Chapter 17 - To fool your enemies, you must first fool...?
Earlier in the morning, a few hours before Conan had the call from Inspector Megure about the mess from the other evening, both his parents had dropped by their house.
"Geh, what are you doing here?" was the warm welcome Yusaku received as Conan noticed the man accompanying his mother. Standing in the doorway with open arms, as if he expected his son to leap in like an eager child.
"Is that any way to talk to your father, Shin-chan?" Yukiko chided along as Yusaku feigned a tear.
"I thought he was busy hiding from his editors in London. Seeing as he couldn't even be bothered to send a few messages or a single phone call."
The last time he'd had any meaningful contact with his father was when he'd asked him to investigate that man, Akai Shuichi. Even then, his father had ended the call quickly, providing little useful information. Almost as if he didn't want anyone tracking his calls.
"Speaking of, should you really be out like this?" Conan continued.
"Hahaha, an active body necessitates an active mind. My editors know that as well. Besides, they haven't exactly been hounding me for the past couple of months."
"I wonder why…"
…
Seems like his father was enjoying a nice long holiday while everyone else who had heard the rumors about his missing son were starting to get really worried. Well, he certainly wouldn't be winning any father-of-the-year awards anytime soon, if people found that out.
Conan's sneer remained fixed, not in the least amused by his father's attempt at humor.
"Besides, I'm only here for a day. My work there was almost done when I heard about your little adventure from the previous night from Yukiko."
"So, care to explain what happened back there? It's not like you to make such a risky gamble. Moving all your pieces to danger."
Seeing that his son wasn't responding, he continued.
"You failed to prevent the assassination, couldn't recover the poison or its data, left that young miss in danger, showed yourself to the FBI, and need I even say anything about that Organization member, Masuyama-san?"
"According to the ballistics report, the bullet lodged in his head matched the one found in Namaguchi's body. Both were fired from the same gun that the police discovered in the room. With no other fingerprints on the weapon, they will likely close the case as suicide."
The report suggested he may have taken his own life upon realizing his impending guilt, spurred by the threat of photographic evidence incriminating him in the murder.
At least, that was what the police would be led to believe from the scene of the crime. His victim was a hated man as well, and the murder would be considered a form of revenge rather than an overarching plot of a shady organization, hiding their footprints.
"But you and I both know there's something more to the case."
"Ahh!" Conan sighed with exasperation running a hand through his hair. When he had studied the building's blueprints—trying to find which room Haibara might be inside—he had realized that the building contained an automatic alarm that would start in the event a fire broke out. And a manual sprinkler system that had the main valve located in the basement.
He had predicted that the man would lose consciousness by the smoke and fumes and had planned to let one of the two teams led by the FBI to apprehend him.
Which was exactly what would have happened if not for the arrival of someone else in between.
[Flashback]
As the flames died out, Pisco was still alive, albeit coughing from the fumes that had filled inside his lungs. He had fallen on the floor, wheezing. Had lost sight of the two as well as his gun.
His mind raced; this wasn't good. He had to get rid of those two teenagers before it was too late!
"Looks like you've failed." The voice was cold and sharp, coming from the entrance.
It was a familiar voice. A woman's.
"Well, I never had high expectations for you in the first place," Vermouth said, her tone dripping with disdain as she approached the old man. She had always known that the kid would outsmart Pisco.
This wasn't the time to throw shade at him, Pisco thought desperately as he rose back up.
Her eyes caught the glint of his fallen gun. With deliberate slowness, she bent down and picked it up, examining it for a moment before turning the muzzle towards him.
"What…what are you doing? Pointing that gun at me?! You may be the boss's favorite, but I've worked for years under his service. He won't allow this!" Pisco's voice wavered between anger and fear.
He could see the cruel smile playing on her lips. "These orders are straight from the boss, I'm afraid. You failed to get rid of the cameraman or the film."
His confusion only deepened at her response. "What are you talking about?!"
"Tomorrow's papers have already been printed. They show you pointing your gun at the ceiling." she answered just as she cocked the gun.
