Chapter Ten
Total number of words including the notes: 4898
'Dear Detectives,
I am disappointed but I was already expecting that she would betray me. However, here is the promised gem as a payment for eternal beauty from the children's blood.
Yours Truly,
xxx'
Jimmy clutches the note that he got beside the girl's dead body. The red ruby is inside the girl's ripped chest, placed in the location of her missing heart.
"How on earth did she know?" Harley muttered, while staring at the note that has been stained by blood.
Jimmy looks at the body and shook his head, "I have no idea, Hartwell"
They were too late, after Glazinda Bouvier told them where she's meeting the mastermind every night, they waited for night to come before rushing towards the forest near to an abandoned barn, only to find the corpse of the a girl. They were horrified after seeing how brutal she was killed, they can barely recognise her. He suddenly remembered that things that their suspect said when they were interrogating her. About a witch, lurking around the town and abducting children, but it is really hard to believe, real magic are not real.
"A-alicia?! Jimmy, is that her? Please, answer me!" Rosalia cried, the cowlick haired detective spotted the magician from getting near the body, blocking his own body.
The magician burst into tears. He decided to hug her tightly and caress her back, while listening to the magician cry in grieve after losing a friend.
Guilt
He feels nothing but guilt that he couldn't do anything to stop the inhumane series murders. Rosalia is really close to the children, especially the Alicia who always assist her with her magic shows, this is the first time that he saw the magician cry and it kills him, if Rosalia feels like this then how about the victim's parents?
This case is like a nightmare to everyone, a dark nightmare that he wants to end. He wants to give justice to those innocent children that died without even experiencing the stages of life, but until now, he is still far away to see the brightness of the light of truth.
The scene has already been wrapped up, the evidence and the letter from the culprit has been taken to the headquarters for father investigation. The detectives, magician, and the officers went back home after talking the victim's parents.
"Kudo, there's something about this case that really bothers me" Harley said while walking beside Jimmy who is currently carrying Rosalia on his back, he suggested for her to ride on his back and take a rest since this days has been quite exhausting for her.
"Me neither, why children of all people?" Jimmy agreed, it's not like he wants the culprit to kill adults instead of children, but of all people, why did she chose to kill innocent children?
"We have the same thought in mind, and the letter itself is disturbing, what does she mean by eternal beauty?" said Harley, looking straight to their way while thinking.
The detectives remained silent while thinking about the disturbing thoughts, lingering around their minds. They are thinking the exact same thing, as expected, but even the combination of their brilliant mind still can't think of any possible answers, they still have tons of questions and it bothers them a lot. After all, it has already been three weeks and everything is getting more complicated each day.
Jimmy aggressively shook his head as soon as they reached the magician's home. Rosalia's father is probably home and worried why she's so late. Jimmy steps in front of the door and knocks, waiting for anyone to open the door for them.
"So this is her house"
Harley muttered while looking around the area and at the same time, the door was finally opened by the magician's father, Timoleon stare at the two then to his daughter before giving them way in.
"It's already 9:30 in the evening, Jimmy Kudo" Timoleon said before leading Jimmy upstairs to bring the female magician to her bedroom, Harley didn't bother following the two and just sits down, suggested by the magician's mother.
"I sincerely apologise, sir. I was dealing with this certain case and she insisted to come. I couldn't do anything but to agree since she is too persistent and it is quite dark already to let her walk home alone"
Jimmy laid the magician on her bed as soon as he reached her bedroom. He looks around, her room has so many different kinds dolls, some are quite expensive since he already saw some in his mother's collection.
"But why is she asleep?" Timoleon asked again before walking out of the bedroom, Jimmy followed him quickly after giving the magician a kiss on the forehead, he closed the door quietly and look at his lover's intimidating father.
"She was really tired since it has quite a long day, I decided to carry her and let her sleep" he explained, the gentlemen walk downstairs to continue their conversation.
"Then I should thank you for your generosity of bringing my daughter back Detective Kudo and Detective..."
Timeleon paused and gaze at Harley who quickly stands up and offer his hand for a hand shake,
"Hartwell, Harley Hatwell"
"and Detective Hartwell, I am Timoleon Kuroba, Rosalia's father"
"It is nice to finally meet you, sir"
The gentlemen had some quick conversation before the detectives decided to go home and rest. This day has also been exhausting to them and hopefully, something good with happen next day.
