Case Closed Fan Fiction ❯ The Detective Prince ❯ The Substitute ( Chapter 48 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

The Detective Prince
Chapter 48
The Substitute

It was nearly pitch dark once he reached the hall, his eyes slowly adjusting to the darkness.

"Someone must have shut off the lights," Tim thought while feeling his way around. "Maybe even all the electricity, I don't hear a single movie rolling in any of the rooms."

The same scream could be heard once more. What came to his ears next left an electrifying feeling throughout his body. One gun shot, followed by the sound of something hitting the ground.

"That doesn't sound good," Tim thought while racing into that direction. "What in the world is going on?"

Everything fell dead silent from that moment forward. He slowly pushed on, not wanting to alert any possible gunmen of his presence.The moon shined bright from a window above, lighting his way as he tip toed along. He kept his eyes lowered toward the ground as he walked, looking out for anyone who could be hurt or wounded. Sure enough he caught sight of someone laid out across the ground, kneeling down at their side to give them a look.

"They're breathing, that's good to know." Tim thought. "Better keep my ears peeled, there's no telling who could be lurking from my blind side."

The lighting was dim, but there was just enough of it for him to pin point where the ticket booth stood. He quietly made his way over, looking down to find someone laying beneath the counter. He dropped to a knee once more, giving them a soft tug. He received no response in return. He then reached for the neck to check for a pulse, feeling a warm wetness near their shoulder.

"She's alive, thankfully," Tim said removing his hand from the body. "The loss of blood must have put her under, she'll defiantly need medical attention."

Tim's head sprung up at the sound of someone stepping onto a pile of broken glass from behind. He spun around to see a dark figure standing a few feet away, catching sight of a gun pointed directly at him.

"Looks like I have the gunman locked in," Tim thought while reaching for a cord clamped into the wall. "Now to play a card, gotta make this quick if this is going to work."

Before either could make a move the sound of foot steps fast approaching caused the gunman to turn and run. Tim watched as they slid the gun into a gun holder strapped on their left leg.

"Tonight's your lucky night my good man, next time you won't be so fortunate." They spoke while coming to a stop.

"That voice... could it be," Tim thought. "Can't worry about that now, can't let them get away."

By the time Tim got to his feet it was already to late. The mystery man had already pulled a grappler of some kind out from their side, shooting it up toward the window. Tim could only watch as they successfully escaped.

"A cape....?"

That was the last thing he saw before the gunman vanished into the night. A bright light flashed onto the side of his face, causing him to swing his head around.

"Don't be alarmed, it's just us." Mitsuhiko said holding his wrist watch in place.

"I kinda had an idea you guys would follow along," Tim said. "Just thought it'd be sooner."

"We would have been here quicker, but Conan took us on a search for the fuse box." Ayumi informed.

"Did you happen to find it?" Tim asked.

"We sure did," Mitsuhiko replied. "It was way over by the back door exit."

"Did any of you try pushing the lever up?"

"We tried, but the electricity didn't come back on." Genta stated.

"And after hearing the gun fire I called the police," Conan informed. "Did you see what happened?"

He shook his head in response.

"No, I didn't see anything," Tim replied. "It was to dark, whoever did this must have run off before I got here."

"Are you sure you didn't see anything?" Conan asked.

"I'm positive, all I remember hearing is shots fired."

"Darn," Genta exclaimed. "How are we supposed to find whoever did this now, there's no telling where they could have gone to."

"We'll leave it to the police," Tim said looking away. "This is something they'll be more equipped to handle."

"He's right," Ayumi said. "There's not much we can do until the police analyze the scene, once they do we might be able to help based from their findings."

"Let's hope they get here soon," Genta said. "It wouldn't be good if the shooter came back, it's to dark in here to see."

Conan looked up at Tim while his friends continued to talk, noticing his eyes fixated toward the window above.

"I wonder what that's all about," Conan thought. "Did he see something he's not telling?"
It wasn't long after that everyone else who filled the theater made their way out as well. The sound of the sirens could be heard coming from up the street as they made their way toward the doors. Once out they stood along the side walk to wait for the incoming police cars.

"That was quick, I didn't expect them to arrive this fast." Mitsuhiko said.

"Do you think they'll find out who did this?" Ayumi asked.

"If they do I bet we don't find out until tomorrow some time," Mitsuhiko said. "Who knows, maybe it'll be in the morning paper."

"Good guess," Genta said. "I'll defiantly be giving it a look."

