What's this? A relatively quick update. About time. I think I am getting back in the groove. Well guys, it is time for school to start up again soon, so I have no idea how often I can update from now on. However, I will try my best to post as much as possible. This will be episodes 672-674.
Bourbon. I can't help but think of the Black organization member as I pour a glass of his namesake for myself. I just need a face with the name. It was like sitting out at sea in a boat, knowing there are sharks in the water to attack you, but not seeing them. It was the worst feeling. My imposter hasn't done anything recently, hasn't tried to go after the FBI again, at least to my knowledge. I bet the last fiasco where he almost got shot by his own people has made him cool his head a bit. Still, it makes me a little anxious.
I had hid it well, going about daily life as normal. Helping the Detective Boys with some cases, bringing my cooking experiment leftovers to Agasa Hakase's house, and slowly but surely getting closer to Haibara. I felt like I wasn't doing anything though. I hate this feeling of waiting around, just open for an attack.
It was late at night and I was just finishing a cream stew, practicing my technique that Yukiko-san had managed to teach me the last time I was here. My cooking skills were slowly but surely improving; I haven't set fire to anything recently, and I don't get food poisoning anymore. I spoon out a few bowls to keep for myself, but the portion is way too much for me to eat, even over the next few days it will spoil. I quickly pick up the pot. I wonder what Haibara and Agasa Hakase are eating tonight.
I make the well-traveled path next door. The door was unlocked and I slipped right in, just as I heard Agasa-Hakase exclaiming loudly.
"What? Conan-kun's been kidnapped? By a murderer?"
I pause in the doorway, panic clawing at my chest. Conan…is it them? Did the Black Organizaiton steal him away, finally seeing his potential? Was it Bourbon?
I take a shaky breath. No, it couldn't be. He hasn't done anything to grab their attention recently, and if it was the Black Organization, they wouldn't leave witnesses. This must be a normal murderer, and if that is the case, then he had to have a plan of some kind. I refuse to believe he was taken off guard and kidnapped against his will, and that he can't handle it. However, getting him back is a priority.
"Got it, I will try to track him with the spare glasses."
There seemed to be a pause, when he hung up.
"She hung up on me."
Haibara pattered toward him, and I see the tenseness in her frame. I wonder if she is thinking the same things I am. It was honestly amazing. She is a total ice queen, frigid and cold towards everyone, however I can tell she really cares about Edogawa Conan. In fact, he is the only one I have ever seen, besides Akemi and Agasa Hakase, to see that other side of her.
"How do you plan to track him down Hakase? Your beetle is in the shop for repairs."
Ah right, I remember that. The car managed to break down recently. I had helped them take it to the mechanic, much to Haibara's irritation. Ah well. It looks like they are out of transportation options. That isn't good.
"Yeah our only chance is a taxi at this rate."
A taxi cannot adequately chase down a murder, and if a car chase was to happen, a taxi couldn't possibly handle the wheel like I can. Maybe I can offer my services. FBI agents are used to this sort of work after all. I definitely wasn't going to sit back and leave the Boya in a jam when I could help him. I owe him more than that at least.
"Then, will you go after him in my car?"
The both turn towards me, and immediately Haibara's eyes constricted in terror. I explain smoothly.
"I apologize I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but as I came to share some cream stew with you, I heard you having a disturbing conversation at the door."
Maybe that will lower her guard. Ah, nope not enough, as I step forward she scoots behind the professor. I take a deep breath silently. I cannot focus on this at the moment. We have to hurry and help Conan. I will put up with the attitude but I would prefer if we got moving. Time is of the essence here.
"Now if we are going to get him, we must hurry."
Little lady, now is not the time to get in petty arguments. We have to combine forces for this one, so you just have to learn to live with it.
"Then, let us have the keys and the Hakase and I will go find him."
She stretched out her little hand, still hiding behind the Hakase's form. Well she is getting braver around me at least. I sigh. Not that I don't mind, however, Agasa Hakase cannot drive like I can either in a pinch. Not to mention, I tuned the car to fit my specifications, just in case I needed to use it in emergencies, and doesn't handle like a normal car.
"I don't mind, but the car has some peculiarities so I have to be the one that drives it."
Agasa Hakase glances toward Haibara.
"What if Subaru-kun and I go?"
Oh that would be interesting. Her letting me, a possible agent of the organization, go alone with this man who is her caretaker, to 'save' the Boya she cares a lot about. I am sure she will just stay home for that. I smirk.
