The Detective Prince

Chapter 112

A Membership of Uncertainty

Their voices could clearly be heard now. He eased himself against the wall before sliding down, getting himself into position for what was to come. The voice that could be heard next was softer in pitch, one which he didn't recognize.

"Now that we've come to a decision, why don't you have a look at the contents?"

He took another peak out, coming to find the older man who had joined the three was the one who had now taken the floor.

"He mentioned a decision being made, I wonder what he could be talking about."

It was then that of the large man standing across brought a hand to his chin, clearly in thought with what to say in response. Kaito then looked further to the right, laying his eyes onto the man who had been referred to as Jackson before.

"That makes three of them, but where's the last?"

That thought was put to a rest in the moments that followed, barely catching sight of her aside the right wall in the darkened area of the room. Once all were accounted for he directed his attention back to the center of the room, waiting for something further to be said.

"Well?"

"The bag, open it."

"Why's that," The older man asked. "You don't trust what I have to serve?"

"You know that's for proper cautionary, especially with what happened with the right eye."

"I understand your point," He said lowering the bag down to the ground while dropping to a knee. "I'll let you see the sublimates, but only that of the top gear."

"Alright then, let's see it."

"Very well."

He did what was asked of him, reaching across his body to zip the bag open. The top pocket was then held up, revealing what was inside. Though he couldn't see what was inside the bag from his position the smirk that could be seen across the big man's face told a story in itself.

"That can't be good."

After this came to pass the bag was zipped shut. The smirk that came across his face could clearly be seen as he stood back to his feet.

"So Beesto, what do you think?" The old man asked.

"Beesto, that makes two."

"My expectations were reached," The man now known as Beesto said in response. "In fact you may have exceeded them, but at the end of the day it doesn't matter what I think."

"True."

"Jackson." Beesto said turning toward the spiky hared man.

"What is it?"

"Call Hue to let him know we have a full hands on."

"You think he'll respond at this time?"

"Why wouldn't he?"

"He's been out of town on important business for the past two days."

"I know, he's out there on behalf of Mr. Edmund's wishes."

"Never heard of the guy," Jackson admitted. "What does he specialize in?"

"The boss man never told me, nor did I ask," Beesto replied. "Some things are left in the dark when it comes to these things."

"So when should I expect to hear back from Mr. Hue?" The old man asked redirecting his attention back his way.

"That is yet to be determined, but I'll be sure to have him phone you the next time I speak with him."

"That would be most appreciated."

"And I appreciate you coming here on such short notice Mr. Samlong."

"I wouldn't have had it any other way," He replied. "This suited an already busy schedule just perfectly."

"Now that we've got that all sorted, what's the plan for Gaffney?" Jackson asked.

"They've already got the money needed for his set bail," Beesto informed. "The next task is to determine how his finger prints got onto that diamond which was left for the police to find at that opening."

"How do we know he didn't steal it in the first place?"

"He seemed pretty adamant that he didn't."

"And you believe him?"

"Of course, he's a well trusted friend," Beesto replied. "There is no reason for me to doubt his claim."

"That's a lot of confidence for an individual who's prints were found on the stolen diamond wouldn't you say?"

All turned at the sound of an unknown voice except for the woman who continued to stare at the ground. It had clearly come from around the corner.

"Who's there," Jackson snapped. "Show yourself!"

They received nothing, not even a sound to be heard. Just as Beesto was to make a move back for the stairs someone stepped out from the staircase, his eyes widening after seeing who now stood before him.

"It's that guy," Jackson said with the clutch of his fist. "He followed us here."

Lightening the tempo he raised his head with a smile for all to see.

"It doesn't take a detective to figure that… Jackson is it?"

"Why you!"

Before he had a chance to storm forward Beesto held up a hand which negated anything that he may have had on his mind.

"Hold your position Jackson," Beesto instructed. "We don't want to cause a scene, that will only call for an unnecessary audience."