He had kept to himself from the time they arrived outside, watching as many different vehicles drove past. It didn't take long for Ai to take notice of this. He turned at the sound of her stopping at his side.

"Is everything alright," Ai asked. "You're usually more enthusiastic at a time like this."

"I'm fine," Conan said assured. "It's just.. the whole thing with the power being shut down, none of it's clean cut."

"You mean the fact we weren't able to switch the power back on?"

"Not just that," Conan said. "But how would someone be able to shut off the electricity, then seconds later be at the ticket booth to open fire?"

"Maybe there's more than one person we're dealing with." Ai said.

"Could be," Conan acknowledged. "And with Kogoro not here, I can't exactly go in to investigate without being kicked out."

"Looks like we've hit a roadblock."

"On more than one front." Conan added.

The police exited their cars shortly after. Conan looked over as they talked with a few of the bystanders, not recognizing any of the four officers.

"I guess I better get you kids home," Tim said. "Sorry your movie night got ruined."

"It's ok," Ayumi said. "We can always try again this weekend when things clear up."

"Only if we decide to go see something else." Conan thought.

"It looks like the police have everything under wraps," Tim said. "We should be good to go if you guys are ready."

"I guess there's no point in sticking around," Mitsuhiko said. "Maybe there's something good on TV I can catch before going to bed."

"That's the spirit," Tim said with a smile. "So who are we dropping off first?"

"Conan of course," Ayumi  stated. "He lives the closest."

"Alright then," Tim said turning to walk. "Let's go before it gets any darker."

With that the six of them walked away from the theater. Conan continuously glimpsed back as they walked, doing so until the theater was out of view. The events that took place rested on his mind throughout the rest of the night, feeling there was something he'd missed.

The next morning brought a fast start. His eyes peaked open at the sound of a honking truck from outside. Still exhausted from the previous night, Conan slowly forced himself up. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes before stepping down onto the ground.

"I just know there's something I missed," Conan thought to himself. "After school I'm going to head back down to the theater, there's got to be a trick the gunmen used to shut off the electricity."

A knock came at the door just as he finished getting dressed. He grabbed his bag which laid in the corner of the room before opening the door to find Ran standing over him.

"Good morning." Conan said strapping the bag over his shoulders. "I thought you'd be gone by now, considering how late I got up."

"You didn't over sleep, there's still twenty minutes before class begins." Ran informed.

"How'd your chapter notes go," Conan asked. "Did you get finished?"

"As a matter a fact I did, thanks again for sharing your method with me," Ran said. "I'm sorry about your movie."

"You heard about what happened?"

"Tim told me," Ran informed. "He's actually outside waiting."

"For what?" Conan asked.

"We're walking to school together today," Ran replied. "He wanted to talk to you about something, that's why I knocked on your door to see if you were still here."

"Did he say what it was about?"

Ran shook her head in response.

"He didn't say."

"I wonder what it could be?"

"When you go down could you let him know I'll be a few more minutes?" Ran asked.

Conan nodded.

"Will do."

"Thanks Conan."

He headed out the front door after watching Ran walk into her room, quickly making his way down the stairs. It didn't take long for Conan to locate him, turning to his right to see him standing against the wall.

"Nice little cover up," Conan commented. "If you really wanted to talk to me you could have just called."

"I thought it would be better if we discussed this in person," Tim said. "It's about last night."

"Does this have something to do with what happened at the theater?"

"I lied to you when I said I didn't see anything," Tim admitted. "The truth is, I did get a glimpse of the gunman."

"Then how come you didn't just say so when I asked?"

"How he was dressed, the way he spoke," Tim began. ".... I think our mystery man is Kaitou Kid."

"What," Conan said in disbelief. "Are you sure?"

"Not one hundred percent, it was pretty dark to say the least," Tim replied. "Didn't want to upset your friends, that's why I didn't tell you."

"Thanks, that's the last thing they needed to hear," Conan said. "So where do we go from here?"

"Simple, I'm going to track down Kid," Tim answered. "Then I'll know for sure if it was him I encountered last night."

"How do you plan on confirming anything by asking him," Conan questioned. "I don't see how that will help, being the fact he can simply deny being the one you saw."

"Don't worry, I know exactly what to do," Tim said assuringly. "The truth will reveal itself in the process."

"You seem to have a plan, so I'll leave it to you," Conan said. "What about that little task you had in mind for me in regards to Brutho?"

