Lightest of Nights: A Deck of Minds

Chapter 36

Lights, Camera, and.. Smile!

The stage was now set, the lights burning bright. The timer ticked less than an hour until the show was to begin. Conan eased forward from where he sat in the backseat. Glancing out window side he took in the sight of the gathering crowd.

"We're here!" Ayumi exclaimed.

"This show is going to be great!" Mitsuhiko was just as ecstatic.

Maneuvering through the parking lot Dr. Agasa managed to lock down a spot after a brief search. "And here we are."

"The tickets, do you have them?" asked Haibara immediately after the six of them exited the vehicle.

Checking the contents of his top pocket Agasa nodded giving confirmation. "They are all here. Don't tell me you thought I forgot?"

"I'd rather us not get to the entry podium only to have to travel back.. that would be embarrassing," Haibara expressed.

"It would indeed," Agasa spoke in agreement.

Prancing along toward the facility Genta, Ayumi, and Mitsuhiko continued to voice their excitement. Conan moved with razor sharp focus. Any who fell in his line of sight he studied, noting all entering and exiting vehicles.

"What is it?" asked Haibara who trotted to his side.

".. Nothing, at least not yet. I still don't know what they have planned."

"And naturally that bothers you." Haibara too looked to those that walked among them. "I don't see anything that calls for concern. Most likely whatever this person has planned will take place inside."

"I expect that much, but even so.. I can't be too sure." Conan was not ready to draw a conclusion. "Every possibility needs to be accounted for."

"You can't be in two places at once."

"I won't need to be."

"Does that mean yo-" Ai came to an abrupt stop, falling stone still in place. Conan who was a half-step ahead glanced back to find a look of uncertainty, an expression of what looked to be an inner fright.

"Haibara?" She didn't respond. Attempting for a second time Conan laid a hand to her shoulder. "Haibara, what's gotten into you all of a sudden?"

Breaking free of her sudden trance of sorts she pressed forward. "I.. I don't know what came over. I just have a bad feeling about this."

"You sure that's it?"

Ai stepped past him. "What else would it be?"

Conan looked on suspiciously. "Something is bothering her. I get the feeling it has something to do with a matter not related to this case."

...

A drive of over an hour would soon come to a close. The destination was now near. Traffic was now at its heaviest.

The man seated in the passenger seat grunted. "At this rate we'll be late bro."

"Twenty minutes before the mark Vodka, we'll be there in under ten," Gin assured.

"Tonight, is it a contract for hire?"

"No, a sell," replied Gin. "An arms deal of weaponry from some overseas merchant."

A questioning look fell upon Vodka's face. "What's the point of you and I being present. Seems unnecessary."

"Our attendance is for one purpose; in the things don't go as planned.. you know what I mean."

"A cross in fire huh? Just what I need."

Even with their fast approach there was still a large uncertainty that loomed. "What of Horilka, will he be in attendance tonight as well?"

"Unlikely. Word is they had business out of state yesterday. Doubt Horilka has returned."

"Of course.."

"I don't like it any more than you do." The street light lit green; allowing for him to drive once more. "This Horilka, you nor I have yet to meet.."

"You're as suspicious of them as I?"

"A perceived ally that is faceless is as in question as that of an unknown enemy."

"How do you figure?"

"Intent Vodka," replied Gin who briefly glanced his way. "Until you can figure ones goals can you really assume someone to be in line with one's own ambitions?"

"Fair point. Time will tell."

"Yes, I suppose it will." Gin agreed.

...

Had the time really come? Would this night mark the end of the mystery behind the spread of Scarecrow's poisonous toxin? This was Damian's hope. By the minute those gathering for the show continued to pour in through the main entrance. Surveying the crowd he was surprised not to find him walking among the larger group.

"Where is he?" Hoping to answer that very question Damian pressed down on his communications ear piece. "Father no sign of Drake; he should have arrived by now."

"There has been a change in approach," Batman radioed. "You'll be working the floor alone."

