The Detective Prince

Chapter 125

Three Routes

"… We're going to set a trap," Dick questioned. "I don't think I'd be the first to say I don't quite understand where you're coming from."

"I can back that statement." Tim agreed.

"You'll understand soon enough," Bruce assured. "That is once we've figured out what Kid's next move will be."

"Could it be," Dick said catching on. "That you plan to reel him in indirectly?"

"Getting him into the line of sight will prove key." Bruce confirmed.

"I tried something similar back in Tokyo with one of the Wayne diamonds." Tim rehashed.

"You never told me about that, how'd that work out?" Dick asked.

"To a degree," Tim replied. "It was a success in the fact I was able to lure him to the museum, but failed when trying to apprehending him."

"He seems to be a really shifty, it adds weight to the flame when he was able to elude two of us," Dick said. "Though Damian will probably never own up to that statement."

"So you've chosen to focus strictly on the G3 Power Emitter," Heiji said. "Am I right in assuming this will somehow lead us to what Kid is scheming?"

"In short," Bruce replied. "By noting all possible compatible devices with the G3 Power Emitter will also be a point of emphasis."

"Which could very well lead us to where he might target next," Heiji said catching on. "But even with that fact, we still can't be sure with the little known facts."

"I agree," Bruce said. "Because as far as we know he has only obtained one device, being the G3… what is to come next is anyone's guess."

"He's clearly after something else as already hinted," Dick agreed. "But how can we be sure it will be another high priced electronic?"

"His recent change in interest should be a hint," Heiji said in response. "It is also possible he's working under someone else's agenda, something Tim brought up to me yesterday night."

"What lead you to that thought?" Dick asked looking his way.

"My last encounter with Kid himself," Tim replied. "And though it may have been months ago I remember our last conversation quite clearly."

"What was said between the two of you?"

"It wasn't what was discussed, but rather the tension that could be felt at the time," Tim replied. "He was clearly in distress at the time, and it wasn't just because of those killings that had unfolded."

"Killings?"

"Yes," Tim replied. "There was a series of killings in the Tokyo area, and according to multiple witnesses the perpetrator was none other than Kid himself."

"And what do you think?"

"Not his style," Shinichi answered. "Something we both agreed on immediately following the first claims."

"Did either of you get the chance to hear his side of things directly?" Dick asked.

"Of course," Tim replied. "He even gave me a knife which had been used in one of the incidents."

"Is that right?"

"And did you analyze this evidence?"

"That was one of the first things I attended to that next day."

"And?"

"Nothing but the victims' blood," Tim replied. "No prints, no bar code… if I wasn't mistaken I'd say the blade was custom."

"Do you still have it?"

"Of course."

"It's still unclear what his ultimate goal is," Heiji said. "Though I think it's safe to rule out any killing scheme."

He stood up from the chair at that given time. He then took a step around the desk after glimpsing down at the computer screen one final time.

"Going somewhere?" Dick asked.

"No," Bruce replied. "There's just something I need to go and grab, the investigation depends on it."

"For which?"

"For what occurred this morning," Bruce replied before moving past him. "With any luck I might be able to track the ones who stole the weapons."

"And how do you plan on doing that?" Heiji asked.

He stopped within that instance, looking his way before delivering one last response.

"Through the process of elimination."

With that he made his way for the door, falling out of sight soon after.

"Process of elimination," Heiji said with a brief pause. "I'm not quite sure I know what he meant by that."

"Happens all the time." Tim said before finally directing his attention to the computer held in hand.

He took this time to hold it out in front, looking over the structure, from its shape all the way down to its visible plugins.

"It's rather small for your typical work computer… it also has no slot for inserting disks," Tim said with the continuation of his examination. "I'd say it's more of a net book than a laptop."

"Nice catch," Dick said. "Didn't really take the time to notice that."

"Not that it really changes the dynamics, but it is something to take note of."

"Net books are generally cheaper than your usual laptop," Shinichi said. "Maybe that played a part in the decision to use one of those instead."

