Hi guys. Sorry for the long wait. There will be this chapter, the second part to this chapter and then the final chapter of this story. I feel bad for making you all wait, and I need to end sometime. Hope you all enjoy.

A few days later my doorbell rang, relatively early. I was expecting Mouri Ran and Suzuki Sonoko however; they had a ritual of coming by every couple of weeks to help clean the gigantic manor. I wasn't about turn down willing help, especially because dusting and cleaning the place was a pain.

I made sure my disguise and choker were in place, as well as my Subaru disposition, before I opened the door with a cordial smile to both of the teenagers.

"Ah, Ran-san, and Sonoko-san. Come on in."

Ran stepped in with a polite nod.

"Pardon our intrusion."

Sonoko stepped through and I could feel her eyes roving over me like a piece of eye candy.

"Hello Subaru-san."

All flirtatious tone and everything. I subtly took a step back and nodded another greeting. I was about to turn around to go fetch the cleaning supplies when I heard a little chirrup from the door way.

"Good morning Subaru-san."

I raised my eyebrow at Conan, who had full primary school student personality as he bounced through the door, kicking off his shoes. I greeted him as well, watching him carefully.

"Ah, Conan-kun. I didn't expect to see you over. Are you helping out today as well?"

Conan nodded enthusiastically, a little too enthusiastically for a kid who was about to clean a house. It was eerie, and almost a little scary. After being with Conan when he was the most serious, watching him use intelligence that grown men didn't have, it was strange sometimes seeing him act like a child. He must get a lot of practice with it, and I suppose he must lay it on a little thick with Ran and Sonoko since they knew him before he was a child I am assuming, but I prefer the real Conan-kun any day.

"Subaru-san! We are going to get started in the library."

I turn to see both of the girls poking their heads out of the room in question, with dusters and rags in their hands. After meeting my gaze, both ducked behind the doorframe, and I can hear them talking and laughing about school topics I assume. I turn to the boy still in the foyer. I can see now that the girls had disappeared, he had relaxed, eyes growing serious. This was closer to the real person I had conspired with, and I relaxed fractionally as well at the familiarity of it.

"Do you have something for me?"

I meant the question to be open. It could be any information, whether it regarded the current Rum case that we were working on, or the movements of Bourbon, or anything else he could give me. His blue eyes fell on me and I relax at the lack of urgency in them.

"No. I am just here to clean today. Sorry."

He gave me a small smile before following the girls. I smiled and went to the kitchen, intent to fix a bucket for mopping purposes, maybe even fixing some refreshments for my workers.

Really though, I wonder why Mouri Ran comes over here to clean. I am grateful for the help, but does this help her cope with the loss of Kudo Shinichi, or is there another reason? In any case, it is kind of sad, seeing her obviously miss the teenager so much, in the subtlest ways, when he was usually right by her side, watching her but unable to tell her anything. I closed my eyes, listening to the water and bubbles mixing in the bucket I had procured. This must be hard on the Boya, but I know that this is for the better. Mouri Ran is too much like Akemi. She will undeniably try to help in the most unhelpful ways, protecting when she is the one that needs to be protected.

I pulled the bucket out of the sink and took it toward the library. I walked down the hall just to hear Sonoko complaining.

"Jeez, why do a couple high school girls have to clean the house of a mystery nerd while he is gone?"

Ah, that was the Sonoko Suzuki I know. I hear Ran try to placate her.

"It's not that bad once in awhile Sonoko."

I glanced in to see the girls working hard. Conan was even carrying books that I had left on the desk with a knowing look on his face. Ah, she was grumbling about him wasn't she? That explained it. I decide to help out a little. I doubt she would refuse it as much if I thanked her for doing it.

I set down the bucket of water in the doorway, plastering on my most disarming smile.

"Thank you for all of your help. This place is too large for me to clean by myself."

Sonoko perked up instantly, all eager smiles and innocent blushes.

"It's fine, I love cleaning."

Ran gave her a dead pan look and I can't help the inward chuckle. My she changed her tune rather quickly. I almost feel bad for using her infatuation with me to improve her mood, but she seems happier so I guess it is ok.

Oh yeah, I was curious as to why Masumi wasn't here. From what I have gathered recently, she has gotten rather close to both Ran and Sonoko, not to mention she had quite the interest in Conan's life, and even during the death kanji case she had shown curiosity toward me. I couldn't see her skipping the opportunity to spend time with her friends, even if it was cleaning.