"That would work. That is if this girl intends to stay by herself anxiously waiting for a report on that Boya's safety."
Ball is in your court Haibara. Choose to stay here, or work together with me to capture this criminal. A chance like this to bond with her doesn't happen often, and I was going to take it. Although, if I am, I really need to stop teasing her. It is only making it worse for myself.
"If it is all right I would advise she comes with us. But of course, I won't force you."
No she will come; I know how protective she is of the Boya. She clutched tighter to the Hakase's coat before sighing.
"Pull the car around. I will go get the glasses and my phone."
I immediately put the cream stew on the counter and leave, almost running back over to my currently living quarters to grab the keys, pulling out my Bluetooth and clipping it to my ear. It doesn't hurt to have some backup in this case. I quickly dialed James.
"What is it?"
I pull out a pistol that I had managed to keep and stash it in my breast pocket.
"James, Conan is in trouble."
Instantly the man was alert.
"Do you need FBI help? Is it them?"
No the FBI cannot show up at my call. I was mostly going to use them as a last resort.
"No, run of the mill criminal, but it could get dangerous fast. I am going myself. But if we need to see up blockades, I am counting on you."
James hummed.
"I will keep Jodie and Camel on standby, say an anonymous person tipped us off."
I nod as I walk out the door toward my car.
"I will call you with updates of the situation. Expect first report in an hour or so."
"Be careful."
"Roger."
In less than two minutes I was sitting in front of Agasa Hakase's house. I lean my elbow against the wheel and take a deep breath. Adrenaline was bubbling in my stomach. I hope Boya is all right. I have seen how defiant he can be with criminals, and how reckless he can be. However, I don't think he could be as careless as allow himself to be captured unless he had a good reason. I think about shooting him an email, but I doubt he will answer if he is captured.
I pick up the receiver of the bugs that were still left over from the time I asked Jodie to bug their house. I wonder what they could possibly be talking about. I don't use this often, only for times such as these.
"Ai-kun, it will be fine I promise."
"I don't trust him Agasa Hakase. He is hiding something."
"Not everyone with secrets is bad Ai-kun. Aren't you also one of those?"
"He has that aura."
"But right now, put aside your differences so we can help him."
A heavy sigh.
"Only for his sake Agasa Hakase. Not that man's."
The sound of the door opening, and I look over to see both of them hurrying towards me. I pocket the device instantly and open the door, allowing both young girl and middle aged man to sit in my car.
"Sorry about this Subaru-kun."
Oh no, not at all Hakase. I want to help as much as possible.
"Don't mention it. Where are we off to first?"
I glance in my rearview mirror to see Haibara sporting the usual glasses that I almost always saw on Boya.
"Wait a second…first go off toward Oishi Highway. I will explain the details once you get there."
"Understood."
I confirm, placing the car in drive and slowly driving toward our destination.
Agasa Hakase is an interesting man, with interesting toys. This newest one, the tracking glasses, and the tranquilizer watch, have such handy uses. Although, did that mean the glasses the Boya always wore, this was their primary function instead of seeing? Did that mean they were fake, only used as a disguise? Kudo Shinichi didn't wear glasses, and if Edogawa Conan used them just to change his appearance and use their tracking function…although, why I am surprised. The Boya had tracked Kir after all; I just didn't know it was the glasses.
I followed Haibara's directions easily, pulling onto the highway.
"They are moving again. Moving south down Oishi highway towards Toriya town."
I confirm reflexively, as if I was a FBI agent again.
"Roger. It doesn't look like we will manage to catch up soon."
That was worrying. Who knows what could be happening with them. Agasa Hakase interjects.
"Where is the kidnapper trying to go? It looks like she is just wandering around."
That is a good point. Why would they not stay in one place? Usually they pick a central hideout to take their victims. So why were they moving around? Unless they knew the Boya had a tracker which doesn't make sense. Could she be trying to find a spot to murder him? I hope not. They are just making things a whole lot more complicated with this moving everywhere.
"She might just be wandering around. Unable to find the blood stained spot she is seeking."
It is times like these I wish I had a good strong sports car with a good engine. We could speed up and catch up to them. But that's too much like Akai, not Subaru.
"They stopped, looks like an apartment complex."
I press lightly on the pedal, speeding up. Maybe we can cover some ground. She won't kill him at an apartment complex though so why bring him there. People would hear the gunshots.
