The Detective Prince

Chapter 121

Partnered

"Much worse than you had been anticipating," Alfred said taking a step back. "What do you mean?"

"Going forward from here we should be expecting some changes in his condition."

"How serve?"

"Erratic changes," Bruce replied. "Maybe even unstable."

"I don't understand," Alfred said. "Is this strictly the cause of the poison?"

"A mixture, the presence of the APTX drug as well is ultimately what has led to this development."

"What exactly are the results indicating that you received?"

"A number of things," Bruce replied. "A minor raise in blood pressure, notable friction between the cells, and that's just scratching the surface."

"That doesn't sound good."

"I'll hold off on the rest until the Shinichi returns, this is something he should here," Bruce said. "Speaking of which, have you heard from back from Dick as of today?"

"Yes, they're on the train ride back to Gotham now."

"Good," Bruce said. "We can't afford to hold off on this any longer."

"Is his life in any real danger?"

"That is still uncertain," Bruce replied. "I won't know for sure until further tests are run, besides things may have changed with his condition since the time I collected the blood."

"So do you plan to collect more samples?"

"Not just that," Bruce said. "Deeper tests will need to be done to find what he could be in for."

"Master Grayson said he had a stop to make before coming here when we spoke," Alfred informed. "Would you like me to call him back and let him know to come here straight away?"

"That won't be necessary."

"But sir."

"If I'm correct we shouldn't see any changes just yet," Bruce said. "As long as we get this thing looked over within the next two days we should be ok."

"That's a relief."

"In the meantime I'm going to go over the full list that has been put together," Bruce said. "The one profiling all of the victims who not only sustained fatal heart attacks but showed signs of lead poisoning."

"Were you able to gain any ground on your first look?"

"That wasn't my intent," Bruce replied. "The first step was to get everything recorded into one database, and with that we'll be able to run a cross examination much more efficiently."

"Any ideas on where you will start?"

"Yes," Bruce replied. "All habits will be my first line to search."

"Wouldn't that be almost impossible to figure," Alfred said. "Not everyone's habits will be listed on sealed records."

"I should have been more specific," Bruce said in response to this. "What I had in mind was to first start off by documenting all places they visited on a regular basis, such as local stores to anything purchased that has been left on record."

"And your hope is this will lead to what could be the cause?"

"It's a stretch, but yes."

"If you're unable to make a determination, then what?"

"There's one other option," Bruce said. "But I'll hold off on that until everything is looked into in regards to what we have in front of us."

"I'll do whatever I can to help."

The phone rang at that moment, shifting their focus in the slightest.

"Would you like me to answer that?"

"Let them leave a message."

"As you wish."

The phone continued to ring for a short time longer before finally coming to a stop. When a message wasn't left he walked over to the phone to find out who had called.

"Who was it?"

"The good doctor." Bruce replied.

"I'd imagine she's hoping to get an update on the case you agreed to take on."

"Most likely."

"Do you plan on calling her back?"

"That won't do too much good at this point," Bruce said. "This case is completely cold from what I've been given."

"What do you plan to do?"

"I'm going to go and see her in person."

"And when might that be?"

"Tonight," Bruce answered. "I've sat on this one for long enough, there's got to be more that she can give."

"We can only hope."

"I'm expecting a call from Tim, if I'm not around would you do the honors?"

"Of course," Alfred replied. "What are you expecting to hear from him about?"

"A report about their trip to the station."

"The GCPD?"

"Yes, he along with detective Hattori are on their way."

"What for?"

"For a report," Bruce replied. "I wasn't given the specifics, but he said he'd call back once everything was done."

"I'll be sure to make sure his call isn't missed."

"In the mean time I'll be in the study starting up on the cross examining," Bruce said turning for the other side of the room. "If anything comes up in the case of the heart attacks come and let me know."

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

With nothing further to be said he walked forward.

"Now on to business."

The clouds that covered the sky could clearly be seen drifting further north as they continued to move. They were now approaching twenty minutes from the time they had caught the cab. He held up a hand just as the station came into view, letting the driver know they were closing in

"I wonder what's going on up ahead.

A clear jam in traffic could clearly be seen, with the sight of several police officers at the center of it all.

"Any idea what's going on up there?"

"Your guess is as good as mine."

They continued to slowly move along, making little progress during the duration of this.

"Here," Tim said pointing to an open spot aside the road. "This will be far enough."

"Are you sure," The driver asked. "I might be able to get you in closer."

"That won't be necessary," Tim said in response. "We can walk the rest of the way from here."

"If you insist."

He did as asked, parking to an empty spot at the side of the walkway.

"Thanks for the ride."

"Anytime."

He then paid the cab driver before stepping out to find Heiji already waiting for him.

"Some traffic jam huh."

"Makes you wonder what's going on up there."