"By the way, her name is Sera Masumi-san, right? She didn't come with you."

It would have been nice to see her again, but if they give me some more info on her it would good as well. Sonoko and Ran glanced at each other. Sonoko answered first.

"We invited Sera-san."

Ran cut in.

"She said she was too busy moving hotels again."

Ah, so is she staying temporarily in Japan then? It so is Mother with her, or still in the States? I just nodded neutrally.

"I see."

Ran turned to Sonoko with a smile.

"I wish I could live in a hotel."

Sonoko gave her a deadpan look.

"Really?"

Sonoko was an heiress, right? So of course, she wouldn't want a downgrade.

I wonder though, why was Masumi changing hotels? Did something happen that made her feel threatened? Did she have a run in with the organization? It was possible I suppose, and my mind, at hearing of the hotel, immediately had my mind drift to Asaka.

"Have you seen anyone strange around Sera-san? For example, someone constantly observing their surroundings and skilled in quickly neutralizing threats named Asaka?"

I know I am grasping at straws here, but sometimes the best sources are the ignorant ones, spouting off information that might not have seemed important at the time. I see Conan set his books down and sneak closer, staying close by his Ran-neechan's side. I backtracked swiftly. This was almost confidential info; what the heck am I doing sharing it with two teenaged girls?

"Though I doubt they are using that name."

Sonoko spoke up, looking earnest.

"They aren't Asaka, but there is someone."

I narrow my eyes. Organization members? Who could it be. Ran looked over at Sonoko curiously.

"Who?"

Sonoko beamed at her friend.

"It's you Ran. You're my personal bodyguard, who neutralizes all threats to me."

Oh good. The ignorant was a little too ignorant this time, but no matter. It must be another matter as to why she is moving. Then my work is done, and it was time to go back to cleaning. I walk back to my bucket, grabbing a rag and wringing it out in the bucket, listening absentmindedly to the girls conversation.

"Oh right, speaking of Asaka, the title of the new song by rock musician Hado Rokumichi is going to release is named 'ASACA'. Apparently, he finally wrote the lyrics to a song he composed seventeen years ago, and is going to perform it at his next concert."

Seventeen years ago? ASACA? That couldn't be a coincidence could it? Ran commented.

"It is an unusual title though."

I turn to look at both of them, curious.

"Unusual how?"

Sonoko explained.

"It was written in the English alphabet when announced online, but the CA part of ASACA was CA, not KA."

No way. I was just fishing for information, I can't believe I actually snagged something on my hook. I dropped my rag and stood up, staring at the oblivious teenagers. I notice that Conan has also noticed the information. We meet gazes in an unspoken agreement. Whether this rock musician himself was Rum, which was doubtful, or he knew something about the case seventeen years ago, we had to find out. Conan leapt at the chance, pulling out his childish persona, almost frantic at this new lead.

"Why? Why is it CA and not KA?"

Sonoko shrugged, looking puzzled.

"Who knows?"

Conan pushed harder.

"There has to be some reason for it. Do you have any idea?"

I had snuck closer, observing the exchange from the shadows. Sonoko looked slightly annoyed at the persistent questions.

"If you are so curious, why don't you ask him yourself?"

Conan's let out a questioning 'what' and I narrowed my eyes. How? I doubt that just any civilian could write a letter or ask a Rockstar about a song. It would be discarded with many other fan letters. Sonoko answered easily.

"We are going to see Hado Rokumichi rehearse soon. I will take you with me."

Conan asked hopefully.

"Really?"

Ah, he has an in. I could leave him to it, however I had a bad feeling about this. If we had noticed this, then I am sure a few crows have as well. I want to pursue this as well, not only to get more data on Rum, but I definitely don't want to send Boya and two girls into a potential battlefield.

"Would it be all right if I joined you at this rehearsal?"

Sonoko looked up at me in surprise.

"What? You too?"

True, this isn't exactly Subaru's character, but I was kind of desperate here. Gosh I can't believe me, Akai Shuuichi is saying this. I bent down close and affirm as seriously as possible.

"I'm a huge Hado Rokumichu fan."

Sonoko blushed slightly and exclaimed enthusiastically.

"Yes, glad to have you."

I stand back up straight. Now then, what is the probability that the organization is already on the move to deal with this?