"So you're the guy calling the shots after all," Kaito said. "I figured that much from what I observed."

"You've made one bad decision in coming here."

"That is yet to be seen."

"You have officially ten seconds to tell me why you've followed us."

"Isn't that rather self-explanatory," Kaito said in response. "There's a series of things that have brought me here, but nothing bigger than a common goal."

"Who are you?"

"We'll get to that soon enough."

"I'm not one for patience," Beesto said showing a change in tone. "Why have you followed us here?"

"Who cares," Jackson said. "He obviously has no intent on telling us, I say we do him in now."

"Quiet Jackson."

"I'd listen to your boss," Kaito said looking his way. "You wouldn't want to make him anymore up tight than he already is."

"You have a smart mouth," Beesto stated. "Maybe even borderline cocky."

"I wouldn't exactly label myself cocky."

"Let's drop the short talk and get straight to the point," Beesto said. "Who sent you and why?"

"Who says I'm here on behalf of someone's agenda?"

"I'm certain you didn't follow us on your own accordance," Beesto said in response. "Now I'm going to ask you again, who sent you?"

The grin from before returned. He removed the bag from his shoulder which hung in place from the strap, letting it fall to the ground. He then turned his cap to the back side before giving him his full attention.

"I'm sensing a heat of frustration?"

"You're pushing it kid."

"I apologize for circling around the point of why I'm here," Kaito said. "But if anyone is going to be asking any questions, it's me."

"What was that?"

"Must I repeat myself?"

"I've heard enough nonsense from you."

He reached down to his side, feeling his prized possession was nowhere to be found.

"You appear to be missing something." Kaito took no time in pointing out.

"I've heard enough!" Jackson spat.

He immediately reached for something that had been tucked away in his back pocket, waving it out in front to reveal a mini mirror.

"What is this about?"

He flicked both of his wrists, all three watching as a pair of birds took flight from the sleeves they had been hidden away in. This gave him the distraction he needed, listening as two shots were fired in the direction of the birds. Taking advantage of this he dropped down to a knee with the release of the mirror, reaching into the bag to grab hold of the taken weapon before standing back to his feet.

"Nobody move," Kaito said holding the weapon out in front. "We can do this the easy way, or the hard way."

"My gun," Beesto muttered. "He must have taken it when we collided earlier."

"Big mistake pal." Jackson said aiming his gun directly at him.

"Not a smart move," The man addressed as Samlong said before drawing out a gun as well. "You're out numbered."

"You're right," Kaito admitted "The numbers aren't in my favor."

"Why does he seem so calm?" Jackson thought.

"I'd drop the gun if I were you," Samlong said. "Only chance this ends even half well for you."

"I beg to differ."

"I don't think you quite understand the situation," Jackson said taking a step forward. "The both of us are armed."

"As am I."

"Yes, but there are two of us," Samlong reminded. "If you shoot one of us the other will only do the same to you."

"You're absolutely right," Kaito agreed. "That wouldn't be the smartest move on my part."

"Everything you've done up until this point has been absurd," Samlong stated with the gun still tight in hand. "Now why don't you try and make it right for yourself and tell us why you're here."

"Perhaps you didn't hear me before," Kaito said aiming the gun to the right wall. "I'll be the one asking the questions from here on out."

"That's a bold statement for someone who's now left himself completely vulnerable for attack." Jackson said.

"Is that what you think?"

"It doesn't matter what either of us thinks," Samlong replied. "Now drop the gun, you have five seconds to comply."

"I'd do as he says." Jackson said with a grin of his own falling into place.

"Shhhh… do you hear that?" Kaito asked with no shortage of confidence to display

"You're only delaying the inevitable with this directionless chatter of yours," Beesto stated. "At this point I no longer have any interest in hearing what you have to say."

"Give me the word and I'll pull the trigger." Jackson said with much delight in his voice.

