The Detective Prince
Chapter 128
Investigation Turns to A New Face
There was no one to be seen, but that was only at first glance. It was only a moment after that he noticed the back side of a hat, watching as someone rose from the chair in the seconds that followed. It was her, stepping up and turning with the flow of her dark brown hair falling from her shoulder where it rested.
He only took a few steps, letting her close out the rest of the gap. Her hazel blue eyes peered into his, an impassive expression which followed in the path of this. He was surprised to find her height exceeded his, even if it was only by mere inches. He was never one for creative greetings, simply holding out his hand upon her reaching the two of them.
"Heiji Hattori."
She accepted, meeting his grip with surprising equal force.
"Norwich," She spoke before breaking the hold. "Kylane Norwich, it's a pleasure to finally meet you detective."
There was something about, an odd feeling coming over him just after releasing the hold.
"I feel like I've seen her somewhere before," Heiji thought still locked eyes with her. "I just can't remember when."
"I've already gone over the details of the case with her regarding yesterday's incident," James informed breaking the brief silence. "I'll leave it to you to fill Ms. Norwich in with the further details we discussed on the way up."
"Loud and clear." Heiji said facing him.
"Is there anything further you'd like to ask of me, or detective Norwich for that matter?"
"There is one thing," Heiji replied. "I'm still uncertain of is how all of this is supposed to work out."
"That's actually quite simple," James said. "Wherever you go when crossing investigation grounds, she'll be with you."
"Like a guide?"
"In a sense, yes," James replied. "She'll be your superior if you want a clear way of depicting it, will that be alright with you?"
"That's not a problem at all." Heiji answered turning back to face her.
"You'll have clearance to certain places you didn't have before," James continued. "Though I'm sure none of this is a surprise to you."
"I'll do whatever is needed of me in any situation."
"That's what I expected to hear."
"Commissioner, if you don't mind there's some paper work I need to wrap up concerning the latest case worked," Kylane said. "Would it be ok if we picked up with this in the next twenty?"
"That's ok with me," James replied. "But you'll be proceeding without me."
"Why's that?" Heiji asked.
"There's somewhere I need to be."
"This should take no longer than thirty minutes at most." Kylane said.
"You're excused detective," James said. "Go ahead."
She gave a well noted nod before doing just that, his eyes trailing her the whole way. She completely fell out of sight within seconds, leaving just the two of them.
"So," James said in the wake of this. "What do you think?"
"What's that?"
"Detective Norwich, what did you think of her?" James clarified.
"She's focused, all about the job," Heiji replied. "Maybe even a little reserved in certain aspects."
"Not a bad list to describe her if I must say," James said. "Her qualities have made her very successful since coming here."
"Since coming here," Heiji questioned. "She wasn't always here with the GCPD?"
"That's right," James confirmed. "She spent three years at a police department in Philadelphia, it's only been a little over a year since she was transferred here."
"Why was she transferred?"
"It wasn't by reason, but of her own choice."
"Is that right?"
"If you wish to know more on the matter I suggest you take it up with detective Norwich herself," James said. "The inner details on the decision were personal."
"I understand," Heiji said. "I don't really feel the need to bring it up, unless something calls for it."
"I can't disagree," James said. "I'm heading out now, and probably won't be returning to the office until this evening some time."
"Guess that means I won't be touching base with you for a while," Heiji said. "Well, at least not in person."
"My phone will be on at all times," James assured. "If there's anything you need don't hesitate."
"Of course."
The two stepped out of the office in the seconds that followed, locking the door after doing so.
"So, how long until they've finished up with that elevator?" Heiji asked.
"Progress has been good," James replied. "From the looks of things they could be done as soon as tomorrow."
"A pleasant surprise," Heiji said. "The last I asked of it I was told it would be another week before things were up and running."
"We have great technicians who work our facilities."
"That would be hard to argue against."
They paced their way down the hall, feeling the vibration of his phone halfway through. This prompted him to stop, reaching into his pocket to grab hold of it.
"Phone call?" James asked stopping as well.
He raised it up into clarity before turning back to face him.
"This is one I have to take."
"Understandable," James said before turning back for the path ahead. "I have very little time to spare, perhaps I'll see you the next time you're in."
"We'll see."
