I am thinking about doing a similar series to this one, but with possibly Bourbon. Would anyone be interested in that? Its just an idea so it might now happen, but I am thinking about it. Let me know what you all think. This is episodes 781 through 783 and also spoilers for those who don't know the history of Akai and Bourbon.

I woke up with a start to the sound of the automatic lock clicking open. I blink my eyes open, and realize that it was night time. How long had I been asleep? That didn't exactly matter at the moment. I was just lounging in the back of Camel's car, and they would be in here soon and see me if I didn't do something.

I yank the jackets in the back seat over me quickly, barely daring to breathe as I heard the doors open. Now, I always check my car out before hand as an agent; you don't know when someone will attack you. I felt that my flimsy hiding spot wouldn't hold up, but I didn't hear anything besides the car turning on. So…they didn't spot me? I am kind of disappointed. If I was a criminal…they could have gotten ambushed easily.

"Where are we going Jodie-san?"

Ah, Camel, and Jodie, as we suspected. It was nice to hear him again after all this time. I hear Jodie let out a small sigh before she replied, voice full of conviction.

"Let's just drive for a bit. I need to check something out. We need to go east for now."

Ah, that was the old Jodie. I didn't like hearing her so unsure of herself last time in the department store. I carefully place my finger in my ear, flicking on the button to the earpiece. Immediately there was a voice.

"Akai-san? Are they on the move? Tap once for yes, two for no."

I smirked. I didn't expect Boya to answer so quickly, but I should have. I gently poked the earpiece, knowing the barely audible sound would carry to the receiver.

"All right, then we can prepare here as well. Good luck Akai-san."

I switch off the receiver, listening to the engine thrum, and the silence stretching between the two FBI Agents. When will they strike? Will Bourbon go to the Kudo's house? Will we succeed? I take a deep breath and just relax in the back seat. I just hope I can convince Bourbon to back off. Suddenly I hear slight intake of breath on the receiver.

"Our visitor is here Akai-san. I will give you the signal soon."

I tapped once for confirmation. I hear muffled voices, like the Boya had placed my earpiece aside and was focusing on the earpiece between Yusaku and him. It was better that way. If I heard what they were talking about I would worry needlessly. Although I hope I can review the footage later; the battle of wits between Bourbon and the Kudos would be something legendary that I would love to watch, if only to see Bourbon get outsmarted and boxed into a corner.

"Jodie-san, I really need to know an exact location."

I zone back in as Camel prodded for an answer to his previous question. Jodie hesitated before giving her answer.

"Raiha Pass."

Camel started, and I felt a slight swerve in the car as he must have turned the wheel.

"Raiha Pass? We are going to the place they killed Akai-san?"

Jodie affirmed.

"Yes, I think we will find something there."

She started murmuring to herself, and in the quiet car, I could hear every word clearly.

"That expression he made when he heard they had learned that Kusada Rikumichi had shot himself, and the way he lost his cool during the flower viewing incident. There must be something there."

Oh, I am guessing she was talking about Conan. Ho, I thought that kid couldn't get rattled. He was almost always calm about everything. I can see it though. He didn't expect someone to actually figure out the plan that we had carefully constructed. When Bourbon started pulling away the web that we had weaved to expose the truth, of course Conan must have panicked. Although, the incident from yesterday, that she was talking about, was that real fear, or faked. Obviously Jodie decided to investigate because of his reaction, but was the Boya already planning that far ahead that he allowed himself to look vulnerable to get the ball rolling on the investigation of my death? I wouldn't put it past him.

"What do you mean Jodie-san?"

I gently pulled the jackets off of my face so that I could see what was happening. It was dark enough now that even if Jodie and Camel looked back here they wouldn't see anything. I see Jodie look over at Camel.

"Well, think about it. Kusada Rikumichi and Shu were killed around the same time right? Maybe Shu switched the corpses?"

She put a finger to her chin.

"The only thing I can't think of is how exactly he did it."

