Chapter 3: Taking it into my own hands

Shinichi's POV

I couldn't sleep. I turned to see Haibara sleeping soundly next to me. It was suppose to be girls on one bed and the boys in the other, but Ayumi fell asleep next to the boys before we could switch places. I didn't mind at all, we were kids after all. What was bugging me was the choice of how to protect all of them. I was hopeless in this body and if anything were to happen to any of them, it would be my fault entirely.

I thought about the situation more and decided to look more into the case. For this specific area, there are no child kidnappings that have been reported in the past 5 years, making this case an individual case and not a serial which makes it more difficult because nothing obvious shows up of why Emily was specifically taken. Based on what I can find, Emily's mother is part of the middle class. Emily attends a public elementary school, gets good grades really good grades and it's hard to determine why her since they seem like the average family. Nothing turns up when I search their name so I can't imagine how they got any information on them. What made her stand out above other children?

Next Morning…

I woke up tired and distressed still not knowing how to handle the situation. I still don't see why Haibara was against me turning back all of a sudden. Isn't that why she made the antidote for me? And, wouldn't us as adults be better for the kids? I couldn't wrap my head around it. The kids woke up in a good mood determined to help the woman and find Emily. "We need to be out there and investigating!" Genta exclaimed. "Yeah, and bring Emily home!" Mitsuhiko replied. "YEAH!" All of them cheered and headed to the room.

Haibara and I, surprised at their sudden outburst ran after them. "Wait! We are not allowed in there right now!" *sigh* Those three never listen…

When we arrived at the room, it was surrounded by yellow tape and a few police still hoping to find evidence. Upon arriving, the kids were talking to Jodie!

"Ah, Jodie-sensei, what are you doing here?"

"Hmm? She turned towards me and Haibara, "Oh Cool Kid! What brings all of you here?"

"We are here because Agasa won a contest!" Ayumi replied.

"Oh I see. Well it seems that maybe you can help me."

"I hope you don't mind me asking, Haibara was now speaking, but, what is an FBI agent doing on a single kidnapping case?"

"Ah, so you haven't heard. This is part of a serial case."

"WHAT!?" All of us replied. "But the police said there weren't any reported kidnappings in this area."

"No, but there have been kidnappings going all around Japan, and they seem to be kidnappings of different children. White, Asian, Black, even Swedish!"

"But, how do they all connect?"

"We don't know, but, it's the same MO, the kids are taken when on vacation and the family is either killed or hurt in the process. And the kids are ranging from ages 7-10."

So this isn't a single case. But, what is the main purpose for taking these kids?

"There is no connection?"

"The only thing they have in common is that they were on vacation with their families. So this is all based on opportunity. But, why them specifically, we don't know. And, it's also hard to come about how the persons found information on the children."

"If they were specific targets, it wouldn't be a surprise if they were followed for several months at a time." Haibara replied.

"We thought so too. After asking the survived families they said that they did feel someone following them but nothing too suspicious or any proof to report."

Hmmm. What would be a reason for children to be taken? To sell, for ransom? But not all of the children came from wealthy families.

"Could it be possible we are dealing with some sort of fantasy?" Haibara spoke up. "There could be a connection that may be ideal to this person or persons that we are not seeing."

"What do you mean Ai-chan?" Ayumi asked

"Well, for example, maybe the loss of a child could have been the trigger and these kids fit the personality."

"But none of the kids look alike nor do they come from the same background." I replied

"It's just an idea, without knowing who did this, there is not much to go by."

She was right. The only thing we have is that these kids were ideal or else they would not have been targeted. The only thing is, what is that ideal trait?

*ring* *ring* It's Shinichi's phone ringing...THAT'S ME!

Haibara nodded and I ran out to the lobby to speak to Ran with the bowtie.

"Ah, Ran, it's good to hear from you. What's up?"

"Oh, Shinichi. I, um, well, are you busy with the case still?" I could tell her hesitance and fear of what I was up to.

"Actually, I am on my way to Tokyo. I heard from Agasa that you were all on vacation I thought I would come say hello!" Did I just tell her that?

"Oh. That's perfect! There are children being taken and we could really use your help."

Dammit… " Hmm. Alright, I should be there no later than this afternoon, I am quite close actually." Right down the hall actually. "I'll call you when I get there and I will investigate further."

"Thank you Shinichi, and I can't wait to see you."

*sigh* "You too. Bye"

I am in big trouble after this…

After I got off the phone with Ran, I went back into my room where the kids, including Haibara were researching and sorting through the papers that Jodie had. I seem to always forget how smart these three are.

Haibara came up to me and asked, "What did she say?"

I replied, "She wanted my help and I told her I would be in contact with the local police."

"You didn't mention the possibility of you showing up?"

"Nope." I guaranteed it

She smiled. A very rare and cute sight. Did I just think that?

" I am going to get some snacks for everyone. I'll be right back." She said

"Oh, I'll go with you! It's not safe to go out alone." Jodie-san replied. I could see that she did not fully trust Jodie just yet, but it would be safer to have an adult with her.

"Let her, Haibara, I said, Besides, you could use some help with all those snack to fill Genta!"

"HEY!"

Everyone laughed and she agreed to take Jodie with her. I also decided to leave the room too, but it was a risk to leave them. I know she will be angry, but I need to solve this as fast as I can.

When they left the room I did not hesitate to leave the room. "I am going to get Agasa next door, I'll be right back."
"You shouldn't leave the room Conan-kun." Ayumi replied

"Don't worry, it's right next door." I closed the door and made sure it was locked. I'll have to also find an excuse to tell them where Conan went...Oh well, I'll figure it out as I go.

I went to Agasa's room and noticed he was not there. Hmm? I guess he went down with Haibara or with Ran maybe? She and Sonoko were at the shops near the hotel getting stuff for souvenirs.

I went through The Professor's luggage knowing he had a change of clothes for me. I grabbed my stuff along with the antidote in my hand. Ran, I am coming. And Haibara, I am sorry, but for everyone's safety I have to be myself again.

Tsk Tsk….WHY SHINICHI? WHY?

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and thank you to those who stuck with for my first story, I hope you all love this one!

WeetzieBat613