The Detective Prince

Chapter 115

Run In

The room had become silent from the last couple minutes. He stood in wait for results to be determined. The door opened soon after, grabbing his attention from where he stared at the ceiling.

"That took longer than expected." Damian said.

"I had a call to make," Bruce said. "Dick is on his way now."

"What for?"

"To discuss matters," Bruce replied before looking ahead to the desk. "Alfred, how much progress has been made?"

"I've gotten through six additional profiles."

"Then we're on track."

"I don't see the need to continue the investigation of these files," Damian said. "The purpose was lost with the reveal of the unreliable source, we have no idea who this guy is."

"Not yet," Bruce said. "But anything that comes our way must be accounted for, this is no exception."

"This whole thing could be a diversion for all we know."

"I can assure you it's not."

"Bold statement," Damian said uncrossing his arms. "But how can you be sure?"

"That's pretty clear cut, the only thing left unanswered is the why."

"What do you mean," Damian questioned. "Isn't the point for us to determine what has been causing the heart attacks?"

"I'm not completely sold on that being the reasoning behind their move."

"If not that then what?"

"That is for us to find out," Bruce replied. "On another note there is something I have for you to do come tonight."

"I forgot to mention something." Alfred said rentering the fray.

"What is it?"

"You received a call from Ms. Thompson."

"At what time?"

"Earlier this morning."

"It's no surprise," Bruce said. "I haven't given her an update for the past two days."

"An update for what?" Damian asked.

"For her missing patient."

"Oh yes," Damian recalled. "Wasn't that the reasoning for us searching that apartment the other night."

"Yes," Bruce replied. "Which is something we need to put more focus on, this could be a life or death matter."

"Did you find any leads from the search you two conducted the other night?" Alfred asked.

"Unfortunately not, which is why we need to broaden the field."

"That might be a good idea."

"In any case I'm going to go and give her a call," Bruce said. "I'm sure she's highly anticipating a response from me."

"I'll be here."

"If Shinichi calls before my return, let him know we will be sending reinforcements."

With that he made his way for the door.

"Of course."

Feeling there was no need for him to stick around, he too made a move for the exit. He left the door open on his way out, following his father who proceeded toward the stairs.

"You said you had something scheduled for me tonight," Damian said stopping him in his tracks. "Why can't I begin with whatever you have scheduled for me now?"

"For several reasons," Bruce replied. "For one you have yet to get your mid-day session in for your cardiac."

"I'm in the best condition I've been in for months," Damian stated. "I hardly see how one missed trial will change anything."

"Because one skip turns into two," Bruce said. "And before you know it, it becomes a habit."

"I don't plan on that happening."

"No one ever does," Bruce said. "But on another note, what do you remember about him?"

"What?"

"The man who Shinichi left with," Bruce clarified. "And don't try denying you didn't see him when the two left, because we both know that isn't true."

"How'd you figure that?"

"Do I really have to explain?"

"There will be no need." Damian said taking the next seconds to rehash what had happened the day before.

He lowered his head in the process, looking back up at him after all details fell back into place.

"Nothing."

"Hmm.."

"What I mean to say is there wasn't anything strange about him," Damian said. "Nothing you would notice at first glance at least."

"I figured that much, there's one other question I'd like to ask," Bruce said. "Where did this individual say he got those files from?"

"Some friend he claimed works in the medical field."

"Another lie no doubt."

"What's the plan from here?"

"That's already being set in motion."

"I'd like to help," Damian said. "From the way things appear to be I'd say someone has it out for us."

"A vendetta which we don't fully understand," Bruce said. "Which is why I want you to focus on your daily routine for the time being."

"Yes, father."

He turned back for the stairs, heading for his room as planned.

"The details Damian had to share was quite insightful, but still leaves the question to be answered," Bruce thought. "Who set this all up?"

By this point it was now a wait and see approach. He had already sent all information that needed to be sent. He looked across the table, finding himself looking to all sides in the thought that he may show up.

"Still no sign of him."

The longer he waited the more tense things seemed to become.

"I haven't heard back from any of the others recently," Shinichi thought. "I wonder how things are going from their end."