Camel looked over at her, almost with a look of pity. Yes, I was sure Jodie had almost moved on from my death when this matter had presented itself. It might look like absolute denial from one standpoint, but I was so proud of her. She was thinking like we did all those months ago. She was willing herself to think outside the box, and possibly come to the same conclusion we had. I smiled faintly as I scooted into a more comfortable position, silently willing Jodie to come to the right answer, like a teacher wishing her students well on a test.

It was a few minutes later when she suddenly looked at her hands.

"His fingerprints should be on there too unless he covered them…"

She paused, thinking before she exclaimed.

"…with a film. That's right, Shu must have coated his fingers with a clear adhesive to be safe on both his hands."

Camel glanced over at her.

"What do you mean?"

Jodie explained eagerly.

"When he grabbed Conan-kun's phone, the coating on his fingerprints prevented his fingerprints from getting on the phone. That's why Shu dropped the can of coffee. The coating made his fingers slippery."

Ah, there you go. I wondered if you would remember that incident. I am almost glad I did it now, even though at the time it had almost cost us everything. Now though, with an enemy finding out, we might as well let our allies know of this as well. Camel asked.

"Then whose fingerprints were on the phone?"

"Not Shu's. Kusada Rikumichi's, the one who touched it before him."

Camel put it together in an instant.

"Then the corpse that was shot in the head and burned at Raiha pass…"

Jodie finished the thought.

"Was Kusada Rikumichi's corpse. I am not exactly sure how, but Shu must have had the body dressed like himself inside his truck, pretended to get shot, and then switch the bodies."

Finally, months after the fact, they have finally figured it out. I smirked as I glanced from both of them. They had come far in their deductions, farther than I expected. I thought this plan was unattainable myself. The fact they did was a sign that both of them had improved as agents. I was proud of them. Suddenly I see Camel glance up into the rearview mirror, narrowing his eyes before turning back to the conversation.

"Do you think that is the truth Jodie-san?"

She nodded, confidence in her deduction evident in her body language.

"I can't think of an alternative can you? The one that adds all these pieces together?"

Camel paused, obviously thinking before replying.

"I don't believe it. Akai-san touched the phone before they even recovered Mizunashi Rena. Did Akai-san already know she would be ordered to kill him?"

Yes, that was the key. No one could have predicted those events to unfold exactly the way they did. That's why everyone involved in this plan doubted its completion. Who would have thought that we were blessed with an oracle strategist? Jodie answered quietly.

"Yes, Shu must have known that much."

Jodie, you give me too much credit. I didn't even think of such a plan. Suddenly I see the change come over Jodie. She stiffened, mouth dropping open, and pure astonishment and awe fell over her face. She gasped bolting straight up in the seat. Ho? Did you figure it out? She must have. I don't know how, but I am sure some hint that Conan had dropped in the past had clued her in.

Yes Jodie, you were right to choose Edogawa Conan as your favorite detective. Now you understand just how competent he is. She had seen him solve crimes before sure, but this was a whole different level. He is by far the most powerful, most ingenious, most dangerous detective I have ever met. He has gone beyond all expectations I have placed on him and has come up with this genius plan that only two other people have seen the ingenuity behind the shrunken teenager detective.

Camel interrupted her thinking.

"We'd better hurry. We have some strange cars on our tail."

Oh, did they come as we predicted. The party can finally truly start. Boya should be engaging Bourbon now. We just have to play keep away until the right moment. As if reading my thoughts, I could feel Camel speed the car up, passing safe speeds into almost suicide levels. He asked quickly, only slightly stressed about the situation.

"What has Akai-san been doing since then? Do you know who he might be? Maybe someone who uses the same phrases?"

Wow, going straight to the disguise avenue, not even the move somewhere far away route. I suppose they do know me pretty well. They know I wouldn't run when my mission to catch the crows takes precedence over pretty much everything else. Jodie questioned.

"Phrases?"

Yes, I did have some pretty common ones, and possibly if she thought back, she could remember the time in the department store when I let slip that one phrase I used often.

"You know, Akai-san would always say 'the odds are fifty fifty, so we are in the same boat'."

Jodie gasped, answering quickly.

"It's him. I told you about him before, the strange man with glasses I ran into at Beika's department store."

So she did remember. Perfect Jodie. You have definitely improved in your memory and deduction skills. I wonder if me not being there has allowed you to grow in your own way.