"Wait! Stop!" He held his arms in the air, trying to think of a way to keep her from shooting him.
"I know where Sherry's been hiding. I also know who's been keeping her safe this whole time! I'll tell you if you promise to let me go!"
It was a desperate attempt at a bargain. But he knew just how much Vermouth hated that family of scientists from what he remembered working with Sherry's parents in the past. If he could make a deal with her, he could still have a chance at survival. Without the organization's knowledge.
Vermouth's smile widened, her eyes glinting with malicious delight as she whispered in his ears. "Ah, but therein lies the problem, you see…The boy who's keeping Sherry hidden is my favorite. I can't have anyone finding him out."
"You…you're planning to betray the organization!" His eyes widened as he finally realized there was no escaping this. Not with her pointing the gun at his temple.
"Shh, that's supposed to be our little secret. Not that anyone will find out. After all, who's gonna tell the boss?" Vermouth taunted. But Pisco could barely hear her as his life began flashing before his eyes. Every mission, every covert operation, every life he'd taken for the organization surged through his mind.
"Me? A secret makes a woman, woman."
All the sacrifices he had made, the blood on his hands, the unspoken promises of loyalty. This organization was doomed towards destruction. What had he wasted his life on?!
"You? You'll be taking that secret to your grave."
The gunshot echoed through the room as Pisco fell to the floor.
"I can't have anyone finding out about him," she muttered to herself, the room eerily quiet now. She turned away, her mind already on her next target.
"But Sherry is another matter. I'm going to take care of her myself."
With a final glance at Pisco's lifeless body, Vermouth walked away towards the exit. She'd have to wait until Gin and Vodka arrive for the next briefing. She knew they'd fail in capturing Sherry too.
[End of Flashback]
Shinichi had requested at most four reliable and discreet FBI agents. Akai and his backup would handle Gin and Vodka, while Jodie and hers were tasked with capturing the unconscious Pisco. The plan seemed airtight. However, when Jodie and her team reached the room Shinichi had informed them of, they found only Pisco's lifeless body sprawled on the floor. Taking him in for questioning was one thing, but dealing with a corpse in foreign soil was entirely another. They had to leave it to the investigators inside the Haido hotel, as they exited the hotel, following where Akai was going.
Four agents now knew the identity of their ally. But even just one stranger knowing was going to cause problems for Shinichi later down the line. Well, it was one of the reasons he'd called back his mother in the first place. Hopefully, he could delay the mess for long enough.
He could lie to Haibara, telling her Pisco died in the fire ensuring their secret remained safe so she won't have to worry.
He could hide from the FBI, by making his mother disguise herself and play the role of Shinichi Kudo. If or when they would show up again.
And whatever Vermouth's deal was, he'd try and find out as well. She was the only one who could have killed Pisco. He needed to find out why.
It wasn't a complete failure? At least, not in his mind?
…
"All in all, a complete failure." His dad certainly wasn't one to hold back.
"I panicked, okay!"
You don't have to rub it in~
He said, as he sank deeper into his favorite chair.
"When I couldn't find her, when I couldn't hear her voice…it felt like I had made a terrible mistake."
I never should have let go of her hand.
He muttered under his breath, sparing a glance at his palm. He didn't realize the depth of what he was saying, nor what he was revealing, truly signified. The two parents just glanced at each other hearing his confession.
She was already in a lot of stress, he should have known when he had to take her away from the lady. And even though Conan thought he did a decent job at easing her tension by placing his glasses on her, the fact that they were in unknown territory was still something he should have taken into account.
Deciding to redirect the discussion, Yusaku shifted his focus to her whereabouts. "So where is she?"
"She moved back to Professor Agasa's house after she woke up. Well, we'd have to do that either way, since there was no telling if or when the FBI would show up again. And explaining two kids looking eerily like the two teens they had just met last night would not be easy."
"Well then, let me first go see that young miss you two seem so attached to", Yusaku stated with a hint of amusement.
