Disclaimer : I don't own Detective Conan
Apologize for any grammatical errors
"WHAT DID YOU SAY?!".
Toyama's sudden anger startled Heiji and made him turned to him.
What's going on? Is everything okay? Who talked to him on the phone, by the way? Well, he didn't pay attention at the beginning who called his father-in-law and made him this angry. Heiji became curious.
"But-But, Heizo ... This can't be happening! You know I can't ..." Toyama groaned desperately now.
After hearing his father-in-law call his father's name as his interlocutor on the phone, Heiji is just about to stand up and approach his distressed father-in-law, asking if everything is alright, when he heard the surgery room door open and saw two nurses, pushing a bed. Above it lay Kazuha, who's still unconscious. Heiji immediately forgot his intention to approach his father-in-law and turned back to his wife.
Toyama, who also saw his daughter's surgery was finished and finally she was taken out of the surgery room, for a moment he became speechless.
"Hello? Hello, Toyama, are you still there?".
"A-ah. I'm sorry, what? Oh ... Kazuha's surgery has just finished, she's taken out of the room and Heiji is following her now".
"How is Kazuha-chan now?".
Toyama was silent, unable to answer for a moment. "She-she's fine Heizo. The surgery was successful. But, her babies ..."
Heizo waited patiently as Toyama was unable to continue his words. Actually it's also not necessary, because it feels like he also knows the continuation. Heizo was also hit. After all, the babies are also his grandchildren.
"No, hhh ..." Toyama cleared his throat, controlling his voice and tears, as he massaged the bridge of his nose. "I mean, Heizo, please listen! I obviously don't want that bastard Kawanishi to be in the same hospital where my daughter is being treated! Besides, it doesn't make sense! Didn't he himself commit suicide? Can't we just ... just ..."
"Can't we just what, Toyama? Let him die that easily? Come on, Toyama, it's not only you have to go through all of this. Me too! But, we must be able to put aside our personal feelings!". Heizo said what Toyama couldn't say.
Toyama grimaced when he heard Heizo guess what he wanted correctly. Yes! That's what he want and wants to say. Just let the bastard die. He's a criminal, not worth living! Personally, and also as a father and grandfather, he wanted to shout that. But of course, Heizo didn't need to tell him not to confuse between work and personal feelings. Toyama also knew that this wasn't true, that's not how it works.
But, however, if that terrible thing happens to your own family ... Even killing the culprit, sometimes it still doesn't make you quite satisfied. So that is, the word revenge is created ...
Toyama gasped as he realized what had just crossed his mind. And maybe, this is what filled Kawanishi's head. No wonder he's so adamant in taking revenge.
Well, whether he likes it or not, with his thoughts now, Toyama can't blame Kawanishi, but ...
"Listen Toyama, I want you to do your job professionally! You have to escort Kawanishi tightly when he gets there! Don't let him die before taking responsibility for what he has done! I'll be right there!". And the call was disconnected without waiting for his answer. Ginshiro Toyama who was too soluble in his own mind, forgot that his phone was still connected to Hattori.
Toyama shook his head. One of the risks of working in the police.
By the way, what did he think before? Oh, about Kawanishi and his grudge. Well, Kawanishi might not be one hundred percent wrong. Toyama is now also feeling what must have been felt by Kawanishi a few years ago. Hatred towards the person who caused all this, so in the end became blinded by revenge and acting vigilante. But ...
No buts! Still, that's not right! What Kawanishi did was also not right either. Then, said in the name of revenge as the reason. Isn't it in this universe, there is also a word that means forgiving? And it seemed to slap Toyama, the hair on his neck stood up.
Then, what about him? Could he easily forgive what damage Kawanishi had done? After everything he did to his daughter, to his unborn grandchildren, to his son-in-law, to his family, to him? If he can only theorize but can't practice it, then it's just a lie.
Toyama's mind reeled back to the incident around six or seven years ago, which he had never expected, years later, would be the trigger of the disaster he was experiencing right now.
Actually it was purely an accident.
A twenty-four-year-old young woman, Rumi Hagasa, was just a victim, who accidentally was in the wrong place and at the wrong time, which made her end up as the sole hostage of a psychopath.
Ironically, the psychopath who took Rumi hostage was none other than her own neighbor, who is also a retired police officer, who had been known in his environment as a quiet old man, but had no problem with anyone.
