The Detective Prince

Chapter 119

Shaping Up

There was no movement to be made upon hearing this comment. The only thing concrete on their minds was keeping their weapons pointed directly at him. The man who had spoken last of the six was the one to do so once more.

"Explain yourself," He demanded. "I want a clarification of what you speak of."

"I don't feel an explanation is necessary," The man to the right of him spoke. "His comments were quite clear."

"He's right," Another agreed. "If I didn't know any better I'd say that was an indirect threat."

"Tell me," Beesto said turning to face him. "Is what he says true?"

"Perhaps, to a degree," Kaito admitted. "But the outcome rests squarely on the decision they choose to make."

"What's that supposed to mean," Someone spat. "What do you say we take this guy around back and finish this?"

"Agreed." Another said from his blindside.

"I see you've all come to a decision," Kaito said looking over the small group. "Perhaps I should let you in on a little something before you carry that out."

"How about not." The man from across said in response.

"Trust me," Kaito said. "This is something you'll want to see."

"Something we'll want to see?"

"What is he talking about?" Another commented in confusion.

"Now that I have everyone's attention," Kaito said. "Why don't I show you why shooting me might not be your best option."

He reached for the zipper of his jacket, pulling it all the way down to reveal his under shirt.

"What in the world are you doing?" Beesto asked.

"All will be clear soon enough." Kaito replied.

He then lowered his hand down to the bottom of his shirt which he grabbed hold of.

"I always look to be prepared," Kaito said. "No matter the circumstances."

All in one slow motion he began to lift the shirt, revealing what ignited a series of gasps. Strapped around his lower abdomen was a set of explosives that he had tied into place.

"Like I said before," Kaito said with a change in tone. "Shooting me my not be the best option."

"That doesn't mean we can't aim for your head." A man to the right said only angering at the sight of this.

"Did you really think I'd leave that option open?" Kaito questioned.

A bizarre look came upon his face in response to this.

"You seem confused," Kaito said. "Why don't I explain myself."

He lifted the shirt even further, showcasing a margin of wires that could be seen pinned to his ribs and chest.

"What in the world," Mr. Samlong said taking a step back. "What have you done to yourself?"

"This my friend is what you would call insurance," Kaito said in response. "The moment my heart fails to feed any information back to the signal these explosives will go off almost automatically."

"That would be clever wouldn't it, but who's to say this is true?"

He lowered his shirt back into place before facing the man who had spoken.

"That's a good question, but I can assure you this is no bluff," Kaito said in response to his claim. "Take a look here."

He reached into his pocket, pulling out what appeared to be a mobile device of some kind. He held it up for all to see.

"As you can see my heart production is being monitored on this screen as we speak," Kaito began. "Notice the attachment here."

He pointed out the wire attached at the bottom of the device that everyone could clearly see.

"This cord here is linked with the wires that are keeping tabs on my beats per second," Kaito informed. "If my heart stops the explosives will go off, the same will occur if this wire is disconnected from the device."

All became silent upon hearing this. The next sound to be heard was that of clapping. He turned at the sound of this, surprised at who he came to find.

"Well done," Mr. Samlong commented. "I was wondering how you might respond to adversity such as this."

"What's that," Beesto said sharpening his eyes upon facing him. "You're the one to have set up this whole ordeal?"

"Yes, I did," Mr. Samlong openly admitted. "After seeing what he pulled off last night I wanted to see if he'd be able to do the same, this time only with my choice of location."

"I see," Beesto said. "That's why you suggested we bring him here."

"Exactly."

"But why," Beesto asked. "I don't understand your reasoning for doing so."

"First thing's first," Mr. Samlong said before shifting his head back to those who surrounded them. "It's done, you may now all lower your weapons."

They did as instructed, a sigh of relief coming from some after doing so.

"Explain yourself," Beesto stated. "I want to know why you went behind my back on this one."

"For interest purposes only," Mr. Samlong replied. "Outside of the deal we've got going here he could prove to be useful in something else I've got going."

"If that is true then why didn't you come to me about that," Kaito asked slipping his way back into the fray. "Why the need for all of this?"

"Like I said, to test the waters," Mr. Samlong said in response. "I needed to be sure you were indeed capable for the task, and you didn't disappoint."

"And what if I hadn't been prepared for this blind side of yours?"