"What?! I'm not…!" Conan protested, but his father ignored his outburst and headed toward the neighboring house. Meanwhile, Yukiko went to her room to unpack her bags. Taking out what she'd need for visiting the girl too, and setting down the things for her long stay back.
He knocked on the door to his neighbor's house. Much to the surprise of the professor as well. He'd only expected the arrival of Yukiko. But realizing what was going on, led him to the room of the bedridden girl.
"I hope I didn't disturb your rest." Yusaku began softly as he knocked before entering.
"Not at all," Haibara replied, a hint of weariness in her voice. "It gets tiring quickly when there's not much to do except rest."
"So, you must be Miyano Shiho-san."
"And you must be that detective's father," a small smile playing on her lips.
Yusaku laughed heartily. "Hahaha! It's been a while since I've been recognized as that by someone who knows the truth." He placed some magazines and books she might enjoy on her desk, noticing his old pair of glasses there as well.
"I should start by apologizing for letting you get captured because of my son," he said sincerely.
She shook her head. "Your son is the reason I'm still alive."
"And you are his." He replied without missing a beat.
"That's not…" She started to deny it, but Yusaku stopped her with a gentle glance and a kind smile she couldn't quite comprehend.
"It was nothing less than a miracle to us. So thank you."
Embarrassed, she looked down, feeling unworthy of the gratitude she had been receiving from his family.
"You seem to be much better at taking care of these," he mentioned out of the blue, picking up the pair of glasses that previously belonged to him.
Haibara was taken aback by his observation. Unsure of what to say, she waited for him to continue.
"Hahaha. I heard about all the different times my son broke this pair. Sometimes while playing football with the kids, and during times when he wasn't paying attention while on his skateboard." he began to reminisce out loud leaving her uncertain.
He couldn't have figured it out, could he?
"Though I wonder, with all the adjustments and features Agasa-san has added, do they even count as mine?" He mused aloud placing his hand thoughtfully under his chin.
No, that knowing smile…It was the same as Shinichi's when he'd solved a mystery. She knew that smile very well.
"Will you…will you be telling him?" she asked the father of that detective, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Haah", he sighed in contemplation.
"It is…quite weird to say this in the predicament you two are, but as much as I'd like to consider you both kids, I also know you two are sensible. It's not my place to share your secrets. And I trust you two to figure out what to do with them."
Listening to him speak, she wondered if this was what it meant to have a father figure. Shinichi's relationship with his parents made her curious and a bit envious. They shared everything with each other—their thoughts, feelings, and even their deepest secrets. Was that what a family was supposed to be like? Could she…could she do the same with them?
He placed the glasses back on the table.
"One last thing. Just for the sake of formality, let me extend to you the same offer we made our son. Would you like to come back with me to the States? You'll be much safer there, and I promise you won't have to deal with the organization either."
She knew his parents could keep her safe. She knew being here was dangerous for everyone she had gotten close with. And she could prepare the antidote from the data she had retrieved anywhere in the world. And yet…and yet, she wanted to see if he could truly do it. Even if she couldn't tell him just how dangerous the man in control of the organization was. And if nothing else, she wanted to save him, just as he had done her.
So she declined.
"You don't look too surprised." she noted.
"Well, I expected this response. You two are quite similar, you know."
He heard a noise shuffling behind the door. Knowing who it was, he told her, "Now, right behind me is someone who's been worried sick about you." As he moved to let his wife inside.
"Ai-chan!" Yukiko exclaimed, rushing over to the girl.
"Look at you, you poor thing. How could they do such a thing?!"
She started swarming her with questions, and gifts, and words of comfort.
The words—hang in there—and a sheepish smile was the only help Haibara got from Yukiko's husband, as he stepped back outside to give them some alone time. After which he began chatting with the Professor, catching up like old friends.
Returning to his own house, Yusaku found his son pacing back and forth, deep in thought. Yukiko followed closely behind him. It was time for another serious conversation about their precarious situation.
"I don't think the FBI will give up on looking for you two anytime soon," Yusaku began critiquing his son again.
Momentarily startled, Conan looked up at his father. "Yeah, I've got a plan."