In short, he took Rumi as hostage, because there's dissatisfaction with the police, where he'd worked before, regarding the pension he had obtained.
At first everything went well. Heizo Hattori as Osaka Prefectural Police Superintendent, agreed to the demands of the former police officer. They had provided the amount of money he requested, with the assurance that Rumi Hagasa would be returned safe and alive. Moreover she was eight months pregnant.
However, at the time and place agreed upon for the exchange of hostage with money, the kidnapper and Miss Hagasa did not appear. Instead, they got a call from the kidnapper. Apparently, greed had made him raise the ransom to ten times the amount he had originally requested and must be provided no longer than forty-eight hours or he will kill the hostage.
Angry and felt the amount he requested was beyond absurd, the police did not respond to the demand. Besides, if they meet the demands this time, it doesn't guarantee that there are no further demands. Greed will never be satisfied.
Then, the decision is made. With a heavy heart, they chose to sacrifice Miss Rumi Hagasa.
"The police will not submit to a greedy criminal! We will not pay the ransom!".
And official brief statement from Heizo Hattori, who sealed the fate of Rumi Hagasa and her unborn baby. Surely they still hope, that the ex-police officer aka the kidnapper still has a conscience. His hostage was still so young and a mother to-be.
However, hope is only hope.
When finally they managed to find the kidnapper's hiding place, Rumi Hagasa was still alive at that time, although it was very obvious that her condition had indeed been very weak. Unfortunately, the kidnapper was aware of their arrival, he immediately made Rumi a shield, with a knife pointing to her throat.
"Are you here to hand over the ransom? I'm sure, in the end you will give up. Fortunately, I'm a person who is patient enough to wait!" He said confidently with a disgusting face.
"Isn't it a pity if this beautiful young woman dies in vain, moreover she will become a mother. Isn't that so, Dear?" He even dared to kiss Rumi's head.
Rumi whispered in fear, her voice trembling. "Help me! Please, help me!".
"Don't worry, Dear! Once they give me my money, you'll be free! Isn't that so, mister policemen?".
"There will be no ransom! You won't receive anything, even a penny!". Heizo Hattori's firm voice, greatly surprised the kidnapper.
He didn't expect it! He thought ...
"Give it up! You're surrounded! The police have surrounded this area! Now, hand the girl to us carefully!".
Behind Heizo, some police officers indeed were on standby, with a gun in their hands. At that time, Heizo Hattori thought that, by cornering the villain like this, it would shrink his guts and then he would give up.
Too bad he miscalculated. This former police officer is indeed ready to die. After all, he has no family.
"Is that so? Then, there's no point for her to live anymore longer! Hyaaahhh!".
ZLEB!
Sadistically, he stabbed Rumi's pregnant stomach.
"A-aakkh! Hah ...! Hah ...!" Rumi wasn't even able to scream out of surprise, not expecting and suffering in pain at the same time.
Not only Rumi, Heizo and all the police behind him also gaped in disbelief. So shocked, they actually froze in place, though their hands held guns.
The attack is too sudden!
The villain smiled slyly when he realized that his attack was successful. Once again he stabbed Rumi's pregnant stomach.
"U-ukh!".
Rumi's cries of pain, awakened Heizo. As fast as lightning, he snatched one of the guns in the hands of his men.
DOR!
One shot, one bullet, creating a hole, right in the middle of the kidnapper's forehead.
Thus, the life of the villain ends.
But also, unfortunately, Rumi Hagasa's life. She breathed her last breath on the way to the hospital.
She is ... Kawanishi's fiancee.
The siren sound of the police car that he knew so well, brought Toyama back to the reality. Moments later, some nurses from the emergency department swiftly pushed a bed into the hospital. Ginshiro Toyama swallowed hard, trying hard to control himself when he saw who was lying on it, as the bed passing in front of him.
Not long after, Otaki appeared. Gasping for breath, he saluted Toyama.
"Chief Toyama! Pardon me, Sir, but Chief Hattori asked us to ..."
Toyama raised a hand. "Yes, I know. He explained to me". He answered briefly.
"Sir? Are you ... alright?" Otaki asked doubtfully. He knew exactly what Chief Toyama felt right now.
"Yes, of course. Just ... Give me a few seconds to calm down!". He then took a deep breath to calm himself.
"Let's go!".