"Then you would have been gunned down," Mr. Samlong replied. "After I collected the tape of course."

"I was expecting that much," Kaito said with no surprise. "Which is why I took the liberty in strapping myself up."

"Now that we've got all things cleared, I suppose it's time I handed this over to you."

He held up the folder, pulling out the sheet that could be seen sitting at the top of the pile which he handed were handed to him.

"Here you are my boy," Mr. Samlong said. "Everything you need to know, it's all there."

He didn't hand him the tape in exchange, instead taking his time to look over the information to be found on the sheet of paper that had been given to him.

"How do I know the information here is legit," Kaito questioned. "For all I know this could be something typed up that falls right into your apparent scheme of things."

"What are you talking about?"

"It's just like you brought up before," Kaito said turning back to face him. "You said there was another task I might be able to help you with, who's to say this information given to me isn't directly tied into that somehow?"

"I can assure you that it's not." Mr. Samlong said.

"And why should I take your word for it," Kaito questioned. "You've given me little reason to believe anything you say."

"He makes a point." Beesto said.

"It's up to you if you choose to believe me or not," Mr. Samlong said. "I no longer have any further reasons to lie to you."

"So you say," Kaito said with a pause. "I still don't understand the setup, what kind of determination were you trying to make?"

"If you're that interested, why not take up the task I have?"

"Don't have the time," Kaito replied. "As you know, I'm in a bit of an episode myself right now."

"Perhaps once you've found what you seek you'll have a change in mind?"

"You never know, but I wouldn't hold your breath," Kaito said in response. "My schedule doesn't stop there."

"I'll take that as a maybe, here," Mr. Samlong said reaching for his right pocket. "Take my card, if you are truly acquainted with Marco you might find it to your interest."

"Very well."

He accepted the card, dropping it into his pocket after giving it a quick look.

"I'll have to get back to you on that one," Kaito said. "So what happens now, am I free to go?"

"Yes," Beesto replied. "I don't see why we should keep you here any longer."

"So how are things runned," Kaito asked. "Can I simply walk out, or will you be escorting me?"

"It's protocol that you're escorted out," Beesto replied. "Which I will do myself."

"Then let's go, I've had enough excitement for one night," Kaito said. "Besides I have some trailing to attend."

With that he turned back for the door from which they came.

"Wait," Mr. Samlong said. "What about the tape?"

"The top pocket of the left side of your jacket." Kaito replied.

He raised a brow, reaching into his jacket to grab hold of something. He pulled out to find the tape had indeed been placed into his pocket.

"How did he?"

In the brink of the moment he looked ahead, watching as the two found their way out of the room through the door they had used to enter.

"Hey Samlong," Someone spoke from his behind. "Who was that guy anyway?"

He couldn't help it, smiling as he turned to face him.

"Someone most will come to know," Mr. Samlong replied. "His name, Duzzkill."

The garage was seemingly darker than before, taking moments for his eyes to readjust to the scenery. In the mist of this the garage door opened, letting in the light of the very few street lights that occupied the area along with the moon from above. Beesto gave a nod to the same man they had encountered before, taking little time before the garage door closed once again after stepping out.

"Business is closed for the time being," Beesto said. "You are now free to go."

"Before I leave there's just one thing I wanted to know."

"I'm listening."

"It's about your buddy, Samlong." Kaito replied.

"What about him?"

"I don't get it," Kaito said. "I thought he was just a side associate of the Blackgaters ."

"He is."

"That's not what it seemed like tonight," Kaito said. "If that were true how come he had so much control over those men back there?"

"I see where you're coming from," Beesto said. "But the men you came into contact with just now weren't Blackgaters."

"They weren't?"

"No, they are nothing but a bunch of hired muscle to help with any shipments." Beesto informed.

"Shipments," Kaito questioned. "I didn't see anything being brought in, nor did it look like anything was being stored."

"That's because everything was finished up earlier today."

"Why hire additional people for this?"

"It's all about leverage," Beesto replied. "In the case things go wrong you always want room for lean way."

"I see."

"You were surprisingly calm given what went on in there."

"I'm accustomed to an unexpected audience." Kaito said. "Is there anything else you can tell me about Mr. Samlong?"