"No way of really knowing," Tim said. "The important thing is that we find out what has been saved onto the hard drive."

"When do you plan on doing that?"

"First thing when I return home," Tim replied. "There's no real reason for holding off on it."

"Sounds like a plan." Heiji said

"I think now would be a good idea to head out," Tim said. "I think we've just about wrapped up all we needed to for now."

"You go on without me," Heiji said. "I'm going hang it here for awhile longer."

"Any particular reason?"

"I want to see what Bruce has involving this morning's incident," Heiji replied. "After all, I plan to officially take on the case myself come tomorrow."

"Makes sense."

"Any idea when you'll be back?" Dick questioned.

"If not this evening, than tomorrow some time," Tim replied. "The sooner I get around to examining this computer the better."

"Need a ride?"

"Not today" Tim replied. "Brought my bike this time around."

"Didn't see it out there."

"Parked it over on the other side," Tim informed. "What about you, any plans on sticking around?"

"For now," Dick replied. "There's one last thing I'd like to go over before I go."

He gripped the two computers at his side, raising them above his hip as he turned for the door on the other side.

"How long do you think it will take for you to complete the check?" Shinichi asked.

"It will depend on how deep the security runs," Tim replied looking his way. "But it should take no longer than a couple hours at most."

"Good luck."

"Let's hope that runs deep," Tim said before turning back for the door. "When Bruce returns let him know I'll get back to him as soon as I've got an update."

"Will do." Dick said.

He left the room in that instance, leaving the door open on his way out.

"Think the findings on that computer will amount to anything?" Heiji asked.

"It's hard to tell, even if there is something to find it shouldn't be a set lead," Shinichi said. "Given the situation with the individual we're dealing with, this could be just another extension of their current scheme."

"I'm inclined to agree," Dick said. "But there's one other thing I wanted to go over."

"What is it?"

"It's about that man that you met in Metropolis," Dick said. "While in the library."

"Tasol?"

"Yes."

"Tasol," Heiji questioned. "Who is that?"

"Someone I met while on my journey." Shinichi replied.

"What's so important about this guy that you brought him up?" Heiji asked looking his way.

"I have my suspicions," Dick replied. "For one he claimed he was a detective, according to Shinichi."

"Is that true?" Heiji asked turning to face him.

"That's what he said." Shinichi confirmed.

"And did you believe him?"

"I was defiantly weary given the circumstances of what lead me to Metropolis in the first place," Shinichi replied. "The possibility of him being involved somehow was something that certainly came to mind."

"How were you approached by this Tasol guy anyway?"

"Nothing out of the ordinary," Shinichi said. "He just happened to take a seat at the table I was occupying at the time."

"What did the two of you discuss?"

"It started off as an introduction of interests," Shinichi began. "That's when I learned small details about him, particularly that he's a traveling detective of sorts."

"Was there anything else," Dick asked. "Anything worth noting?"

"Now that you mention it, there was something else," Shinichi said. "The name he claims he travels under, Polo."

"Polo… that's not one you hear too often," Heiji said. "Did he go into detail on which department he's currently working for?"

"No, and I didn't ask."

"Like I told Shinichi, our best option would be to run a search on the name which was given," Dick said. "Tasol."

"Ever heard of him?" Heiji asked.

"Can't say that I have," Dick replied. "If what he said is true it's most likely that his base of operations is in Metropolis."

"We can't be too sure of that." Shinichi said.

"What makes you say that?"

"Let's not forget the fact that he's a traveler," Shinichi reminded. "So if we plan on determining his whereabouts it might be a good idea to keep the search broad."

"It might be true he's a detective, but how sure can we be of this claim?" Heiji questioned.

"It's not often you come across someone with a portfolio filled with missing persons reports," Shinichi informed. "Though not a stellar confirmation, but that does put some truth to it."

"That's more convincing."

"And I doubt there's many people with the name Tasol," Dick said. "Which should make gathering information on this guy."