He gave him a nod in response. With nothing further to discuss he turned back for the other side of the hall. The phone vibrated once more, reminding him of the incoming call.
"How goes the day?" Heiji answered taking the call.
"We need to talk," Bruce said. "Have you finished up at the station?"
"Just did," Heiji replied. "You couldn't have picked a better time."
"Good," Bruce said pleased to hear. "Would now be a good time for you to return to the manor?"
"I don't know about that one," Heiji replied while leaning to the right wall. "It's just I'm scheduled to be hitting the road with detective Norwich here soon."
"Interesting choice," Bruce said. "I wasn't anticipating that's who Gordon had in mind to pair you with."
"You've heard of her?" Heiji asked.
"I make it my business to keep up with all who operate at the GCPD," Bruce confirmed. "I'm just surprised she was chosen as your superior."
"Why," Heiji asked out of curiosity. "Do you feel she's not qualified in some kind of way?"
"No, that's not it at all," Bruce replied. "Her records as good as the next guy, it has more to do with the length served in Gotham."
"I see what you mean, she hasn't worked for the Gotham City Department all that long."
"Have you spoken with her?"
"Only briefly." Heiji confirmed.
"What did you think of her?"
"Couldn't give you a clear answer at this moment," Heiji replied. "We only touched base on the case at hand, at that was only for a short time."
"I see."
"What exactly is it you wanted to speak with me about," Heiji asked. "Is it something urgent?"
"I wouldn't call it urgent, but it does pertain to the case you're currently handling."
"Is this an update on that car caught on tape?"
"Can your phone receive video format?"
"You bet," Heiji replied. "What's the deal, you plan on sending something for me to view?"
"The last sighting of the Koenigsegg Agera R," Bruce confirmed. "They did just what I expected they'd do."
"Which was?"
"They drove all the way to the boarder of Gotham," Bruce replied. "On the south-west side of the city."
"Did they skip town entirely?"
"Being that they were headed for the Vinxefinkel Bridge it's looking that way," Bruce said in response. "I'll leave it to you to determine where they've gone."
"And if I'm able to find out just that?"
"Contact me immediately," Bruce replied. "Though I might not be at your side, there are other options that may allow for me to assist."
"I like the sound of that."
"I'll be forwarding you the footage I spoke of in the next few minutes, so be aware."
"I'll review it right away." Heiji assured.
"Get back to me when you can, and.. good luck."
The conversation ended with those final words, closing the phone before lowering it into the top slot of his jacket. He only stood there for a few seconds longer before finally continuing back down the hall, only one thing running through his mind. The unknown of what there would be to find going forward.
The sky had dimmed from the clouds taking center stage, making it cooler than it had been when he had taken off earlier. The weather was the last thing on his mind, most everything being blocked out by another success that which had been reached. The motel came into the clear after passing yet another street corner. There was little time to spare, hurrying along the way down the narrow street. Before arriving at the bottom of the fleet of stairs someone stepped out from a nearby tree, putting a stamp in his path.
"You're back sooner than I had expected," Konosuke said pleased to see him. "So, how did the interview go?"
No response was needed, the look on his face told the whole story.
"When do you start?"
"In three days," Kaito replied. "But I'm scheduled to return tomorrow, to touch base with some of the staff."
"Could not have hoped for better news."
"I take it you haven't been in the room all day?"
"Only for thirty minutes after you took off."
"Where did you go?"
"A public library."
"Interesting," Kaito said almost surprised to hear. "What were you doing there?"
"While surfing the net this morning I came across some information on our man Simon E. Lain." Konosuke replied.
"This should be good," Kaito said with high anticipation.
"It would appear Mr. Lain is the leader of a chess group who operate at Noun One library, the library just visited," Konosuke informed. "It's not located too far from here."
"How often is this chess meet held?"
"Once a month sir," Konosuke replied. "Their next group meet is exactly five days from now."
"So what's the catch, do you plan on attending?"
"That depends," Konosuke admitted. "It could work as a means of closing a gap of uncertain interest, wouldn't you say?"
"Are you implying that I should join up?"
"It could prove beneficial if you think about it," Konosuke hinted. "Starting a friendship must always begin with a solid foundation, why not through a series of chess?"