"What?"

"I got Tim hired in as one of the extras for the show, putting a set of eyes backstage."

"Drake serving in as a henchman who will no doubt amount to nothing but fodder in tonight's act.. almost too suiting," said Damian taking a jab.

"Remember if you see anything, report," Batman instructed. "Don't engage. Given the hit you took on that ship, I'd rather limit your activity for the time being."

"Where are you now?"

"A building north-east of the theater, I'll remain here for the time being."

"Anything strange or out of the ordinary since you'v-"

"Damian-kun! You're here too?!"

Damian sighed. "Gotta go, I'll keep in touch." Turning from the pole he stood beside he was greeted by Ayumi. "Of course you would be at a function such as this."

"Are you here alone?" asked Ayumi.

".. I suppose. And what of you, surely you've been accompanied by your parents?" He would soon spot the others. "Well, it appears the Detective Boys are fully assembled."

"Damian-kun, you actually came!" Mitsuhiko was thrilled.

"What a surprise," Genta added as they too gathered before him. "I heard you got hospitalized after what happened on that ship."

"How do you feel?" asked Ayumi.

Damian responded by giving the trio a thumbs up. "Good as new?"

"I attempted to reach you a number of times," Mitsuhiko revealed. "When did you finally awaken?"

"Earlier today."

"Wow, so you were knocked out for over twenty four hours?" Genta was shocked.

"Don't you think it is too soon to be up and about?" Mitsuhiko questioned. "You should be at home resting."

"I appreciate your concerns of my health status, I assure you I am perfectly functional," replied Damian who was looking to slightly shift the subject. "Think back Tsuburaya to the night of the cruise, what do you remember in the passing moments right after the explosion?"

"I.. I can't really remember."

Damian's eyes flickered. "Come, surely there is something you recall..?"

Mitsuhiko shook his head. "Just like the majority of everyone else I freaked and took cover."

"The majority? Did you notice anyone at the time not at all frazzled by what conspired?"

"..Well there was Heiji-san who didn't seem all that fazed by wha-"

Mitsuhiko would be cut off by the arrival of Ai, Conan, and Dr. Agasa.

"Never expected you'd be here," Conan said upon spotting Damian. "What are you guys talking about?"

"Don't let us interrupt," spoke Haibara sarcastically.

In the click of a second Conan's phone began to ring, he pulled it from his pocket with such efficiency that one would assume he was expecting to get a call. "Hey, you here already?.. Where at?"

Haibara crossed her arms as she looked to Conan in a suspicious matter. "He didn't mention anything about meeting someone here."

"Oh kay, I'm on my way now." Motioning his phone down to his side Conan waved to his friends as he took off. "Be back soon, I'll meet you guys in the stands!"

"Where is he going?" Ayumi wondered.

"I dunno," Genta admitted.

"I guess I'll be ejecting myself from the equation as well, there's a matter I must attend to," said Damian as he turned to walk. "See you bunch around."

...

Stepping around those who were actively at work backstage like himself, Tim dropped eye to the watch on his wrist. "Twenty minutes until show time. I imagine that is also when whoever is pulling the strings will make their move. That isn't much time."

The missing crate from the Sunshine ship that had props that were to be used for this showing, there has to be a connection? If there was one to find he would not let its mystery evade him. As he neared the end of the hall Tim stopped after feeling the vibration of his phone.

"Glad to hear from you Alfred."

"I take it your overseas journey has been one of delight thus far?"

"More or less, a change in pace and scenery once in a while is quite refreshing."

"Stellar to hear young man. I call not just to check on your wellbeing: the names you enquired for me to run a search on is now complete."

"Anything incriminating?"

"Quite the opposite actually. Everyone checks out, not a single person I wouldn't elect for the prize of a model citizen."

"Looks as if I'll direct my investigation elsewhere. Appreciate the update."

"It was my pleasure. Good luck, and if there is anything else you may need or just want a chat for the sake of passing time I'm just a couple of digits away."