"Go ahead," Kaito said. "But I can't assure you that the pain you inflict won't cause me to pull the trigger."

He looked into the direction of where his gun was pointed, seeing nothing but a wall shadowed off by darkness.

"What on earth are you blabbing about now?"

"Listen, can't you hear it." Kaito said with a long pause.

"I've heard enough of this madness."

"The wall," Kaito said finally breaking the plane on what he had been hinting at. "Can't you hear the current, the one flowing through the pipes?"

"Is this your attempt at buying some kind of time," Beesto questioned. "I hardly see what that has to do with anything."

"Then let me enlighten you, there is propane gas sealed away within those pipes."

"And?"

"Tell me," Kaito said bringing a finger to the trigger. "What do you think would happen if I pulled the trigger?"

He instantly understood what he was getting at, his eyes widening at the thought.

"That's right," Kaito said. "Bang."

"You wouldn't dare."

"Care to test that?"

Threateningly he put a little more weight onto the trigger. He skimmed his eyes across the room, finding that the other two had caught onto the situation as well. The control he had set out to gain had finally been met. The only thing of concern was the woman who still acted as if she had yet to see him.

"What's with this girl?"

"So what is it," Beesto said regaining his attention. "What do you want to know?"

He rolled his eyes toward him, pleased to hear he was finally falling in line with his wishes.

"Marco Gaffney, I heard you mention his name while on the bus."

"What about it?"

"His younger brother Elsun was a good friend of mine, he passed away over a year ago," Kaito replied. "And when I heard about the news of Marco's arrest I returned to town."

"Who are you?"

"We'll get to that, as soon as you've finished answering my questions."

"I don't like that tone." Jackson stated.

"I wasn't talking to you, Jack." Kaito remarked.

This only angered him further, tightening his grip around the gun in disgust.

"What did you call me?"

"I'm not going to ask you to keep your mouth shut again Jackson," Beesto said turning to face him. "Consider that your last warning."

He then faced Kaito to see that same look on his face he had since entering.

"Please carry on," Beesto said. "I'm ready to hear what you have to say."

"I noticed something about your group," Kaito said. "Even before you were joined by Mr. Samlong here."

"Is there relevance to this?"

"It depends," Kaito replied. "Who do you work for?"

"What was that?"

"Perhaps I should clarify," Kaito said. "Who is it you work with?"

"What has lead you to believe we're working with someone?"

"A number of things," Kaito replied. "But nothing more noteworthy than what I saw in your routine."

"Our routine," Beesto questioned. "What are you talking about?"

"The way the three of you moved was one small detail," Kaito began. "But the awareness you all put on display was most notable."

"What of it?"

"Am I wrong to assume that you're operating under one of Gaffney's unit?"

"…?"

"You're all part of the Blackgater's gang aren't you," Kaito asked. "I know Marco is largely linked with that group."

"You figured all of that from just those two details?"

"Am I wrong?"

"Let's say it's true," Beesto replied. "Why would you care to know?"

"Maybe I wish to help," Kaito answered. "If there's someone who can clear Marco's name it's me."

"And why should I believe you?"

"We shouldn't," Jackson said stepping in. "He's been playing us from the moment we got off of that bus."

"Jackson makes a point," Beesto said. "If you truly wanted to help us why did you go through this whole show you've put on?"

"One, I wasn't certain who you people were upon first encountering you," Kaito replied. "It wasn't until a little after, besides would you have believed my claim if I had come to you directly?"

"Probably not."

"My point."

"And how is it you think you could be of service to us?"

"To tell you would be selling it short," Kaito replied. "I've always lived by example."

"What are you suggesting?"

"You help me with something, I'll do the same in return."

"Not a chance," Jackson interrupted. "There's no way this guy can be trusted."

"Sadly your concerns have no weight to bear," Kaito said. "Being that I wasn't talking to you."

It took all he had in him not to react to what was said.

"So what do you say?"