"I'm not looking for any pals to bump shoulders with," Kaito said gunning down his suggestion. "Besides, a plan has already been set for retrieving the device."
"And I didn't say there was, only that it would be safe to have a backup if this plan of yours falters in any fashion," Konosuke clarified. "I think even you could agree on that."
He didn't expect an answer, simply turning for the stairs which lead to the entrance of the motel.
"All I'm asking is that you give it some thought."
He stood there for a couple seconds longer, paying some mind to the proposition.
"There might be some weight to his point."
He followed him soon after, keeping the option presented at the back of his thoughts. But regardless, there was no doubt in his mind the Networks Pivotal Equalizer would be obtained.
It had been one of those slow starts to the day. He had only left the room once, currently lying on his back with his sights set on the ceiling. There was much sailing through his thoughts, some being problems that were stacked directly in front of him. But it wasn't those that were of the high concern to him, it was the puzzles that stood past arm's length that hampered his very core… feeling a drive only felt so often.
This brought a change in feel, frustration even. There was no other way of describing it. But no matter what, he was determined to keep his promise, one he had made to himself. There would be no mending from self-doubt or change in approach with any road block which may present itself. It was those very thoughts which kept him mentally as well as emotionally sustained. The sound of the phone could be heard from where it sat atop the dresser on the right side of the bed. He held it up to see the name registered to the incoming call.
"Glad you were able to find some time in your day to give me a call." Shinichi jokingly answered.
"There's never enough to do," Hiroshi said pleased to hear his voice. "I got the message you left."
"I figured it wouldn't take long for you to return the call."
"I wasn't sure if it was urgent or not, but called as soon as I could none the less."
"Nothing to worry about," Shinichi said in a calming matter. "I was just wondering if you had anything to add from your end."
"In regards to?"
"The heart attacks linked with lead poisoning," Shinichi specified. "Have there been any additional incidents since the last we spoke?"
"No, and thankfully so," Hiroshi said more than glad to report. "Speaking of which, how did things go with those files forwarded to you?"
"It helped," Shinichi replied. "What was found in the medical records you sent were in comparison with the ones we already had, consistency with this matter will only lead to one thing."
"Which is?"
"The truth," Shinichi replied. "It's only a matter of time before the source of the problem is determined, and once that happens hopefully we can put an end to this whole epidemic."
"Are you any closer to finding an answer to that?"
"No, but we're working day and night to try and get this thing solved," Shinichi assured. "Things have only become complicated with some other trials that have risen, but that has nothing to do with the point."
"Anything I can help with?"
"No, but thanks for asking."
"The others have asked about," Hiroshi informed. "They said when they tried reaching you there was no response to be gained."
"That's been the case with everyone," Shinichi said. "My phone's been off for the majority of the time, given the situation."
"They're worried about you," Hiroshi said. "You should give them a call; it will in the least settle their excitement."
"I'll add that to my to do list," Shinichi said in response. "What about Haibara?"
"The usual routine, hard at work," Hiroshi replied. "Something I'm sure you can relate with."
"Give her and everyone my best," Shinichi asked. "I'll contact them all soon."
"Is there anything else I can do to be of service?"
"No, but if anything comes up you'll be the first to know."
"I'll be looking forward to your next call, and… good luck."
"Thanks, we might just need it."
He didn't lower the phone from his ear until after hearing the emptiness from the other side. He placed the phone back onto the dresser before finding himself falling back to the comfort of the pillow from underneath. His eyes closed soon after, allowing his thoughts to drain center stage once again.
Traveling up and through the quietness of the stairwell had become routine, knowing when he had reached the floor to the lobby with little as a peak of an eye. The door was reached after a couple more steps taken, pulling it aside to find himself back on the main floor. He immediately looked to the right to see a group of people held in line, apparently all waiting to be booked in before being taken off to a cell.
"Looks to be business as usual."
Not wanting to get in the way of things he headed for the left side of the room, looking to return to the waiting area. The seat next to the door he had occupied earlier was empty yet again, finding that to be the best choice of his liking.
"I wonder if Gates is coming in today."
He reached the chair soon after, taking a seat within that instant. It didn't take long for him to look over to the empty chair aside his to realize the morning paper he had set there before was now gone.