"Dually noted, thanks Alfred."

With the acquired information that narrowed the window of suspects that much more. "The cast and crew are for the most part cleared. This scheme is either going to be orchestrated by an outsider or someone who plans to attend the show. Can't completely rule out the possibility of someone on set being involved, but at the very least no one-"

"You there! Mind helping with transportation of these to the wardrobe closet?" asked a masked man to peek his head out from one of the rooms.

Nodding Tim accepted. "I'll be right there." Closing the gap there was no mistaking what their role would be in the show. "You.. that suit, you're going to be playing Kamen Yaiba."

"Right you are my boy, here." The masked man would then go on to hand him two boxes before grabbing hold of a set himself. "Right this way, the destination is just down the hall."

"After you," Tim granted finding position behind him as the two began walking. "This your first time strapping up as a masked hero?"

"From night to day, from the dark depths of the ocean to the beaming light of the surface, a complete one eighty of the wheel if you will."

His response, it was cryptic as much as it was symbolic. "Let me guess, you typically take on the role of the big bad?" Tim assumed.

"Clever one you are. A shift in role gives you.. how should I say, an enhanced perspective through the lens from the other side." The two stopped soon thereafter. "Here we are."

Pushing through the two would set the stack of boxes in front of the wardrobe dresser.

"Anything else you need help with?" Tim asked as the two exited the room.

"Actually, yes.. there is something. Stay tune for the show, pay close attention for I have no doubt the fireworks will put a smile not only on yours but everyone who is lucky to attend faces."

Tim nodded. "That's all we can strive to accomplish."

"Well then, I must be going. Catch you around kid."

From there he pressed on. "What an interesting man."

...

Arriving at one of the secondary entrances he spotted him right where he said he would be.

"Hattori, glad you were able to make it on such short notice," Conan said greeting his friend and ally.

"Well you did say it was important," Heiji felt the need to say. "Must be a pretty big case if you elected to call me up. You said this whole thing might be linked to what occurred on the Sunshine ship I was aboard two nights ago? What did you mean by that?"

"I guess I should start from the beginning huh?"

"Story time it is."

...

Batman observed who went in and out from his chosen position. Activity around the surrounding locations was accounted for as well. Of everything there was something that specifically grabbed his attention.

"For a theater even there is an unusual amount of police patrol vehicles. It's almost like they're here on standby.. for what?" He counted off at least six of them within a block radius.

Nothing else gravitated attention. Minutes passed since he had communicated with someone on the inside.

"Robin, update." No response came. "Robin?"

"Everything and everyone seems to check out. Haven't found or noticed anything unusual," Damian reported.

"Stay vigilant, they'll make a move soon enough."

"And when they do I'll-"

"You'll report to me," interjected Batman. "Stick to the plan."

"Loud and clear."

...

Everything now made sense.

"The episode of that poisonous gas, Fun Entertainment Inc., that abandoned house you mentioned, the deck of cards, the expired milk, the Kamen Yaiba receipt for this show, the Sunshine, and the package that went missing two nights ago on the cruise ship.. it is crazy to think that everything is tied together." Heiji was astonished.

"You feel differently?" Conan asked.

"No, but.. there's one element of everything that bothers me." Heiji looked him deep in the eyes.

"The deck of cards," the two spoke at once.

"What is their relevance to all of this?" Heiji wondered.

"And the absence of at least one joker in the deck, was it intentional?" Conan was just as at a loss.

"One thing is for sure whoever was in that house wanted that deck of playing cards to be discovered, this was no accident." Heiji was certain of that.

"The question is; what are they trying to tell us?"

"Kudo, you mentioned detective Sato was closely tied to this case. Is she here tonight as well?"

"She is," Conan confirmed. "If I'm not mistaken she's currently stationed out by the lot."

"How'd you get her to tag along?"

"I called giving her all the details I had learned to this point." Conan grinned. "Of course; giving my best impression of the old man."