Without realizing he found himself going through the files again, there seemed to be something, something he hadn't come to see before. He couldn't quite pin point what. Just as he was to cross examine between the separate files he heard someone step from behind. His head slightly rose at this, now on full alert. Not wanting to cause any kind of stir he turned around with subtle movement coming to find someone he had never seen before. It was a tall man who had long brown hair which was tied back in a ponytail. From his perspective he could be no older than his early to mid-thirties. He wore a black jacket and a pair of jeans, with a noticeable vest beneath. There was also something hanging from his side, something that was clearly attached to his belt. All quickly came to a conclusion as he neared, finding it was only a bag.

"Hi there," The man spoke. "Mind if I join you?"

With tension dropping he smiled with a nod.

"Sure," Shinichi replied. "I have no problem with that."

He then turned back for the table, sorting all the files that were laid out across the table. It was only a matter of seconds before the man from behind walked around to have a seat across from him. Not noticed by him from before was the small bag which had been tied to the side of his belt. In the mist of this he looked down at his watch in the process of refocusing.

"It's been fifty minutes since I've heard from anyone," Shinichi thought. "I wonder what's going on from their end."

They had driven for over thirty minutes, listening to the radio for a majority of the time. Several reports came in during the process, nothing that would call for concern. After minutes of trees and empty field the manor finally came into view. He rose up in his seat after seeing this.

"Do you know who's all there?" Heiji asked.

"Besides Bruce, no idea," Dick replied "But I think it's safe to assume Alfred and Damian will be there as well."

"You think they'll have more information on Kudo's little trip he went on?"

"No doubt," Dick replied. "That's one of the things Bruce said he wished to discuss."

They arrived at the front gate shortly thereafter, driving in past it before finding a place to park off to the right side.

"And here we are." Dick said unbuckling the belt.

After stepping out from the car the two immediately headed for the stairs leading toward the front door, anxious to get things underway. Upon reaching the step before last the front door slid open to their surprise.

"You're early," Bruce said greeting the two. "Come on in, we have much to go over."

"We're ready to kick start things." Dick said accepting the invitation in.

They closed the door on their way in, following Bruce who led them to the bookroom.

"Where's Damian?" Dick asked.

"He went up to his room a while ago to do something," Bruce replied. "I haven't seen him since."

"He'll probably come down when he's done."

"No doubt." Heiji said.

They stopped after reaching the door, all heading in after the other.

"Alfred," Bruce said gaining his attention. "They've arrived."

"That was much sooner than expected," Alfred said looking up to face them. "How's the day been coming along?"

"All over the place," Dick replied. "After separating with Bruce earlier I headed over to the station to pick up Heiji."

"On the subject of that," Alfred said. "How did things work out for you up there today?"

"Not bad," Heiji replied. "We covered the topic of Kaitou Kid for a majority of the time, which was to be expected."

"I'm glad to hear all went well."

"What's this situation I heard about regarding Kudo," Heiji asked. "I heard he took a train to a neighboring city."

"Yes," Bruce confirmed. "He's currently in Metropolis."

"What's he doing there?"

"He was asked to go," Bruce replied. "By someone we've yet to identify."

"I don't understand."

"It would appear someone was disguised as a close ally of ours," Bruce continued. "Shinichi was told they had information that would help us in the case of the radical heat attacks we've seen taken shape."

"What about Kudo," Heiji asked. "Is he alright?"

"Yes," Bruce assured. "We've already gotten in contact with him, he's currently waiting to see if the person who invited him there in the first place will return."

"And what happens if that guy does in fact show?" Dick asked.

"He was told to contact us if that does come to pass," Bruce replied. "But in the mean time we need to send someone down to join him, there's no telling how erratic things may become."

"If that is so, then I'll go." Heiji said stepping forward.

"Nonsense," Alfred said in response. "We still don't know the full complexity of what is going on."

"He's right," Dick said quickly agreeing. "It's clear whoever this guy is knows us to a certain degree, which could mean danger."

"Which is why I've decided you'll be the one I'll be sending," Bruce said. "Is that alright with you?"

"It doesn't matter either way," Dick replied. "One of us has to see to this matter."

"Good."

"Given the circumstances I better head to the train station as soon as possible."

"Will you be taking anything with you?" Alfred asked.

