The Detective Prince

Chapter 142

Stance Given

There was nothing that could cut through the mission at hand; their focus couldn't be any more matched. With everything seemingly scattered that had presented itself, it would be up to them to gradually piece everything together in a comprehensible stage. But even with so many questions on the surface left unanswered, there was something deep to be sensed from within.. a connection, one which he was not ready to acknowledge.

The details in full were now displayed on screen, making it easy for them to analyze everything that has happened up to this point all at once.

"This is it," Bruce announced leaning back in position. "All the data we've collected thus far in the case of our multi weapons killer whose last known appearance being at Mount Zomoph."

"The weapons of course being firearms, handheld knives, and most recently explosives," Shinichi said specifically detailing all. "The challenge now is to build a profile of the killer using what we know based off of his tactics, it's not every day you learn of someone who's extremely proficient in using firearms, blades, and handling explosives."

"A point open to exploit."

"My thoughts exact," Shinichi said. "And though it's too early to conclude, I'd say our guy might possibly have a military background with all things considered."

"Definitely a consideration," Bruce replied. "But above all there's one detail we should be keying in on."

He was completely pulled in by this statement, redirecting his sights from the computer monitor to where he sat in the chair left of him.

"Which detail is that?"

"The incident which occurred after you and Tim chased down the fugitive after exiting Mount Zomoph," Bruce back tracked. "As you know the bomber learned of the tracer placed on him and set up a surveillance camera in the alleyway the two of you were lured to."

"How could I forget," Shinichi said remembering every detail. "No way either of us were expecting a counter measure of that magnitude."

"The fact this individual became aware of the tracer so soon is impressive," Bruce admitted. "But there's something bigger to take from this."

"The fact that no further move has been made by the killer since our encounter," Shinichi replied having a feel for what was hinted at. "Especially since he obtained surveillance feed for what the two of us look like."

"Exactly," Bruce confirmed. "And though it would be hard for him to link up a profile with your face, Tim on the other hand is another story."

"Do you really believe the killer will make an attempt on his life?"

"If that were their goal I'm sure one would have been made by now, with today's technology a face scan centered on citizens of Gotham only would have taken a couple hours at most," Bruce stated. "The fact no move has been made by this point tells me that's not what they have in mind."

"What if they're just waiting?"

"For what?"

"The right opportunity," Shinichi replied. "With guys like the one we're dealing with now it's all about situation and advantage."

"A good point, but answer me this," Bruce said looking up at him. "What man is going to stand poised in wait of opportunity when it's clear someone is attempting to track them?"

"Not many."

"Which leads to my next thought," Bruce continued as he looked back to the computer monitor. "With all things considered, I'm starting to wonder if there is some level of familiarity."

This latest statement was another that left him on the edge outside the circle.

"What do you mean?" Shinichi asked.

"As slim as it may be, there's a chance the person we're hunting down knows Tim," Bruce conveyed. "Possibly even me."

"What," Shinichi exclaimed upon hearing this. "Are you sure?"

"Not a given," Bruce cemented. "The fact the man you two crossed hasn't made another move as of yet opens up the possibility just mentioned."

He took the next moments to think about what was laid down, finding himself making more sense of it the more he thought about it.

"So let's say this hunch of yours turns out to be true," Shinichi said giving into the possibility. "Anybody you have in mind, somebody I should be aware of for that matter?"

"That part I haven't given deep thought to," Bruce admitted. "The list is broad, and something I don't want to spend too much time on until I'm completely sure."

Things fell silent between the two with that last proclaim. There had been something on the back of his mind for the past day or so, something he had been wanting to bring up, and with a time like the moment that presented itself what better time than to propose the question.

"Hey Bruce," Shinichi asked with his eyes now focused on the screen. "There's something I've been wanting to ask."

"About?"

"A case," Shinichi replied as he looked down at him once more. "One that you've been handling."

…

There was no telling what was to come in the hours that would soon pass. In his mind there was only two things that he could do to gain the needed trust, cooperation and patience. He was asked to place his leg atop the table where he sat, watching as the man he came to know as Lovob wrapped a leather strap around his ankle, one which had a small device attached.

After having it locked into place he was given the ok to place his foot back to the ground, immediately facing the man who sat opposite of him on the other side of the table.

