The Detective Prince

Chapter 116

A Deal Breaker

The room had fallen relatively silent over the course of the last minutes, only the occasional sound of the key board could be heard. He stood with his back pinned to the wall, looking to the ground as if he was waiting for something.

"You're more quiet than usual," Alfred said. "Is everything alright?"

"I'm fine, just expecting a call."

"That seems to be today's trend," Alfred said before turning back for the computer. "So was the speech given at the police headquarters a success?"

"I'd say so," Heiji replied. "Everyone seems to be aboard now, even those who hadn't been keeping tabs on the case."

"That's good," Alfred said. "And what happened once you finished?"

"Someone else took the floor shortly after," Heiji replied. "But by that time I had already gone outside."

"Why's that?"

"The commissioner wanted to speak with me about something," Heiji informed. "We agreed that we would meet out in the front of the building."

"And did he join you at some point?"

"Yes," Heiji replied. "After finishing up with something inside."

Becoming more interested he turned away from the computer to look his way.

"And what was it he talked with you about?"

"He wanted to make me an offer."

"An offer?"

"Yes."

"What kind of offer?"

"Yes," Heiji said. "He wanted to offer me a part time job if you will, while I'm here in the city."

"What kind of job?"

"Helping with smaller cases."

"Like a private eye?"

"Yes," Heiji replied. "That's a good way to put it from my understanding."

"Given the circumstances I'm sure there was more to come with that," Alfred said. "Are there any restrictions that were given to you?"

"No, we haven't gone over the fine details as of yet," Heiji replied. "The only thing I've been told is that I'll be given a guide, someone to collaborate with."

"Like a partner?"

"Simply put."

"And did you accept this offer?"

"No way I was going to turn that down."

"And who was selected to work with you?"

"I don't know."

"You didn't get to choose?"

"The option was left open, so I gave it a go," Heiji said. "I chose detective Gates, but it turns out he already has a partner of his own he's working closely with."

"Anyone you know?"

"Yes," Heiji replied. "Officer Celek."

"There was no one else you had in mind?"

"Unfortunately not."

"So am I to assume he will hand pick someone for you?"

"That seems to be what was indicated before we parted ways."

"And you don't mind?"

"The job's going to get done either way."

"I expected to hear that much."

He refocused himself back to the computer, readying himself to analyze the next file. The door to the room unexpectingly opened that next moment, both looking that way to see he had returned to the room.

"I've finished with all the scheduled calls," Bruce said heading straight for the desk. "How have things progressed here?"

"Under twenty to go."

"Good," Bruce said pleased to hear this. "And with Dick on his way to Metropolis we're in good position."

"How long do you believe it will take before he arrives?" Heiji asked.

"The train left roughly an hour ago, so he should be there within the next forty minutes." Bruce replied.

"Which means we don't have much longer to wait until we receive an update," Heiji said. "Do you think that guy has any intent on returning?"

"I heavily doubt it," Bruce replied. "I'm certain they're sitting it out somewhere with their ears pinned back."

"If that is true, there must be a reason why," Heiji said. "The easiest way to find out would be to figure who this guy really is… any ideas?"

"There's not enough to go off of at this time," Bruce replied. "Determining who set this all up won't be easy, especially if they have no plans on making another move."

"Then I guess we're left to wait for what Drake comes up with in regards to the phone call sent to him."

"We're done here for now," Bruce said. "You don't have to stay here any longer if you don't wish to."

"I think now would be a good time to go," Heiji said checking his watch. "I agreed to meet with Mr. Stanton at the Futures Building."

"What for?"

"He said he had information to share about that device that was stolen."

"At what time are you scheduled to meet with him?"

"Any time after seven."

"You still have an hour until then," Bruce said checking his watch. "If you are to arrive within that time frame you might want to be heading that way now."

"I was thinking the same."

"Alfred, would you mind giving him a ride there?"

"Not at all."

"I'll take over for you from here," Bruce said. "With any luck we'll have this wrapped up within the next two hours."

"All information collected thus far has been saved into the data base," Alfred informed before standing up from the seat. "I also took the liberty of saving the files onto an independent device for you."

"That saves me the trouble." Bruce said glad to hear.

"Then I'll leave you to it," Alfred said stepping away from the desk. "Come along Hattori."

"Wait," Heiji said. "I have one last question."

"What is it?" Bruce asked.

"Once you're done gathering the information what comes next?"

"To verify everything collected is in fact true," Bruce replied. "And if that leads to nothing then I'll look to our next option."