They both stared ahead, watching as those who drove in that direction were stopped and then questioned by patrol officers standing in place.

"We can ask someone once we're inside," Heiji said. "I'm sure someone will know what's going on."

"No doubt."

"You plan on coming in?"

"No, I'll wait here for your return," Tim replied. "I wouldn't want to interfere with your planned meet."

"Your call."

"Just remember to bring up the matter that we discussed," Tim reminded. "It's imperative that we get a second look."

"I haven't forgotten."

"Then I'll leave you to it."

"Where should I be expecting to find you once I'm done?"

"Somewhere around here," Tim replied. "I don't plan on moving far from this spot."

"You sure you're ok with waiting around," Heiji questioned. "There's no telling how long this might take."

"Besides finalizing the Red Eyed MB which can wait, there's not much on my plate," Tim said. "Outside of a call I need to return to Dick of course."

"Speaking of which, has he returned from Metropolis?"

"No, he's actually on his way back as we speak," Tim replied. "Both of them."

"How long until they arrive?"

"I'd imagine within this next hour or so," Tim answered. "By time we're done here we should be able to meet up with them."

"Sounds like a plan," Heiji said. "Any word yet on what they might have come across while down there?"

"That's what I'm hoping to find out after I get ahold of him."

He looked down at his watch, finding that the time was closing in.

"Only two minutes remaining until the time we agreed on."

"Don't forget what we discussed."

"No worries, I'll be sure to bring it up."."

With that he turned for the right, heading straight for the station. He stopped upon reaching the parking lot, standing in place as patrol car passed. Once all was clear he continued toward the front. About halfway there the doors slid open with about four officers running out. Curious as to what was going on he traced their every move which lead back to the lot where they all hopped into separate vehicles.

"Must be duty calls," Heiji thought. "Makes you wonder what could be going on that has these guys so riled up."

He turned his head back to the other side, reaching the entrance soon after. He walked in to find the lobby emptier than usual. Only two officers at the front desk on the left side of the room could be found. He wasted little time in approaching the two, both turning to face him before he reached him.

"Detective Hattori?" A woman on the right spoke.

"I don't believe we've met, how did you know my name?" Heiji confirmed.

"We were notified that'd you be coming."

"How did you know it was me?"

"I was here when you gave your speech the other day."

"As was I." The other officer added.

"That would explain," Heiji said. "I suppose the Commissioner was the one to have told you I would be coming?"

"It was actually officer Celek who informed us of this on his way out earlier today."

"That's unexpected," Heiji said. "I take it you know why I'm here."

"Yes, you're here to see the Commissioner."

"Is he around?"

"He just went up to his office about ten minutes ago," She replied. "I'll unlock the stall door for you so you can go on up."

"Thanks, I'd appreciate that."

"Right this way."

She led him to the door located in the far right corner of the room, unlocking the same door he had used on his previous trips when visiting.

"There you are, you're on your own from here."

"On my own," Heiji questioned. "I was told all outsiders were required to be escorted whenever coming through here."

"Naturally, but you're being assigned."

"Assigned?"

"I'll leave that for him to explain when you get to his office," She replied. "You might as well head up, he's expecting you."

He nodded his head in response.

"Yes of course."

He turned for the stairs, hearing the sound of the door close from behind as he made a move forward. He sinked his hands into the jacket as he walked, wondering just what it was that had been mentioned by that officer.

"Assigned… what did she mean by that?"

This remained on his mind for the rest of the way up. He pushed passed the door leading to the upper floor, moving casually along as someone from the other side moved in the opposite direction. He smiled, prompting for them to do the same.

"Almost there."

He made his way to the end of the hall in no time, turning for the left to see his office just up ahead.

"Here goes nothing."

He removed his hands from within his pockets as he neared, holding out his right hand to knock on the door. It took little time for him to receive a response.

"Come in."

Without hesitation he did as asked, walking in to find his back faced to him.

"You're on time, good."

He turned away from the window, glad to see he had come.

"Please, have a seat," James offered. "That is if you'd like to this time around."

"You know, I think I will."

He walked forward, having a seat at the chair directly across from the desk.

"I'm sure you noticed the scrimmage out there," James said. "Have trouble getting by?"

"Not at all."

"Good."

"I take it you know what's going on."

"Yes," James confirmed. "A required check."

"A required check," Heiji questioned. "For what?"

"There was a huge burglary that took place earlier today."

"Where at?"

"At the mall located next to the big bank south of here."

"How much money did they get away with?"

"That's just the thing, that's not what was taken," James informed. "Naturally that's what you would think."

"If they weren't after cash, what was it that they took?"

"Weapons," James replied. "Most of what turned out to be guns and ammunition from a small shop right in that area."

"That doesn't sound good, was anyone hurt?"

"Thankfully not," James replied. "A gas of some kind however was used to subdue the two men who were working at the time."