I felt the car shift as Camel drifted around a bend, and I tried my best to clench my fingers around the seat to keep me in place. Suddenly I hear Camel grit his teeth and Jodie exclaimed.

"No way, they are barricading the road."

Well Bourbon is going all out. Not that I didn't expect him to. I wonder how Conan and Yusaku are doing against him. I can still barely hear what was going on at the other end of my earpiece, so it was next to useless.

"Clench your teeth so you don't bite your tongue."

Well crap. I obey the order and brace myself, gripping tightly to the seat as I felt Camel swerve to the right, and hitting something, and immediately the car tilted. I smirk as I slide a little but not much toward the driver side. As expected of the best driver in the FBI. We wobbled as we stood on two wheels, scooting forward until we fell back on four wheels with a bang, squealing away. If the PSB thinks that the FBI agents are a bunch of pushovers that will just stop if the road is barricaded they are sadly mistaken.

Jodie glanced back, but thankfully her eyes were focused on the cars behind us instead of me.

"Way to go Camel."

"Who the hell are those guys?"

Jodie narrowed her eyes, gazing ahead.

"They must be their allies. Now that they know that Shu is alive they are trying to use us as bait to draw him out."

I smirk to myself. Ah, so we were right, and by we I mean Conan. Once again your predictions prove to be accurate and realistic. Camel gasped lightly.

"You mean I ruined Akai-san's plan because I let it slip that Kusada Rikumichi shot himself?"

No Camel it isn't your fault. Bourbon and Vermouth have fooled smarter people, and besides he had a pretty strong idea that I was still alive that I gave him back on the Bell Tree Express. Jodie chided.

"We don't have time for remorse. Focus on getting them off our tail."

That was an excellent point. We can mourn over spilled milk at a later date. Now was still not the correct time to give up yet. I think we can hold them off for a little while longer. Conan hasn't given me the signal yet. Come on Boya.

"This isn't good. The steering wheel keeps turning to the right."

"What do you mean?"

"I must have damaged the tire and bent the rim when I went over that rock. The air is leaking out of the tire."

"What?"

"At this rate they will catch us."

Ah, so we have gone from bad to worse. Camel is a good driver, but I cannot expect him to continue driving safely under these conditions. They will catch us soon, which will interfere with our plan. If I don't do something now that is. Come on Boya tell me to make my move. I tap the earpiece, hoping for a response. Almost immediately I hear my earpiece being picked up off the table.

"Wait."

Just a single word, and then I was put on the back burner again. Almost immediately I felt bad. Boya was concentrating his hardest on Bourbon, and I shouldn't distract him. Overseeing two parts of a single operation is difficult to do, even for me as seasoned as I am. I should leave him alone. However, he deserves to know that we are almost in trouble here, so that he can react accordingly, manipulating the conversation so that Bourbon can come to the conclusion faster that I am not Okiya Subaru.

"Do something Camel!"

"I am sure Akai-san will manage something though."

Jodie sighed, looking depressed. The tires squealed in the night, trying to make up for the fact that one of them was flat. I sighed silently, calming all of my nerves. Any second now—

Suddenly I hear a small sound on the other end of the ear piece, a triumphant little laugh and I could hear the smirk in it.

"Caught him. Green light on your end Akai-san."

I smirked. Finally. I am sure Bourbon is very confused right now. I would love to see the look of absolute surprise on his face. I calmly sit up in the backseat,removing the earpiece and pocketing it as I gazed around. Camel and Jodie were both looking quite distressed, flinching as a car came in from the left and from the right, and I can feel the lights from a car that was trailing behind. Ah so they were trying to box us in. I can tell that if Boya waited just a few seconds more, it would have turned ugly fast.

Now, how to do this? They need to see me and have no doubts about my identity. I glance up and see the roof was a convertible. That makes it so much easier. I command easily.

"Open the roof."

Camel and Jodie both jump in shock. I repeat, only allowing a sliver of urgency come into my voice.

"Open it Camel."

Camel started forward, pushing the button and replying I am sure reflexively.

"Yes sir."