"By the way, when was the title announced online?"

Sonoko blinked before answering.

"Just last week."

Ran cut in with a smile.

"Since it's his first song in five years it was a popular news story."

"Yeah, right."

Which means, it is too late. The organization had to have seen it. Who would they send was the question. Hado Rokumichu was a dead man walking. I just hope we can make it in time. I glanced at Boya, to see that he was also looking at me. Immediately there was an agreement between us. We would pursue this, no matter what dangers might greet us at the theatre.

"Ho, and it is all right for me to come?"

Sonoko nodded.

"It shouldn't be a problem."

Conan pulled on Ran's shirt pulling out an almost adorable whine.

"Ran-neechan, can we go now? I don't want to clean anymore."

Ran and Sonoko glanced at each other. Sonoko seemed impervious to Conan's puppy dog eyes, but not to Ran.

"Can we Sonoko? I'm sure Shinichi won't mind."

Ironic. Sonoko pulled out her phone.

"Let me see what I can do."

I took this opportunity to escape, taking the bucket of water and rags with me, already pulling out my phone. I look up this Hado Rokumichi person so that when asked about his music I could at least spout off a couple of song titles that I claimed to like or dislike.

"Subaru-san?"

I turned slightly to see Conan in the doorway to the kitchen. I raised an eyebrow.

"Did you need something Boya?"

Keeping my voice neutral just in case the other two people in the house were listening. I see his eyes flick back toward the library before he trotted forward, bending his finger, signaling for me to bend down to talk to him. I crouched down, and he raised his hand to whisper.

"Is it all right for you to make an appearance with them being there?"

That's right. It would be harder to explain Okiya Subaru's presence then Conan's. Not to mention, if it was Bourbon that came, it would only cement the fact I might be Akai. I sigh.

"I don't want you and them to go alone."

Conan nodded, glancing back toward the library. He knew that by himself he couldn't protect them against an organization threat if they really got serious or protect the guy by himself either. He knew it was imperative for me to come, but not enough that would expose me to the eye of the organization.

"Want to make a deal?"

I raised my eyebrows quizzically. Ho?

"What kind?"

Conan sighed.

"This is Rum we are talking about. We could meet anyone from Bourbon and Kir to Gin and Vodka, or even Rum himself. If we meet one member, we will stay, but more than one, we retreat."

He was right. As much as we want to pursue this information, it isn't risking mine or his identity, or the safety of the teenagers we were accompanying. One we could probably fool, as it was a two on one fight, but more then one would be too much to handle.

"Deal."

He nodded in a determined way, before skipping off to find Ran. I stood up and sighed. I was excited, nervous, and restless all at the same time. Time to get this show on the road.

"What? We can't watch the rehearsal? Seriously?"

Sonoko exclaimed. We were at the theatre after I had chauffeured them in my car. Sonoko was checking in with the musicians manager, while Ran was with her and Conan was subtly scoping out the area. My heart sank at the words. Were we already too late? The woman apologized sincerely.

"I'm sorry. He actually hasn't finished the lyrics to his new song yet. He asked to be left alone for two hours so he could write, while looking out at empty seats."

Ran asked curiously.

"Does this kind of thing happen often?"

The manager, her name Enjo Kanae, nodded.

"Sometimes."

"Let him be."

I glanced over to see a mountain of a man approach us. I struggled to keep my face neutral. Could he have been an organization spy? No, he stands out too much.

"Apparently this is going to be his last concert."

The teenagers jumped on the chance.

"Last concert?

"The rumors about Hado-san retiring are true?"

The man nodded.

"Yes. I tried to stop him, but he's going to tell his fans at the end of tomorrow's concert."

Is he trying to retire after this song, so he could escape the eye of the organization? It was kind of hard to hide as a national idol. A new voice cut in.

"Does that mean you've reached an agreement?"

I see both Enjo-san and the man turn and look distastefully at the new arrival. He was wearing a staff shirt, but it is obvious he isn't welcome.

"Retiring before his contract expires is unthinkable, especially when you were yelling about taking him to court and charging him an exorbitant penalty for breaking the contract."

Ho, interesting information. The giant gasped lightly.

"Who are you? How did you get in?"

The man smirked.

"The front entrance of course. I bought one of the staff jackets and used it to get in."

So he wasn't staff. Who was he? By his information and looks, I would say a journalist, ones that followed celebrities around like vultures looking for a scandal.