"Let's just say I'm thinking about it," Beesto replied. "But I must ask, why have you suddenly brought up this proposition?"

"I'd be lying if I said the only thing that brought me here was Marco Gaffney," Kaito replied. "The truth is there's something I'm looking to get my hands on."

"And what might that be?"

"A little something called the Networks Pivotal Equalizer."

"I've never heard of such a thing."

"I wouldn't expect you to," Kaito said not surprised in the least. "It's a rare type in its field."

"And you want me to help you get whatever this thing is?"

"Not necessarily," Kaito replied. "I'll be able to do that myself, what I'd like from you is something much simpler."

"Which is?"

"By helping me locate it."

"How am I supposed to help you find something that I've never heard of, let alone what it is used for?"

"You might not be aware of its faculties Beesto, but that doesn't mean I'm not," Samlong said inserting himself into the fray. "You want the Networks Pivotal Equalizer, I think I might be able to point you in the right direction."

"Is that so?" Kaito said looking his way.

"Unfortunately it won't be an easy task," Samlong warned. "Trying to retrieve the device you've found an interest for could even mean death."

"Nothing is impossible."

"You seem persistent enough, very well," Samlong said. "The last known location of the Equalizer to my knowledge was at a warehouse a couple miles from here."

"Let me guess, it got auctioned off."

"That is true, but how did you know that?"

"I've been keeping tabs."

"Then I guess you haven't been lying about your intent like I previously believed."

"You obviously knew about this auction yourself," Kaito said. "Is there a chance you might know who was the winning bidder of the Networks Equalizer?"

"Perhaps," Samlong replied. "But first I'd like to know how you plan on clearing Gaffney's name."

"What if I told you his finger prints were forged to that diamond, and that I know who truly was the one to have brought that diamond to the opening of the Futures Building?"

"… I'm intrigued," Beesto said. "But if you were truly a friend of Marco's wouldn't you have gone to the police by now with this information?"

"Have you already forgotten, I just flew into town tonight," Kaito reminded. "I was on my way to a friend's house while on the bus when I overheard you when Marco was mentioned."

"And that's what caused you to follow us?"

"In short, yes."

"I have one final question."

"What is it?"

"Did you ever plan on going to the police with this information that you claim to have?"

"Why would I do that," Kaito replied. "They'd only be looking to put this guy in jail, not something I had in mind."

"I like the way you think."

"Besides this guy is way out of their league," Kaito added. "I don't see them catching him anytime soon."

"Deal."

"Come again?"

"You bring me this evidence you claim to have of who framed Marco Gaffney then, and only then will Mr. Samlong here give you the information you seek," Beesto replied. "Sound like a plan to you?"

"Deal."

With that he held the gun out in front of him, tossing it to Beesto who caught it with ease. It was then that he had realized. He knew there was something wrong, flipping the gun in his palm to feel its unnatural light weight.

"The gun… it's unloaded."

"Correct." Kaito said walking toward him.

He stopped after reaching him, holding out his left hand to reveal the ammunition that had been removed from the gun.

"A very risky bluff on your part."

"I never planned on pulling the trigger, but in the case of an accident no bullets would have been fired."

"Now I see," Beesto said. "You intended on bumping into me before."

"That's right," Kaito confirmed. "It was nothing but a means to take hold of your gun."

"How conservative of you."

"With the way things are now, you have to be." Kaito said turning for the other side.

"I can't disagree."

He walked all the way back to where his bag laid, strapping it back onto his shoulder before standing back to his feet.

"When do you think you can have this information you speak of delivered to us?" Samlong asked.

He stood for a short time, giving some thought to what had been presented.

"Tomorrow night." Kaito said turning his back to the four.

"Where?"

"We'll return to this site, sound good?"

"That'll work."

"By tomorrow night, at about what time are you thinking?"

"Anywhere from ten to eleven," Kaito replied. "Things should be mellowed down by then."