Next day, it seems like God listened to their prayers since there is no news about any child being abducted. It was a relief for the detectives and the police that they have been given a break from hearing that a child is missing each day they wake up.
However, it is not all good news for them since it seems like someone else heard about the case. People are now talking about different versions of their stories about the case, but the majority of it is about witchcrafts for some reasons, about the kids being sacrificed in replace of something.
"This is bad" Harley said while sitting on his desk,
"Maybe one of the victims' parents spread the news about the case?" said by their student Arthur who is busy reading the old file of closed case that Jimmy assigned him to read and solve and of course, he have to solve it correctly.
"That's impossible, we strictly forbid them to do that since it will cause everyone to panic" Jimmy said while drinking his daily dose of coffee.
"Monsieur, you don't actually think that this will be forever be hidden to the public. You're the one who told me that no secrets will forever be hidden to anyone."
Arthur emphasised the way Jimmy said it, laughing together with Harley afterwards. Jimmy just rolls his eyes, he shook his head and ignore the two's laughter. The detective stands up and stares at the view of the village from the office window.
"This is a serious matter, fools"
"We are just trying to brighten up the atmosphere. After all, no one was abducted today and there are no other bad news aside from the case being the top topic around the village"
Harley said, yawning before leaning his back on the backrest of his chair. Jimmy actually agrees to his friend, this is not worst unlike those adductions and serial murders. However there are different versions of gossips about the case and most of it are not believable at all. It's quite surprising for it to spread around the village so quickly.
"Why don't we try to at least relax for a bit?"
"And why don't we try to gather more information?"
Jimmy replied quickly with a deadpan expression. Despites of the fact that no abduction happened today, the criminal is still lurking around like a free, probably observing its next victim while thinking of another way to succeed her plan. His proposal of keeping the children inside their home was approved but they're still uncertain if it will actually work, he's absolutely sure that the culprit has a backup plan. They can't possibly risk another innocent life, those children deserves to run free, away from the dangers of inhumane crimes. Seeing those children's parents mourn in grief is making him feel guilty him, especially that their job is to protect and serve justice for everyone.
He remembered how he saw his beloved Rosalia cry for the first time after seeing what happened to her young friend. She is really close to almost every child inside the village and seeing her cry is one of the reasons why he hid the case from her.
Turning his gaze back to the other two males who is currently blabbering things that he failed to listen due to his own thoughts, Jimmy let out as sigh and massages his forehead.
"Monsieur Harley is right, the so called witch is not taking action for now, that means you have nothing to do but to relax. Just take a day off for today." Said Arthur while gazing at is teacher
"See? Even Arthur agrees! Come on, why don't the three of us go outside and buy something to eat?"
Harley tries to convince his best friend, it's not like he is getting tired of being a detective, but it has been a long week and he—they need a rest! It's not like Strasbourg will sink if they will take a day off.
Jimmy, who stare at his friend for a second nods at the end, Harley and Arthur was about to pull him outside the office when they heard the rain starts to drop.
The younger let out a whine and goes back to his seat and said,
"Great, now that we're about to take a break, the rain has to stop us from celebrating.
"Geez, don't you have any umbrella, Kudo?"
Harley asked and starts to search for one,
"An umbrella is an accessory for women, ask your aunt instead of me"
Jimmy said lazily and starts to listen to the relaxing sound that the rain naturally creates. He didn't listen to his friend's complains while looking outside the window. And after some few minutes of trying to find that certain thing that they don't have, Harley just decided to sit down instead.
"Fine, let's wait till the rain stop" Harley said with a frown on his face, "I'm already hungry though" he added before closing his eyes.
"Me too"
Arthur said as he holds his stomach.
The agency was filled with silence, no one dared to talk, maybe because they are all hungry and the rain is still not stopping. However, their silence seems to shatter into pieces like a whole glass when Harley suddenly remembered something.
"Say, why is Rosalia sleeping with you last time?"
He asked that made Jimmy almost choke from his own saliva, he was about to speak when Arthur suddenly stands up from his seat.
"Wait—mademoiselle Rosalia was sleeping with monsieur Jimmy?! When and how?!"
Arthur exclaimed in surprise. Jimmy slightly blush when the topic was suddenly brought up by his dear friend, he tries to ignore the blush on his face and sighs. 'I knew it, that bastard will not just let it slide after seeing us that time'
"Say Kudo, admit it. You already pop her cherry, didn't you?"