"I was hoping that it would still be here when I returned," Heiji said before facing forward once again. "Guess it can't be helped."
Before he had the time to relax the subtle ring of his phone caught fire, letting him know a message had been received. He immediately reached down to grab hold of it to find who had sent the message.
"It's from Bruce; it must be the last of the video footage he mentioned." Heiji said not wasting any time in opening it.
He did just that, opening the message to reveal what was inside. It was just as expected; scanning all that could be seen in the video. It didn't take long for him to spot the vehicle in question trailing along amongst the vehicles, being that it was the only sports car to be found. There was no doubt, it was the one.
"That's a Koenigsegg Agera R alright."
By this point all vehicles had come to a stop, commanded by a red light from a street light. This only lasted for seconds before a green light took over in its place, allowing for all to drive onto the bridge which could clearly be seen. This was also the last sighting of the Agera R.
"So that's where the trail ends, and where ours will begin."
Before watching the video for a second time he realized he hadn't been sent just one video, but two. Not wanting to hold off he opened the second video to view the content. It turned out to be more footage of the same car, only found at another street intersection.
"This must be the first viewing of this car after yesterday's incident," Heiji said. "This is just as important."
Those next few minutes were used to further examine both videos, looking to see if there was anything he could learn further on the matter. It wasn't just the car itself he was studying, but everything around it as well. This included the surrounding vehicles. He checked to see if there were any other cars that had been seen in the first that were also in the second.
"There's about a twenty minute gap between the first recording and the second," Heiji quickly determined by checking the labeled times. "If there's another vehicle to be found in both videos besides the Koenigsegg Agera R, we could be looking at a potential accomplice."
He looked into that very possibility, very little being able to act as a distraction in the surrounding area. Minutes passed in the process of this, having no such luck in finding anything else that could prove useful. It was all sealed in his mind, from the color of the windows and tires to the letter style of the license plate. He leveled the phone down onto his lap; only at that moment did he see her, standing over him as if she had been waiting.
"You look occupied, is now not a good time?"
"Detective Norwich," Heiji said immediately standing to his feet. "I didn't even see you there."
"I finished filing the paper work necessary," Kylane said. "If you're ready I'd like to go over the evidence in the case."
"Yes, of course."
He reached straight for his phone, bringing the video footage back to the screen in no time before handing it to her.
"What am I supposed to be looking at?"
"Street traffic, minutes right after the robbery occurred," Heiji replied. "The footage is was taken from about a block away, there's one vehicle in particular you should be keeping an eye on."
"Yes?"
"Look closely, the black Koenigsegg Agera R is the one in question," Heiji pointed out. "Notice anything strange about it?"
She took the next moments to give it a hard long stare, before looking back to him with the shake of her head.
"I can't say I do."
"The license plate, there's one located on the rare of the car but not on the front," Heiji said jumping right to the point. "According to the laws in this state that's illegal."
"You're absolutely right."
"Tap the screen of the phone."
She did as instructed, unsure of what would come of this. A new video came to the screen showcasing the Agera R once again, this time at another street intersection.
"That's right by the Vinxefinkel Bridge," Heiji spoke positive she was now viewing the second video. "It would appear that's the direction they headed in."
"Which means they've left town," Kylane said. "What other evidence do you have in regards to this car being involved in the robbery, because all you've presented thus far is a base hunch."
"One which is reasonable," Heiji argued. "My gut instinct tells me that car was involved in somehow."
"My track record doesn't stand on instinct nor has it on weightless hunches," Kylane said. "If you want to follow up on this we're going to need solid evidence."
"So that's it huh, you're not even going to consider the possibility?"
"Let's say that I do, let's say we track this person down," Kylane said providing a scenario. "What if it turns out to be someone who had just been crossing town and had no idea of the regulations centered on the city?"
"Then we reroute," Heiji replied. "That's part of the drill of the drive, you're going to hit your stumps every now and then."
"I do my best to avoid those situations," Kylane said showing a slight raise in energy. "And with the lack of any solid evidence I just don't see why the effort should be put, not when there's so much more I could be focusing on."
"What do you mean?"
"There's people suffering from where we stand to every corner in this city," Kylane replied giving an example. "Sickness, a rise in gang activity, and violence beyond reason… all which have seen a rise in the past year."