There was a mechanical sound as the roof retracted into the car. I close my eyes, listening as I hear Conan say quietly.

"Everything is clear here. You can do what you like."

Oh, giving me full reign Boya? You all succeeded on your end I take it. Now it was my turn to make sure that the plan fully succeeds. I open my eyes to see Jodie looking back at me with excitement and Camel in the rearview mirror with surprise and relief.

"Shu!"

"Akai-san?!"

I revel in them just saying my name again, just for a moment. Right, I have business. I turn to give the PSB agents a mild glare. They freaked out slightly, and immediately the cars dropped back. That's right, back off and report to your boss. The sooner Bourbon stops sinking his teeth into Yusaku and Conan the better in my opinion. Not that they can't handle the pressure I just didn't like putting them in that position.

Now that they know I am here and not there, the next priority is getting them off our tail at least long enough to catch our breath and open negotiations. If I recall correctly, from that night of scouting before my fake death there was a straightaway coming up. I still have the pistol, loaded with most of its ammo since I hadn't used it since the last owner. If I stopped the front car somehow, shooting out a tire or engine, the rest would crash like dominos, immobilizing them. I gauge the distance in my head, keeping an eye on the cars behind me as I remark.

"Five seconds."

Yes, that should be enough time. I just need a steady automobile for that long and then I can take the shot. This actually kills two birds with one stone. They won't question my identity if I prove my handiness with a gun, assuring that I am the real Akai Shuichi and not a double, as well as take care of our pursuers. There is a possibility to bodily harm to them because wrecking at high speeds is dangerous, but I believe in their abilities as agents as well. This should work out. Camel let out a questioning sound. I clarify.

"Up ahead there is a 200 meter stretch of straight road. Once we are there, keep the car steady for five seconds. We will end this stupid chase."

Camel can do it. He is an expert driver after all. Camel acknowledged a little shakily, but I see his hands tighten on the wheel and his eyes drop to straight in front of him, concentrating on the road. Jodie asked quickly.

"Where have you been? Why are you in the car?"

Ah so many questions but not the right time to answer them. Finally after all these months, of watching Conan creep in the shadows, pulling strings, pushing the chess pieces, being the stage director in the wings this entire time, I can finally say it.

"Everything has gone exactly according to the boy's plan."

I could tell that Conan lived in the shadows, but it was obvious Kudo Shinichi reveled in attention like his mother. He adored crowds and showing off; it was why the media loved him so much. No one can do a one eighty that fast and be ok with it; I have seen Conan sometimes try to show off, like he used to, when he would think it wasn't dangerous. I was just giving the Boya credit, letting him take the spotlight for once, showing off his genius like a kid who found a bauble that was showing it to the other kids to make them jealous. He deserved praise, and I was more than willing to give it to him. I can expand my admiration, from sharing it with Kir months ago, to Jodie and Camel, now having four people that have witnessed the kid's intelligence.

Jodie asked quickly.

"That boy? You mean Conan-kun?"

I smirked. Ah so she did figure it out; it wasn't just a figment of my imagination. I explained basically his predictions.

"Yes. In order to secure me without resistance, they are trying to capture one of my close associates."

I pulled out some gloves form my pocket, readying the pistol in order to pull off this shot as I explain. I can't put my fingerprints on this gun so they can have untampered with evidence.

"To maintain secrecy, they came while you were out driving and separated from the other FBI agents. They knew you would come to Raiha pass since you were beginning to doubt my death."

I cocked the pistol, once again checking its ammo. All right, the time should be getting close if I recall correctly, the straightaway should be just up ahead.

"Camel, the straightaway is after the next right turn."

Camel nodded, replying in true confident agent fashion.

"Roger. I will keep the steering wheel and speed steady once we make the turn."

Ah, this is nice, being in a high speed chase, with my fellow agents, and we are cooperating and giving orders to the others. I had missed this as Okiya Subaru. Jodie yelled over the wind whistling around the car.

"This is crazy! The car is shaking because the tire is losing air. You can't possibly aim a gun."

True, these aren't the best conditions, but I know that Camel will give me the best that he can give with what he has to work with, to open the door of opportunity that I need. I settle back, steadying myself against the driver's seat and raising the gun, putting a foot on the floor and the other in the seat for stability.