"Which is?"

"The surveillance footage," Bruce replied. "We have camera's set out throughout the entire premises."

"Why doesn't that surprise me," Heiji remarked. "Have you had a look at any of this footage as of yet?"

"Only a brief glimpse," Bruce replied. "But I'll give it an in depth look tonight."

"I look forward to hearing about your findings."

With nothing further to add he followed Alfred who had already stepped out. This left him alone. Not wanting to lose any valuable time he took a seat at the desk, gazing down at the information before him.

"Now to get some answers."

After almost two hours of travel he had finally arrived. The train came to a halt with a welcoming smoothness. He waited in his seat for the first minute, allowing for most of the other passengers to clear out. Once there was room to make way he reached down for his bag before finding his way toward an exit.

"Here at last."

After securely strapping the bag into place he reached for his phone, immediately dialing his number. The ring could be heard just as he stepped out past the doors, taking little time for him to hear his voice from the other end.

"Here already?"

"Caught the fastest train that I could," Dick confirmed. "What's the situation?"

"Nothing to report," Shinichi replied. "He has yet to return, I think it's safe to assume he has no intent on doing so."

"Agreed," Dick said. "I'm sure he's figured we've caught onto this act he's got going."

"No doubt."

"I said we'd discuss a meeting place once I got here."

"Why not come to where I am now?" Shinichi suggested.

"And where is that?"

"At the same public library I was brought to yesterday," Shinichi replied. "It's no more than a twenty minute drive from where you are."

"There's three of which I know of in this area," Dick said. "I think I have a good idea of which one you're at."

"So are we in agreement?"

"Yes," Dick replied. "I'll be there soon."

"Sounds good," Shinichi said. "I think you had better have a look at this stuff for yourself when you get here."

"For what?"

"The files," Shinichi replied. "We may not have a source for the problem yet, but there is now another common element linking most of the victims together."

"Can't wait to see this."

"I'll give you the full run down when you get here."

"On my way now," Dick said. "I'll see you soon."

He ended the conversation with those last words spoken, dropping the phone back into his pocket before grabbing hold of the straps of the bag.

"There's no time to waste."

He instantly picked up in speed, ready to learn of the information hinted at in their conversation.

The timer blew a lively tune, signaling that another hour had come to pass. He let the theme run its course, listening as it gradually faded out.

"Seven O'clock."

"Which means only two hours remain."

"Yes."

"And you're confident with the preparations?"

"Yes," Kaito replied. "I'm positive all will work into our favor, in the case anything does happen to go wrong."

"You've been rather quiet for this last past hour."

"Haven't we both?"

"Perhaps," Konosuke said. "But from what I could tell it would seem you have something weighing on your mind, do you have concerns for tonight?"

"Not at all."

"Then what is it," Konosuke asked. "And don't tell me it's nothing, I know you better than that to know that isn't the case."

"Maybe there is something bothering me."

"It's best not to keep these things bundled up inside Master Kuroba," Konosuke said. "Why don't you tell me what's on your mind."

"The devices."

"Would you be referring to the ones we've been asked to retreve by the contractor?"

"Yes," Kaito confirmed. "There's just something I've been thinking about."

"What is it?"

"The G3 Power Emitter, the Networks Pivotal Equalizer," Kaito began. "What is their purpose?"

"What do you mean?"

"This guy must have a reason for wanting these particular gizmos," Kaito said. "I'm trying to figure out why."

"Does it really matter?"

"Maybe not," Kaito said. "But what if there's danger involved?"

"What's lead you to this belief?"

"Nothing really," Kaito replied. "Just going off of what I know about the devices."

"I see."

"The power emitter has enough juice to energize a small city."

"A true fact."

"Then there's the pivotal equalizer," Kaito continued. "Its main purpose is to store and transfer large amounts of data."

"What are you getting at?"

"What if he isn't using these devices individually, but for a scale much large in scheme."

"You've got quite the imagination," Konosuke stated. "For all we know he could be simply putting this stuff on the market for high sales."

"A possibility, but doubtful."

"What makes you say that?"

"No one would be that anxious to get ahold of something only to turn around and sell it," Kaito replied. "There's more to it than that."

"… That sure is something to think about."

"The only problem is we don't have enough to determine what this guy has planned."

"Perhaps we'll have a better feel for things after we're given the next task, after this one is completed of course."

"It would be in our best interest to try and figure his plan before then," Kaito said. "I'm certain he has something big planned, the sooner we find out the more leverage to us."