"I'll pass by my place while heading in that direction," Dick said. "So I'll most likely stop to go in and grab a couple things."

"Then we better let you go, there's no time to waste." Bruce said.

"I'll keep in contact." Dick said before turning for the door.

With that he made his way out, leaving the door wide open.

"Now what?" Heiji questioned.

"For now we wait for a report back from Tim." Bruce replied.

"He's looking into the situation as well?"

"Yes, only from another angle," Bruce confirmed. "The man who came here in disguise also left Tim a message through a call."

"So what's the plan," Heiji asked. "To try and trace the call back to where it came from?"

"Yes, but it's not as simple as that," Bruce confirmed. "The number which registered to the phone was Kon's, the person that man disguised himself as."

"That just adds a whole nother dynamic."

"Indeed, but nothing we can't handle."

"What about me," Heiji asked. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Not at this time," Bruce replied. "Wait here for now."

"Where are you going?" Heiji asked as he watched him head for the door.

"There's something I need to check on," Bruce replied. "I'll be back shortly."

The sound of something dropping down to the table caused him to look up once again, coming to find the bag that had been tied around the man's belt from across was now set out atop the table. Not wanting to be side tracked by further distractions he looked back down to the files stashed together below. He continued to sit there for a time to come, hearing the sound of the man from across removing something from the bag which was then placed onto the table. It was that of three folders, all neatly organized from what he could tell. Another sound from behind came to his attention soon after.

"What now?"

He turned around only to see an unknown person stroll off from one end of the room to the other.

"You're not here to read are you?" The man from across spoke.

He turned back to face him upon hearing this.

"I see it wasn't that hard to realize."

"So what's the deal," He asked. "Are you waiting for friend?"

"He knew."

"Am I right?"

"Not a bad guess."

"Why not pick up a book while you're waiting," The man suggested. "There's a lot of interesting stories you might find to your liking."

"As much as I'd love to the current time won't allow for it."

"I guess that makes the two of us," He said. "By the way the names Tasol."

"What a unique name."

"Yes, but most who know me refer to me as Polo."

"Polo," Shinichi questioned. "Like the clothing line Polo?"

"That's right," Tasol confirmed. "It's something that began with the family."

"Do you prefer it?"

"Either or," Tasol replied. "And what of you, what's your name?"

"Shi.. Nogort." Shinichi quickly corrected.

"Say again?"

"Nogort."

"Nogort huh," Tasol said with a pause. "That's not one you hear too often, can't say I've ever heard it to be honest."

"That's what most say," Shinichi said. "You're not the only one to feel that way."

"You're not from around here are you?"

"Not a bad assumption."

"Would you happen to know where your name originates?"

"Was never told," Shinichi replied. "No telling if there is any true meaning to it."

"It's no matter, just curious."

It was at that second that he took notice of three sheets of paper laid out on the table Tasol had placed there. Three were three sheets in all, each with a large image with small print beneath. He was unable to make out the words from where he sat.

"I see," Tasol said. "You're interested in with why I'm here, particularly with what I have sitting here before me."

"Maybe just a little." Shinichi admitted before looking directly at him once again.

"I thought that much."

Shedding some light on the situation he held up one of the sheets to reveal the face of a man, the print below now clear to the eye.

"A missing person's case." Shinichi said after reading the top headline.

"You seem less than surprised from your tone."

"Should I be?"

"Usually people are taken back when they find out about my line of work," Tasol said. "But for you, it's as if you already knew."

"I was getting that vibe."

"How so?"

"It's how you've presented yourself up until this point."

"Please do elaborate, I'd love to hear."

"There's not much to add," Shinichi said. "The way you were able to read my thoughts through my gestures was enough of a hint."

"You mean the fact I was able to determine you were waiting for someone," Tasol questioned. "Anyone could have guessed that."

"That wasn't the only thing," Shinichi continued. "The tidiness of your folders was noteworthy to say the least, which gave me a strong idea of your character."

"Not bad, how deductive of you."

"I'm one for detail myself."

"As I can see," Tasol said. "It's not often you find someone as young as yourself as aware as what you just showed."

"What exactly do you do," Shinichi asked. "If you don't mind sharing."