Yusaku raised an eyebrow, folding his arms. "And does that plan of yours have something to do with you calling Yukiko back?"
...
"To get her to spy on Sharon and her daughter. And to have her disguise herself as you to keep on fooling the FBI."
...
Rats, his father had seen through him, hadn't he?
Knowing that he had deduced correctly, he continued, "Did you really think I'd let you get my wife involved in something dangerous?"
The smirk on his face both annoyed his son and made his wife swoon.
Yuu-kun was so charming~
…
Even though Conan had managed to fool the Black Organization into thinking that the FBI was the one who had rescued Shiho Miyano, he had inadvertently shown his real self to the FBI.
While they had agreed to leave without asking any questions that night on Shinichi's insistence on letting the teen get some rest. There was no telling when they'd be back.
Which meant it was time to do something about that truth being revealed.
"Hey, if you've got a better idea, I'm listening!"
It's not like he had just one person who could disguise as him. And create one for the girl. Though he'd rather not owe that pretentious thief anything if he could help it.
"I do."
…
His father truly was annoying.
And with that, it was time for Yusaku to leave again. Though he had no concrete destination in mind, for now, the scattered clues he'd gathered would guide him to where he needed to be.
"Must you truly leave?" Yukiko asked, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"Even a moment apart from you feels like an eternity, but I must," Yusaku played along.
"Oh! –Yuu-kun!" Yukiko exclaimed, her sorrow melting into joy as she enveloped him in a warm embrace.
"Alright, I'll be at the professor's. Don't have to wait on my account." Their disgruntled son muttered, not wanting to witness their display of affection, turning around the approaching the door. He decided to call up Inspector Megure while he had time. He needed to inform him about the case…or rather divert the entire Metropolitan Police Department's attention from the specifics of it. He'd heard his father say Haibara had something to discuss with him too. He wondered what that was about as he went to his old neighbor's place.
As Shinichi walked out, Yukiko chuckled softly. "Hehe, you always know how to make him leave, don't you?"
"I am his father, after all."
…
"Take care…"
"Of course~" She exclaimed with pride.
"I'm his mother, after all. I'll make sure nothing happens to him, " responding in kind.
He shook his head, "I meant to take care of yourself. If is somehow connected to that group, she might try to come after you, if she realizes Shinichi's still alive. And since I'm not going to be here…"
"Are you…are you sure this is the right step?" She asked, one last time.
"Don't you trust in my plan?"
"I do, it's just…It feels like you always make your stories feel like they need a major plot twist. And this feels like one such move. I don't know how it will turn out. And if this even works out…" she trailed off, the uncertainty of the future worrying her.
"Yukiko," he called out her name in such a gentle manner that all her worries floated away.
"I trust you too." He said, slowly caressing her cheek.
Ah~ she truly loved him.
After all, it wasn't just her who had chosen him that day—in that restaurant. He had done the same. Even though he had left her in the middle of their date to solve a case, fully expecting her to leave feeling unwanted, he was shocked that she had waited for him. Trusted in his abilities and admired his tendencies.
And with that, he left. But not before doing something that needed to be done. This time, he'd be gone for a lot longer. But he knew she'd wait for him nonetheless.
BREAKING NEWS!
The world famous novelist separates from his wife. Rumors suggested they had a fallout after their son's disappearance.
This was the anonymous tip sent to many a news station.
For the next two days, the Kudo mansion became a focal point for the media frenzy that ensued. Reporters swarmed the front gates like ants to sugar, their cameras flashing incessantly as they tried to get the perfect shot. The scandal would no doubt bring in massive ratings, and everyone wanted to be the first one to break it out.
…
Soon enough, even the bigger news stations got hold of it and requested her to share her feelings to the world.
"Thank you for agreeing to interview with us, Fujimine Yukiko-san. I can only imagine how difficult it must be for you."
Yukiko took a deep breath, her eyes scanning the room, drawing everyone into her presence. "Thank you for having me here. But I'm still unsure if I'll keep my last name. And as you all know, my son dedicated his life to chasing the truth. By not acknowledging that sooner, I was doing him a disservice. So here I am, ready to set things right."