"You're right," Konosuke said. "And if counter measures are necessary we'll have time to plan ahead."

"Which is why is important we find out his intentions," Kaito said. "I don't want this to drag on for too much longer."

"Nor do I."

"For now all we can do is wait," Kaito said. "The opportunity will come, soon."

He had no idea of what he spoke of but took his word for it.

After a quick ride around the city he had finally arrived at his destination. The cab made a move toward the side walk, coming to a complete stop in the moments that followed.

"Is this the place?"

"Yes, this is far enough."

After paying the driver he stepped out from the cab. He could hear the sound of it taking off from behind as he made his way toward the building.

"This didn't take long at all."

He made his way up the set of stone stairs, taking him all the way to the glass door at the top. He moved aside upon reaching the top as two people walked out into the opposite direction. Once all was cleared he reached for the handle of the door to force it open.

"Wow, this place is a lot bigger than it looks from the outside," Dick said upon entering. "But I guess that's true with most things."

After spending the first seconds to observe the room he finally began to walk, heading in the direction of where the bookcases could be seen.

"Now where could he be?"

He continued further into that direction, pulling out his phone after stepping around the first bookcase.

"Maybe I should give him a call to let him know I'm here."

Before that chance could come to pass he caught sight of a table which was in the center of where this section of bookcases could be found.

"That didn't take long," Shinichi said looking his way. "How'd the train ride here go?"

"Not bad," Dick replied. "Got a chance to relax some."

"I'm glad that you're here, maybe now we can make sense of what's going on."

"What do you say we get right into it," Dick said heading toward the table. "Let's have a look at these files you mentioned."

"We'll get to that," Shinichi said before pushing up from where he was seated. "But first I thought it'd be best if we went over the details leading to this point."

"Either way works," Dick said. "We're going to cover everything at some point."

"Right this way." Shinichi said heading for the right side of the room.

He followed his lead, uncertain of what he had in mind.

"Where are we going exactly?"

"The backroom," Shinichi replied. "The one where all the computers are found."

"Mind if I ask why we're going there?"

"It's because that's the first place he took me to when we arrived."

"The man in disguise?"

"Yes," Shinichi replied. "It is also the place where the files I've been investigating were retrieved from."

"Did he ever say why he specifically chose this place to set up shop?"

"He didn't go into hard detail," Shinichi replied. "But he did say one of the computers set up here is directly linked to his home computer."

"I wonder how much truth there is to that."

"Only one way to find out."

It was at that given moment that a door could be seen at the far wall.

"This is it."

He reached into his pocket that next second, taking little time for him to find what he was searching for.

"What are you doing?"

"It's a library card," Shinichi replied. "It gives you access to this room."

"When did you get a hold of one of those?"

"It was given to me yesterday by that guy."

"Figures, he probably had no intention of returning to this place."

"My thoughts exact."

He wasted no further time, sliding the card into place which unlocked the door. The two walked in, this time only to find the room empty.

"Let's get straight to it."

"Which computer is the one he claimed was connected to his home service?"

"The one there," Shinichi pointed. "The last one on the left."

"Let's give this thing a look shall we."

"Think you'll be able to trace where he got those files from?"

"That's yet to be determined," Dick replied. "But let's hope so."

He headed all the way to the last computer located on the left, having a seat at the chair after dropping his bag off to the side.

The first thing he did was turn on the screen to find that the computer was already on.

"Do you have an estimation for when you were brought to this room?"

"Roughly twenty seven hours ago," Shinichi replied. "Why do you ask?"

"Just factoring in how many people might have used this computer between then and now prior to us."

"I'd imagine not very much," Shinichi said. "From what I observed while sitting at that table not many came through here."

"That's good to know, which means we won't have to worry about much alteration, if any."

"So if his computer is truly linked to this one how do you go about finding his location?"

"With this."

He pulled out a small device, one which he then plugged into the USP port of the computer.

"What is that thing supposed to do?"

"It will pick up any wireless connections," Dick replied. "Any that are currently or were connected to this computer within the last forty eight hours."

"It's capable of doing that?"

"You bet."

"So what happens if this gadget of yours picks up a signal," Shinichi asked. "How will we be able to determine where it came from?"

"This device has wireless capabilities of its own and his currently feeding whatever it learns back to my home computer."

"That helps explain," Shinichi said. "But isn't your computer back in Gotham?"

"Yes, but any messages received through there are then sent to my phone," Dick informed. "I made sure to have that set up for this very trip."

"Clever."