"Not a problem. I can account for regular movement."

Hmm, I need better stability for my arm. I can't just hold up the pistol one handed and shoot. I place my fist on my knee, and the pistol on top of it. I sight down the barrel to check the height of the sights and realized it was about in the right position. I take a deep breath, tensing my body to keep the movement of the gun to a minimum. I hear Jodie say my name, but I ignore it as the next information came from Camel.

"Right turn."

The cars in my view swerve out of the sights as we take the turn. I ready my finger on the trigger and flick off the safety.

"I am counting on you Camel."

We flew around the bend, and I wait my next orders, keeping my eyes on the enemies behind me.

"The straight!"

I steady the gun in my hand and watch as the cars skid into view. I absentmindedly hear Camel counting in the background but my kinetic vision zeroes in on the tires, trying to see under the bright headlights. I should shoot the right one because of how the car will swerve will block the road for the other cars and cause a pileup. Just as I was about to fire, the car behind us swerved slightly and I took a deep breath as I followed the movement. There, now.

I released my breath and pulled the trigger. Compared to the sniper incident, this was not nearly as difficult. Sure the time limit, but it was doable with someone of my abilities.

The bullet pinged off the tire rim, blowing out their right tire. Immediately the car tried to compensate and swerved over, affectively barricading the road. I heard several other crashes as the cars all collided into each other. We drifted around another corner and we barely tapped the guardrail as we sped off into the night, away from our pursuers. Jodie remarked with relief.

"They are not following. We must have lost them."

"Way to go Akai-san."

No, we cannot just leave. If we do, Bourbon will hunt the ends of the earth to find me, putting Haibara and Conan in danger again if he discovers me as Okiya Subaru. If he does it will attract attention from other Organization members, and that would definitely not be good. We need him off my back completely.

"Camel. Turn back."

Jodie gaped at me in surprise. Camel responded easily, not questioning.

"Roger."

"Wait, you're kidding right?"

Jodie asked in surprise. I place the earpiece back in my ear, murmuring, reporting in just like any agent to the coordinating superior.

"Targets have been stopped. Proceeding with negotiations."

Conan hummed.

"All right."

I take a deep breath and sigh. This was not something I was exactly looking forward to. I hadn't talked to Bourbon since the whole Scotch incident, and I know he still hates me for it. This meeting will not be pleasurable in the slightest, but that didn't mean I was unwilling to do it.

"Shu, why do we need to turn around? The organization—"

"Don't worry, they aren't part of the organization."

Camel made a U-turn in the road, heading back to where we last saw the agents of the PSB. I wait patiently in the back seat. I have completely disrupted their mission, and their minds will be in disarray. They will be more likely to talk now that we technically have beaten them. Hmm, we should be coming up on them if I am not mistaken.

"Jodie, Camel, no matter what happens, don't do or say anything. Let me handle this."

It would be best if we didn't start a fight between two national agencies. Camel was a little skittish for this kind of negotiations, and Jodie was slightly hot headed. I was probably the best person to handle this mission.

"Roger."

"Roger Shu."

They answered readily. I nod as I closed my eyes, removing the ear piece from my ear once more. They can't know I was talking with anyone. Better let them assume We round the bend to see them all standing out in front of their cars, most checking for injuries while one was on the phone, probably with Bourbon. I feel kind of bad for almost killing them. They are the good guys, like us, and I hate that we have to be divided over such an issue if our goal is the same. Camel brakes to a halt beside them. I let my eyes rove over them, checking for any serious injuries.

"Are you ok?"

The man stuttered into the phone.

"A-Akai."

Immediately the rest of the agents drew their guns, leveling them at us threateningly. Camel and Jodie froze, and I could feel their wary gazes switch between me and the guns pointed at us. I take a deep breath silently. It is obvious they are scared of me; it's not like I didn't just take out five cars with one bullet. They are threatened, which is why they pulled the pistols. This wouldn't be nearly as hard if Bourbon wasn't so hotheaded and had made me seem like the worst person on the planet that needed to be dealt with.

"Don't blame me. You are the ones who came after us."