"W-wha the—what the hell are you saying, moron! I—"
"Based on your expression, it seems like you already did! Geez, monsieur Jimmy! You and Mademoiselle Rosalia just started dating few weeks ago then it already happened?" Arhur said while crossing his arms, "You do know that it's too early and you'll have to face a huge consequence for it, right?" he added and flicks his tongue, acting like a disappointed adult who's scolding a teenager.
"It's not what you guys thing—and how did you even know what Harley meant by popping someone's chery, Arthur?!" the cowlick haired detective exclaimed with a deep blush on his face
"He's a smart kid, so don't change the topic, Kudo"
"He's thirteen!"
"A smart thirteen years old boy, who soon will be a detective like us!"
Jimmy just deadpan and groans in frustration, now he regrets celebrating that it started raining. If it's not rain then Harley wouldn't get bored and bring up that accident.
"Nothing happened, case closed"
"How can we be sure that nothing really happened? There's a huge chance since your hormones will trigger because of her sweet pheromones, it will distract you concentration, and the fact that she's only wearing a chemi—"
"We didn't do anything like that!"
"We didn't do anything like that!" the female exclaimed after accidentally hearing the gentlemen's conversation. The room was suddenly filled with silence after hearing a female voice who suddenly exclaimed. The three detectives turn their gaze at the door to confirm who it is.
The figure of the absolutely beautiful Rosalia Kuroba standing at their office door, holding three small lunch boxes with an obvious tint of bright and cherry red blush on her cheek, her eyes is focused on the floor due to the embarrassment.
'Poker face Rosalia! Always remember what your father taught you'
She reminded herself before looking at the three and starts explaining.
"I-it's just— I can't sleep alone, well at least not without I'm hugging something... I got used to hugging my dolls when sleeping and Jimmy was about to sleep on the couch but I asked him not to since he might get uncomfortable and I don't want to sleep alone"
The magician explained while looking down in embarrassment, she bite her lower lip, trying to ignore the fact that her heart is throbbing so fast that it could burst out from her chest any second. She remembered what really happened that time, she couldn't erase every detail of what happened between Jimmy and her even if she wanted but of course she NEVER want to forget everything.
Just like Jimmy, Rosalia is blushing as her while waiting for that other's reaction- hoping that they would buy her half-truth excuse. The magician bites her lower lip and hugs herself, slightly shivering from the coldness. She was too pressured from the conversation between the detectives that he forgot the she's a bit wet due to the heavy rain. Of course, it seems like Jimmy noticed it since he quickly walks towards her and put his coat on the back of the magician's shoulders before leading her towards the vacant seat.
"Thank you"
Rosalia muttered and gave her knight in shining armour a quick peck on his cheek as a reward for taking care of her once again.
Arthur and Harley just watch the couple do their couple things, amused on how soft Jimmy acts every time he's with the lady, they honestly just discovered that side of him since he never dated someone before. They didn't expect for her sudden visit and she was in the right timing for saving Jimmy from his own interrogation.
"I guess everything's clear now, shame on monsieur Harley for jumping in conclusions!"
Arthur said while crossing his arm making a 'tch tch' sound while he shook his head. That made Harley quickly reacts while giving the younger detective in training a deadly glare.
"Hey!"
The boy just grins and cross his arm, not listening to the hot headed Harley Hartwell's complains. He watches Rosalia scoots closer to her lover, still holding the lunch boxes that she seems to prepare for them. She was still shivering in cold despite of her cheeks flushing bright red, obviously because of Jimmy holding her close while rubbing her shoulder in a gentle manner to keep her warm, and then he kissed his beloved magician on its forehead afterwards.
"I really appreciate that you brings us lunch everyday but it's raining today, you shouldn't have bothered since you might end up catching a fever."
Jimmy said while frowning, it's not like he don't want her around, he actually love the idea of Rosalia being around him 24/7 if possible, but of course, he never want for his magician to end up being sick just to make sure that he'll eat actual food.
"I was worried that you guys won't eat something again, especially that you have a child in care and no one of you knows how to cook. I didn't expect that it will rain today, it's a good thing that Sapphire brought an extra umbrella, thought is not enough to totally shield me from the heavy rain."
She explained and puts down the three lunch boxes on the table. She looks up at the gentlemen, their eyes suddenly lit up in joy and excitement.
"Finally! We were just about to buy something to eat but Mademoiselle Rosalia's food is much better!"
