The Detective Prince

Chapter 130

Other Side to the Man

"What?!"

With the handkerchief still in hand he pulled out from the back seat, returning to the driver side of the car within seconds after learning this. It was then that he witnessed it, looking down to find the emptiness of where a left eye had once been.

"The more we learn, the more bizarre the situation is turning out to be." Barry said.

"What about his right eye," Heiji asked. "Have you checked there as well?"

He nodded, closing the eye lid of the left before leaning out from the car seat across.

"Yes," Barry confirmed. "It was surgically taken out just as the left."

"And done well."

"Only adding onto the disturbance."

"Makes you wonder if we're dealing with someone who was working in the medical field," Heiji said bringing a hand to his chin. "But it certainly raises more questions."

"No kidding."

"When could the eyes been taken out, surely after he was dead," Heiji said with a pause. "But who would spend the time to do that on the side of the road, they would take a high risk of being spotted."

"It takes time to precisely remove someone's eyes like we've seen here," Barry said. "There's a lot not adding up."

"This makes no sense," Heiji said. "Why remove the eyes… is there a real purpose for doing so?"

"Maybe not on the surface of things," Barry said. "But there might be a few possibilities to consider, there's only very few that come to mind at the top of my head."

It was in mid-sentence that he glimpsed down, taking notice of the elegant piece of cloth which could be found in his grasp.

"What's that you've got there?" Barry asked.

"Oh, you mean this," Heiji said holding it up. "I found it in the back seat, I'm not sure of its relevance to the case, if any at all."

He handed it over to him with nothing further.

"I'll take this to the lab as well," Barry said yanking an empty plastic bag from his pocket. "We'll find out if there is any importance to it."

The blue piece of cloth was then sealed away, placed into the top pocket of his shirt after doing so.

"Was there anything else you came across when searching the back seats?"

"The rest was clear, nothing of disturbance in hindsight," Heiji replied. "But I'd still check for prints, there might be something to find."

"Which will be done."

"There's still one place we've yet to check," Heiji stated. "The trunk of the car."

"They already had a look before your arrival," Barry informed. "The only thing to be found was a tool box and a spare tire."

"Are those items still there?" Heiji asked looking toward the back of the car.

"No, all items have already been taken to the lab for tests," Barry replied. "And since we've gone through our first look I'd like to get the rest of this stuff to the crime lab as well."

"Already," Heiji said surprised by this. "Why so soon?"

"I think we both can agree we're not going to get any answers out here," Barry said in response. "There are just too many holes."

"Can't really disagree."

"Here," Barry said pulling something from his back pocket. "You'll be needing this."

He held out his hand, accepting a card of some kind into his hand. He took the next seconds to look it over before looking back up to face him.

"What's this for?"

"Clearance."

"Clearance," Heiji asked. "For what?"

"You're going to need it to get past the security doors leading to the forensics lab at the Central City Police Department, I want you to meet me there tonight."

"But won't you need it," Heiji asked. "How are you supposed to get in?"

"You don't worry about me," Barry said. "There are other methods of getting into the lab besides the front door."

"I don't know what you mean, but I'll take your word for it," Heiji said. "And you're sure who's ever running security will let me pass?"

"As long as you have that card you should be alright," Barry replied. "But in the case you do run into any problems just say I sent you."

"Sounds simple enough," Heiji said. "And at about what time did you have in mind?"

"Midnight," Barry replied. "No later no earlier."

"Interesting decision."

"Maybe so," Barry agreed. "But by that time most everyone will have cleared out for the night, leaving everything in the lab for the two of us."

"You make a good point."

"Going over the evidence for this case is not all I had in mind," Barry said. "There's a lot I'd like to discuss with you about... other matters."

"I'm intrigued," Heiji admitted. "Anything you need me to bring?"

"Just yourself." Barry smilingly replied.

The two were joined in the following moments by the detective who had been standing guard in front of the crime scene tape.