"Anyway pretty manager, have you settled things with him too?"

She narrowed her eyes and asked sternly.

"What do you mean?"

The man smirked.

"Rumor is the ASACA of Hado's new song is also the name of his new girlfriend."

Man that would be terribly disappointing on our end. I glance at Conan and I see him also looking at me. We turned back to the guy as he continued, stopping closer to the manager.

"I heard that you, his longtime mistress, were furious with Hado over releasing the song."

The manager snarled.

"Who told you that?"

She quickly regained her composure.

"Well, I heard that your chief editor was furious with you because someone beat you to reposting that Hado was putting his music career on hold. You'd been following Hado for fifteen years, so what were you doing?"

The reporter didn't rise to the bait and stated smugly.

"That's why I pretended to be a staff member to get in here. I wanted to make an explosive comeback before Hado quits."

Both grimaced at each other before the manager called over some staff to throw the man out. He was escorted away, protesting mildly. Sonoko and Ran glanced each other. Sonoko suggested.

"Should we leave too?"

I bite my lip. I really would like to stay and investigate more, and if Sonoko, our in, leaves then Boya and I would be kicked to the curb as well. Ran agreed.

"Yeah, we have school tomorrow."

Conan piped up, sounding disappointed.

"What, we are leaving?"

The manager nodded.

"Sorry, but that might be for the best. There is no telling when the rehearsal will start."

"Right."

I step forward. I need to convince them to stay.

"But shouldn't we watch the rehearsal if this is going to be his last concert?"

Ran looked up at me with sympathy in her eyes.

"Subaru-san, sorry."

Sonoko added.

"But we aren't that big of fans."

Wait, what? Why would Sonoko suggest for us to come if she wasn't a big fan? I thought these girls would be fan girling over the prospect of meeting an idol.

"What? Then who suggested we come?"

A new voice, a voice that I was not ready to hear again for a long time, spoke up from across the room.

"Me."

I see the change come over Boya first, seeing him stiffen as he slowly turned toward the door. I cracked open an eye as I gave the newcomer a small glare, thankful I chose to wear my contacts for today.

Amuro Tooru strutted through the lobby as if he had planned for this outcome.

"When I told them at Poirot that I was a huge fan of Hado-san, she arranged for me to come see the rehearsal. Sonoko-san's Suzuki Conglomerate happens to be financing his record company."

As he was talking another girl popped up behind him. I narrowed my eyes slightly. A civilian, or a threat? I couldn't tell. But if this really was orchestrated by Bourbon, then he must have also heard about the ASACA song that we were investigating. Which means he also knows why Conan is here, and of course it raises suspicion on me again. We had successfully trapped ourselves. I don't miss how Conan moves slightly in front of me. I raise an eyebrow internally. Ho, protecting me now Boya? Unnecessary, but appreciated.

So about this girl that came with Bourbon, is she just a girlfriend for cover, or an actual organization member? My question was answered by Ran exclaiming excitedly.

"Azusa-san, you came too?"

Sonoko looked at her suspiciously.

"You didn't seem that interested at Poirot."

Ah a fellow coworker then. Something about her though, didn't seem right. I couldn't place my finger on it, but something irked me. She smiled.

"I kept it hidden at the store, but I'm a huge fan, too."

She grabbed onto Bourbon's arm, and I noticed how his eyes widened in surprise.

"I followed Amuro-san here after my shift ended."

So is this a possible lover of Bourbon's? If so we can exploit this weakness of his later. Bourbon easily came up with a counter.

"I was surprised. She stopped me as I was entering the building. The staff let us in after we explained the situation."

Suddenly, Amuro Tooru was gone, and Bourbon stood in his place. I felt the pressure change, like the calm before the storm as all of his focus landed on me.

"Speaking of surprises, what a surprise to see you here, Okiya Subaru-san. It was good to see you the other day. Do you remember me?"

I turned toward him, stance as relaxed as I could be. We had to jump through hoops just to keep my identity a secret from this man. I am not about to make Conan's efforts be in vain and rise to his bait. So I metaphorically turned on my back, exposing my belly to the predator that was licking his chops at me. I have to diffuse this situation, before it got out of hand. I think back to the video of the exchange I saw between Yusaku and Bourbon. What could be a safe answer to give? I blinked nonchalantly.