"A low key detective who lives here in town," Tasol replied. "I used to work for the department as an officer three years ago in another city, but have now branched off into my own."

"Do you prefer it this way?"

"It has its benefits," Tasol replied. "There's always work to be done."

"Sounds like your dream job."

"It has its ups and downs, but I wouldn't want to be doing anything else."

"It's always good to see someone sticking to their plan."

"We spoke of my work," Tasol said. "What of yours?"

He paused for a moment, unsure of how he should respond to the question presented.

"Landscaping," Shinichi finally replied. "I've been studying in that field for quite some time now."

"Landscaping huh," Tasol said leaning back. "Never would have predicted that."

"Not many would."

Not even a moment later his phone vibrated from within his left pocket.

"I better take this." Shinichi said standing up from where he sat.

"Duty calls?"

"Something like that."

In the process of reaching for the phone he took a look around the library for any suspicious activity. After finding this all to be clear he took the awaiting call.

"Hello."

"Great, glad you answered." Dick spoke from the other end.

"I assume you've been informed of the situation."

"Of course," Dick said. "Which is why I'm on my way now."

"On your way to Metropolis?"

"Yes," Dick replied. "I'm about twenty minute away from the train station now."

"Is there a specific place you wanted to meet?"

"Stay where you are now," Dick replied. "We'll get into all of that when I arrive."

"Sounds good."

"Sit tight, I'll be there as soon as I can."

"Understood."

He placed the phone back into his pocket before returning to the table once finished. He took a seat back to the same spot he had been before, looking across to see Tasol had now pulled out another set of information.

"Is that information on each of the missing victims?"

"Stellar guess." Tasol confirmed.

"You said you were a detective right?"

"Yes."

"I must ask, how many cases do you usually take on at once," Shinichi asked. "That's already three that you've got there."

"It depends," Tasol replied. "Though the key is not to overload on too much at once."

"Right, that will only take away from the focus."

"You hit it right on the nail."

"Is missing reports your main area of interest?"

"Not necessarily, this just so happens to be what was brought to me in the past few days."

"Were all missing reports made in the same city?"

"All but one," Tasol replied. "Two for here in Metropolis and the other being for a missing report on a man from Gotham."

"Gotham huh, that's where I've been staying for the past week or so."

"From the sounds of that I'd say you're a consistent traveler."

"You could kind of say that."

"You seem rather interested in this stuff," Tasol said. "You sure landscaping is your thing?"

"Been working at it for a time now," Shinichi said. "It's something I excel in."

"Whatever keeps the wheels churning." Tasol said before finally bringing his full attention to the three reports out in front of him.

Shinichi did the same, only looking to the many files of his own that had been given to him. It wasn't until that given moment that it all fully sunk in.

"I don't understand, does this person really want us to investigate this information," Shinichi thought. "If so why the disguise… I can't figure out a reason for a move like this to be made, they could have simply left the files with a note attached."

He played through his thoughts for the next minute to come, only side tracking at the sound of a soft chirp.

"Was that a bird?"

It didn't take long for that question to be answered, looking across to see Tasol hold a phone to his ear.

"That would explain."

The conversation with whoever called lasted all but a couple moments before sliding the phone back into his back pocket.

"Interesting choice for a ringtone," Shinichi commented. "A realistic take if I must say, I like it."

"Most everyone does after hearing it." Tasol said before reaching for the paperwork.

He took little time in stashing all files back into the bag.

"Duty calls?"

"Something like that."

Once all was in place he zipped the bag shut before standing to his feet.

"It was nice meeting you..."

"Nogort." Shinichi reminded.

"Yes, Nogort," Tasol said. "Maybe I'll see you around some time."

"You never know."

"And with the amount of traveling you do that might just be a possibility."

He looked down at his watch once more.

"Don't want to be late," Tasol said stepping around the table. "I guess I better get going before I receive another call."

"Have a good one." Shinichi said.

He watched as he made his way toward the bookcase, only to have him fall out of sight soon after. There was something about this man, something he had felt when they first spoke. Was this encounter truly a coincidence?

"That man, I have the oddest feeling that I've seen him somewhere before," Shinichi thought. ".. But where?"

To Be Continued