Rosalia giggles when after hearing how happy Arthur sounds, he quickly walk toward her and gets the lunch box. Harley nods in agreement as he follows Arthur to get his too and said,
"I thought that we'll starve to death"
Jimmy just looks at them and sweat drop with their dramatic reactions before looking at the lady, he gave her soft kiss on her hand and stare at her with full of admiration and appreciation.
"Merci, mi amour. But what about you? There's only three lunch boxes, have you eaten already?"
"Actually yes, I already at—"
"This taste really good!"
Arthur suddenly exclaimed that cut the magician off, he was staring at the food that was given to him with Harley who is now enjoying his food. Rosalia smile brightly, feeling happy that they actually appreciated what she made, she couldn't help but to chuckle while watching the two.
"Really? You actually liked it?"
"We love it! I missed you foods, is it okay if you bring us some more?"
The young lad said while eating, he can't stop himself from eating continuously since the food is absolutely delicious.
"Oi, we don't want to give Mademoiselle Rosalia a hard time!"
Harley stated, although he do love the idea since he is enjoying the food so much. He suddenly remembered his childhood friend, although it is quite impossible for her to bring him lunch everyday just like what Jimmy's lover does.
"No, I don't mind at all!" she said to the younger male and messes up his hair. She can't help but to adore Arthur, he's absolutely adorable despite of him, being different from other children and young adolescence since he acts so mature all the time, she reminds him of Jimmy sometimes especially that the both quite resembles each other.
"You can also tell me the meals that you want, I will try to make those for he three of you"
"R-really mademoiselle?"
"Well of course, it will be my pleasure!"
'She's an angel... no wonder Monsieur Jimmy fell for her'
The two starts talking about the food that Arthur likes and request some. Jimmy can see how happy the two talk with each other as if his beloved magician has forgotten his presence, and he hates it for some reasons!
'And why is Arthur suddenly acting like a child?!' oh no don't get him wrong, he knows his student and he never acts like that, he is more like an adult who is stuck inside the body of thirteen years old boy. He thinks like an adult, acts like an adult, and he speaks like an adult! That's because of his intelligence, he knows because he was like Arthur before. He only sees Arthur act like that when Rosalia is around, he never saw him act like that with the women that they encountered.
He just watch the two, talk like close siblings. However, he couldn't help himself from wanting to steal the magician's attention, but of course he knows that he is being ridiculous, why is he acting jealous? HE IS NOT JEALOUS.
The detective just sighs deeply and deadpan. Yes, he hates the fact that a child won the magician's attention, but again he is not jealous.
On the other hand, he can hear his best friend devilish laughter while eating, he is 100% sure that he was observing the change of his expression and thinking that he is jealous of a child even if he's not.
"Well well, the great detective of Strasbourg has been defeated by a young alpha, his own student"
Harley teased while trying to contain his laughter, Jimmy just gave him a deadly glare before getting his lunch box and starts to eat it. He ignored the other's laughter, hoping
somehow
It's not like he can stop the two from talking, he knows how Rosalia loves children and despite of Arthur being different from the other children he is definitely not an exemption. Besides, he love to see Rosalia enjoy herself, after seeing her cry for the first time, he want to do nothing but to make her happy, give everything that she deserves, she deserves the world.
"Say Kudo, are you jealous?"
Harley asked him again, ruining his perfect thoughts about making the magician happy.
"Shut up, Hartwell. Unlike you who have been defeated from the start for being a dense idiot, I managed to confess my feeling. And people says we're similar" he shot him back that made Harley frown, "and I am not jealous" he insisted before stuffing the meal that Rosalia made in his mouth.
"You really are no fun, Kudo."
Jimmy just ignored him and stares at his Rosalia while eating. She is smiling so brightly, and it feels like he'll end up being blind by her natural brightness every time he looks at her.
He wants this moment to last longer
He wants to see her smile, and let himself be drowned by her beautiful azure eyes
He wants to spend at least a day or two with her without thinking of any problems and responsibilities
But it seems like fate don't want to agree to it when they suddenly heard a loud knock from their office door. Jimmy quickly stands from his seat to open the door, he saw a man who works at the police headquarters, his clothes are wet from the rain and was panting heavily, it seems like he was in a hurry.
"I'm sorry for the sudden interruption but inspector Bisset is seeking for your assistance. Something horrible happened..."
The man said, enough catch the detectives' attention
"Glazinda Bouvier is dead"
"Glazinda Bouvier is dead" the man said as he let him enter to listen more about the sudden news, "She was found dead inside her own cell, we suspected that she died around 5 o'clock"
The detectives and Rosalia looks at each other, eyes widens leaving Arthur looking at them in confusion.