Her sorrowful smile melted the hearts of everyone watching in. The ratings were rising, and no doubt, the interview was going to be a success. For whom really, though? That question was better left unasked.
The interviewer nodded sympathetically. "Could you explain a bit more about why you decided to close the investigation into your son's disappearance? Many of his fans feel devastated, thinking you might be giving up hope."
Yukiko's expression grew somber, "It wasn't an easy decision. But it was during my last visit back to Japan, when I came across a young girl—she looked to be the same age as Shinichi's. She gave me something that I knew belonged to him. She confessed that she was the reason he was no longer in this world. The poor girl was undeniably shaken, but she still had the bravery to come up to me and confess. I really wanted to hug her and tell her it wasn't her fault. But she ran away before I could even get a word in myself."
"I…It's been 4 months since he's gone. As much as it pains me to admit it, I didn't want others who were saved by him to live in the illusion of falsehoods. Shinichi would've never wanted that."
"Thank you for sharing that with us. I don't know if you'd like to discuss the rumors surrounding you too, but people are wondering just what led to your separation from your husband? In these tough times, wouldn't you want the support of your partner?"
Yukiko paused for a moment, carefully choosing her words. "Yusaku was…no, is a wise man. As much as I can claim to love our son, Shinichi was always the apple of his eye. That was why the news of his disappearance broke him in more ways than once."
A small tear escaped her eyes as she continued, "People deal with their griefs in their own ways. And this difference created a divide between us that we couldn't bridge. It's a pain that runs deep, one that neither of us knows how to heal. I don't want to belittle his feelings, but I hope he can get the help he needs."
The reporter nodded empathetically. "It sounds incredibly challenging. How do you envision your future now? I think all of your own fans are wondering whether you would be returning back to your previous career as an actress?"
"I think I'll take a break…think about what I want to do next. But there's been a story I'm interested in. I'd love to play a role in it, if given the chance."
"I'm sure your fans would be delighted to see you back on the screen. Next question…"
As the interview took place, Conan and haibara were watching from the sofa at the professor's. With the two days of recuperating, she had gained back much of her strength. Maybe the Aptx-4869 had an unexpected effect in speeding up their recovery process as well. But neither Yukiko, nor Conan, much less the Professor allowed her to move around a lot. So Conan was keeping an eye on her while the Professor dropped Yukiko to the station.
"I see now." The girl said in the middle of one of Yukiko's responses.
"Hmm?"
"Your reasoning and observational skills come from your father."
She waited a moment, looking for another break in the middle of the interview.
"And your ability to improvise, and your penchant for acting…those you inherited from your mother."
Was she…was she really giving him a compliment?!
"Too bad, you're only half as good when it comes to either talent."
"And there's the usual Haibara." He thought, as his eyes focused on her profile while hers stayed glued to the screen.
Well, she wasn't exactly wrong there. If his mother were taking her role seriously, there was no one in the world who could surpass her in acting. She had the entire world fooled by her charm. Even right now as they were conversing, she was playing the greatest role she ever had. And as much as he hated to admit it, he had never once surpassed his dad in his deductions. There was still a lot he needed to learn. But he'd certainly not be giving up anytime soon!
He noticed Haibara's eyes flicker. No doubt, she was blaming herself for this whole disaster as well.
He was lucky her attention was on the screen, otherwise she'd notice him staring intently at her. But once again, he was mesmerized by her expression. Same as the day he'd first seen her in his home.
…
Her face when she was smiling, her face when she was tearing up—each emotion she displayed was a rare glimpse into her true self. She guarded her feelings closely, but every expression was etched into his memory, as if he were meticulously recording his observations of her.
As a detective, he justified his scrutiny as merely observing her behavior. There was nothing inherently wrong with that, he reasoned. Observing people was one of the fastest ways to understanding them.
And if the consequence of his observations were to find her every emotion and action intriguing, that only added to the complexity of the mystery surrounding her—a puzzle he couldn't resist solving.
