The Detective Prince

Chapter 106

Outside Cause

"A coma, she's in a coma?"

"As bizarre as that may seem yes," Nightwing confirmed. "That's what I was told upon arriving at the hospital."

"And what about the scans you said you would request for?" Red Robin asked.

"That won't be seen through until tomorrow some time," Nightwing replied. "I'll receive the call when they have results."

"First a heart attack and now this."

"Can't go any more left field than that."

"Let's hope not."

That moment brought a bright flash of light, one which sailed from above in the far distance. It was clear what was to come next.

"The signal, Gordon must have something."

"You want us to come along?" Nightwing asked.

"No, but since you're here I'd like for you to help with something." Batman replied.

"Name it."

"I thought it would be a good idea for us to retrace our tracks, go through all trials that have led us to this point."

"And where might we be looking?"

"The obvious answer would be the Furtures Building, but I'd also like for one of you to investigate the grounds of Mount Zomoph."

"Why is that?"

"Because it was the original location for where the Furtures Building was planned to be built," Red Robin informed. "I did the research."

"Not something I was expecting." Nightwing admitted.

"Whoever decides to investigate that park between the two of you, I want you to search the underground area below it," Batman said. "There's an abandoned tunnel that can be found, one which hasn't been used for years now."

"I'm guessing it was used for trains at some point right?" Nightwing questioned.

"Yes."

"I wonder what conspired that stopped all transportation through that area."

"Increased development and a new vision."

"Leave Mount Zomoph to me," Red Robin said. "I had already planned on returning to that site at some point anyway."

"I guess that means the Futures Building is mine."

"Now that we've gained accepting ground I think it would be best if we looked into this as soon as possible."

"You two go on without me," Batman said. "I have a call to answer."

He turned to where the light was being emitted, readying himself for the jump to be made.

They stood there for minutes, waiting for the results to finally feed back to them. He tapped him on the shoulder during the process of this.

"What is it?" Kaito asked looking his way.

"We've been waiting for five minutes now," Konosuke said. "Are you certain this thing will give us the location of where the call came from?"

"I'm positive," Kaito assured. "I tested it on several occasions before tonight."

A red light then shined bright from the device, along with a low pitched sound.

"Looks like the waits over."

He lifted the device up for a better view of the small screen.

"What do you see," Konosuke asked. "Where did the call originate?"

"Not far from here," Kaito replied. "Not far at all."

"Are you saying that the call was made from somewhere here in Gotham?"

"Not just here in Gotham, but no further than a block or two away."

"You're not serious are you?"

"I'm just as surprised as you," Kaito said looking down at the device once again. "Now what do you say we go and give this guy a visit?"

"Are you sure that's a safe thing to do," Konosuke questioned. "There's always the chance he's anticipated you'd try something of this sorts."

"That is a possibility, which is why we'll move toward the location in a circular matter rather than directly."

"I don't think I fully understand that analogy."

"You will once we get started," Kaito assured. "Come on."

"There is something else I must ask," Konosuke said. "How did you trace the number from where he called, no way could you have done that without knowing that was the phone the call would come from."

"You're right, which is why I had wired that phone to the network ahead of time to fit in with the server of the device."

"How did you know that was the phone he'd call?"

"I didn't," Kaito admitted. "Which is why several public phones throughout the city were factored in."

"What other phones did you wire?"

"Ones in diners, subway stations, hotel lobbies, and even local stores," Kaito replied. "And that's just to name a few."

"My word, when did you find the time to do all of that?"

"When you were asleep."

"But you said it yourself, the contractor has been watching you closely," Konosuke reminded. "And since it would appear he is in Gotham there's a possibility he could have been watching when you rigged those phones."

"Not a chance."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because I didn't link all of those phones to this device manually," Kaito informed. "But rather through networking."

"How long did that take?"

"Roughly six hours, but it seems all has paid off."

"Amazing."

He stopped once more to look over their position in comparison to where the call had come from.

"The phone used to contact us is west from here."

"And the distance?"

"A little less than a mile."

"What would you like to do from here?" Konosuke asked.

"We split," Kaito replied. "You're going to take the direct approach, once you've come within twenty five yards of the site I'll give you the signal to stop."

"That's all good and said, but I have no idea where this place is."