You all are the aggressors, not us. We were simply protecting ourselves. Besides, it was only a matter of time before one of the cars drifted off into the ravine or someone could have gotten killed. I remarked.

"If I hadn't done that people would have died."

Now then, I look directly at the guy in charge, well I would assume since he is holding the phone that is probably connected to Bourbon.

"I have a proposal. Will you trade me that phone for the gun that I just fired?"

I am giving up my way of force for a way of negotiations. I hold out the gun with both hands, not at all intending to trick them. I need to talk to Bourbon. The agents lowered their weapons in confusion. I held out the gun, almost insisting that they take it. The guy in charge hesitantly reached forward, grabbing the gun by the barrel out of my hand and placing the phone in it, before withdrawing. The other agents readied their weapons again in case I tried anything, but I was basically unarmed. I held the phone up to my ear to hear Bourbon ordering almost in a panic.

"Hey, answer me!"

I smirk, keeping my greeting cordial with the man that hates my guts.

"It's been awhile Bourbon."

I hear the small gasp on the other end as I observe.

"No wait, you are Amuro Toru-kun now, right?"

Yes, I have been keeping an eye on you, and yes I do know your alias. No answer came from the other end. I glanced at the other agents.

"To make up for ruining your friends' cars, I have a little gift for you. It's the gun that Kusada Rikumichi used to shoot himself. If you investigate how he acquired it, you might find something. This is Japan. You are better suited to it then the FBI."

This was a hefty gift. If Bourbon could trace where Kusada Rikumichi got the gun, he might lead to more Organization benefactors and connections. There was a slight pause before I hear a hushed whisper.

"You know who I am?"

Hmm, this is rather calm for the man who wanted to kill me at one point. I expected more yelling and anger. How unstable is his mind right now after dealing with Conan and Yusaku? They must have really rocked his world, not that I am surprised. Conan has that effect on people. I affirmed calmly.

"I suspected you since you were part of the organization."

I smirked. It was time to drive it in home now.

"But letting it slip to the kid that your nickname was 'Zero' was a mistake, Furuya Rei-kun."

He probably already deduced that Conan had helped me with the whole plan, so letting him know that Conan had connections to me probably didn't give him any information. How I worded it too made it seem like Conan just off handedly mentioned that he had reacted to the name 'Zero', and I had deduced it on my own without his help. In any case, I was letting him in on his mistake; he had not only underestimated Conan once on the train, but now twice, and that was a deadly error.

Now though, Bourbon knew I knew about Bourbon, and Amuro Toru, and his actions in each. However, this was a whole new ballgame; I knew his true name and every agent that went into reconnaissance and into NOC work knew that true names held power. We hid behind aliases and fake lives, but it is when our true names are exposed and our real lives are put under the magnifying glass of investigation that we really start to sweat. I had enough blackmail material over him now that he would back off. Now to lay on the intimidation factor.

"Not many nicknames produce the name 'Zero'. You were easy to find."

I narrowed my eyes slightly.

"You probably meant to turn me over to them, raise your prestige, and get closer to the heart of the organization. But let me tell you something."

A piece of advice from one agent to another, who has been on the side that he was on now. Sometimes when in the lion's den, you can forget true objectives, forget what you are really fighting for. His hatred of me only intensifies this feeling, and he is getting where he can't see the forest because of the trees. I say seriously.

"Don't get distracted by what's in front of you and pursue the wrong prey."

Do not let your grudge of me get in the way of your work. That is only amateur work, and we both know you are above that. I cannot afford for you to mess up the peaceful life I have here and disrupt more lives than my own for something that wasn't even my fault.

"I would rather not have you as an enemy. Also…"

Should I mention it? I don't want him to think that what I did with Scotch was on purpose, that I was the one to push him into shooting himself. I sigh, closing my eyes. That whole situation was messed up, and should have never happened. I tried my best to prevent it. I know that mentioning it will raise his wrath again though. I decide to anyway.

"I still feel bad for what happened to him."

I drop the phone down before I could hear his answer.

"Let's go Camel."

