plan to become Mika's friend and your son's as well, but of course, I assume you're asking me if I have a plan to become something more with your daughter. Well, such thought didn't cross my mind."
A slight surprise crossed over Mr and Mrs Takagi's faces. However, before any of them could answer, someone rang the door.
"I wonder who is it so late?" Wataru wondered.
"I don't know. I'll go open the door." Mr Takagi got up from his chair and left the dining room."
Mika felt this weird piercing in her heart. Who could it be? It was already dark. What if it was Shiratori. It would look bad for him if he saw Subaru here. Or maybe it was not him.
"Everyone! Get down!" She heard Subaru's shout as he pushed her out of the chair and behind the table. He pulled out his gun from behind his jacket, just after she heard a gunshot and a scream. Her brother's scream.
"Wataru!" Wasting no time she crawled under the table towards Wataru. He held his side and grunted in pain. Mika saw blood streaming out from her brother.
She pressed her hands to Wataru's wounds as hard as she could. Gunshots followed after gunshots close to her. The sound was so loud, that she couldn't help but scream. She wanted to cover her ears, but she couldn't let her brother lose any more blood.
"Mrs Takagi, take Mika and Takagi-san out of here. I'll hold her!" Subaru said.
Her? The shooter was a man. She looked up and saw the man's face tear off in two places. He wore a mask, but why? He clearly planned to kill them all, and she doubted anyone outside would see his face in the night, especially with the dark sunglasses and black cap.
Her mum rushed towards her and both pulled Wataru up. Wataru screamed. Who was this shooter? Why did he or she attack her family? What happened...
"Dad! We have to get to dad."
"I'm sorry, but your father is dead," Mrs Takagi said with a serious voice.
"You don' know that! He can be wounded. We can still help him!"
"We can't! Our priority is to get out here and save Wataru. I don't know who Subaru really is, but it seems, he's on our side."
Exactly, who was Subaru? The way he had handled the situation, it was like he had done it before, and where he had learnt how to use a gun, where did he get the gun from, and how long did he have it?
Mika looked up and saw the shooter dash out from the room. Subaru rushed after him. She and her mother took Wataru out through the other door and towards the back door. "You''ll be okay, my son." She heard her mum saying. As they were approaching the back door, they smelled like something was burning.
She and Mrs Takagi turned their heads and saw the black smoke approaching. "Quickly!" Her mum urged. They got out from the house, all coughing. "Let's go, I called for help."
"When?" She was amazed that her mum managed to do it during the gun-shots exchange.
"They're here!" She saw a relief forming on her mum's face as a few men in grey suits rushed towards them. One of them was...
"You're that waiter. Tooru Amuro, the private detective! What're you doing here?" Mika asked.
"He's working for us," Mrs Takagi answered for him.
Before she could express her surprise, she saw Subaru walking toward them. As he approached closer, she saw his 'skin' tore off his face.
"Another mask today," Mrs Takagi commented. "I expect you to tell us who are you?"
"Yes, I would like to know as well," Amuro said.
Subaru sighed. "I guess I have no choice. I'm the man you want to kill, the FBI agent, Akai Shuuichi."
A/N: I'm sorry for such a long break. I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