Placing his hands to the edge of his pockets Heiji took a step. "How do you want to play this Kudo?"

"Well we don't exactly know who we're looking for so we'll need to cover as much space as possible. Detective Sato and a few stationed officers have the outside perimeter accounted for, Haibara and the others have the theater room."

"Which leaves everything out here for you and I, got it."

"Anyone could be a suspect."

"We'll cover more ground if we split.. say we meet back at this spot in ten?"

Conan nodded. "I'll see you then." Saying no more the two would part ways. "Time to put this one to bed."

...

Now seated in the stands along Dr. Agasa the Detective Boys happily awaited the beginning of the show.

"Almost all of the seats are filled, the show must be starting soon," Ayumi figured.

"How much time is left?" asked Genta.

"Fifteen minutes," Mitsuhiko responded after checking his watch.

"I'm sure it will be a great show." Hiroshi looked to Ai, noting a concern that appeared to be present upon her face. "What seems to be bothering you?"

"He should have been here by now," Haibara replied. Pushing forward she dropped down from her seat.

"Have you tried calling him?"

"I did. Either his phone is dead or he is busy."

"Do you think something is wrong?"

"I don't suspect so," Haibara replied before choosing to walk. "Hopefully it's just that he got caught up in something. I'll return shortly."

Pressing up the aisle towards the exit Haibara crossed a woman dressed as a clown who held out a basket of cotton candy. "Hello there little one, would you like a delicious sweetie?"

Starring up she blinked. "No thanks." After exiting the theater she attempted to call him once more. As before no response came. "Why aren't you answering?" The question now, where to look?

She moved forward with no true sense of direction, maneuvering around those who were heading in the opposite direction of herself. She stopped after reaching the center of the room. Shifting focus from one side to the other there was no sign of Conan.

"Shinichi where are y.." Bringing eye to the black dress, all seemed to freeze. The wave of her long hair flashing off to the side to reveal her face, the heart pumped as if to keep pace with a live band. ".. Vermouth."

Fear was at peeks edge. Of all places, why here.. why now? In the process of gathering herself the evolving door of bad news only got worse. Vermouth stood with not a move to make would be joined by the duo of both Vodka and Gin. The three would exchange a relay of words before beginning to walk in her direction. No more doubt, no more uncertainty, she had to make a move.

Looking right Haibara caught eye of a food cart. Breaking free of her stone stance she raced over, lifting the hanging cloth she took position on the bottom shelf. Her heart continued to race in panic. Had they seen her? Would they pursue after her? Those thoughts and more circulated through her mind as three familiar voices carried from the outside.

"Enough about last months failed attempt, I care only to hear about what tonight is to bring," Gin voiced.

"A shared sentiment," Vermouth replied. "Tonight's exchange will give us.. how should I say, another tool to play with in our already growing box of lethal weaponry."

"You spoke little of this, 'weapon', when you initially informed us of this gathering," Vodka felt the need to say. "Now that we're here I'd like to-"

Vermouth raised a hand, in turn cutting him off. "In due time." She managed a smile. "Wouldn't want to ruin the surprise now would we?"

"Well if you won't speak on that matter, how bout this.. Horilka," Vodka began. "I take it you've had the honor of meeting our new.. associate?"

Locked in tight position below; Haibara's eyes widened. "Horilka.. a new member?"

"Tell me, what's this guy like? Can he be trusted with the given assignment?" asked Vodka pressing for more.

Brushing a strand of hair away from her left eye Vermouth responded. "What brings you to the assumption that Horilka is a 'man'?"

Following her words the sound of approaching footsteps was heard. From what Haibara could make out there was at least two people. "What now?"

Shortly after there would be a new voice to speak. "Hopefully we haven't kept you waiting long."

"Not at all," Vermouth assured.

"Nalban, grab the cart," one would instruct to another.

"Yah.. sure."

"Hey, you ok? You don't look so well."

"Just a little.." Nalban coughed, wiping a sweat ball from his forehead. "Headache. Nothing a little water won't fix for the time being."