I toss the phone easily to the PSB agents as Camel presses urgently on the gas pedal as we speed off. I believe I succeeded though, as I looked back and found that we were not followed. I fiddle with the earpiece, planning on reporting back to the Boya on our success, placing it in my ear.

"Hey, all clear here. I believe we succeeded."

I can hear the relief prevalent in Conan's voice.

"Good work. They should leave the house alone since they are sure you aren't the same. We are going to check for listening bugs and cameras he might have planted and I will get back with you."

Smart plan. Just because we think we won doesn't mean that we did until we are sure that he has no idea. I nodded and whisper.

"I will be back at the house soon. Camel will drop me off."

I would like to stay away from the house just in case Bourbon still had eyes on the place, but the need to get back home and check and make sure Conan and everything else was ok was also a top priority. I paused, surprised slightly at how casually I used the term. Home huh? It had been awhile I had attached that sentiment to a place.

"Sure thing."

I turned off the communication device and sit back in my seat. We did it. We outsmarted Bourbon, who was our most difficult enemy yet. As expected of Edogaw-no, Kudo Shinichi.

"So, who were they?"

Jodie looked at me with some annoyance. I turned back to the front.

"They work for someone else, but just like us; they are wolves trying to take a bite out of them."

I removed the earpiece, and smirked.

"Good work. You all have improved since I last saw you."

Jodie turned around in her seat, her eyes warm with happiness.

"Welcome back Shu."

I could see out of the corner of my eye Camel look up into the rearview mirror.

"Welcome back Akai-san."

I smile and nod at them.

"It is good to be back."

"Where to now?"

I took a deep breath.

"I will have you take me back to my residence for the time being, and then you two should report back to James."

Jodie looked back in concern.

"Shu, what happened? Why didn't you tell us anything?"

The hurt in her eyes was painful, and I am fully aware of how badly I had hurt her by faking my death without telling her. I explained smoothly.

"The Organization would have investigated my death, and I couldn't afford for you to accidentally react to fake me in a way that would have given it away."

Camel sighed as he sped around the corner.

"Akai-san, it is my fault again that—"

I cut him off.

"No, he had already his suspicions after the Train incident."

Jodie cocked her head.

"Train incident?"

I might as well catch up with my agents in the car on our way back since it took about twenty minutes or so. I told them all about the Bell Tree Express, leaving out crucial details like the fact Haibara could grow and other details, but I told them the gist of that we had succeeded against the organization then as well. We both filled each other in on the sniper mission a couple of weeks ago and how I had been the one to provide the cover guard and what had actually happened that night. After our major catching up, Jodie leaned back and whispered.

"Conan-kun, did he come up with that plan of faking your death?"

I smirked, letting that be my answer. Yes Jodie, you were right to include him all those months ago, bringing him to the hospital to work on that case. Without him, none of these successes would have ever been possible by myself. We truly were the pair of silver bullets that could possibly bring the Black Organization to its knees.

"But how?"

Good question, although one I am not allowed to disclose; if you want to find out his identity you have to find it yourself. I shrugged.

"He is a really smart primary school student."

Finally, we pulled up to the Kudo's house. We had driven around to make sure there were no spies still at the house, and the entire block was clear. I stepped out of the car and turned around.

"If you want more answers, come by tomorrow around nine or ten."

Yukiko will be back by then to check my disguise; I can show them how I had been living my life up until this point.

"See you then Akai-san."

"I expect a lot of answers."

With that they took off into the night. I crept silently up to the door, testing it and finding it unlocked, checking my watch. It was past eleven. Did Conan just leave the door unlocked like that? That was like asking Bourbon to spy on us or break in.

I snuck silently into the hall, reveling at being safe under this roof again. Showing Akai to the world again was slightly unnerving. I walked into kitchen and stopped; oh what a picture.

Conan was sitting at the counter under a singular light on, head on his arms, sleeping soundly. A jacket was placed around his shoulders, probably from Yusaku-san from when he left. I bet the kid is exhausted; I mean he probably stayed up late last night planning for today, and then going through the stress of orchestrating such a confrontation that required his overactive mind to be on high alert at all times. Not to mention, I am pretty sure just because he is a teenager mentally, his childlike body still needs sleep.