"Detective Allen," He said after reaching the two. "The news reporters are all but a minute away, what would you like me to report when they arrive?"

"Keep it basic as you can," Barry replied. "There are still too much unanswered questions to depict what has happened here."

"Roger that."

It was at that moment that the three of them were joined by detective Norwich who had come from the left side.

"It's confirmed," Kylane reported. "The Grande Puissance 35 found in the car was one of the weapons stolen from that shop where the robbery occurred."

"There's one question answered." Heiji said pleased to hear.

"And about a dozen more to go," Barry commented. "But at least that's a start."

Several spectators could be seen driving by at this time, interest clearly rising at the current situation. They were joined by yet another officer within no time.

"Lieutenant Brock," Barry said looking over his shoulder. "I didn't realize you were here."

"Not until about two minutes back," He informed. "I was told two detectives from the GCPD are linked to this."

"Then you heard correctly," Kylane said holding out a hand. "Detective Norwich."

"It's a pleasure." Lieutenant Brock said shaking her hand.

"And this here is Heiji Hattori." Kylane said with the nod of her head.

He immediately turned to face him after learning this.

"It's good to have you here as well."

He met his hand halfway, giving a firm grip which was gained in response.

"I hope we're able to help make a difference in the outcome of this." Heiji said.

"Don't we all." Lieutenant Brock said in an agreeing manner.

He looked to the left at the sight of him coming to his side.

"I thought you had office duties today, but since you're here I can only assume you were sent to gather information on the situation," Barry said. "Unless you've to see me that is."

"You're right, on count one," Lieutenant Brock confirmed. "I was sent to collect information on the situation, directly from the commissioner himself."

"He loves having you on the front lines," Barry remarked. "But given your recorded success on the field I can't argue against the call."

"Do we have a name for the victim?" Lieutenant Brock asked taking a peak over at the driver side of the car.

"There was no form of Identification found on him."

"Time of death?"

"Only an estimation as of now."

"What was the type of gun used in the shooting?"

"That is still yet to be determined." Barry replied

"Why don't you start off by telling him what we do know?" Heiji said re-entering the conversation.

"Good thinking." Barry said looking his way.

"Best way of approach if I must say." Lieutenant Brock said agreeing in full.

"Then it's settled," Barry said. "I'll tell you everything there is to know once we get to the station."

"Why not now?"

"We're getting ready to relocate all evidence to the lab," Barry replied. "We've found all we can learn while here, picking up at the lab would be the best option at this point."

"What about the body?"

"It can be moved separately," Barry replied. "All necessary photos and searches have already been made."

"Good," Lieutenant Brock. "And I'd imagine they've already called for the transportation truck."

"Already on its way." Barry confirmed.

"Excellent," Lieutenant Brock said pleased to hear. "I'm going to go ahead and return to the office, I'll see you there."

"Twenty sharp."

He nodded, finding his way into the direction where most patrol cars could be seen parked. It was now just the three of them once again. He turned to face the two before speaking.

"Looks like we've wrapped up stage one of these proceedings," Barry said. "I appreciate the two of you coming down here and confirming the car for us."

"I hope you don't plan on getting rid of us so soon." Kylane said in response.

"What's that?"

"I spoke with the commissioner of the GCPD while I was on my phone as well," Kylane informed. "He wants the identification of the victim to be confirmed before we return back to Gotham."

"Not sure how long that may take," Barry admitted. "It could be hours, days; a week even."

"We're up for the wait," Kylane said. "It's part of the job."

"Love the mentality."

"He mentioned it could be days," Heiji said quickly to remind. "In the case of that where would we stay?"

"There's a little place I know of not from here," Kylane said. "We'll swing by there once all has been handled here."

"Sounds good," Barry said. "Maybe I'll see the both of you again sooner rather than later."

"I'm looking forward to it."

"As you know there's still much to be done."

"This must be the part where we part ways."

"For now, yes," Barry said. "But only for now, if anything is learned at the lab you'll be the first two that I'll call."