"And how are they now?"

"We've already gotten word that both are now in stable condition."

"That's good to know."

"It's imperative that we catch the ones responsible."

"How many of them were there in all?"

"Five who entered the store," James informed. "This was sighted from the surveillance videos that had been set in place."

"Any visual on any of their faces?"

"They were all wearing ski masks at the time."

"No surprise there," Heiji said. "Any information on how they got away?"

"There was a van parked out front with another masked man who kept watch," James informed. "After collecting what they wanted they stalked up before taking off."

"Figures," Heiji remarked. "Were the camera's able to get a shot of the license plate of the van used in the getaway?"

"Yes," James confirmed. "But unfortunately it was found abandoned next to the Gotham Bridge."

"You don't sound surprised."

"It was to be expected," James said. "From the moment we were informed of the matter we took measures to prepare for this exact scenario."

"That would explain," Heiji said. "There were five men in all who ransacked the shop, any idea how many awaited their return out by the van?"

"Besides the man standing guard, one other," James replied. "The driver."

"That makes seven in all," Heiji said. "And since they ditched the van I think it's safe to assume one thing."

"That they've distributed the weapons, and are now heading in different directions."

"Besides the one out here, how many road blocks have been set up?"

"Only five," James replied. "Which are all routes leading out of the city."

"Do you really think they'll try and leave the city?"

"That tends to be the outcome in most cases like these," James replied. "Once out they tend to sell all possessions to anyone who may be interested."

"And if they tried selling here there'd be a bigger chance for you to sniff out their operations."

"You have a talent for catching on."

"With there being seven of them in all and possibly more, it's good that you've called for multiple road checks," Heiji said. "There's no telling how many vehicles they've got their weapons grouped into."

"By our estimation we're thinking they traveling in a max of four different vehicles."

"What lead you to that conclusion?"

"Based from what and how much product was taken."

"Let's take a step back," Heiji said leaning forward. "At what time did the robbery occur, and were there any witnesses?"

"The blood of an investigator runs deep within you no question, but let's put a pause on that for a bit," James said. "There's something we need to discuss first."

"I figured this wasn't the center of why you asked me here."

"I spent a good portion of yesterday to finding someone suited enough." James said leaning back in his seat.

"For what?"

"To work alongside of you," James replied. "And I think I found just the right person."

"Assigned," Heiji said with a pause. "This must be what that officer was talking about."

"If you'd like I could get you assigned to this current case," James said. "After all Detective Norwich has nothing to work at this given time."

"Detective Norwich?"

"Yes," James replied. "The officer you will be paired with."

"I don't believe I've run into them as of yet since I've been here."

"Probably not," James agreed. "Everyone's been on a bit of a tight schedule."

"So, when will I be able to meet with Detective Norwich?"

"How does tomorrow sound?"

"That works for me."

"Good, then I'll get a time arranged." James said standing up from the chair.

"Does that also mean we've been assigned to the case?" Heiji asked after doing the same.

"If it isn't handled by the days end then yes," James replied. "You could make for a much needed asset."

"That's what I'm hoping for."

"We're done here," James said. "You're free to go."

"Wait, there's one last thing I wanted to ask."

"What is it?" James asked in the process of stepping around the desk.

"I'd like to have another look at the remains," Heiji replied. "The remains of Salomon Green."

"The same Mr. Green's whose home was nearly left in ashes?"

"Yes."

"What could you possibly be hoping to find," James questioned. "Those remains have been examined several times over already."

"Truth be told there's one thing I didn't look for the first time around," Heiji said. "One last look is all I'm asking for, if there is anything else to find buried beneath all shreds, I will uncover it."

"Is this a blind hunch, or do you believe you've come across something?"

"There's volume to both."

"Granted," James said coming to a quick decision. "I'll let them know you'll be stopping in within the next few days."

"I take it no family members have called in for the remains as of yet?"

"We've been in contact, but any plans of the removal of the body from our lab has been postponed," James informed. "In the light of their wishes."

"Why's that?"

"For further investigation."

"Hoping for resolve?"

"That's usually the case," James replied. "Though it is also true some results are never reached."

"Leaving that everlasting void of the unknown."

"We do everything that we can to assure that's not what where the results lead," James said. "But more often than not we find our cases falling into the cold file, too often does that happen."

"A sad truth."

"I have someone I have to meet with in the next thirty," James informed. "It's about a twenty minute drive between here and the projects, I better be on my way if I am to make it on time."

"Then I had better get out of your way."

"Is there anything you'd like to ask before we part ways?"

"No," Heiji replied. "My work here is done."

"On the contrary," James said as he watched him head for the door. "Your work is yet to truly begin."

He turned at his comment, smiling with a nod before walking out past the door.

"He's right, I'm just getting started."

To Be Continued