"You seem weary of him, I can see why," Beesto said. "I'd love to share with you information that I might have, but I'm in a bit of a tussle with time."

"Then answer me one thing."

"What?"

"How long have you known him," Kaito asked. "How long has he been associated with the Blackgaters?"

"For roughly a year now."

"Only a year huh, I was thinking he had been around longer than that."

"I didn't meet him myself until about five months ago," Beesto added. "By that time he had already found a place in the comfort zone for most."

"I see."

"I still don't see what you're trying to figure."

"Nothing in particular," Kaito replied. "The less I have to look over my shoulder in the case of the unknown the better."

"Not a bad standard to keep."

"Most would agree."

He then turned for the left, only taking two steps before he heard him speak once more.

"One more thing."

He stopped, looking back to face him for a final time.

"Don't come back here unless you are summoned."

"No need to tell me," Kaito said. "I figured that much before we even agreed to come here."

With that he turned for the other side, wasting no time in heading back for the street corner as he spoke one last time.

"See you around."

He said nothing in response, only watching as he walked off into the night. It took no more than a minute for him to completely fade out of sight, leaving the block ahead with no one to be seen.

"Good luck."

There was no further need for him to remain out there. With that in mind he turned back for the garage door, giving it a sequence of knocks like he had before. It opened shortly thereafter as expected.

The sun had yet to peak an eye, and yet he had already found himself sitting at the desk with a continuation of what had been started the day before. It wasn't long after that he realized he wasn't the only one who had awoken, hearing the sound of someone approaching from outside of the room. With the door already being open he instantly sighted who had come to the room.

"Damian, you're up early," Bruce said surprised to see him. "It's not even thirty after five."

"That's the second night in a row you've gone out without me."

"I left you behind because you weren't needed."

"What exactly were you doing?"

"Confirming something."

"Confirming what?"

"The files that were sent to Alfred from Shinichi," Bruce replied. "Some of the patients that were listed were patients here in Gotham hospitals."

"Why would that matter?"

"Because that lets us know exactly how accurate the information we've uncovered to this point is legitimate."

"And were you able to make a determination?"

"Yes," Bruce replied. "As recorded, twenty four people out of the lot suffered heart attacks and found a place here at local Gotham hospitals."

"That would imply that there is some truth to all of this."

"At this point we can only assume all other records are legit as well," Bruce said. "At least until we get the clearance for the needed records."

"That's all good to know, but we still don't know what's been causing this minor outbreak."

"Minor would be putting it lightly."

"Perhaps, but there's not much we can do since we haven't been able to diagnose a cause."

"Which is why I've made it one of the center pieces of my agenda."

"How long have you been at this?"

"Since four."

"You must have gotten a lot of sleep."

"I'll rest after progress has been made."

"We're obviously not the only ones looking into this matter," Damian said. "Has anything been learned from the many doctors, something that may have not been released to the public as of yet?"

"We're all on the same grounds as it stands."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Yes, there is something you can do to help speed the process," Bruce replied. "Research."

"Research?"

He reached for a small stack of papers beside him before sliding them across the desk for him to take.

"What's this?"

"The names of twenty eight of the victims," Bruce answered. "I want you to run a thurl search on the remaining profiles."

"What for?"

"Cross reference," Bruce replied. "See if there is anything linking any of the victims, if so take note of it."

"How many were there in all?"

"Over a hundred," Bruce replied. "But as you can see the majority has already been handled."

"So you want me to wrap up the rest," Damian said coming to an understanding. "And what will you be doing in the meantime?"

"Analyzing the results of the heart attacks directly," Bruce replied. "While you'll be checking into each of their backgrounds to try and pin point where this all might have started."

"Is that all?"

"No, for cause as well," Bruce replied. "If there truly is a source for what is causing these heart attacks we need to determine what."

"This isn't exactly what I had in mind."

"When you're finished come and see me," Bruce instructed. "I want to group your findings with everything we already have in the database."

"Understood."

"Remember, even the subtlest of connections should be taken into account."

"Have you found any connections as of yet?"

"Small pecks here and there," Bruce replied. "But I plan to dig deeper once I'm finished with the further diagnosis of the results."

"Is this the only thing I can help with?"

"As of now, yes."

"Great, I couldn't be any more anxious to get started." Damian said with a noticeable sarcasm before grabbing hold of the papers set out before him.

