Chapter 3 A true detective

It was rather late when those two decided to finally leave the Mouri Tower and go home. Ran would have accompanied Aoko home, even if halfway because Ekoda wasn't really close and Ran was a natural worrier but Aoko dissuaded her. She'd call her though, once she was home safe and especially if not.

Suddenly, her phone started ringing. Ran hurriedly took it out and was surprised at the caller.

"Conan-kun. Did something happen?"

"No, but Ran-neechan, where are you? I came home but no one was here. Where are you, Ran-neechan?"

Ran chuckled quietly. "Ah, I'm sorry, Conan-kun. I went out with a friend but I'm on my way home now. Go to bed, I'll be back soon, promise."

"But you said you'd stay at home, Ran-neechan. Who did you meet?"

Ran sighed inwardly. She never quite lost her suspicions concerning a certain young boy and a missing detective and sometimes she couldn't help but wonder.

"I met a friend, Conan-kun. Just wait for me, alright? I'll cook your favorite breakfast tomorrow, how about it?"

She could be wrong and Conan could be Conan but she could be right and she didn't understand why Shinichi was so curious. Sometimes, he was more trouble than he was worth.

"Alright, Ran-neechan, but you'll tell me all about it when you come home, right?"

"Of course, Conan-kun. Though, I'd rather you go to bed before I get home."

"No, I'll wait for you, Ran-neechan. Maybe I could pick you up. Where are you?"

"Conan-kun!" she expressed sternly. "You are not leaving the house, do you hear me?"

"But Ran-neechan, what if some bad person attacks you?"

"Exactly, what if someone attacks you Conan-kun? It is very admirable of you but while I can take care of myself you are but a child. I'd rather know you safe at home. I'll be back in about 20 minutes, alright?"

She imagined him deflating and pouting and smiled a little at that. "Alright, Ran-neechan. Be careful."

Ran agreed and hung up. She stopped on the sidewalk and deeply sighed. Sometimes, when she was doubting herself so much, it was hard talking to Conan. Sometimes, she was so sure he was actually Shinichi and sometimes, she felt so stupid for believing such magic. It was impossible. But sometimes …

Looking up, Ran watched the stars. Here and there were still some shooting stars but it had mostly ended a while ago. The girl was really glad that Aoko managed to take her thoughts off of things for some time, it was nice being outside and having some company. She had needed it today and she had really enjoyed a meeting without any interruptions of some people deciding to die, but unfortunately her doubts never seemed to stop.

And then there was the thing with the messages and bombing.

Ran didn't really know what to feel about it. It could be a prank or it could be serious. In both cases she didn't feel qualified enough to be the one solving the puzzle. Especially not if it was really serious. If there were people trying to kill other people then that was a job for the police but not for two high school girls. Sure, her father was the great detective and Aoko's father was an inspector, not to say that her best friend was a great detective (who she never saw anymore) but she wasn't either of those people and she simply didn't feel confident with handling such a task.

Ran had felt like objecting to Aoko's reasoning but how many times had she wished to be better? How many times had she wished for him to stop lying to her, to stop deceiving her? There was a dark part inside of her growing darker and more desperate day by day, growing bigger and bigger until she couldn't hide it anymore. Maybe it was that part of her shutting her up. Maybe it was the darkness making her agree with the other girl's words. Ran knew it was wrong. The right way was to tell someone, even if it was simply a joke. But it was better safe than to be sorry.

She still didn't know for sure if agreeing with Aoko was the right thing. Everything inside of her screamed at her for being so stupid. But what if they could actually pull it off, after all? All they had to do was decode the message, find out the time and place and stop it, right? With the right preparation things could work out. Ran was good in fighting so if they were attacked she could protect them. Aoko seemed quite confident in solving the puzzle so maybe she was better at it than Ran herself, right?

It could work out but Ran still had doubts and wondered if she shouldn't just tell Shinichi. Wouldn't it be for the best to leave it in someone's hands who knew what he was doing?

Suddenly, her phone started ringing again and Ran sighed, assuming it was Conan again, who wanted to know where she was. But when she looked at the display she found a different name. If she was right and not crazy then it was the same person, but a different name, nonetheless.

She picked up her pace and answered the phone. "Shinichi."

"Hi Ran. Where are you? Conan called me, complaining that you're not home yet. Is everything alright?"

Would Conan really call him? Or was it just Shinichi who tried another way to get the truth out of her? "I'm on my way home, Shinichi. Otou-san is playing Mahjong once again and Conan was at Agasa-hakase's so I thought it was alright if I met a friend, as well, you know? I didn't know it was compulsory for me to stay home when everyone else was away."

"Jeez Ran, what's with you? I'm just calling because Conan was worried about you."