"That can be found anywhere you go."
"I've handled multiple cases in the past month, do you know how many children are without parents.. how many families destroyed from these growing shifts in society?"
"But what if you're wrong?"
"…"
"What if that person driving that car did in fact have an outing in taking those guns," Heiji asked looking to widen the perspective. "Chances are they don't plan on holding onto those weapons for show, someone or many will get hurt… and that cycle you spoke of will only continue; another child without a parent, more families ripped apart."
"Detective…"
"You see that's the thing about a gun, its evolution over time, a connection to what we as a people have experienced with growth… I can appreciate the good a weapon of that magnitude can bring," Heiji continued. "The cold steel, the bullet; a means of changing life… history."
"What are you trying to get at detective?"
He looked away, taking seconds before responding.
"If that person driving that car turns out to be involved with those weapons getting shipped and somebody gets hurt, or worse," Heiji said with a pause. "That's blood on us… on mine, that's not something that goes away easily."
"What do you want?"
"A chance," Heiji replied. "Maybe the outcome won't amount to what my dead instincts fuming from, but we'll never know if we don't at least look into the matter."
There was a long moment of silence, looking into her eyes as if trying to read what she was going through her mind. She handed him his phone back without warning before pulling out her own.
"What are you doing?" Heiji asked.
"I need to make a couple calls," Kylane replied. "That is if you really want to attempt at tracking down that car."
"Of course."
"The Vinxefinkel Bridge once crossed will lead to one of two locations," Kylane informed. "Metropolis or Central City, I'm going to go ahead and alert the police force of both cities to let them know of our situation."
"Jurisdiction?"
"That, and the process would go a lot smoother if we had them check their surveillance cameras they have in place," Kylane replied. "If that car passed through it's bound to be on tape."
"Detective Norwich, I can't thank you enough."
"Don't thank me yet detective," Kylane said turning for the door. "We have a long journey ahead of us."
"You don't have to tell me."
"Oh, and I'm going to need your phone."
"That's right," Heiji said. "You're going to need to forward the video to the other police stations."
He handed her the phone just as they walked out past the door with, and just like that another adventure was just about to begin.
It was that time of day, the hour where everything seemed to be going in full circle. There was no stopping, everything and everyone was in constant movement. Well, at least through their eyes. The main door to the building had finally been reached, welcomed by the cool air that blew past. They moved straight ahead, not hard to figure where the front desk was.
They knew how to walk, keeping each step in proportion with the shift in their hips. The dress swayed in both directions, grabbing the attention of many who looked on in awe. Even the young gentleman working the front desk couldn't help but flash a smile. She was in a way mysterious, hidden behind the hat and pair of shades that were placed over her. She stopped once reaching the desk with the removal of the shades.
"Hi there." She greeted with a daring grin.
His hands unknowingly began to shake while in the process of answering.
"Welcome to Wayne Enterprises," He said delivering a smile of his own. "How may I help you today?"
"I'd like to meet with the man himself," She replied leaning in with both hands placed onto the counter. ".. Bruce Wayne."
"Could you state your name and business?" He asked pulling out a pen and slip of paper.
"I'm actually short on time, but here's my card."
She took a step away before reaching into her purse, taking little time for her to hold out the card promised. He took it into his hand, never losing sight of her eyes.
"Give this to him for me," She asked with a widening smile. "I'll return later with my point of business, and then a time can be set."
"You have my word," He said honored to be handed with the task. "I'll make sure Mr. Wayne gets this as soon as possible."
"Good day."
With that she turned away, placing the shades back on with the readjustment of the positioning of the purse. She walked out in the same fashion as she had coming in, still receiving a high audience of praise. The brightening smile she had before quickly turned into a devilish smirk after stepping out past the exit.
He had watched her the whole way out, admiring her figure along with the way she moved the whole way through.
"There's something about that girl," The clerk said to himself. "I feel like I've seen her somewhere before... but where?"
Maybe seeing her name would help jog his memory. The business card was flipped to its back side where her picture could be found along with much information. But it was the top line that caught his eye, her name… almost saying it the instant he laid eyes on it with his familiarity of her coming to the surface.
"… Vineyard Chris."