"So you were joined by this man while at the library," Heiji said. "Was it the fact that he claimed to be a detective which drew you to become suspicious?"

"Yes," Shinichi replied. "His arrival was too convenient."

"For all we know he could have been the same guy in disguise who lead you to Metropolis in the first place." Dick said.

"That was my first thought," Shinichi said. "If that is true then there's a chance we could be dealing with at least one other individual."

"What makes you say that?"

"It was a call Tasol received," Shinichi replied. "One which resulted in his departure from the library."

"Any idea who might have called?" Heiji asked.

"Don't have a name, but I do know it was someone he wished to meet with… and soon," Shinichi replied. "He left in a hurry not too long after receiving the call."

"Can't say I'm surprised," Heiji said. "If someone is conspiring I doubt it'd be just one guy."

"We'll look into that possibility soon enough," Dick said. "Of course after we find out if this detective Tasol is in fact his true name."

"Don't you think it would be a good idea if we checked into that now?"

"Not until we're completely done here," Dick replied. "Once we've analyzed the situation with the stolen weapons we'll shift our focus elsewhere."

"After all this is only a hunch at this given time." Shinichi agreed.

"We'll discuss things further once Bruce returns," Dick said. "In the mean time we'll wait."

"I do have one last thing I wanted to bring up." Heiji spoke.

"What is it?"

"Why a computer for the set up," Heiji questioned. "If this guy wanted to leave information for us to find why not leave it on a USB device instead?"

"There's very few reasons I can think of."

"Besides the computer working as a signal to lead you to that apartment I don't see any relevance to the choice," Heiji said. "And with that known fact I'm almost certain there was a reason for why that location was chosen."

"A good question," Dick said. "One which would be best answered sooner rather than later."

"We can discuss this all we want, but the fact of the matter is we truly won't have a clear understanding until that hard drive is investigated." Shinichi said.

"That should hopefully get some concerns answered."

"Let's look at the possibility that it doesn't," Heiji said. "What then?"

"For starters we'd have to return to that apartment complex," Dick replied. "And not just that, but revisiting the exact computer which was used by this person at that public library."

"Regardless of what is or isn't revealed on the hard drive, I think returning to Metropolis should be a priority." Shinichi said.

"No disagreement there."

"The only thing we can really do at this point is wait for the results to come back on that computer."

"That seems to be the stance as of now." Dick said.

"Time will tell."

"We'll wait to hear what Bruce has to share, and then we'll see where things go from there."

It was at that moment that the true wait began.

After a time of thinking and plotting throughout the beginning of the day, a success to a degree had finally been met. Regardless of this there was something lingering, something that had planted its seed into his cautious weeks prior. It was now roughly thirty minutes after noon, dropping the phone back onto the hook after completing his last call and hopefully his final of the day. The grin that could be found sitting in place was not one to be missed, taking little time for him to notice.

"I take it you've made progress with your plan?"

"Yes," Kaito said pleased to confirm. "An interview time and place has been agreed on."

"For what?"

"Shellont Circuit," Kaito replied. "For a management position."

"Where?"

"Located six miles from here."

"Why choose one located six miles from here," Konosuke questioned. "When there's one located less than three miles from our current position?"

"There's a reason for the decision."

"I take it this ties into your plan for retrieving the Equalizer?"

"Well of course," Kaito said in response. "It's the first step needed for what will be done to gain access."

"To what?"

"Mr. Lain's home."

"I thought our plan was going to be to break in using our usual measures."

"Why go that extra mile when we can be invited?"

"Invited… now I'm intrigued."

"I'll explain more in time," Kaito said heading toward the closet. "But right now I have to get ready for my first appearance."

"The interview is for today?"

"That's what was agreed, yes."

He followed through to the other side, not stopping until reaching the closet a short distance away.

"What do you plan to wear?"

"Something presentable," Kaito replied. "Not to extensive nor too contingent."

He reached into the closet, pulling out a shirt and slacks of his choice.