"This is only my second time trying this method," Dick said. "Things went smoothly the first time around, let's hope similar results can be reached."

"What's the limit for how long you think this process will take?"

"Not long at all." Dick said as his phone vibrated from within his right pocket.

He pulled it out to find he had received a message.

"You see, I told you it wouldn't take long."

He gave his full focus to the phone, opening the message to read what information had been sent to him.

"So what do we have?"

"Two signals," Dick replied. "One which was used in the last nine hours was the free Wi-Fi which is found throughout this library."

"That must have been this morning some time before I arrived," Shinichi said. "And what of the other?"

"Four miles from here."

"That's not too far," Shinichi said. "That must be the location from where he got a hold of those files."

"I wonder what the chances are of him still being there."

"Probably little to none," Shinichi said. "What do you say we go and give this guy a visit?"

"That could be exactly what this guy wants us to do," Dick said. "Especially if he knows who we are, we need to plan this through."

"Whatever it is we better come up with soon," Shinichi said. "If he truly is still around it would be in our best interest to try and track him before he has the chance to make another move."

"You're right."

"Once we've taken care of this I'll catch you up on the heart attacks," Shinichi said. "There's more to these heart failures than what was apparent, I've found a new consistency with a number of the victims."

"Where are these files now?"

"Safely tucked away." Shinichi replied patting the left side of his jacket.

"We'll take care of that next."

He turned back for the computer, leaning forward to eject the device which was still sitting in place.

"Come, our work here is done."

"About the location that was brought to your phone," Shinichi said as they headed back for the door. "Do you know where this signal will lead us to?"

"I'm not too familiar with this side of town," Dick admitted. "But if I'm not mistaken that area is filled with smaller companies and some noticeable apartment duplexes."

"Sounds like a place to camp it out."

They made their way out of the room shortly after, leaving the library all together in hopes of getting some questions answered.

The ride had finally come to a close after nearly an hour of driving. The lights surrounding the building shined just as brightly as they had the last night he had been there.

"We're here."

"I thank you again for setting your time aside to bring me here."

"It's not a problem at all, would you like me to wait out here," Alfred asked. "I could give you a ride to wherever you wish to go next."

"I appreciate the offer but you've done enough," Heiji said in response. "I'll be able to manage from here."

"Good luck in there."

"Thanks," Heiji said pushing the door open. "Let's just hope he has some useful information on the matter."

After exiting the car he headed straight for the building, ready to learn this new information that was spoke of. He arrived at the entryway soon after, walking in past the automatic doors into the main lobby.

"There's no one here," Heiji said looking around. "Where is everyone?"

Before another move could be made the echoing sound of steps coming from the long hall to the left could be heard.

"That's the path that leads to the foyer, maybe that's where everyone is."

He chose not to make a move, waiting for the arrival of two men who ascended from the shadows in the moments that followed.

"Stanton." Heiji said recognizing him almost immediately.

"Welcome back detective Hattori," Armond said pleased to see him. "I've been expecting you."

"I see you're here with someone, is this a bad time?"

"Nonsense," Armond replied. "This is just my adviser Mr. Nolloson."

""It's a pleasure detective." Mr. Nolloson said holding out his hand to shake his.

"To you as well."

"I'll leave you two to handle business from here," Mr. Nolloson said before turning back to face Armond. "I'll get in touch with you tomorrow morning some time."

"No need," Armond said. "We have two days to get this thing situated," Armond said in response. "I'll contact you when I hear back from the others."

"Very well."

With nothing further he made way for the doors, leaving just the two of them.

"So," Heiji said. "You have newly surfaced information about the G3 Power Emitter?"

"Yes," Armond confirmed. "And useful information at that."

"Let's hear it," Heiji said. "What is it you've learned?"

"As you may or may not know with several of our high priced valuables we always keep insurance," Armond began. "Insurance for in the case of something getting misplaced, or in this scenario stolen."

"Insurance huh, you wouldn't happen to be talking about a tracking mechanism would you?"

"That's what I'm getting at."

"Does this mean you know where it was taken to?"

"Not quite," Armond replied. "The tracking device that was installed was disabled."

"I was afraid that'd be the case."

"But we do know where it was last before this occurred."

"And now for the good news," Heiji said. "Where was its last known location?"

"The subway."

"That's a wide margin," Heiji said. "Any way of narrowing that down?"

"Yes," Armond replied. "We have the exact train it was disabled on, and the time."

"That's good news."

"We already contacted those monitoring security to give us a copy of all activity for the last two days."