"I see. So, if Conan hasn't been worried you wouldn't be calling, is that right?"

She heard him groan on the other side of the phone. "And besides, where are you anyway and when are you coming back?"

He sighed. "Ran, I don't know."

"And you still can't tell me anything about that case?"

She wondered if her case had anything to do with his if he really wasn't Conan and maybe even more if he was Conan.

"I told you already, didn't I? I really can't talk about it, Ran."

He sounded sincere, sorry, but it didn't make her feel any better anymore. Maybe solving that case all on her own with only Aoko was the right thing, after all. Shinichi didn't trust her, it must be that. So maybe if she showed him that she wasn't just strong but also smart he'd finally tell her the truth?

"You know, I'm mostly asking because a customer came to the agency a few days ago, specifically asking for you. Of course, I couldn't tell the person anything since I simply don't know where you are or when you're coming back. So, in your stead, I took on that case now."

Ran wondered if it was the right thing to do. If she wanted to do this on her own then she shouldn't be telling him about it, right? But on the other hand, if not even a case could bring him back then what would? She wanted to see him, hear him – she missed him that much. If reverting to these tactics was what got him back then she could live with it. She'd still make sure that Aoko got her own portion of solving the puzzle.

"You did what? What is the case about? Who was the person? Ran, you can't just take on cases for me. At least tell me what it's about so I can help you."

"Actually, we both don't think it's much of a case, you know? We are fairly certain it's just a prank. But we deemed it worthy to look into it, nonetheless. Anyway, I will tell you about it in person. So, when can you meet me?"

Ran waited with baited breath but the silence stretched and she had to look if the call was still connected because he didn't make any sound, at all.

"I'm sorry, Ran but I can't do it. I'll let you know once I'm back but I cannot say right now. Just mail me the documents and I'll look into it, as well. I'm sure it can't hurt even if it's just a prank."

Ran stopped and let her hand fall to her side. It hurt. If not even a case could bring him back, would he ever do – come back that is? What was needed to get him out of that wretched case of his? If it was so dangerous, then why didn't he let the police do all the work? Why was he needed there? Or was he Conan, after all, and was that why he couldn't physically see her? Because he couldn't simply change forms at any given time? It would be easier and less painful if he just talked to her but that was just wishful thinking, too, wasn't it?

"Ran, are you there? Oi Ran, say something."

She tried to smile, so swallow the tears and the pain. She tried to gather all the strength she miraculously gathered all the time but somehow it didn't work. Somehow, she couldn't raise her hand or her head for that matter. But she couldn't cry here, either. Soon, she'd be home and Conan being the ever-observant child would know right away that she's been crying and if that was Shinichi then she didn't want him to know even more.

Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and put the phone to her ear again. Breathing in deeply, she tried her hardest to sound as strong as he expected her to be.

"Sheesh, Shinichi. That's such a weak ass excuse. I won't back down on this one. Meet me in person and I'll tell you all about it."

"Alright, but, if you need help let me know, okay, Ran? I'm sure you can solve it but don't hesitate to ask me if you're stuck at some point."

She had to smile at that. At least he said he believed in her. She couldn't really say if he did or not but it felt nice hearing it. "Alright."

She wiped away the few tears and continued her way home. "So, who did you meet?"

It was weird, the speed with which he let the topic go. It wasn't like him, at all. He usually never let go of a case if it presented itself in front of him. But maybe, if her Conan theory was correct, he would just stick his nose in her business as Conan and maybe even if not, he could send Conan in his stead.

"Just don't make Conan-kun meddle in my business, got it, Shinichi? You taught him too many things a child's not supposed to know anyway."

Shinichi laughed nervously and Ran knew she hit the jackpot. It was either of those options and none was confirmed but at least she knew to look out for Conan. She really didn't want him to find out about the possible bombing. She would tell Shinichi but only if he met her in person as himself – of course she'd have to watch out for doubles as well. Wouldn't be the first time he deceived her by having someone else put on a mask and act like him.

She sighed. "Anyway. I was out with Nakamori Aoko. She's the daughter of Second Division Nakamori-keibu. She had two tickets to watch the meteor shower on the Mouri Tower and asked me last second to come. Since I had nothing better to do I agreed and we somehow forgot time. Did you see it, Shinichi? The meteor shower, I mean. It was breathtaking."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. How did you meet Nakamori-san?"

"Are you interrogating me, Shinichi?"

"Of course not!" he said defensively. "I'm just curious how you met her."

Well, she couldn't tell him the whole truth, right? If she did she'd give him another hint and Shinichi was smart enough to make something out of it. She really didn't want to make things so easy for him, so she didn't. Instead, she had to lie which hurt her more than it would ever him.