"You can get some shortly," the other spoke before shinning attention back on the subjects. "Right this way, the room where the meeting is-"

"I know where it is," Vermouth cut off. "I handpicked the spot myself." She wasted no time in taking lead.

Before Haibara had the chance to gather what was happening the food cart she had chosen to hide beneath began to move, a moment that brought realization finding place there may prove to be a costly mistake.

...

Damian had made his rounds left and right throughout the facility. There was not one person that called for suspicion. It then occurred to him, perhaps he wasn't focused on the right thing.

"There's something we're missing.. but what?" Damian was growing frustrated by the minute. "I wish I knew what it was we were looking for."

Damian heard the swing of a secured door from the side. A man came barging out; locked in a heated discussion over the phone. "Alert me when you find Kirshmeh Yomodo, we have less than ten minutes before show time, we need him backstage right awa-"

The man paused after bumping into someone. Looking down he spotted a young man. "Watch your step kid."

"My apologies," replied Damian as he watched him continued onward. "Oh, and thanks for the card."

Damian then walked to the door the man had exited, swiping the security card he was granted entry. Damian casually walked down the narrow hall, careful not to bump into the many people who were moving about. Clearly last minute preparations were in order for the big show. Progressing halfway down the walked path there was one question that came to mind. "Where's Drake? I thought for sure he'd be back here somewher-"

Hearing a sudden sound from behind a door he had reached Damian stopped. "What was that?" Reaching for the door knob he found it to be locked. "Of course."

"Damian?"

"Drake," replied Damian who turned to face him. "It was only a matter of time before I found you."

"How did you even get back here? This is a secure location."

Damian shrugged. "It wasn't hard to swipe a card off of-" he stopped in the middle of speaking.

"What's wrong?"

"This door, I keep hearing something," Damian said bringing attention back to it. "Do you know what is on the other side?"

"It's just a storage closet," Tim answered before stepping forward. "What exactly did you hea-"

Just like before the noise was heard for a third time. "Sounds like a person," Damian took note of.

"Yea, a person who is struggling," added Tim. "We need to get this door open, stand back."

"Hey, what are you two doing over there?" Someone called from a distance away.

Ignoring the spoken Tim took a step back before launching forward with a flying kick. With the door now open the two glanced down to find a man bound by his wrists and ankles; stripped down to his underwear and socks.

"Clearly he's not much for fashion," Damian spoke in reference to his green colored underwear with pink poke dots, in addition with his black and yellow stripe socks.

Stepping in Tim dropped to a knee before removing the tape from his mouth. "You ok?"

"They came, I tried to stop them, but.. but I was overpowered! They took my clothes, tied me up, and gagged me, before shooting me with some kind of spray! Next thing I know I woke up in here!"

"Wait, slow down," Tim said calmly placing a hand upon his shoulder. "Want to start off by telling me your name."

"Yomodo.. Yomodo Kirshmeh," he responded.

"I heard that guy mention him over the phone just a minute ago," Damian recalled.

"Kirshmeh Yomodo." Tim brought a hand to chin, clearly with something on mind.

"Drake, what's going on?" Damian asked.

"Mr. Yomodo, you're scheduled to be playing as Kamen Yaiba in the show, yes?" Tim asked as he cut him free of the rope.

Kirshmeh gave confirmation by nodding. "That is so."

"When do you suspect the time was when you were attacked?"

"Well, I came too at least ten minutes ago.. so thirty to forty minutes, give or take?"

"That means," Tim's eyes bolded, he wasted no time in leaping back to his feet. "The man in the Kamen Yaiba suit I encountered before must be the one behind this."

Tim took off in a hurry. "Drake, what's going on?!" Damian called.

"Follow me, we need to find Kamen Yaiba! The man behind the mask is our target."

Damian couldn't hold back a grin, cracking his knuckles with growing anticipation. "We're so going to kick Kamen Yaiba's ass."

...