"Report back the moment you're done." Bruce reminded one final time.

Once done he turned back for the door, walking out as quietly as he had when entering. This left him alone once again. He turned back for the files set out aside the computer.

"Now I can focus strictly on what might be the cause of this untimely outbreak."

The wheels spun rapidly, grazing across the tracks from beneath. In many ways this was the very outlook on his mind for the past week, an everlasting track of trails, one after another. He slightly shifted his head, looking out the window to see the sun in the far distance which was currently being shadowed off by a stack of clouds. The deepness of his thoughts were cut off by the sound of his voice from across.

"Only about an hour left until we reach the train station."

"We're moving along quicker than I had expected," Shinichi said. "The trip seemed much longer the first time around."

"I thought you were asleep for most of that time."

"I was."

"While we're on the topic," Dick said. "You never did tell me about the insightful information you mentioned."

"What?"

"About the guy in disguise," Dick reminded. "You said there were some things about him that were alarming even before you were notified about the situation."

"Oh yea, that's right," Shinichi said. "I had almost forgotten we were to go over that."

"So what were going to say?"

"Like I mentioned before, there was something off about him," Shinichi said. "It started on the train to Metropolis."

"What happened?"

"While on the train he had left his seat for a period of time."

"For what?"

"He claimed it was to stretch his legs," Shinichi replied. "I'm betting he was on the phone with someone, setting up what was to come."

"That's a possibility."

"I have no idea what," Shinichi continued. "Chances are we haven't seen the full extent of what this guy set out to do."

"How long was he gone on this little stroll of his?"

"I don't have an exact length."

"Why not?"

"I wasn't awake when he initially left his seat," Shinichi replied. "I only saw him upon his return."

"Do you at least have an estimation for how long you were out?"

"Unfortunately not," Shinichi replied. "Time was one of the last things on my mind at that time."

"Besides the incident on the train was there ever another time he took off?"

"Yes," Shinichi confirmed. "Something did come up while at the library."

"Did he leave you alone for a large margin of time?"

"No, but he did take a call," Shinichi replied. "When I asked who had called he claimed it had been a friend of his."

"That doesn't give us any leads to what he has planned."

"My thoughts exact."

"How long did this conversation of his last?"

"It was brief," Shinichi replied. "Only a mere half minute, if even that."

"Makes you wonder who he could have been talking with, and about what."

"The chances of us finding out the answer to that is slim to none," Shinichi said. "The only way I see us figuring that is by finding the person who was in disguise."

"As unfortunate as it may be you're probably right," Dick said. "On another note, what happened the second day?"

"I returned to the library of course."

"At any time did you see him that day?"

"No, he was already gone when I awoke," Shinichi replied. "But the night before we agreed we'd meet at the same spot."

"And he never showed."

"That's right."

"Was there anything else unusual that took place that you can add?"

"There was something," Shinichi said in response. "Someone that I met."

"When was this?"

"When I returned to the library the second day," Shinichi replied. "I met a man who went by the name Tasol."

"What was so alarming about this man?"

"By the way he perceived himself," Shinichi said. "It wasn't just that, it was all too convenient."

"What do you mean?"

"Shortly into our conversation I came to learn that he was a detective of sorts," Shinichi replied. "One who does a lot of traveling."

"Similar to yourself in some ways," Dick said. "Were you able to confirm if any of his claims were true?"

"Not completely," Shinichi replied. "But he did have three missing persons reports with him at the time."

"That's not much."

"But he did say he worked for the police department at some point."

"Now that could prove useful," Dick said. "We could run a search when we return, if what he said is true we'll know."

"I thought that's what you would say."

"And how much did this Tasol guy learn about you?"

"Besides a clear visual of me, nothing," Shinichi replied. "After learning about the deception surrounding the disguised man I decided to fiddle up a background of my own when he asked about me."

"Nice going," Dick commented. "How long did the two of you talk for?"

"Somewhere between three to ten minutes."

"When did he end up leaving?"

"After receiving a call from someone," Shinichi replied. "Someone he claimed he needed to meet with."

"We'll run a search on this guy the first thing when we return."

"That sounds good to me." Shinichi said.

"Tasol, the man in disguise," Dick said. "If they are truly associated, why the set up?"

"That's for us to find out."

To Be Continued