"Yes, you're the deliveryman, aren't you?"

Surprise fell over his face, as well as confusion.

"What? Uh, yeah."

And just like that, the tension disappeared. Good, I caught him off guard. Suspicions should be off me for the moment. Then I hear something I didn't want to hear.

"Well you three fans enjoy the show."

"Come on Conan-kun we are leaving."

I turned in almost horror as Ran grabbed Conan by the hand, intent on taking him back home. I could probably hold back Bourbon's questioning by myself, but comfort wise I would much rather have someone to watch my six. Conan's eyes widened as he tried to protest.

"What? Hey wait."

I want to protest to keep him here, but I know that would be another tally mark against me in Bourbon's eyes. What to do? In a flash Conan changed entirely. He tugged hard against Ran's hand, coming to a stop as he turned back to the girl that came with Bourbon.

"Azusa-san? You like Hado because he is a good guitarist, right? You were really good at playing guitar."

Azusa smiled at him.

"Yeah that's right."

Both Ran and Sonoko straightened in confusion.

"What? Azusa-san, didn't you say you've never touched a guitar?"

"Yeah, when we invited you to join our band the other day."

Instantly my blood ran cold. Just in that small exchange, Conan had given me insight into this mysterious girl. I don't know about Azusa person, but this is not her. Only one person is that good at disguising.

Vermouth.

Strange, she usually is sound in her background checks and identity stealing. Which means this was just a rush job I am guessing. She would have never let slip something like that on purpose, but Boya is good at traps.

Ok me vs. Bourbon without Boya was difficult, but tolerable. Me vs. Bourbon and Vermouth was suicidal. Not to mention after that whole NOC business, if I am discovered here, it puts Bourbon and me in danger, and not Conan only because she cares about him. 'Azusa' played it off.

"I was just too embarrassed to join a high school girl band."

Conan was watching her like a hawk, displeased frown on his face. I see him glance over at me with something akin to panic in his gaze, and I know he has the same thoughts I have.

"So what do you think is Hado's best song?"

I smile charmingly at Bourbon. Crap I was so distracted I didn't even realize he asked me something. Although if he thinks I didn't come prepared then he was sorely mistaken. I let my mind reel back to an hour ago when I looked up some of Hado's songs in the safety of the Kudo kitchen.

"Hado's best song is 'Bloody Comet' don't you think?"

I knew what he was doing. He was testing my 'fan' knowledge, in order to shove me away when I proved I didn't know Hado as well as a diehard fan. I volleyed the ball back on his court. He commented easily.

"I prefer 'Snowy Fallen Angel'."

He hit it right back at me. Fine then, now he knows I have listened to at least one of his songs then.

I felt a slight tug on my sleeve.

"Hey Subaru-san?"

I glanced down with one eyebrow raised at Conan. I kept one eye on Bourbon as I knelt down next to the Boya. He raised his hand and whispered seriously.

"This is bad. We have to get away from here."

Took the words right out of my mouth. There are too many risks here, even though this was a solid lead to try to find out Rum's identity, it wasn't worth it if it gets the three of us in hot water. The sooner we leave the better. I say slowly.

"They say nothing ventured nothing gained, but it takes courage to retreat, too."

Conan nodded, and I could see the frustration, yet also relief that I agreed with him. I peek over my shoulder at the two organization members and I could tell by Bourbon's face alone that he had the smug smirk of knowing what we were about to do. He was basically saying Run on off, back to your holes and lose this round. It irritated me, but I stood up straight, intent on following the teens and the child out into the streets.

"We are here for the fire inspection, we'll be checking the facilities."

I glance over at the uniformed men making their way into the theatre.

"Hey, you."

"Wait you can't go in yet."

Conan gestured.

"Let's go Subaru-san."

I nod in agreement. I glance toward Bourbon and Vermouth, frustration bubbling up, but I quelled it. Suddenly a startled yell echoes in the lobby. Immediately Boya is gone, and I am only a second behind him, praying that my intuition is wrong. I see your reaction speed is as timely as ever. We come to stand in the doorway and my heart sinks. Boya, your curse has struck again.

Hado was strung up on the stage, spotlights on him as the rope was wrapped around his neck. Sonoko and Ran both let out shrill shrieks in horror.

This sucked on multiple levels. One, this poor guy was murdered, and judging by the looks on Bourbon's and Vermouth's faces, it wasn't by them. Secondly, we lost our lead, if it was that. Dead men tell no tales after all.