"Henley and Flat front trousers, should work just fine."

"Love the choice," Konosuke said. "But there is one last thing I needed to ask."

"What is it?" Kaito asked facing him.

"Your choice," Konosuke replied. "The restaurant you've chosen to apply at, is it the same one that Mr. Lain is currently overlooking?"

"That's a really good question, and no," Kaito answered. "It is not the same."

"I was getting that impression," Konosuke said not surprised to hear. "I know you have something planned but at least answer me this, what's your estimation for how long it will take until we gain clearance into his home?"

He stood there for a period of time, his eyes wondering in the process of this.

"Five days… no more than nine," Kaito said in response. "Pending what happens with my set up I plan to bring to the table."

"Is there anything you'll need me to do?"

"Soon, but not as of yet."

He then turned for the bed closets to the door, laying out the clothes taken from the closet as if to examine the combination further.

"This will defiantly do."

"At what time should I expect your return?"

"The meetings at four, so not too much longer after seven I'd suppose," Kaito replied. "Pending any additional details they might want to go over besides my resume, after all I'm going in for a management position."

"I might not be around when you return."

"Why's that?"

"I have an errand that I need to run around that time."

"Anything serious?"

"No, just looking to stack up on certain supplements."

"Supplements?"

"Something that should prove to be more than useful."

"I'll take your word for that."

After straightening up the clothes along the bed he then turned for the bathroom located near the door to the room.

"I'm going to go ahead and take a shower," Kaito said. "Will you still be here when I get out?"

"I don't plan on taking off until after five," Konosuke said in response. "So you can rest assured that I will be."

"Very well."

With that he headed straight for the bathroom, closing the door after stepping in. He immediately stepped up to the mirror, staring at his reflection for a time to come. It was as if he was waiting for an answer for a question which seemed to hold no true direction.

"How did it come to this?"

After a short period of waiting he had finally returned, holding a folder and computer in his left hand. The three looked on as he took a seat back at the desk.

"That didn't take long." Dick said being the first to speak.

"What's that you have with you, the file?" Heiji specified.

"Coridinance," Bruce replied. "The exact coridinance for where the stolen vehicle was found."

"Stolen vehicle," Heiji questioned. "I thought we were dealing with only a batch of stolen weapons, but I guess this should come as no surprise."

"Do we know who the van belonged to prior to this incident?" Dick asked,

"Not yet."

"Besides an obvious speculation, what lead to a confirmation that the vehicle was stolen?"

"The license plate found attached to the vehicle didn't match with the van when a further check was run," Bruce replied. "Which brings us to where we are now."

Once settled in he opened the file which had been set out atop the desk.

"I understand the cordinance, but what's with the computer," Heiji asked. "Can't you use the other computer that's already sitting here to plug in the cordinance needed?"

"That may be so," Bruce said. "But that wouldn't allow for me to view recorded feed of all the major intersections in the city."

"What's that?"

"I have a number of surveillance camera's set up around the city," Bruce replied. "This is one of three computers that have been set out to feed back visuals to me on a daily basis."

"Where exactly do you have these tapes?" Shinichi asked.

"A number of places, all public of course," Dick replied. "I've a number of set ups myself."

"So how does this tie into the stolen vehicles," Heiji asked. "Do you think there's a chance you might have gotten them on tape?"

"That's what I'm hoping for, yes," Bruce replied. "The abandoned van was found near the Gotham reservoir."

"Which is close to the center of the city." Dick commented.

"From what we've been able to gather, after the van was ditched, the burglars distributed the stolen goods into three more vehicles before taking off once again," Bruce continued. "And as we agreed upon earlier I think it's a safe bet they all traveled in separate directions."

"My stance has yet to change." Heiji agreed.

"Here's the thing," Bruce said. "No matter what direction they chose to take, there's a major cross intersection in all directions heading from the Gotham reservoir."

"That means?"

"Yes," Dick said pleased to confirm. "We should have them on tape."

To Be Continued