They had driven for a good distance by now. By this time they had found themselves on the bridge, slightly backed up in traffic. He had been monitoring his phone throughout, half expecting he'd be receiving a response from his messages sent.
"Bruce asked to be kept updated on the situation," Heiji thought. "Maybe the fact he's busy is the reason I haven't heard back from him."
He looked out the window at that moment, sighting a jet which was soaring along in the far distance. There hadn't been much words exchanged between the two since hitting the road. He turned that way to see her eyes on the streets ahead, and nothing else. The radio was on, but other than that it was relatively quiet.
Wanting to start conversation he sat up in the seat, turning to look her way.
"You're not very talkative," Heiji began. "Do you not normally work with others?"
"I'll cope with whoever is assigned to work alongside me."
"Seems like it's been awhile," Heiji said. "When's the last time you worked with someone other than me?"
"I'd rather focus on the road," Kylane said in response. "If you'd like you're free to change the station on the radio."
With that another strand of quietness followed.
"So much for that."
He respected her wishes, choosing not to advance any further with conversation. The silence was short lived, only seconds passing before the ring of the phone could be heard. He quickly came to find that it wasn't his, but had come from hers.
"This is Detective Norwich."
The call lasted for over a minute, he caught very little of what was said being that he wasn't trying to listen in. He had no idea if it was related to the case at hand or not. Once the call had come to an end she glanced over at him before turning back for the road.
"It would appear your gut feeling has paid off."
"What happened," Heiji asked sitting up. "Did they find the car?"
"That's what the police from Central City are reporting."
"And what of the stolen weapons," Heiji asked. "Were there any found in the vehicle?"
"I'm not sure," Kylane replied. "But it runs deeper than that now."
"Huh?"
"We're now dealing with a homicide," Kylane informed. "The driver of that car you've brought to everyone's attention was found dead, one shot to the head."
"What?!"
"I wasn't given all the details," Kylane said. "I was told someone from their police force would be briefing us on the matter when we get there."
"How much longer do you think that will take?" Heiji asked looking back toward the streets ahead.
"At the rate we're going twenty minutes, thirty at longest."
"Not as long as I was imagining."
Given the situation he knew it was now time to send a report, sending him yet another message he hoped he would soon receive. The wait seemed to get longer by the minute, feeling a sudden disgust inside from the fact he wasn't able to prevent what had happened.
He weakened the tightness of his clutched fist, breathing with a deep breath taken to help calm himself for what was to come. This was a case which would need him at his best, something he felt would be delivered once they arrived. They finally found their way off of the bridge after a length of time, finding the drive much smoother from there on out. It took another ten minutes before either spoke again.
"Get ready," Kylane said. "The reported crime scene is no more than five minutes away."
He was more ready than ever, turning off the phone before tucking it away into the security of his pocket. It was those last minutes that seemed to go the quickest, and before they knew it an area alongside the road blocked off by patrol cars and crime scene tape came into view.
"This must be it."
They came to a complete stop shy of reaching the scene itself, stepping out only to immediately be approached by a police officer who had been standing guard.
"I don't recall us calling in reinforcements," The officer spoke. "Who are you two?"
"We're from the GCPD." Heiji informed.
"Come again?"
"The Gotham City Police Department." Kylane clarified.
"You both came all the way from Gotham," The officer said with a brow raised. "On what reasons?"
"Never mind it detective," Another officer said coming to his side. "I'll take over from here."
"They say they're from the GCPD."
"Yea, I know," The man with rich blonde hair replied. "I was told they were the ones to put a report out on this car, even before our guys got a hold of it."
"Is that right?"
"They're a part of this, you go ahead and stand guard," He instructed. "I'll take over from here."
"You're call officer."
The young man then turned his sights to the two of them, giving them one of the warmer welcoming smiles anyone would ask to have.
"Welcome detectives," He said before then turning to face him directly. "I've heard much about you Detective Hattori, it'll be nice to finally get to work with you."
"You know me," Heiji said more than surprised to hear. "How?"
"Heard about you from Wayne," The man replied. "Bruce had nothing but good things to say."
"Is that so?"
"How rude of me," He said looking the two of them over. "I have yet to introduce myself."
"It's never too late for introduction." Heiji said.
"Allen," The man said holding out his hand to greet his. "Barry Allen."
To Be Continued