Lastly, and deadliest of all, we were stuck here until the police found the culprit which meant more time with our enemies.

I waste no time in sprinting down the aisle and I am aware of Bourbon at my side, and the tiny pitter patter of feet behind me told me we had the smallest detective in on this as well. As far as I can tell, I have to shove everything Akai away from my personality right now, and channel Okiya like I never have before. However, in this situation, Okiya thankfully loves mysteries and has deductive abilities, so it wouldn't be out of place for me to investigate. I just have to be careful and let the other two take the spotlight on this, mostly Bourbon though if I had to take a guess.

Bourbon went up to the stage first, going to examine the man in question. I wanted to stay as far away from him as possible, so I stayed in the theatre part itself, investigating how the rope was tied around the seat. I noticed how Conan gave the man a cursory look over as he also climbed onto the stage, before he headed backstage.

"Were there multiple killers? If this was done by one person, they must have been incredibly strong. Don't you agree Okiya-san?"

I fight the tension that wanted to harden my shoulders as I felt the gaze fall on me.

"When we met the other day, I noticed you had exceptional deductive skills."

So I did make the right choice. If I hadn't been interested in this mystery, Bourbon might have assumed I was Akai because I didn't want to show my deductive reasoning to him. But instead I was playing in character. I played it off easily.

"I'm just a grad student who enjoys mysteries."

I ignore him as my eyes are drawn to a part of the rope that I hadn't noticed before. There is a hole as though something was pressed into the rope. Now what could that be? Bourbon finally wandered off, backstage as I watched Conan run off into the seats. I climbed the stairs, getting a good look at how the body was hanging and how the rope was wrapped around the beam above. Could there have been machinery used? I am sure that stages like these have pulleys and other machines to move people around the stage right?

"Amuro-san, Subaru-san."

We both turn to see Conan come scampering up.

"I just went and checked the machinery room. It was locked, and the staff was out for lunch for the past few hours."

Predicting our thoughts again Boya? I frowned.

"This is quite the puzzle."

Bourbon nodded, chin in hand.

"Agreed. We need the police to arrive so we can investigate the body."

Yes, technically we couldn't take the body down ourselves, since it disturbed the crime scene and all that. Conan piped up.

"What did you both find?"

Conan is trying his best to get us to work together again, which isn't a problem, as long as Bourbon doesn't realize my identity. His ability to work together with anybody on a case still astounds me, and bringing even the most unlikely of allies together was still a miracle in my eyes. Bourbon glanced at me, as if indicating I should go first.

"The rope has a hole in it, like something was pressed against it, right by where it is tied."

I pointed toward the chair. Both turned before Bourbon commented.

"There is extra rope tied in a bundle backstage, along with a toolbox, and a folding chair."

Bourbon glanced toward Conan.

"Conan-kun?"

Conan narrowed his eyes fractionally. I can tell that this is against his element. Even if he likes the attention for solving crimes, and technically Vermouth and Bourbon are his allies, I could see he was uncomfortable. However, hiding his intelligence from Bourbon now was pointless. He already knew how dangerous the apparent six-year-old was.

Conan sighed.

"I found a kite string attached to a baseball, back a few rows in the seats."

He pointed to the ground, and sure enough, the thin wire snaked along the floor between our feet. I could see it in his eyes; the gears were turning. He had hoped that this conference would shed some light on the mystery, not more questions, and I was inclined to agree with him. How on earth are these things connected and how did the killer, or killers, pull off this trick. Bourbon was about to ask something when Conan suggested.

"Let's take another sweep and examine the items the others have mentioned, just to see if we could get any more information from the evidence we already have. Sound all right with you?"

Yes, in doing so I would be separated from Bourbon, at least until the police arrive, and that is a totally new distraction to keep his attention. Bourbon slides off, to go look at the rope I mentioned, and I couldn't help but breathe out a small sigh of relief.

I felt a small tap on my knee. I don't dare look directly at the boy as he saunters past me. I look at his back to see hi fist in the small of his back, clenched tight.

Hold fast.

I nod to myself. I am not going to panic here like a rookie. With Boya here, I need to limit my interactions with him, but that shouldn't be a problem. I felt strangely encouraged by Boya's silent message and I go off, toward the baseball and string. I need to get as many clues as possible before the police arrive.