"Ah, they are moving again. At this speed it must be a car. They are heading toward Haido city now."
"Why did they get out of the car though?"
Hmm, maybe the kidnapper lived there and needed to grab something?
"Did the culprit take Conan-kun out somewhere?"
Trying to imagine Conan being dragged around against his will wasn't easy to fabricate in my mind. Besides, I know how that Boya can go from innocent child to intimidating in two seconds. Not to mention, this is not normal criminal behavior.
"No, perhaps the one leading around is Conan-kun."
It would make sense. There is something more here than just a simple kidnapping case, and he wants to get to the bottom of it. I am sure that is what is happening. If he saw something suspicious, I bet he would act. He probably went with her to keep an eye on her. Geez, making all of us worry about him when he has the situation under control.
"Yeah, I could agree."
I glance up at my mirror to see Haibara fiddling with her phone, looking at the map.
"Oh, how unusual. You usually don't agree with me often Haibara-kun."
She gave me a glare.
"I just know how he is."
I feel her animosity, so I just focus on driving. We sit in silence, where it was broken by Haibara once again.
"Why are you helping us?"
What a foolish question. I can't exactly explain what my real purpose is, and that I am guarding her and the Boya that has done everything for me. I just smirk.
"Just being a good neighbor Haibara-kun."
She narrowed her eyes at me.
"Don't lie."
Agasa Hakase tactfully decided not to interrupt. I think carefully. Should I answer? If so, how should I? I sigh as I turn.
"Is it a problem that I also worry about him?"
Which is true. I do worry about the Boya, a lot, considering the amount of cases, criminals, and prolonged exposure to the Black Organization he has dealt with. Her eyes widened comically. I keep my eyes on the road as I ask, changing the subject.
"Where are they now?"
Startled, she looks back at her phone and traced the red dot beeping on the glasses.
"Take a right in three intersections."
I follow her directions smoothly. We drive in almost silence; the only sound is Haibara giving directions. It seems as though Conan and the kidnapper have stopped at three different places now. What are you doing Conan?
"Which way after that?"
"Turn left ahead. They are about 5 km ahead in a straight line. They are moving, but at this speed they are walking."
Good they are finally close enough to catch.
"I see. Then I think we will catch up to them in ten minutes."
"Even so, why are they wandering around on foot now?"
This just makes my theory more valid, that Conan is the one calling the shots here, not the kidnapper. He wouldn't just be strolling around unless he had a reason for it.
"Who knows? But since it is Conan-kun, he probably has an objective in mind."
At least that is what I am betting on. I glance back to the backseat again.
"Why don't you email Mouri Ran? Maybe she has more clues then us. She was the one to call earlier right?"
Agasa Hakase quickly clicked his number pad a message as I focused on driving, and Haibara on directions. A few minutes later, I hear the ding of a reply.
"Apparently Conan-kun emailed them to say that he was all right. They are currently looking for the last robber in the trio robbery case from several days ago, who killed this lady's lover."
Oh, so the current kidnapper must have wanted revenge or something. That's why the Boya went with her, to keep an eye on her and to keep her from doing anything rash or more criminal like. I bet he could intimidate her, or at least talk her out of most things. The most we can do now is catch up to them, and if they are searching for another criminal, make sure both of them don't harm him.
"Are they still there?"
Haibara nodded.
"Yes they haven't moved yet. We are getting close."
We were now on side streets, looking at small houses and apartments.
"Not far now. At the next corner turn right and they should be there."
I take a deep breath and tense slightly. Since they haven't moved in a while, it makes me think they found the last robber. This kidnapper lady seems…relatively safe so far. At least I think she won't harm the Boya. This other robber was part of the group that murdered someone. They might be panicked and take them hostage or worse. I am ready for anything.
"Understood."
"I better tell Ran-kun."
No, more people might spook them. We don't know what is going on. We should scout out the situation first. I would hate for him to be injured because we were hasty. Better take things slow for right now.
"It would be best if you didn't yet. We don't know what kind of situation Conan-kun is in. While I doubt it, we can't rule out the possibility that we are too early to celebrate."
Agasa Hakase lowered his phone.
"That's..."
"At least refrain for the moment, until we understand the circumstances."
I ease the little red car forward, and glance in the back seat, warning Haibara. I don't know what she will do when we get there, but I have to act as if I am dealing with two rookie agents.