The shrill of fear surfing through Haibara's body waved like a streak of electricity. The food cart had yet to halt. Where was she being taken? No one on the outside had spoken a word in over a minute. That would soon change. "We've stopped.."

"Here we are."

A sound, the ring of something.. keys? The cart began moving once more. If there was a conclusion to make it was that they were entering another room. Rolling for a couple feet more the door closing behind was heard. The cart pressed against something(a wall perhaps?) No further movement came. Listening to the path of their steps she could hear them strolling to the opposite side of the room from where she had been stationed.

"Can't let this opportunity slip, if I stay here it will only be a matter of time before I'm discovered."

Lifting the hanging cloth Haibara peeked out to find an opening, just a couple feet was a pile of stacked crates near the corner. Staying silent as possible she dropped to the ground, quietly crawling as she found position behind the wall of opportunity. Managing success Haibara exhaled in relief.

"Gentlemen and the lone lady, so nice of you to join us here tonight! I take it you're ready for the exclusive?!"

"Who is that?" This was not one of the individuals she had heard speak before. Focusing in, she spotted Gin, Vodka, and Vermouth. Standing across from them was two men in burgundy colored three piece suites and a third who wore a full body Kamen Yaiba outfit.

"The money.. do you have it?" asked the individual in the Kamen Yaiba suit who placed his arms behind his back.

"In a secure location," replied Vermouth.

"How do I know-"

"You promised a demonstration of this.. weapon," Vermouth interrupted. "You have my word the money will be in your possession if this product of yours brings satisfying results."

"How about an appetizer?" Yaiba offered.

"I don't know what kind of game you're attempting to pla-"

Nalban began to giggle, prompting an immediate reaction from all in attendance.

Vodka glared. "Something funny?"

"Sorry, I.. I don't know what has come over me," Nalban responded before breaking out into tears of laughter.

The look of promise that once filled Vermouth's face now turned to that of someone losing patience. "I am not amused."

Nalban dropped to his knees as the laughs intensified to hysterical proportions. Tossing his jacket off and removing his tie Nalban dropped to his back, reaching for his neck as if to gasp for air.

"Nalban, get ahold of yourself!" The other man dropped to a knee to check on him.

There was now an almost calculative look to find upon Gin's face. "The hell is wrong with him?"

Haibara looked on, terrified just as much as she was uncertain. The laughter would soon subside; the ending result leaving Nalban with bloodshot eyes and a lingering large smile across his lips.

"Nalban, Nalban! Talk to me buddy. Are you ok?" Placing a hand upon Nalban's neck he made an alarming discovery, turning immediately to the man dressed as Kamen Yaiba. "Boss, he.. he's dead!"

"Rest his soul," replied Kamen Yaiba who pulled a gun and shot him right in between the eyes.

He fell to the ground next to Nalban, a stream of blood rushing for escape like a park fountain. Vodka who had seen enough reached for his gun only to have Yaiba strike first.

"Don't bother," stated Kamen Yaiba who now pointed his weapon at Gin who casually stood with his arms stashed in his pocket. "Or else Tarzan meets James Bond here will be the next used piƱata to hit the pavement in delicious fashion tonight."

Hesitating, Vodka would be prompted by a direct order. "Do as he says Vodka, whatever advantage he thinks he has he'll soon come to realize is a mere mirage," Vermouth stated.

Gin was less than concerned by the current circumstance. "Stand down partner."

Grunting in disagreement Vodka finally complied.

Still holding the firearm firm in hand the gunman began to laugh. Vermouth was now on teeters edge of losing her patience. "I'm going to ask you something Mr. Yaiba, and I'm only going to ask it once."

Haibara watched on anxiously, there was no telling what would happen next in the revolving events of the unexpected that lead to this point.

"Oh dear beautiful goldilocks who jumped from the pages of the fairy tale itself, no need to be so formal." Using his free hand he pulled the helmet from atop his head to reveal his true face; a face which brought shock to all. "Call me, JOKER."

To Be Continued