With that he turned for where all parked vehicles were located, heading that way with nothing further to be said.

"Wait," Heiji said putting a stall in his path. "It'd make it a lot easier to contact us if you had my number."

"Don't mind it," Barry said glimpsing back at him. "I already got it from Wayne, and you've got mine."

"I do?"

"Check your left pocket."

He did just that, coming to feel a slip of paper.

"When did he get the chance to…?"

He pulled it out, seeing a written number with his name in bold print beneath. By the time he looked up he was already clear out of the normal chatting range.

"Should I be surprised?"

He regained his focus soon after, turning his sights back to his assigned partner who had already begun walking back to where the patrol car had been parked.

"So much for the heads up."

Without any further delay he followed after her.

The day had gone as planned thus far, the pacing fitting in line with what they had planned. But above all an important bridge of opportunity had been created, leaving room for error if it did come to occur. The hall was silent, nothing that wasn't expected at this time of day. Several doors were passed as they walked, finally reaching their destination.

They reached for the keys in the left pocket, hearing the ring upon raising them. Before the proper key could be pulled from the bunch the door opened without warning.

"You're back earlier than expected Master Kuroba," Konosuke said pleased to greet him. "How did it go?"

"As planned," Kaito replied. "No better, no worse."

"Well done," Konosuke said taking a step off to the side. "Come on in."

He did nothing short of accepting as he walked through, not coming to a stop until after reaching the second bed. He took a seat once there before removing the bag weighing down on his shoulders.

"So," Konosuke said after locking the door. "Were you able to learn anything new about Simon E. Lain?"

"No, and that was never the plan," Kaito replied. "I only wished to learn more about that chess club you brought to my attention."

"I take it you registered for participation?"

"That can only be done through the one who runs the club, in this case being through Simon himself," Kaito said in response. "Fortunately I know the day for when their next meet is to be held, and rest assured… we will be there."

"We?"

"That's right," Kaito replied. "Not only will I be making an appearance, but you as well."

"Is that so?"

"You'll play a small role, no rehearsal needed."

"I see you've taken my advice on keeping an open mind for other approaches," Konosuke said pleased to learn. "Though I'm still anxious to know the details surrounding your initial plan on how we're going to get our hands on the Networks Pivotal Equalizer."

"I'll go over that with you soon enough," Kaito assured. "If all goes as planned we should have it within our hands in seven days."

"I'm all in with the sound of that."

"Good," Kaito said glad to hear. "Because the first move to be made will be tomorrow."

All was blocked to the mind, leaving nothing but one clear image to depict. The lids twitched every other moment; a sense reflection was center stage. The hair line, any visible marks, the lips, ears, and then there were those eyes… the ones that seemed to tell the hidden story, a story cracked in proportions like a puzzle.

It was all there, sealed away with every last detail that could be rehashed. His eyes slid open, looking toward the sketch that had been created from his memory of that face.

"How does it look," Bruce asked holding up the final product. "Does this look like the man you encountered on the bus that night?"

He paced himself over to his side, grabbing hold of the sketch that had been created. There was no lingering doubt; this was a mere image of the face sealed in his mind.

"That's him," Shinichi said with the shake of his head. "This defiantly the man I encountered at Mount Zomoph."

"That's one step in the right direction."

"Not a bad job drawing it up," Shinichi complimented before handing the sheet back to him. "Any chance you recognize him?"

He took the sketch into hand, absorbing all features with one quick look.

"No," Bruce replied. "I can't say that I have."

"And here I was hoping for a jump start," Shinichi said. "That keeps us at the same position we were already in."

"Maybe so, but at least the rest of us now have a visual of who we should be looking for," Bruce said. "We don't have much, but waiting for them to make their next move is not an option."

"A belief we all share no doubt." Shinichi said as he made his way over to the window side.

He stood there, staring out the window toward the city in the far distance.

"There's just one thing," Shinichi thought. "How are we going to find this guy before he makes another move with so little we know?"

It was the obvious thought on both of their minds, not another word coming between the two for those next minutes to come.

