A/N: I don't own Detective Conan
Chapter 3
Spooks
This, everything was all his fault. If only he'd just stayed home in England, things wouldn't have gotten this messy. "Pull yourself together," Saguru scolded himself.
He opened the glove compartment, removing the package of Marlboros and tearing open the box. He lit a cigarette and inhaled deeply. The feeling of nicotine rushing through his system calmed his nerves. He had almost forgotten about this, Saguru thought, regretting his decision to quit in the first place.
He felt a familiar buzz in his pocket. "I'll be there in a moment," Saguru said in English as he picked up the phone, knowing it'd be Julian.
"I thought you quit smoking."
"I did try," Saguru corrected, rolling down the window. "It's my first one since I arrived in Tokyo." The night breeze ruffled Saguru's hair when he stuck out his head to look up. Julian was standing there, leaning against the balcony railing of his apartment.
"Hurry up then," Julian snapped, although without bite.
"Fine, geez," Saguru sighed—regretfully crushing the cigarette into the ashtray—and stepped out of the car.
"Hurry up," Julian repeated, tone serious. "We have a guest. You wouldn't want to keep her waiting now, would you?"
"I understand," Saguru replied as he made his way inside the building. This sounded serious. Hopefully enough for them to put Saguru back in active duty after forcing him to take unnecessary time off.
Time off, Saguru scoffed. More like a bloody suspension. Just because he hadn't taken a single day off in two years or had a tendency to overwork leading to occasional bouts of sleepless nights didn't mean he's obsessive. Saguru's simply passionate about his job.
I don't need a time off, he thought, knocking on Julian's door with more force than necessary, still a little bit angry at the memory.
"You trying to knock the bloody door down?"
Saguru blinked, eyes casting downward at the person who opened the door. It was a woman. Someone Saguru had sorely missed all the while he's here in Tokyo. He fought the urge to pull her into an embrace and decided to say instead, "Well, you're a sight for sore eyes."
"It's good to see you too, Jackson," She said, letting him in. "Japan's been kind to you."
"You think so?"
"You look good. Healthier."
He'd like to think he's doing rather well in London but apparently, nobody agreed with him. Huh. And no reaction at all from Adele apart from a cordial smile, Saguru observed carefully, a little bit disappointed. He wanted some sort of reaction. Anything to indicate that she missed him as much he did her.
"Where's Julian?"
"In here," Julian called—just as Saguru stepped into the living room—seemingly distracted as his eyes scanned the myriad of papers scattered on the coffee table. Julian looked different, Saguru observed. Laxer without the usual three-piece suit Julian used to wear in London. He's wearing a simple white button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up. His hair wasn't even properly combed, it's a little bit messy. "Agent Gray," Julian greeted. "Congratulations, you're officially back in active service."
Jackson Gray was the name Saguru had decided to take, the day he started working for the Secret Intelligence Service. Saguru didn't want to be associated with another country, let alone the Superintendent-General of the Tokyo MPD. It was a gesture of loyalty he'd offered to England, by giving up his real identity and his Japanese citizenship. The only reason he was in Japan as Saguru Hakuba instead of Jackson Gray was that the MI6 might need him to do some clandestine work. Or at least that's what Julian had said (possibly to placate him) back then.
"So you found him then." It's the only reason Julian would bring Adele here. Saguru sat down next to Julian, eyeing the papers Julian seemed to be deeply engrossed in. A profile of someone named Anatoly Nikolaevich Sokolov. "Anatoly?"
Adele took the opposite couch to Saguru. "His real name is Marcus Finch," she slid a photograph of Finch across the table. "You remember him, yes?"
"Of course," Saguru said. "The man who defected 12 years ago and disappeared without a trace, along with the list of all our operatives and their posts."
"He's been masquerading as a Russian jewel collector," Julian said, nursing a glass of scotch. He didn't usually drink during debriefing like this but Saguru understood. This couldn't be easy for Julian considering he's one of the collateral damage from Marcus' defection. "And he took the bait."
Ah, so that's the reason why Saguru's mother had been willing to auction off their family heirloom. No doubt they'd been compensated well for the trouble too.
"He'll be here for the auction then?"
"Yes, our agent has confirmed it," Julian offered him a glass of Chivas Royal Salute, which Saguru accepted gratefully. He immediately took a small sip. It burned pleasantly down his throat. It tasted smooth and sweet, with a hint of mint chocolate and heavy oak. Saguru always had a particular fondness for scotch.
"What do you need me to do?" Saguru asked, despite knowing the answer to that question.
"Take care of him and make it look like an accident," Julian said, nursing his own drink. He turned and looked directly into Saguru's eyes. "When this is over, I'll talk to C about your request."
"You're serious?" Saguru's eyes widened in surprise. It's been a while since they last discussed Saguru's intention to quit and join the police. If it could be called a discussion at all. Julian had flat out brushed Saguru off the second he mentioned his resignation.
"Don't get your hopes up," Julian added.
"I doubt C would let you go that easily," Adele crossed her arms and leaned back against the couch. "You know that right?"