"I'll keep you informed over the phone."

"That may work, but what about you," Konosuke asked. "Where will you be during all of this?"

"I'm going to head further down south and circle around to the west, putting me on the side opposite of you."

"Leaving the location of where the call came from in between us," Konosuke said. "I think I got it."

"No simpler way of putting it."

"I do have another question to ask," Konosuke said. "How are you going to lead me to the site after we split, you have no way of knowing my position."

"I guess I failed to mention that I registered yours as well as my phone to this devices tracking system as well," Kaito said. "So not only can I track where calls were made from, but also keeping tabs on any phones that are wired into its system."

"You have this all figured out," Konosuke said. "But why didn't you tell me about any of this sooner?"

"It's not something that had been on my mind for long," Kaito replied. "But even then I wouldn't have been able to accomplish any of this if attempted any time before last night."

"Why is that?"

"The G3 Power Emitter," Kaito replied. "It was the key element that allowed for me to link all of the phones I did to this device in such a short amount of time."

"But I thought the G3 Emitter was used strictly as a power device for energy use."

"True, but it has other flexibilities as I've come to fine," Kaito said. "Its marginable power core is what made it all possible."

"I'd like to hear about that."

"I thought you might, but due to time we'll have to save that discussion for later," Kaito said. "I'd first like to pay our contractor a surprise visit."

"I understand the opportunity, but are you sure this is a good idea," Konosuke said. "I'd feel a lot better if we put some more time and thought into this."

"As would I," Kaito admitted. "But there is no guarantee that this mystery person is one to stay in one place over a long period of time."

"Point taken."

"Does that mean you're ready?"

"Yes, I'm ready."

"Keep your phone on," Kaito said turning for the roadside. "I'll route you to where I want you to be."

"Understood."

"Stay here for now," Kaito said. "I'll call you in the next minute to give further instructions."

He looked from side to side, making sure he had a safe path to the other side before making a run for it.

"Master Kuroba."

He stopped at the sound of his voice, looking his way once more.

"Be careful."

He nodded, turning back for the road before taking off to the other side. Once there he stopped to observe the area ahead, which was filled with many intersections on all sides.

"Now, where to go from here."

The time the light had been turned on hadn't been long, patiently waiting as he had any other time. A gust of wind past followed by the ever so light sound he made on his drop from behind.

"It's been over a week since your last call."

"That didn't take long," James said turning to face him. "Shallow night?"

"What do you have for me?"

"There's an important story that's scheduled to be aired tomorrow morning," James informed. "It's about that thief who made a move at the grand opening for the Futures Building the other night."

"Kaitou Kid."

"You knew," James said holding back a smile. "I'd be lying if I didn't say I'm surprised, but I guess it's to be expected at this point."

"Marco Gaffney's prints were found on the diamond that was left in place of the G3 Power Emitter."

"That is correct."

"I don't believe he had anything to do with the disappearance or the return of that diamond," Batman said. "His prints were found on the diamond yes, but that's only because they were put there without his knowledge."

"That's a strong claim," James said. "How can you be sure of this?"

"The same way Bruce Wayne was impersonated."

"Wait, are you saying he got a hold of their prints somehow?"

"I've looked into the matter myself, it was only because of Wayne's prints that Kaitou Kid was able to authorize the use of the helicopter he arrived in."

"I see I'm not the only one who's been hard at work," James said. "I've been doing a little home work of my own concerning the matter."

"And what were you able to find?"

"That what occurred at the Futures Building doesn't fit in with his common routine."

"Jewel thief."

"Precisely."

"You seem to have a good handle of what to expect, so why summon me?"

"I watched a tape that was given to me from a new bright detective in town," James replied. "It wasn't until then that I realized what we were up against."

"What do you mean?"

"He's like you, the way he carried himself, the way he moved… precision," James began. "His philosophy even."

"Philosophy?"

"It's not just the capes you two share in common," James said. "His showings are said to be primarily at night, when the moon is at its brightest."

"Is that so?"

"I heard it from more than one person I got in contact with earlier today."

"Anything else I should know?"

"Probably nothing you don't already have knowledge of," James said as he walked over to the edge of the roof. "So what do you think sparked the sudden interest for technology over jewelry?"