Everything was going as planned. They checked the time as they trailed down the stairs leading to the side walk. It was now forty three after eleven, more than enough time to reach the destined location before the agreed time. There was no stopping, not doing so until after reaching the edge of the roadside.

It took only a short time for a cab to appear after signaling for. They took to the back seat, closing the door in the process of doing so. It was only a matter of seconds into the ride that the drive looked back at them.

"Where to?" The driver asked with a smile.

"The Police Headquarters."

"Not often I get that request, I'll have you there in no time."

With that they faced the front, all focus now on the road ahead. Not another word was said as the true ride began. There was much to observe as they drove, gaining a familiarity of their surroundings they hadn't had before. Time became lost to the mind after a short period, almost surprised to look up when the station was in view.

"This is it."

With that the cab driver pulled up to the front doors before bringing the vehicle to a stop.

"I hope I got you here in a timely fashion."

"With time to spare."

He was pleased to hear this, taking only seconds before they were paid for the service.

"Come back any time."

They nodded before exiting the vehicle. The time was fast approaching, only five minutes remaining until midnight. They walked in past the automatic doors, looking directly ahead to see what appeared to be the front desk clear across the room.

They reached into their pocket as they neared, pulling out the key that had been given to them earlier in that day. An officer could be seen standing behind the desk, clearly reading over something that was set out in front of them.

"Good evening," The officer said taking notice of them. "It's not usual we get people coming in this late, most tend to call."

"I don't have a problem; I'm only here to visit the forensics lab."

"That must make you detective Hattori," The officer said. "Barry informed us you might be coming in, do you have a security card that gives you passage through our secure areas?"

"I assume you're talking about this." Heiji said holding up the card key.

"That'd be the one," The officer said with a nod. "Head to the right down that hall, last door on the left is where the lab is located."

"Thanks," Heiji said walking that way. "I appreciate you pointing me in the right direction."

He hurried along, following what had been instructed. There were very few doors located along the walls as he followed the path. He stopped once reaching the end, looking to the left door as told. The card was given one clean swipe, gaining clearance on the first attempt.

"That works."

There was no hesitation, simply pushing past the door which now brought him into a now relatively dark surrounding. There were only two lights flashing from the ceiling, both very dim at that. It wasn't too much of a bother, easily able to find his where the lab tables could be found on the right side of the room. There were four tables in all, quickly seeing there was no body to be found.

"I see," Heiji thought. "They must have closed up shop for the night."

He checked his watch, sighting there was only one minute away before midnight was to hit.

"Can't examine the situation without a body," Heiji said pulling out his phone. "Better go ahead and give him a call."

The number had already been saved into his contacts, only taking the click of the button. It took merely one ring before his voice could be heard from the other end.

"This is Barry."

"Detective Allen, it's me," Heiji said. "Where are you?"

"Oh, it's you," Barry said almost surprised to hear. "Just got out of the shower."

"Just got out of the shower," Heiji questioned as he began pacing in place. "We agreed we'd meet at the Central City forensics lab at midnight… which is now."

"Oops, I completely forgot about that," Barry laughingly admitted. "Give me one second."

"How long do you think it will take for." Heiji began only to hear that the transmission between them had ended. "Wait… did he just hang?"

There wasn't much time given for him to think on the matter, only moments passing before an erratic sound could be heard from behind, one which he had never heard before. By the time he turned the noise had stopped, nearly jumping at the sight of a dark figure standing in the shadows across the way.

"I told you I'd only be a second."

"Ba.. Barry?"

"One and only."

"But weren't you just at your house," Heiji asked. "And how in the world did you get in here?"

"By a means which most do on a daily basis, running."

He slowly moved forward, stepping into the light which caused his eyes to widen… never expecting to see what he was now facing.

"Barry you're wearing.."

"Let us not stand on unfamiliar ground, that will help this investigation go by smoother," Barry said stopping him in his words. "You can call me The Flash."

To Be Continued