"She came to the agency recently."

Oh no, think Ran, think. Why did she come? What did she need? She didn't just come because she wanted to visit me but why else? Think, think, think.

"Oh, was it a case?"

Ran started sweating when no plausible lie came to her mind.

"We met at the police station once and kind of hit it off, you know?" Laughing weirdly, Ran wanted to hit herself. What kind of lameass lie was that going to be? "And she was close by so she said hi to me. She's really nice, you know? I think we'll be great friends."

"Oh? When was that? And why was she at the station?"

"Geez, Shinichi. It is an interrogation now. Why aren't you sleeping, by the way? It's quite late."

"I'm just curious, no need to get so defensive. And I'm still awake because Conan told me you were still not at home at this hour and met some friend he didn't know. How far are you, anyway? The Mouri Tower isn't too far away."

"Just a few more minutes and I'll be home. Don't worry, Shinichi. Besides, out of the two of us I definitely can take better care of myself. Especially if some person were to attack me."

Shinichi laughed. "Well, that is true but still. At least still talk to me until you're home."

"So you can keep interrogating me? You know, things would be a lot easier, if you were simply here."

"Come on Ran, that's just not fair."

"It would be really nice to be able to solve the case with you since I'm really interested this time. We even already have a plan what to do first. I think I know what to do once we do that first thing. There are a few things we need to find out and then – you know, I think I start to understand the thrill of solving cases. Not murder cases but those you still can prevent."

"It doesn't sound much like a prank, to be honest, Ran. Tell me about it. Please? If it can be prevented then people's lives are involved, right? If people are supposed to die it could be a bombing or a shooting or maybe a kidnapping. Am I right? Is it a kidnapping case and you don't know if it's a prank or the real deal? Give me some more details."

Ran stopped dead in her tracks, having forgotten how smart Shinichi actually was and since he got too close to the truth she decided not to tell him anything. It was better if he thought it was a kidnapping. Or something else, just now it had become a thing of pride. She wouldn't let him outwit her if he hadn't even seen the evidence.

"Yeah, you're right. Look, Shinichi, it could be anything, it could also be nothing. Just let me figure it out, Shinichi."

"Ran, if it's a possible kidnapping you shouldn't wait for anything but go tell the police right away. You should have done so when the client first came to the agency. You should tell the police even if it's anything else. Or just tell me. You shouldn't chance people's lives just because you want to see me. Ran, are you ok? It really doesn't sound much like you."

Ran rolled her eyes and said nothing. True. She had thought about it, long and hard, she barely slept because what if it was true? How long would assassins need to prepare a bombing? But since they still didn't have the time neither the place those people wouldn't do anything, either. Unless, of course, they found out about Aoko's number and deleted it. It would be the right thing to go to the police but there was the dark part of her again. Hearing Shinichi say those things only increased her want to solve it on her own and throw it in his face like he didn't believe in her and she still succeeded.

There was a small voice inside her head warning her that things might go awry but it was swallowed by the darkness.

"Alright, I will, Shinichi. I'll tell the police."

She lied once, it didn't matter if she lied again. He could tell Conan to watch her and make sure she told someone but she was sure she could put him off track. And that's how she decided not tell Shinichi a thing even if he really were to meet her in real.

She would consult someone if she thought they weren't going to succeed. She wouldn't sacrifice anyone but she wouldn't give up until the very last minute, either.

"You should take Conan or your father with you. I'm sure they'll be able to help."

"Sure, Shinichi", she said absentmindedly, already planning how to dodge the whole topic. She could simply hang up and tell him she'll go right now, right? She'd make Conan wait longer which she was loath to do but it would shake Shinichi off.

"Maybe you're right Shinichi. If it is indeed a kidnapping or worse then I should go right away, though."

"If you have to go right away, Ran, why did you wait so long in the first place?" Shinichi asked carefully.

Honestly, things were going from bad to worse and Ran didn't know how to stop them.

"Ah, Shinichi the battery is dying. I'll send a quick text to Conan-kun and go to the police right away. You're right. I should have done that a lot sooner. Anyway. I'm going now so good night, Shinichi."

"Oi wait, Ran, wa-", he said before Ran simply cut him off by ending the call. She quickly messaged Conan that her phone will surely die very soon and she'll take a few minutes longer since she has to make a statement and to go to bed.

She turned her phone on flight mode for a while since she had Aoko promise her to call if she needed help or anything. She'd switch it back soon once Shinichi realized that she wasn't going to answer it. There was a café close by and Ran took refuge inside of it. It was one of those run-down manga cafes but it was better than sitting outside somewhere.