"Agreed, then it shall be so."

"Don't be late."

He turned back for the stairs from there, looking to head back for the surface. Upon taking only two steps he heard his voice call out once more.

"Wait."

He stopped at his command, glimpsing back at him for a final time.

"What is it?"

"You never did say who you are," Beesto replied. "What's your name kid?"

The look in his eyes changed, a brash but trustworthy smile coming to his lips before speaking.

"Duzz," Kaito replied. "Duzzkill."

With that he turned back for the stairs, wasting no further time in making his way out. A long period of silence ensued before another word was said.

"So, what do you think?" Beesto questioned.

"Let's wait to see if he meets his end of the deal, then ask me again," Samlong replied. "Only then will I have an answer."

"What a night this has been."

Through the uncertain trials of the night brought about a bright morning. Rays of light found its way through the curtain which had been on guard over the window. The increase in light took its toll, ultimately awaking him from his sleep. He rolled over onto his side, finding it was already thirty past eleven.

"I overslept, good thing I don't have to be anywhere until after three."

Just as he was looking to get out of bed a knock could be heard from the other side of the door.

"One moment."

He advanced toward the door, opening it to see him standing a few feet back.

"What is it?"

"Grayson's here," Damian informed. "He wishes to know how things went with your search you had last night."

"Let him know I'll be down in a couple minutes."

"Already on it."

He closed the door following their confrontation. He headed toward the dresser located at the left side of the room. The next minute was spent getting into something casual for the day to come. After sliding on a pair of shoes he made his way out of the room. He arrived to the top of the staircase shortly thereafter to find him waiting at the bottom.

"I hope this isn't a bad time."

"Not at all, it's actually quite the opposite."

"I guess I couldn't have timed my visit any better."

"You wanted to discuss what I came across at Mount Zomoph?"

"That's right."

"Since we're on the subject, what about the surveillance you set up," Bruce asked. "Did anyone appear back to that room?"

"Nope, nor has anyone yet to trip the perimeter wire I also put into place," Dick replied. "No one but you that is."

"I figured that'd be the case."

"What exactly were you looking for when you returned to the site?"

"I looked into the more inner details of the situation." Bruce replied stepping down from the last step.

"Inner details?"

"Not what was found underground like you may be thinking, but rather what was on the surface."

"What do you mean?"

"I compared all known landmarks sitting on top of the sites investigated underground." Bruce clarified.

"So that's what you were doing," Dick said. "And here I thought your intent was to critique my work."

"You didn't truly believe that?"

"That might be pushing it a bit," Dick admitted. "So did you find what you were looking for?"

"The investigation is still under review," Bruce replied. "But thus far things seems to be heading in the right direction."

"That's good to know."

"Cennals Inc was located within a mile of Mount Zomoph."

"Cennals Inc, isn't that one of the companies linked with the Futures Building?"

"Yes, and it was located directly above the second site you searched."

"That's defiantly something to think about."

"Everything seems to be revolved around that one building."

"But why?"

"That's for us to find out," Bruce said in response. "But I'm sure that's not the only reason why you've come."

"You're right, I have some information you might want to know."

"Is this about the heart attacks?"

"No, it has to do with the explosion of that house you escaped nights ago," Dick replied. "The one that belonged to Salomon Green."

"Tell me everything."

It had been a slow start to the morning, but with noon fast approaching things were looking to pick up. After catching the bus he returned to the same library as the day before, this time coming alone. He found this to be the best place to continue the investigation for the time being. The first thing on his mind was to head back to the table they had occupied yesterday. Luckily there was no one to be found. Not wasting any more time he took a seat.

"Now to get straight to business."

He reached into the top pocket of the jacket, pulling out the case files from the previous day that had been given to him. He set it down onto the table before pulling out his phone which had been in his left pocket. He turned it on, pleased to find that it was completely charged. There were several registered calls that he had missed, knowing he'd have to put all on hold, except for one call that needed to be made.