"What's this you've ordered them to strap around my ankle?" Kaito asked.

"When going into business with anyone insurance is top priority," Penguin grinned in response. "That my friend that has been attached to you is a tracking device, one which will allow us to keep tabs on your every move."

"I'm getting the feeling there's a little more to it than that."

"I wouldn't have expected anything less in a response from you," Penguin replied. "You're right, its tracking features are only one of its two main functions."

"Do you plan on sharing what the other is?"

"Well of course, what would be the point in me mentioning it if I wasn't going to tell you?"

"Alrighty then," Kaito said leaning back in the chair while placing his hands to the back of his head. "Let's hear it, you've definitely got my interest."

"Your wittiness is not something I normally tolerate, but given your apparent skill and possible use to me I'll let it pass for the time being," Penguin stated. "Now onto the devices second use, other than serving as a tracker it can also be used as the ultimate defense."

"Ultimate defense?"

"Yes, an explosive," Penguin smilingly announced. "If at any time I feel you're falling short of seeing a given task through or become disobedient in any kind of way I can set the explosive to ignite, one with a blast radius half the size of a football field."

"Now I see what you meant before about insurance," Kaito said removing his hands from the back of his head while sitting straight once again. "Well played Cobblepot, you've got this whole thing figured out."

"Even with the situation stacked as is you still remain testy, It'd be a red tail lie if I didn't admit to being moderately humored by your persistence."

"I have a question."

"I see," Penguin said having an idea of where he'd bounce next. "You're ready to learn what your first mission will have in store for you."

"No, though I'm interested to know there's something else that I must ask," Kaito replied. "The man that you were after, Mr. Lain, what was it you wanted with him?"

"An odd question to say the least, but I guess it makes sense since our following of apprehension of him lead to your travels here," Penguin said in response. "And to answer your question he had something of.. interest if you will, a unique device I was planning on stripping from his possession."

"And what device might that be?"

"Something known as the Networks Pivotal Equalizer."

All came to a stop at that very second, yet another added complication added to the already growing tornado of trials he would have to overcome. There was no reaction to come in his face, knowing this was key in keeping the poise necessary. But even with things clouded more so than ever before, could this latest development be used as an advantage?

"So," Kaito began as he brought his hands to the top of the table. "Did you manage to uncover the device you speak of?"

"No, which is where you come in," Penguin declared. "You're going to retrieve it for us."

With all the downs and outs, this was a shift he could not have foreseen to come. No matter, he kept the same casual look on his face as he waited for him to speak further.

"You're speechless, good," Penguin said dropping the grin from his face. "Now we can begin discussing why you're here now, business."

…..

He stood before him with an almost shocked expression to be found, never expecting to hear the proposition that had just been proposed.

"Let me get this straight, besides handling the immediate matter you want to help in the case of the missing patient of Dr. Leslie Thompkins named Danielle Walden."

"And his daughter Mera, I heard you discussing details of the case earlier," Shinichi said. "And after seeing the headline of the case on TV last night I can't help but want to take action, call it an investigators initiative if you will."

"I see."

"So what's that for a response," Shinichi asked. "Yes.. a maybe?"

"We'll leave it open for discussion," Bruce said as he stood up from the computer chair. "For now I want you to stay the course on the case we're working now, the ramifications for what could come of it in the long run could be severe if we don't figure this out now."

These last words were followed by him turning for the stairs leading to the upper levels in the short distance away, stopped after taking only one step.

"Where are you going?"

"I have a call to make," Bruce replied before pressing on. "I will return shortly."

With that he brought a hand to his left pocket, sinking it deep within to grab hold of a thin object. It was brought into the fold about the same time the stairs were reached, gazing down at the number which had been passed onto him. If not now, then when? A decision was made in that instant, feeling now was the time to make the call.

Using his free hand he grabbed hold of the phone in the opposite pocket, bringing the slip of paper to eye level to read the written name as a reminder of sorts.

'Vineyard Chris'

With everything now set he dialed the number, bringing the phone to his ear as he made the first steps up the stairs. It was now a wait, hearing the ring which he hoped would soon be replaced by a voice from the other end.

To Be Continued