"I guess we'll have to ask him that after he's apprehended."

"Speaking of, how do you plan on catching," James began only to turn to find that he was gone. "Never mind."

He had finally past the position of where the device claimed the call had come from, continuing further south west before finally coming to a stop after crossing yet another street.

"This should be far enough."

With that in mind he reached down for his phone, redialing the last number called.

"Where are you now, did you get to higher grounds like we agreed?"

"Yes, I found a stairwell to a public building," Konosuke replied. "It led all the way to a rooftop where I am now."

"Good."

"How far am I from the location of where the call came from?"

"Close enough," Kaito replied. "Can you see anyone suspicious from your location, maybe on a neighboring building?"

"No such thing," Konosuke replied scouring the area with the use of a pair of binoculars. "The coast is clear."

"Hold that position, I'll contact you again in the next minute or so."

"Loud and clear."

The transmission between the two came to an end within that instant. He lowered the phone back into his pocket before turning his sights back to the tracking device.

"This should be enough," Kaito said beginning to walk once again. "Time to move in."

He kept his eyes to the device as he walked, periodically looking ahead in the process. He pushed on for minutes, the small dot on the screen growing larger with every step taken. The distance was narrowing, he could feel it. After reaching another intersection he looked up to see two people running his way at high speeds, immediately recognizing their outfits.

"That's the same brand of parallel I saw those two women wearing not long ago."

He continued to watch as they approached, finding it was two men this time around. He moved off to the side as they zoomed past.

"That's two pairs now," Kaito thought. "I wonder if some kind of event is being held."

He quickly lost this from his mind, knowing he had a task to focus on. He looked back to the scanner, seeing that he was now aligned with the phone the call had been sent from and Konosuke's position. With that he reached for his phone only to have it ring before any move could be made.

"Great timing, I was just about to call."

"I can now see you from where you stand."

"Anything out of the ordinary since the last we talked?"

"Besides the two joggers who just passed by, nothing."

"Then we're good to go."

"You still have yet to tell me which building the call presumably came from."

"Why tell you when you can watch," Kaito said. "I'm heading there now."

"I'll keep a sharp look out, good luck."

He focused his attention back to the device, monitoring both sides of the street before making a safe walk to the other side.

"Only twenty yards to go."

He kept his head high as he walked, listening to the increasing beep of the device the closer he got. A group of people came his way which caused a slight delay. After allowing for them to pass he continued to where the signal was at its strongest.

"Twenty yards… fifteen."

He looked up upon coming in within ten yards of where the call had come, surprised not to see a structure of any kind. He looked from one side to the other only to see two separate paths to choose from.

"There's nothing here, where could the call have come from?"

He looked down at the device once more, confirming the location. It was then that his phone began to ring, taking no time in answering.

"You seem to have come to an end on your path, have you found the location of where the call was made."

"It says it's here," Kaito said taking a few steps extra to come within five yards of the signal. "But I don't see any phones around."

"I see nothing of the sorts from here either."

"When I was nearing I was almost under the impression the call might have been made from another phone booth, but there are none to be seen in this area."

"Is there anything you'd like me to do?"

"No, stay put for now," Kaito replied. "I'll get back to you."

"Of course."

He lowered the phone from there. Just as he was to further investigate the situation he felt someone tap him from behind, turning to find a young woman standing before him wielding a phone in hand.

"Correct me if I'm wrong, but is your name Kuroba?" She asked.

"How do you know my name?"

"While on my way down the street someone called my phone and asked to speak with you."

"What?"

"He said it was important." She said now holding out the phone for him to take.

He accepted it with much uncertainty, slowly raising the phone as he brought it to his ear.

"Hello."

"You antics are most noteworthy magician, impressive even."

"You."

"The way you used the G3 Power Emitter to your services is something I'll remember."

"Where are you?" Kaito said with a change in tone.

"Right where I can see you," The unidentifiable voice spoke. "Just remember, I'm always watching."

"I will find you."

"You have twenty four hours to make a switch at the drop point."

The sound of static followed, letting him know they had hung up from the other end. He took this time to return the phone to the woman who had approached him.

"Who was that?"

"A friend," Kaito replied. "Just a friend."

"How in the world did this friend of yours get a hold of my number?"