"Also, I will say this now just to be sure, even if we find him or the car he is in, we shouldn't act recklessly, so we don't endanger his life."
I don't want him hurt either Haibara, so work with me here. She huffed, disgruntled.
"I know that, I am not a child."
Ho? Really now, I didn't expect you to be so open about your secret. Most adults would just crack it up to be a child pretending to be bigger than they are, like most children, but as she just stated, she isn't most children. My smirk widens a fraction.
"Indeed."
Suddenly a shot permeates the air. My body stills in anticipation, and I ease down on the brake. God please don't be the Boya.
"That sounded like gunshots."
As he said that a blue sedan drove right in front of us. I can't see much past the tinted windows, but I can see two older people, and one of them is holding a gunlike object. Haibara pointed, exclaiming in panic.
"That car! Edogawa-kun is in that car!"
Crap, as I thought. This was no longer under Boya's control. If there was a gunshot, and a gun, there is a hostile in the car. The original kidnapper must be driving, while the robber is holding Conan hostage. Shoot. I change gears, barking out orders.
"Well then, please convey this to Mouri-san."
"Not the police?"
"No, they are the only ones that can explain the whole story to the police. Make sure to give them the car color, model, and number so they can set up checkpoints to stop it."
Agasa Hakase looked over at me.
"What if she uses her hostage to break through the checkpoint?"
My mind whirled, before I gave an answer. I will have no choice.
"Then, we stop them, using force."
I see Haibara tense in the back seat. I am using my aura, but I don't care. I need it to pull off this job. Should I call in James and the FBI? No, not yet at this moment. They are still in our grasp. We can still handle the situation. Man I wish I had Camel driving though. He was better than me at that aspect.
We should follow for the moment to keep an eye on them, but panic was slowly growing in my chest. Boya, please be safe. I promised Yukiko-san that I would keep you out of harm's way. Surely you can hold on just a little longer. This was so different than a normal child's kidnapping case. This was personal. I was acting like Jodie or Camel was captured, because I see Conan as an invaluable ally, colleague, and friend. I do not want him hurt at any cost.
Agasa Hakase quickly phoned the detective.
"Mouri-kun, listen, we are currently following the car Conan-kun is in. He is traveling north on Oishi highway."
There was a short pause before Agasa Hakase started speaking again.
"It is a blue compact."
Something suddenly catches my eye. A white RX-7, driving the opposite way suddenly makes a u-turn behind us, tires squealing on the pavement. I suppose that is Mouri Kogoro, although that is a very nice car for a detective. I don't care that much at the moment though. My priority is getting Conan back in safe custody.
The blue car in front of me switches lanes, and I follow behind it easily. This was nothing compared to what I used to do. I glance back to check on the people following us, and notice Haibara looking terrified. Is she scared of me, or the possible injury to Conan? I smirk.
"Don't make that face."
I don't like it when she is distressed. It makes me think I am breaking my promise to Akemi. She whips around to look at me in surprise.
"I won't let them get away."
I have to do something. Mouri Kogoro will not be able to deal with this threat; he doesn't have the means to. I however do. The pistol is heavy in my breast pocket. It wouldn't be too hard to shoot the wheel and make them slow to a stop.
"Hakase, take the wheel."
I ordered firmly, unbuckling my seatbelt and tying it around the door handle. It will act as a nice brace to keep me steady. I open the door, leaning out the side, ignoring Agasa's startled squawks. I reach into my pocket, and I feel the grip in my hand, when a rush of white movement past me makes me look over. There in the front seat is Mouri Ran, but the driver is a young man, tan skin, blond hair, and a face that I had not seen in years, yet would recognize anywhere. I freeze in my position as our eyes meet. Why? Why is he here?
Bourbon, my brain supplies helpfully.
Shit.
I immediately withdraw, back into the car. Agasa Hakase looks over at me in confusion as I reattach the seatbelt around me. Inwardly I was secretly panicking. My first thought was I had to protect Haibara. This man, Bourbon, is not an idiot. He will make connections if I give him the chance. I can't let him even see her. Crap and my hands are tied now; anything I do will give him evidence against me if he truly is investigating my death. A civilian, being able to snipe a car tire from a moving vehicle? Yeah, totally normal and not Akai Shuichi at all.