Saguru would probably make a better Intelligence Officer anyway, even he knew that. He's so good at pretending and getting into people's mind that he could easily persuade civilians into becoming his agents. Then there's the fact that he's one of those kids who graduated early from Oxford. As well as his eidetic memory which was a tremendous asset in terms of information gathering.
He was what? 17 years old perhaps when the MI6 recruited him? When they used his history as a victim and his sense of justice? Well, he didn't stand a chance against the recruiter at all.
"I have to try," Saguru said. "Even if he wouldn't let me go, I have to try."
There was that look again in Julian's eyes. As if Saguru had somehow disappointed him. Saguru hated that look, so he averted his gaze and changed the topic instead. "When will he leave? Anatoly?"
"Anato— no, Finch will be here until a week after the Auction," Adele said, sliding other photographs of a young woman across the table. She bore a slight resemblance to Finch. Most likely his daughter then. Beautiful, Saguru thought. Although she seemed to be quite the party girl, judging from where all these pictures were taken. "His daughter, Nina will be coming with him. In fact, this whole trip and the jewel are meant to be her 18th birthday presents."
Adele shook her head and muttered something under her breath. Saguru could have sworn her eyes flickered toward him for a brief second.
He almost rolled his eyes. Her reaction was the exact same as when she first saw his Maserati GranCabrio, Saguru's 18th birthday present from his mother.
"He's a jeweler you said? He has to know it's cursed and he still wants to give it to his daughter?" Saguru asked, incredulous.
"Rich people, Jackson," Adele cut in. "They're just so… Well, you of all people should know what they're like."
"Oh, would you get off my back already," Saguru bit back. Though she had mellowed tremendously, there had been a period when Adele despised him for being…born with a silver spoon. That, and also because Saguru was the reason her brother died in the first place.
"Kids," Julian reprimanded.
"Sorry," Adele shrugged, sounding not sorry at all and more like her usual self around him. She had been cordial toward him since they broke up. She hadn't even been nice when he first met her, for heaven's sake. "My point is, I don't think he believes in that kind of stuff."
"Something will happen, you'll see," Saguru said. "His daughter will die and it'll make my job a lot easier."
"You actually believe it's cursed."
"I do."
"You really think she'll die?" Julian asked.
"I wouldn't believe it myself if I hadn't seen someone died with my own two bloody eyes."
And someone had died. Someone who had attempted to steal it. Broke her neck falling down the stairs. Saguru had been 6 years old then but he could never forget the sound of her neck breaking and the look of her empty, dead eyes. Saguru turned to Julian. "But if nothing happens, what do you want me to do with her?"
"Nothing," Julian said, taking a sip of his scotch. "She's innocent, after all."
"Of course." Saguru said simply. But of course, that's not true. Nobody was innocent. Everyone had a skeleton in their closet. Turning to Adele, Saguru asked, "What have you got for me?"
Adele's eyes lit up as she brandished a black box. Inside was a brand new iPhone, a Glock 19 and a small transmitter. "The phone's unhackable. It's got my own personal firewall installed." Adele leaned slightly forward. "Both of these have got your prints registered. Now this"—she pointed at the small transmitter—"is a bomb."
"What?" Saguru said flatly. "Why wou—"
"Hear me out," Adele interrupted. "It's a radio-controlled IED and it can only be detonated with this phone here."
"I don't think I'll be needing an explosive, love," Saguru chuckled. "I prefer to be discreet."
"Well then, don't kill him with this," Adele rolled her eyes. "Use it to create a distraction." At Saguru's still dubious expression, she added. "I promise you it's safe. I triple-checked it myself. You'll need a passcode to detonate it."
"Alright then," Saguru accepted the small box, albeit still a little reluctant.
"Give me your phones, both of them." Saguru did just that, watching as Adele plug them into her laptop. "It'll take a while."
"I've got time," Saguru gulped the rest of his scotch and proceeded to pour himself another glass. So his stay in Japan wouldn't be an issue. Yet, there's still another problem in Saguru's plate. An old acquaintance of his. "Have you heard anything about the recent murders?"
"Yes," The click-clacking of keyboard paused momentarily. Adele tucked a stray lock of dark hair behind her ear. "You're thinking it's his work?" Her gaze flickered toward Julian momentarily.
"I'm certain of it," Saguru said, digging through his pocket for the Ripper's note. "He sent me a message."
"So I see," Julian took the note, face betraying no emotion at all. Not even a hint of surprise?
"You knew about this?" Because there could be only one explanation for his lack of reaction. Something churned in the pit of Saguru's stomach. "You knew he's here and you didn't think it's important to tell me?" He turned to glare at Adele. The click-clacking stop. "Did you know about this too? Well, did you?"
"Calm down, Jackson. And lower your voice," Julian snapped. He snatched the glass from Saguru's death grip.
"How could you not tell me?"
"Because we only just found out ourselves," Julian said sharply. "Your father reached out to the Scotland Yard requesting all Ripper files. I only knew because DCI Forrester told me and asked me to keep an eye on you."