"I don't know," Kaito honestly replied. "I truly don't know."

The night had come and gone, bringing a clear start to the next morning. The sound of something sprinkling from outside in the near distance was what awoke him. In the stretch of the moment the first thing he did was reach for his face, sitting up all in one motion to come realize he had yet to revert back.

"I lasted through the night, that's a step."

He then turned to the dresser, coming to find three folded pairs of pants, a small stack of shirts, and an unopened pack of socks sitting atop the dresser. Curious at this development he removed the blanket from over himself before stepping down to the ground. He walked over to the dresser, coming to discover a note sitting at the top of the pile. He reached down for the small piece of paper before holding it out in front to read.

'I find these may come in handy… Alfred.'

"That means I won't have to get back into the same clothes as yesterday," Shinichi said. "Not a bad start."

He reached for one of the pair of pants, finding it to be a perfect fit upon sliding them on. He spent another ten minutes in the room, not heading out until after finishing with his normal bathroom routine. He checked the time on his watch as he walked down the hall, finding it was just past ten twenty.

"It has yet to hit the twenty four hour mark since the time I transformed, which is usually when things get shifty," Shinichi thought as he walked. "Only a couple hours to go until that time."

He pushed past the first door, leading him out to the top of the staircase. He stretched his arms on the way down, hearing the same sound he had heard earlier. He took a look out of the window to see it was only the sprinklers out in the yard. His phone vibrated just after stepping down to the first floor, pulling it out to see he had missed two calls.

"I'll see to that later," Shinichi said sticking the phone back into his pocket. "First thing is first, time to get some answers."

He immediately turned for the right; heading for the study where he assumed would be the best place for him to start. He stopped once reaching the door, finding it to be slightly cracked. With that in mind he wasted no time in knocking, simply walking in to see the chair at the desk turned to the opposite side of him.

"Hope you don't mind me joining you," Shinichi said. "Did you get anything back on that blood test?"

"It would appear the consultant has awoken." Damian said turning in the chair to reveal himself.

"Oh… it's just you."

"And here I thought the time had come to invest in a child harness leash for you, especially after what happened at the grand opening," Damian said easing out of the chair. "But given the circumstances that might not fair too well with any on looking spectators."

"You obviously anticipated I'd come here, any specific reason why you've been waiting?"

"Those," Damian replied pointing toward a new pair of shoes sitting on top of the desk. "I was told to make sure you receive these."

"You could have brought them to the room."

"I thought we agreed on knocking from here on out," Damian reminded. "You were asleep and did not wish to disturb you."

"I appreciate that."

With that he made his way over to the table, past Damian who was now heading for the door. He grabbed hold of the shoes, satisfied at what he came to find. The door bell rung at that moment, its tune traveling clear into the room.

"You guys expecting company this early?" Shinichi said catching him before he walked out.

"Not to my knowledge."

He followed him out of the room, curious as to who had come on an unexpected visit.

"Someone must have forgotten to lock the gate on their way out," Damian muttered. "Hopefully this isn't more riffraff from that Gazette stable."

He reached for the knob with a huff, wasting no time in pulling the door aside to reveal who was standing on the other side.

"Conner." Shinichi said surprised to find who it was.

"Hey Conan, long time no see."

"How'd you know it was me?"

"I spoke with Tim last night," Conner replied. "He told me everything."

"What are you doing here?" Damian asked with the cross of his arms.

"I've come to speak with your father," Conner replied. "Is he around?"

"No, he's not."

"Any idea when he'll be back?"

"No clue."

"Could you call him for me?"

"No, he's in a meeting right now." Damian informed.

"Great, what luck." Conner said with the slouch of his arms.

"If it's so important why don't you try asking Drake," Damian suggested. "I'm sure he'll be able to help with whatever it is that seems to be bothering you."

"That was originally the plan, but I haven't been able to get a hold of him since last night."

"Not my problem," Damian said reaching back for the door. "Don't know what to tell you."

He forced out his hand, denying him the close of the door.

"Well since his assistance is unavailable, that means I'll have to look to my third option." Conner said turning to face him.

"You don't mean me do you?" Shinichi questioned.

"Yes," Conner confirmed. "I need your help."

To Be Continued