Chapter 12

Shinichi's POV

"Jodie-sensei," Ran called to her old English teacher, waving for her to join us.

She turned towards us and stared in surprise. Then she marched over with a serious expression on her face.

Before any of us could say or do anything she reached over and pulled at my cheek. "Ow," I yelped in surprise.

Jodie-sensei quickly let go, "I'm sorry," she said. "But I had to make sure you were really Kudo Shinichi."

I rubbed my cheek, "Let me guess, you heard I was dead." 'She must have heard that from Kir. I'll have to be careful, the fewer people knowing the truth about Conan the better. '

There was an awkward pause. Finally Ran said "Umm, Jodie-sensei, this is a friend of mine, Hardy Joe."

She immediately turned her eyes on Joe-san. "Joe Hardy?" she asked, he nodded.

Jodie-sensei then took a seat at the table. "I'm glad I found you. This may sound strange but how much do you know about the Black Organization?"

Joe-san looked confused, "Black Organization?"

"They're the people I was just telling you about," said I. He turned to Jodie-sensei. "I was telling him the barest details so he and his brother would stop looking for me. Did something happen?" 'Something must have happened if she's being so open about this, something bad.'

Jodie-sensei nodded, "Unfortunately yes, I was told by a reliable source that they are now targeting Joe and his brother," She turned to Joe-san, "Your reputation and the fact you two were sniffing around about someone they had supposedly killed led to them getting worried. And for them all threats are compromised."

Joe-san turned pale when he realized what she meant. He started to stand up, "I've got to find Frank."

"You'll find him in the hospital," Jodie-sensei said bluntly.

'I hate it when I'm right.'

Joe-san turned even paler. Ran gasped "What happened?"

"Don't worry, he'll be fine. They set your apartment on fire, there were no fatalities. Frank is just there for smoke inhalation and a slight concussion, he'll be out by tomorrow. While he's there the FBI won't let anything happen to him," Said Jodie-sensei reassuringly.

Joe-san still seemed to be in shock so I spoke up, "Do they know he survived?"

Jodie-sensei shook her head, "We with held all information on that matter, and we have been arranging for Joe and Frank to head back to the US as soon as he's released." She then took an interest in me. "How much do you know about this anyway, and how did you know that I'd heard that you were dead."

"I want people to think I'm dead. I saw something I shouldn't have and I've been in hiding all the while I've been investigating. I know as much as Conan-kun knows, He and I kind of became part of this case at the same time and we keep each other updated." I answered carefully.

"Ah, I see, you're with the Cool Kid," Jodie-sensei muttered looking thoughtful.

That pulled Joe-san out of his stupor, "Wait, CONAN is against them too, but he's just a kid."

"And he's what they'll least expect," I answered grinning. "Don't worry he knows what he's doing."

"I knew that kid wasn't normal" Joe-san muttered to himself. "So what happens next? I'd like to go see my brother if that's okay."

Jodie-sensei nodded "I'll take you there."

I stood up, "I'd like to come too if that's okay. It's kind of my fault that they're in this mess." Jodie-sensei just nodded

Ran also started to stand but I stopped her. "They don't know anything about you, and I'd like to keep it that way."

"But Shinichi, it's my fault too. I hired them." she protested.

"No Ran, I can't risk you. I'll be alright I promise." I pulled up my hood, "I won't let them know who I am and I'll come back."

With that the three of us left the café, with Ran still sitting at our table.

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Ran's POV

"No Ran, I can't risk you. I'll be alright I promise." Shinichi pulled up his hood, "I won't let them know who I am and I'll come back."

Then the three of them left, I and I sat there staring at my now cold cup of coffee.

"I'll be alright I promise."

I clenched my fists, remembering that night at Tropical Land. 'Pease don't let this be like last time.'

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Gin's POV

I watched as three figures emerged from the café. I recognized two of them, but I couldn't make out the third's face. 'Oh well, it won't matter when he's dead.'

"Looks like they're heading for the hospital," said Vodka beside me.

"Yes," I grinned, "and that's where we are going too."

End Chapter 12

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A/N I'm sorry it's taking longer to post new chapters.