"Let's hope someone is there."

Leaving no further time to waste he dialed the number, sitting back as he listened to the ring of the phone.

"I was hoping we'd hear back from you at some point."

"How goes the day Mr. Pennyworth?" Shinichi said in response upon recognizing his voice.

"There's room for improvement," Alfred replied. "But regardless, how is your trip in metropolis coming along thus far."

"A couple road blocks here and there," Shinichi replied. "Would Bruce happen to be around?"

"He just stepped out under ten minutes ago," Alfred informed. "Can I take a message for him?"

"That will have to do for now," Shinichi replied. "There's something I need him to look into for me."

"What is it?"

"Records on several names," Shinichi replied. "Names of the victims who surecomed to those unexpected heart attacks."

"The request you've presented is under my field," Alfred said. "I don't see the need to wait for the return of Master Wayne, when I can look into the subject myself."

"You'd do that?"

"Of course I'd need a little time to get set up."

"I'd appreciate that."

"Give me five minutes," Alfred said. "I'll get back to you within that time frame."

"I'll hold you to it."

He cut the line from there, looking down at the pack of files as a smile came to his face.

"Maybe now we'll get some answers."

They all had been waiting patiently for over thirty minutes, including himself. He had taken to a far corner located near the entrance, periodically checking the time in the process.

"It's now five after twelve, he should have been here by now."

This is what was what was on his mind, along with everyone else who stood throughout the room in wait. Unexpectingly a hand came to the side of his left shoulder. He immediately turned to see who had come to his side.

"Detective Gates?"

"Never expected to see you here Hattori," Rick said. "What brings you to the fold?"

"I was asked by the commissioner to attend the meeting that is scheduled to take place sometime today."

"Then I guess we're here for the same reason," Rick said. "How long have you been waiting for?"

"Roughly an hour," Heiji replied. "Though I was told things were to begin no later than eleven."

"I was told twelve fifteen."

"Who knows at this point."

"Wherever Gordon is I'm sure he'll make his way here whenever he can."

"Any idea when that might be?"

"Depends," Rick replied. "There was a big hold up at the mall about two hours ago, a lot of us got called in to look into the situation."

"Including the commissioner?"

"That's what I heard," Rick replied. "Can't say for sure since I wasn't exactly there myself."

"Never mind it, I'm in no real hurry to get out of here anyway."

"That's always good," Rick said. "Back onto the subject of this meeting, why were you asked to come?"

"To give my input."

"For what?"

"To get things headed in the right direction, regarding Gotham's visiting thief," Heiji replied. "Kaitou Kid."

"Oh I see, can't say I'm surprised you were given the nod," Rick said. "After all you've been on this thing since the beginning, starting with what occurred at Starlest."

"Thanks for the reminder," Heiji said. "I had almost forgotten how much of a roller coaster ride this has been."

"A very interesting one if I must say." Rick said as the sound of his phone rang.

He took a second to pay it some mind, bringing it up to his eye to see who was calling.

"I better take this," Rick said stepping away. "Don't go anywhere, I'll be right back."

He had no intent on moving, leaning his back to the wall as the time continued to tick away.

"It has been a ride of high proportions, one which is hopefully a few tunnels away from coming to an end."

From the time his comrade had set out the previous night, he had yet to see or even hear from him. By this time the nerves had reached their height, nervously tapping his finger to the desk before taking a sip of the tea he had made just a short time ago.

"Wherever could he be?"

This was the question of the hour, one which was soon to be answered. He stood up from where he sat, feeling the need to stretch his legs. In the attempt of making his way in the direction of the balcony all fell short from the sound from behind. It was the door, someone had knocked from the other side.

"Could it be?"

He wasted no time in heading over, opening the door to find him standing there with that same grin on his face.

"Kaito," Konosuke said delighted to see him. "You're ok."

"Good news," Kaito replied. "We're in."

To Be Continued