When Kazuha opened her eyes, a tired Heiji still tried to smile cheerfully at her.
"Hello, Ahou Darling! How are you feeling?".
Kazuha did not answer. She just blinked her eyes in confusion.
However, her first reaction was to feel her stomach. Even though her stomach isn't completely flat now, her maternal instincts tell her, something is wrong. She could feel that her babies were no longer there. No more ... life in her womb. Spontaneously she turned to her husband.
"Heiji?!".
Even though Kazuha didn't continue her words and now she was just gaping like a fish, Heiji knew exactly what was in his wife's mind. Heiji took one of Kazuha's hands on her stomach, gently squeezing it.
"Don't worry, Love! Everything's fine! They are ... now happy ..."
Hearing Heiji's answer, Kazuha narrowed her eyes suspiciously. What did he mean?
It only took a few seconds for Kazuha to realize the true meaning of Heiji's words. Her eyes widened. Oh God, no! Please don't let what she is thinking happen!
"Are they ..." Kazuha whispered in a choking voice "... dead?".
Heiji bit his lip. Unable to stare at his wife, he looked down. His thumb's now rubbing Kazuha's palm.
"Please ... Tell me the truth ..."
When Heiji looked up, his eyes filled with anguish, making Kazuha immediately know the answer to her question.
"No ..." Kazuha shook her head, not ready to accept this bitter reality.
"NO!" She now screamed hysterically.
Heiji immediately pulled her into his arms. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry! Forgive me, Love!".
"No, Heiji! Why did you let them die? Why don't you let me die instead of them? They are your children, Heiji! No! Let me go! Let me go!" Kazuha began to struggle in Heiji's arms, she beat her husband's arms and chest.
Heiji let Kazuha beat him, instead he tightened his arms around her, forced her to remain in his protective embrace.
Soon after, Kazuha was exhausted. She's still weak after everything she had just experienced.
After Kazuha finally just limply leaned back on her husband, Heiji gently and lovingly caressed her hair.
"I'm a terrible mother!" Kazuha's sudden and unexpected statement made Heiji chuckle.
"I don't think so! I don't think Hiro and Kana will agree either! Trust me, you are a wonderful mother!" Heiji kissed the crown of Kazuha's head.
When Kazuha didn't answer, Heiji called her "Kazuha?".
"What ... What are they, Heiji?" Though Kazuha's question sounded vague, strangely, Heiji could easily understand it.
"They are male twins ..." Heiji answered softly.
"Did you see them? Tell me ... At least, let me know how are they ..."
"They are perfect!" This time Heiji said without hesitation. "They are our children, aren't they?".
Kazuha could feel her tears flowing. She began to sob softly.
Hiro would love to have a younger brother, two younger brothers. Whereas Kana ... Well, her daughter is quite a tomboy. Kazuha believes, Kana will also be happy to have younger brothers.
How sad, it's all now just a memory. A painful memory.
"What kind of mother am I, can't protect my unborn babies! They must be hate me!" She said in a muffled voice.
"Ssh! Don't say that! I'm sure they will understand. You didn't do it on purpose!".
"Still, we lose our children! I'm sorry Heiji ..."
"Hey, why are you sorry? I am the one here who must apologize to you!" Heiji now cupped Kazuha's swollen face from crying, wiping away her tears with his thumbs.
"Besides, we still have Hiro and Kana, right?".
Kazuha closed her eyes and breathed deeply. Now her lungs are filled with oxygen mixed with Heiji's scent, which she loved so much since she was still a school girl. It's like a magic potion for her, soothing her instantly, and make her stronger.
Yes, he's right. She and Heiji still have Hiro and Kana, children they must look after and care for as parents.
She buried herself deeper into her husband's arms, filling her lungs with Heiji's distinctive aroma, she really needs it right now.
Soon after, Kazuha became sleepy. Her body really needs a lot of rest. Her last thought before actually falling asleep was, 'My sons, I'm so sorry ...'
Preview for next chapter:
"I'm dying ..."
"I'm so glad to hear that!".
Kawanishi laughing mockingly "Chief Toyama, you're so cold! As a dying person, shouldn't I get a chance to ask a final request?".
Heizo Hattori interrupted. "What do you want?".
Alternating looking at Hattori and Toyama, Kawanishi answered, "I want to meet Kazuha Hattori!".