Saguru gritted his teeth. "Why?"
"He thinks the Ripper's after you," Adele answered. "That's why he also reached out to the Interpol."
"So you're with the Interpol now?"
"No, she's still with us," Julian answered, ignoring Saguru's aggressive tone. "But that's her official cover and yours too."
"Mine too?" Julian had lost his mind. He had too. "You really think I won't hurt him when I see him?"
"Will you?" Julian asked.
"I—" Saguru's breath hitched and he pinched the bridge of his nose. A headache was starting to blossom on the base of his skull. Would he, really? Would he hurt the man who made him suffer all these years? "No," Saguru answered honestly, meeting Julian's inquisitive stare. "I don't think I will. Not unless he tries to hurt any of us."
Julian nodded, satisfied. "I trust you. We trust you."
"So, why'd—" Saguru cleared his throat. "Why would my father reach out to the Scotland Yard?"
"Are you serious?" Adele stared at Saguru as if he's an idiot. "You're his son."
"What does that have to do with anything?" He asked.
"Good god," Adele sighed. "Jackson, he's your father. You're his son. This is personal for him."
"He's the Superintendent-General of Tokyo MPD." Saguru replied. "You really think he'd get involved in this case just because of some personal issue?"
"Of course he would. Someone's going to kill you!" She snapped. "You can be so bloody dense sometimes, you know that?"
"If you say so." Saguru frowned disbelievingly. His interaction with his father had been minimal at best, only a phone call every now and then. They weren't even that close.
"They've arranged a meeting for tomorrow," Julian said. "The local police. I want you to go with Adele to debrief them."
"Yeah." Saguru said, glad for the change of topic. "Yeah, alright."
"You need to go to your school first," Adele added. "Tell them you're transferring back to England. It's time to end whatever game you're playing with your Arsène."
"Yes, alright." Saguru cursed inwardly. He'd almost forgotten about Kaito. He could be the Ripper's next target. "Listen, there's this kid in my school. A classmate of some sort. He could be Delaney's next target."
"How certain are you?" Adele asked.
"I don't know," Saguru admitted. "Delaney might have seen him with me on more than one occasion. He's far from a delinquent but his birth date might make him a target."
"This kid… he's a friend of yours?"
"An acquaintance," Saguru insisted. "I won't let him get hurt just because he hung out with me."
"Tell the police tomorrow," Adele said. "Let them put him under protective custody."
Kaito Kid under protective custody? Now, that's a funny thought. It'd certainly be a hitch in his plan too. "I'll do that."
"The Superintendent-General might be there," Julian said. "Does he know? About you being in the MI6?"
"Of course not," Saguru said, offended. "He thinks I'm a cop just like him."
"This issue of yours, with your father, will this be a problem?"
"I don't know why you keep on assuming I have an issue with my father," Saguru sighed. "He's a good man and I respect him but we don't talk much. We're not close, is all."
"That's good then. So we're done here," Julian said, getting up. "Oh, and you're not driving home tonight. We've rented the unit next door should you decide to move out. Think about it."
"I don't need to," Saguru said. "I'll take it."
A squeeze on Saguru's shoulder, then Julian went to his room while Adele moved to sit next to him. "Here," she said, handing the phone back. "It's done."
"Thank you," he flashed her a small smile.
"You should talk to your father," she said.
His smile faded. "Your advice has always been appreciated, love. Thank you."
"Listen to me," Adele insisted, pushing on his shoulder so Saguru would look at her. "You were friends with my brother, weren't you?"
Oliver. Saguru clenched his fists. "That has nothing to do with this."
She grabbed the back of his neck so he wouldn't look away. "Did you know I hadn't talked to him in years? We had a fight and he refused to talk to me ever since. Then the next thing I knew he's dead."
"Because of me." His voice came out weaker than he intended.
"No, no." she shook her head. "That's not the point I'm making. And also, it wasn't your fault."
"I don't believe you."
She ignored him. "If anything did happen to you, Jackson, it'll hurt your father. You said you don't hate him? Then try and talk to him."
"You know what? I think I'll it call it a night. Why don't you give me the keys, yeah? I'll see you tomorrow."
"Wait," she said, running her fingers through her hair, making it messy. He fought the urge to smooth it away from her face. "Sorry, I wasn't trying to fight with you."
"I don't want to fight either," he sighed. "I'm just… tired, I suppose."
She was silent for a moment. "I'm sorry."
"For what?" Saguru frowned.
She bit her lip. "For hurting you. For the things I said back then. You know I don't really believe that, do you?"
"It's in the past. Don't worry about it anymore, okay?"
"I still shouldn't have said that."
"It's okay." It came out as a whisper this time, he didn't really trust his voice not to break.
Because it's not okay at all. Not really. And she knew it too, Saguru could tell from the way she's looking at him. Her eyes were sad.
It had been a silly fight then, but she was just so angry that she said it with so much contempt. 'I wish it was you who died.'
He could still hear it in the back of his mind, as clear as crystal. Whoever said it was right, some words just could never be forgotten.