Wanting to ease her tension, he carefully maneuvered his hand atop hers, making sure not to hurt her in the process.
This time, he vowed to himself, he wasn't going to be the one to let go of her hand. Not now, and not in the future. He'd never let her get caught by them again.
As their hands overlapped, he couldn't help but savor the sensation, the way her fingers sent a jolt through him. How they seemed to fit perfectly in his.
Ah, yes. That look on her face was quite priceless too. Not one he'd ever seen before, he noted.
A mix between sorrow, surprise, a little vulnerability...and was that a hint of red? He wanted to observe her more closely, but any more and he'd smush right into her.
Not that he'd mind the physical contact.
The warmth radiating from their closeness was offsetting the cool winter breeze seeping into the room.
Yes, having her beside him felt nice.
…
She really was captivating. He had finally reached the conclusion his observations had been leading towards.
…
Crap, he admitted to himself, was his father right?!
Meeting her eyes, he realized he was undeniably attached to her.
Crap. Crap!
He tried to steady himself, hoping to regain control of his mind. No, he could still salvage the situation with his dignity intact, he thought to himself.
But then his eyes wandered down towards her lips.
…Crap. He whisked his head back to the screen instead. Hoping to let the steam off. Though still not letting go of her hand. Leaving her equally stumped at their exchange.
As her interview with the Nichiuri TV - Entertainment Section concluded, the reporter approached Yukiko privately.
"I'm sorry, my job often requires me to pry into sensitive matters. I hope my questions weren't too intrusive."
Yukiko offered her a reassuring smile. "No need to apologize. I've gotten used to people prying into every facet of my life."
The reporter nodded, her expression sympathetic. "I understand. Once again, my condolences for your loss."
Yukiko shook her head gently. "Please don't blame yourself. This wasn't your doing...uh?"
The reporter's face flushed with embarrassment. "Oh, how forgetful of me! I neglected to introduce myself, since most of my viewers tend to know me."
"Rena. Mizunashi Rena," she offered with a sheepish smile.
Yukiko returned the gesture, extending her hand for a handshake. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Mizunashi-san."
"Likewise..." Rena hesitated before accepting.
Though I suppose in a way, it is my fault.
If only it had been dad who survived back then...
Perhaps the organization would have already been dismantled, and your son would never have encountered Gin.
Thanks for driving me to the set, Agasa-san!
"No, no! Ai-kun pointed out that just because she's confined to the house, doesn't mean it's healthy for me to do the same."
"Hehehe, she's such a caring child." Yukiko said, grinning into her hands. They soon reached the professor's home only to find the two kids with their heads turned looking anywhere except each other. Yukiko's grin just widened more. Her son was caught red-handed and he ran back to his own house like his life depended on it.
And thus, December came to an end, marking the start of a new year. Four months had passed since Shinichi had met with Gin. 3 months since the organization investigated his disappearance and concluded him dead. For almost an entire month, Shiho was trapped in that room while Shinichi was none the wiser. And in the last month, they had gotten quite close to one another.
Kudo Shinichi's case had transitioned from missing to deceased and was ultimately closed, fulfilling the wishes of his mother. And it'd stay that way for a long time.
Extra! Extra!
Tragic Loss: A Wake for the Famous Detective!
Only Close Family and Friends Invited for the Mourning.
It didn't take long for this next revelation to spread like wildfire as well, being heard all across the streets through the radios, television broadcasts, and word of mouth.
The news was inescapable: Kudo Shinichi was finally, officially dead.
His mother, Yukiko, had come to accept it. The weight of her son's death was a heavy burden, but she decided to move back to Japan, seeking solace in the familiar embrace of her homeland and the support of her close-knit family.
While the loss had apparently driven Yusaku to the brink of madness. The brilliant writer, once known for his sharp mind and wit, was now a shadow of his former self, consumed by a desperate quest to find someone no longer present in this world. And who would bother with a madman scouring the globe for a son who had vanished in his own hometown?