"Dead?" Jimmy repeated, the man who just delivered the news nods. Rosalia offered the man to sit on the vacant chair before the detectives ask him the details about Glazinda's horrible death. She was killed inside her cell, her tongue has been cut off, she suffered with multiple burns on her skin that made some of her bones visible, and the ruby that they got last night was found inside her mouth, however the main cause of the woman's death is still unknown. Jimmy sits on his chair, thinking about the conversation he had with the suspect while interrogating her.
"Please help me Mr. Detective, I didn't want those innocent children to be killed and now that I told you the truth she will kill me for sure!"
"Her heart is full of hatred and envy, be careful"
Jimmy couldn't help but to remember what the woman told him before she died, he remembered Glazinda begging for protection after her confession yesterday, he remembered how tensed and frightened she was while giving her statements about the mastermind of the serial murders.
'Is she the one who killed her? But how?' he asked to himself, it is quite impossible for someone to break into her cell since it is being guarded 24/7, the culprit couldn't possibly be one of the prisoners since she was isolated from the others and the security is extremely tight.
Just to be sure, Jimmy and Harley went to the prisoner with the man who delivered them the news. Rosalia and Arthur was left on his office since they have nothing to do with the case anymore, Rosalia gave her statement already and Arthur is not yet ready to handle the case.
As soon as they reach the prison, they went straight to the cell where Glazinda's body is located. They were given a chance to observe the body before it was taken away, they observed the whole cell and found nothing that will lead them to the culprit, despite of the brutal way of killing, the crime scene is clean, and the culprit left no evidence at all. They asked the security if they heard some usual nose but aside from the strong wind, they heard nothing, not even a scream.
"Kudo..."
Jimmy quickly turns around to look at his friend after hearing him call his name.
"This is quite impossible, isn't it?"
Harley said with an expression of disbelief with an amuse yet horrified grin.
"Yeah" Jimmy answered and lean of the wall, with his hands inside the pockets of his pants, "The crime scene is so clean, there are no clues and no one even heard any scream. The same ruby we found last night was suddenly found inside Glazinda's mouth"
Harley nods in agreement and said, "She was killed after exposing some details about the mastermind, her tongue was cut off as if it's a punishment for speaking up, and her skin is burnt horribly as if her skin is being soaked with boiling water, but despite of those horrible things, the cause death is still unknown. She died while holding her chest, it was theorised that she ended up having a heart attack but it's not yet confirmed..." he paused for a while and looks at Jimmy, "we both know that it is impossible to sneak inside her cell, it's like she was killed with black magic"
'Black... no red witch' Jimmy thought, remembering how the victim blabbered about being used by a witch to abduct children and use their blood for eternal beauty. Of course, they both know that witches, witchcrafts, and real magic are impossible. They just used witches to scare children at night. Everything has an explanation but the case about the children and the death of Glazinda is almost impossible to explain.
The cowlick haired detective sigh and close his eyes tightly, 'focus, Jimmy' he tried to concentrate and took a deep breath.
The two continue to walk around the prison so that they might get any leads but found nothing, after some few moments the inspector called them so that they could meet someone that will help them handle the case.
"Monsieur Kudo, Monsieur Harley. From now on, this man will help you handle the case"
Jimmy and Harley's eyes widens as they saw the man who will help them solve the case. Jimmy quickly flinches and mentally groaned while looking at the man in front of him who offered his hand for a hand shake.
"I believe we already met. It's been a while, Sebastian Hainse, a private detective from London"
Jimmy lazily accepted his hand for a hand shake, wearing a poker face while looking at Sebastian who gave him an annoying grin. The French detective cussed in his mind and thought,
'So much for a relaxing day'
NOTES: Hello, it's been a while since we last updated. There has been a technical problem with my cellphone and I couldn't use my PC since we're still waiting for the internet connection to be installed and it is taking way to long, I'm the one who's in charge of editing the chapters and updating the stories in wattpad, and AO3 so it took a while even if we're suppose to update this story last August 30. I am truly sorry!
Furthermore, we are planning to make a one shot collections for ShinKai (Shinichi x Kaito) so if you want to request something, please leave it here in the comment section or sent us a personal message together with your requests!
Anyway, what do you think about this chapter? Please leave your thoughts and don't forget to vote~
-Dark Knight