I stalk forward silently and gently put a hand on his shoulder. Almost immediately he jumped, eyes wide as he whipped around to look at me. There was a split second of confusion, before recognition filled his features. His eyes slipped close again as he yawned.

"Ah, back Akai-san?"

I nodded.

"Yes. Camel and Jodie are expecting more answers tomorrow so they are coming by."

He smiled tiredly at me, and it was strange that this was a Conan I hadn't seen before. I have always seen him alert and his eyes filled with intelligence, but this one was almost vulnerable. Did that mean he trusted me enough to show this side to me as well? I gestured to the door.

"Need a ride back to the Mouri's?"

It was late and he was a small child going alone in the dark. He shook his head, hopping out of his seat.

"No, I told Ran-neechan that I was spending the night at Agasa Hakase's. I will go spend the night in their spare room."

He turned to leave when I grabbed his shoulder. That seemed kind of foolish. I mean Agasa Hakase and the Detective Boys should be gone camping, leaving him alone in the house. Not that he couldn't take care of himself, but still, why use that option when he could just stay at his own house for once?

"Why don't you just stay here? Yukiko-san will be back in the morning, and you can help explain things to them."

I see the eyes narrow suspiciously. Ah, does he suspect me for knowing about his secret? I should probably calm his fears a little.

"You can take Kudo Shinichi's bed. You guys are distant relatives right? I don't think"

That's an easy enough invitation that doesn't raise any red flags. Surely as tired as he is he will want to spend the night in his own bed. That seemed to spark some neurons in his brain as he asked.

"You sure it is ok if I stay here?"

It is his house for goodness sakes. Of course he can stay here.

"Yes, I believe that is the most logical option. I would tell Agasa-san that you are staying over, just to put his mind at ease."

Conan pulled out his phone and clicked in a text message, before yawning.

"All right Akai-san. I will be upstairs if you need me."

He trundled forward and up the stairs as if it was an old habit. I called after him.

"Oh, good job tonight Conan-kun. Thank you."

I had kind of experienced him now, in the driver seat in the operation, as the main coordinator, although most of the work was done separately, by him directing Yusaku instead of me, but I was now kind of wondering how he would do in an actual operation of taking over an enemy base. It was another one of many multiple skills that the Boya had continued to impress me with. Not to mention, if it wasn't for his efforts I would have had to leave this place that I called home, and I would have had to leave Haibara after she had just broken free from the Organization's hold. I was grateful for him giving me that chance again. Conan waved at the top of the stairs.

"You too Akai-san. Good night."

He disappeared from where I could see him through the banister, back toward the bed and bathrooms. I could use a bed myself to be honest. This day was honestly more stressful then I thought it would be. I go to brush my teeth and set out my disguise materials for the next day before I decide it was time to go to bed.

Hmm, should I check on Conan? Surely he is adult enough to take care of himself right? This was strange I had never thought of the Boya as a child before, even before I knew he was Kudo Shinichi. Why do I think of him like it now? Just because he is tired? I had seen him tired before but this was different. Maybe he was relieved that Bourbon wasn't actually an agent and that also played a role in making him tired. Not to mention, he had to deal with Bourbon and Vermouth for the past few days, and has probably been worried about this situation for a long time, ever since Bourbon stayed around after the train incident.

I ascend the stairs carefully and creep over to Kudo Shinichi's bedroom and pause. The light is on? He was almost passing out on his feet, why was he still up? I push the door open slightly and almost let out a chuckle.

Conan was asleep, lying down in the bed, with a Sherlock Holmes book, The Sign of Four, cradled in his arms. It looked like he was just reading it when he fell asleep again. Geez Boya you must really be a Sherlock Holmes fan to read his books when you are exhausted.

I silently creep over and steal the book, placing it on the bedside table, and shutting off the lamp. Conan didn't even move as I slowly left, shutting the door as I went. Good night Boya. Thanks to you, Akai Shuuichi has been resurrected safely, and he can continue his job here in the Kudo house, protecting Haibara Ai. Bourbon has retreated, leaving us back to our own devices. Now I have to survive the multiple questions from Jodie and Camel tomorrow.