Maybe she could do some research here instead of getting drowned in guilt. That was all Shinichi actually accomplished – doubting herself and making feel guilty. She knew what was the right thing – telling the police, even Shinichi, would have been alright. But what Aoko had said resonated so strongly inside herself that she couldn't turn away from it. It was dangerous what they were trying to do, it might kill them and it might kill innocents.

She wondered when she changed. Did it happen gradually? Slowly, bit by bit or was it just this once that her true self came to light? Would she really take innocents into account just because of her pride? Was she really that shallow?

Right now, it could still be a prank, nothing more and nothing less. A harmless prank.

But what if it wasn't? What if it actually was the truth they dreaded? Somehow, Ran doubted it was a prank, after all. It was a little too elaborate to be just that and anyway where do you draw the line between prank and the real deal? The prank could be taken to the very end, just like if it was serious. So, in the end, they had no choice but to see it as the real deal and hope that, in the end, it would turn out to be a really elaborate but stupid prank.

Ran tried to look for some books but her head was too far away, so she gave it up pretty soon, instead taking her things and leaving again. She walked towards the station so that she would come back from that direction to make it look like she really had been there and gave a statement. She was sure that Conan would not be asleep when she came home and he'd ask her all the questions she didn't want to answer.

Slowly, she made her way back home.

Sometimes, she wished Conan was nothing more than a simple seven-year-old child. She didn't want him solving cases and seeing corpses on a daily basis. Come to think of it, the kid was less afraid of it than her which actually scared her more than she liked to admit. It also encouraged her theory that he was Shinichi, after all. According to that theory she'd soon meet him again, only he'd be much smaller and have a much more childish voice. Of course, he had an act to uphold so he wouldn't ask her questions as directly as he would were he himself but it didn't help that he now knew about some case and that she got roped into something that might be dangerous, though, she doubted that he made that connection, yet.

"Ran-neechan!" Suddenly a voice rang out and Ran snapped her eyes open at the voice and looked up, taking a sharp breath. This boy-!

"Ran-neechan! Are you alright?" He came at a stop in front of her, out of breath, probably because he ran all the way there. She wondered if it really was Shinichi.

"Conan-kun. What did I tell you about picking me up? You could have gotten hurt, Conan-kun!" She scolded him sternly.

"But Ran-neechan, I was worried. Why did you need to go to the police station? Did something happen?"

She sighed and took his hand. "Let's go home, Conan-kun. It was nothing, really."

The boy followed obediently but couldn't stop asking questions. "But why did you need to go there, Ran-neechan?"

"Because of a case, Conan-kun. The police will take care of it now."

"That was pretty fast, wasn't it? Did they take your statement?"

"There wasn't much of a statement I could give, Conan-kun. I told them what I knew and that's that."

She smiled at him warmly. "It's endearing of you to worry so much about me, Conan-kun, but you shouldn't have. You know I'm strong and can take care of myself. Just like this case. But it's out of my hands anyway so things will be fine. And I don't want you to wander outside at this hour again, am I clear?"

"Yes, Ran-neechan. But what kind of case was it?"

"I'm not going to tell you. You would simply hinder the investigation."

"You're so mean, Ran-neechan", he pouted. "I'm sure I could help."

"You always help. But you're also a little boy. Megure-keibu shouldn't let you, you know? I don't approve of it." She looked him sternly into the eyes and Conan shut up. "If you were ten years older, I wouldn't mind that much."

Conan looked up, startled and Ran couldn't help but smile at that. "Yes, once you're older and I'm sure you can take care of yourself I won't mind that much anymore. But you're just seven. You're a child, Conan-kun. You shouldn't spend your days looking at corpses."

She shuddered at the image. She has seen too many herself and she was much older, given that Conan was Conan. She still has not grown accustomed to the sight of dead people even if she should have. She'd seen too many of it. Maybe that was one reason for that darkness inside of her. Maybe all the death and hatred changed her, slowly, unseeingly, but surely.

"Ne, Ran-neechan, you wanted to tell me where you've been and who that friend was."

Ran nodded. "I was at the Mouri Tower with Nakamori Aoko, I'm sure you've met her. She's the daughter of Nakamori-keibu. We watched the meteor shower. If you hadn't been at hakase's I would have taken you, too, but I didn't think you'd come home tonight."

"I see. Did you enjoy it, Ran-neechan?"

Ran smiled widely and nodded. "Yes, it was amazing. Next time I'll take you too, alright?"

Conan nodded enthusiastically and followed her home.

When they came back, Ran made him get ready for bed while she got ready for another tormenting night. She doubted she would get any sleep but maybe she could get some research done at least. Thankfully tomorrow was no school so she could sleep later.

She hoped she could, anyway.

Thank you guys so much for reviewing :D I'm glad you liked it. Next chapter (Not) Clueless