"I see," Heiji said catching on. "You're looking into the possibility of where Kid might have taken it."

"That's just the thing," Armond said. "From what was recorded there was no sighting of him, not a single person who showed up in the video footage resembled him."

"Have you already forgotten, he's a master of disguise," Heiji reminded. "Even if it wouldn't seem he was there he might have been, Kid is never one to be seen by the naked eye."

"But do you really think he would have gone through all that trouble to further disguise himself while out of costume," Armond questioned. "I mean it's not like he knew about the sealed tracer."

"That's not a given."

"What are you trying to say?"

"Kaitou Kid is very driven when it comes to his work, I wouldn't shy away from the possibility of him knowing about the tracking device beforehand."

"And how could he have possibly known that?"

"By infiltrating this companies storage facility before the fact."

"If that is true, then why not take the Power Emitter," Armond questioned. "That wouldn't make sense for him to wait all the way until the Futures Building's grand opening to do so, especially with so many in attendance."

"That's the vocal point of the case."

"Huh?"

"To try and figure Kid is not always necessarily to focus in on what was taken, but rather the where, when and how."

"You've now completely lost me."

"The riddle," Heiji reminded. "To come to an understanding is to follow what has been left for us to dissect."

"Are you saying that stealing the G3 Power Emitter was never his main objective?"

"Possibly," Heiji replied. "His antics might have been nothing but a means of hinting to a larger purpose."

"Have you any ideas of what that might be?"

"Not yet," Heiji replied. "But I'm in the process of figuring that out."

"This is turning out to be a coaster ride."

"What about those tapes you mentioned," Heiji asked. "The surveillance tapes from the subway, when do you think you can get your hands on them?"

"Not a second from now."

He wasted no time in reaching into his pocket, pulling out a disk which he then handed him.

"It's all there," Armond said. "Sixteen hour's worth of footage."

"You've really thought this through," Heiji said accepting the disk. "I appreciate your involvement, this saves me a lot of time."

"You don't have to thank me," Armond said. "I want to see this thing through just as much as you."

"I'm glad to hear that," Heiji said securely tucking the disk away. "Is there anything else you have to add on your findings?"

"Unfortunately not," Armond replied. "But you'll be the first to hear from me if anything comes up."

"That's nice to know."

"I'm on my way out now," Armond said. "If there's some place I could give you a lift to you're free to tag along."

"Thanks for the offer, but I'll be alright," Heiji kindly declined. "Where I'm headed to next isn't far from here, and I don't mind the walk."

"Suit yourself," Armond said zipping up his jacket before making way for the door. "I hope to hear from you soon."

"I'm sure that you will."

He stood there for a few moments after the fact, letting everything sink in as a whole. It wasn't long after that he too headed for the exit, stepping out to have a flutter of cool air dash past the side of his cheek.

"It seems things are headed in the right direction."

Outside of the low ends of the city this was probably the darkest place to be in the city. The towering trees could be found on all sides. The faint light generated from the moon peaked through the branches from above, guiding them on their path through the forest. He stopped without warning, holding his wrist out to the light to check the time.

"Eight thirteen, there's still plenty of time before nine."

The sound of him coming to his side could be heard followed by the sound of his voice.

"Does it really matter?"

"What's that?"

"You said it yourself," Konosuke reminded. "You're not supposed to meet with them until eleven tonight, that's more than two hours away."

"True."

"Then what's so important about getting there early?"

"For one I don't trust these guys," Kaito replied. "And with that, there needs to be a level of certainty."

"I don't understand."

"They chose the when and where, I'm just making sure everything falls into our favor," Kaito replied. "Which means arriving a good time before they do."

"What do you plan on doing?"

"I'll explain when we get there."

"I still don't see why we're walking through here."

"Because this is the same park I followed them through yesterday."

"Couldn't we have taken a cab instead?"

"To go around would take quite a bit of more time," Kaito said. "Especially with all things factored, such as intersections and traffic."

"Point taken."

Things fell silent between the two as they began to walk once more, finding themselves ascending up past a small hill.

"There's one more thing I wanted to clarify."

"What is it?" Kaito said in response.

"What about Kaitou Kid, does your guise fit into your plan going forward," Konosuke asked. "Or have you benched that all together with these recent news reports about your whereabouts."

"One's true ego can never be detached, no matter the circumstances."

"I guess that answers my question."

"The public wants the Kid Thief, that's good," Kaito said stopping after reaching the top of the hill. "Because there is much more to come."

To Be Continued