Although, Bourbon being him, it sure makes a lot of sense. Boya said that 'Scar Me' had solved the mystery at the department store, so he obviously was a deductive genius, and his obsession with trying to investigate my death. I should have figured it out sooner. There was no other explanation, as to why that man would be here now of all times. God how symbolic, that he chose the name of the drink he despised, and the drink that he used to like. All three of us after the same drink. Irony of ironies.
I ease on the brake pedal, letting the white car speed by us. I don't worry about the Boya. Bourbon will take care of the situation; he is very capable after all. Although, what is he doing with the Mouris? Is he investigating Mouri Kogoro, and Conan, by any chance, or did they just meet with this case? No, this is not coincidence. He is here for a reason. I will have to warn Conan once this is over.
What should I do? I feel a little relieved that Bourbon is him. He might be an ally in this fight, and might let some information slip between the cracks and not let the Black Organization know about Haibara or the Boya. Me though, is a whole different story. Does he still hate me? Will he turn me in, and possibly get Kir killed? I wouldn't put it past him. He used to want to do anything to advance in the Organization, even if it is killing the good guys in the fight. This is kind of good though. I know this man; I know how dangerous he is, know not to underestimate him, and I know I can beat him.
"What are you doing? We need to save Edogawa-kun."
I look back at the girl in the back seat. Is that why she was so terrified earlier? Did she sense him, instead of me? I know her paranoia is top notch, and I should have listened. I grip the wheel tightly.
"Don't worry. They will take care of it. You keep your head down."
She seemed to notice the difference of tone in my voice, and slumped farther down in her seat. I look up just in time to see Bourbon drift in front of the blue compact, effectively barricading the street and stopping both cars. Not bad Bourbon. I slowly ease on the brake and watch as a motor bike races past me, climbing on top of the car as a lady, holding the gun, steps out. Did we have another pursuer for the Boya? Geez, you have the whole city looking out for you, you lucky kid.
The biker suddenly spun the bike around, nailing the woman in the face, knocking her to the ground and going in to hug the Boya. We drive past, so I didn't get a good look at her face, but she must be pretty skilled. I was too busy checking Conan for injuries. He looks fine, not even shaken up from the experience.
I pull to a stop and almost immediately a call comes through on my cellphone. I answer instantly, and am not surprised to hear James.
"Is Conan-kun safe?"
I nod to myself, muttering.
"Situation is under control. Hostile taken care of."
I hear a voice from the backseat.
"Who is that?"
I hang up immediately and glance back at Haibara. She looks a lot more relaxed now that she knows that Conan is fine. I glance back at the wreck and notice how the Mouris chat easily with Bourbon. So he is a familiar face to them. Probably sneaking into their lives, to spy on them. I shift back into drive and ease off. Let Bourbon and the Mouri's deal with the police. I need to get Haibara home quickly.
"Allies."
She narrowed her eyes.
"Whose?"
I smirk at her.
"Mine, and yours, and Conan-kun's."
Her eyes widened again in confusion and I couldn't help but smirk. It was true. If I had just said my allies, she would have inferred that it was the organization.
We make it home in record time. Agasa Hakase thanked me for my help and the stew, while Haibara remained silent. I made sure they were all inside before parking in my car in the driveway and pulling out my phone. I should email Conan to warn him about Bourbon.
My fingers pause over the keys and I sigh. No I can't. If Bourbon is that close to them, he might look into their phone records, and if he sees an email from me about his identity…that would be bad. Boya isn't an idiot. He knows better than to flaunt his intelligence, and he has his own paranoia meter that can spot usually any Organization agent. If he hasn't already figured it out, I am sure he can handle it on his own. I definitely don't need to be contacting now when an agent is breathing down his neck basically, especially since I don't know if he is a serious threat. I should stay away from them for a little bit, just in case.
I also can't tell Conan about him being a double agent. I am only about eighty percent sure myself, and I have no proof to back it up, except for a gut feeling and his relationship with Scotch. Besides, as I had thought before, I don't know how much of an ally he is in this fight against them. I don't want to give the Boya false hope over something like this.
I sigh as I smile at the ceiling of my car. He has finally shown himself, and now that I know who is he and what to look for, I can put away this anxious feeling in my chest that has been there since the department store. However, he is a lot closer than I ever imagined. I will have to be careful. Who knows what he has up his sleeve. I am sure that Conan is baffling him in many ways. I just hope the Boya can keep his head about him with this new threat.
I can't wait to see Bourbon, you out here on the battlefield. Although, will you be the one to stab me in the back, or the one to grip hands in arms together? We shall soon find out.