Before he could receive a response, the two turned at the sound of someone heading down the stairs. Ran appeared shortly after, smiling over at the two of them with a step forward.

"I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"Not at all," Tim said. "We just finished what we needed to say, perfect timing on your part."

"What were the two of you talking about anyway?" Ran asked out of curiosity.

"Wizards and Dungeons." Conan quickly replied.

"What's that?"

"Something you wouldn't be interested in," Tim replied while looking down at his watch. "We have less than fifteen minutes before class begins, we better get going before we're late."

"I guess that goes for me as well." Conan said.

"I have practice today, so I'll be a little late getting home," Ran said. "Try to hold off on eating anything, I'm going to fix dinner as soon as I get home."

"I won't." Conan promised.

"Good, I'll see you after school."

They parted ways from there, Conan heading in the opposite direction of the two. He paved his way along the roadside, wondering what the meaning of last nights attack meant. There was a lot to consider, but he had nothing to pin point why.

"Why was the theater chosen for the attack, and what message was the shooter trying to send," Conan thought. "They elected not to be seen, so that rules out framing if it's true the culprit isn't Kid."

This remained on his mind the whole way to school. It was very apparent as he entered the school premises, the three of them seeing the vague look on his face.

"Conan doesn't look so good, do you think he's sick?" Ayumi asked.

"I doubt it," Genta replied. "He's probably just upset because we didn't get to finish watching the movie last night."

"Wouldn't worry about it," Mitsuhiko said. "It's probably more on the lines of not being able to solve what happened last night."

They became quiet as he neared, smiling over at him to brighten the mood.

"Hey Conan, how's it going?!" Ayumi asked cheerfully.

"...Good, I guess," Conan replied. "Where's Haibara, I thought she'd be with you guys."

"I haven't seen her all morning." Mitsuhiko said looking around.

"Maybe she's not coming today." Genta said.

"You want me to give her a call?" Ayumi asked.

"No need to, I'm sure she's just running a little late," Conan replied. "Let's get to class, I'm sure she'll join us pretty soon."

"Last one there carries everyones bags after class." Genta declared before taking off.

"Sounds like a deal to me!" Mitsuhiko said running after him.

Ayumi did the same, leaving Conan standing alone.

"That was unexpected."

He accepted defeat, not interested in racing any of them to class.

The first period of the day seemed to go by quickly. Maybe it was due to the fact of having a substitute teacher who spent more than of class telling his life story.

"One down, three more to go."

He made his way to the locker room minutes later, changing into his gym clothes for the class period. Once doing so he closed the locker to find Argo standing at the left of him.

"Hey Tim, have you seen our sub for the day," Argo asked. "She's a real hottie."

"Another substitute?"

"What do you mean?"

"I just had a sub in my chemistry class," Tim replied. "This makes the second of the day."

"That must mean something," Argo stated. "Who knows, maybe it's a sign of something special to come."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Don't tell me you don't believe in fortune." Argo said before heading for the door.

"What does any of this have to do with fortune?" Tim asked following after him.

They arrived into the gym shortly after, having a seat in the center of the room along with everyone else. Five minutes passed while they sat in wait.

"Class should have started two minutes ago, where's our instructor?"

The wait finally came to an end moments later, the sound of a whistle being blown alerting everyone of her arrival.

"It's about time," Someone said from behind. "I was beginning to wonder if class got canceled or something."

She lowered the whistle from her mouth before making her way to the front of the room.

"I'm glad to see everyone made it to class on time."

"Except you." Argo mumbled.

"That will be five laps around the gym, anything else that comes from your mouth will be an additional three laps." She said looking his way.

"Who me?" Argo asked.

"That's seven laps."

Not another word came from his mouth, many of his classmates giggling as he made his way over to begin his rounds.

"Wow, she really means business."

"My name is Teia Njoo," She said introducing herself. "You can call me Ms. N for short."

"Are we running the mile today like we were scheduled to?" Airi asked with the raise of her hand.  

"That has been scrapped from todays lesson," Ms. N replied. "We'll start off with your normal warm ups, if everyone participates we'll be looking at a relatively easy day, sound fair enough?"

"Best teacher ever." Sonoko said in response.

Unlike the previous day He waited outside of the classroom door for his friends to come out, anxious to return to the scene.

"Class went by fast today." Genta said walking out along with Ayumi and Mitsuhiko at his side.

"I don't know Genta," Mitsuhiko said with a pause. "It seemed to drag if you ask me, wouldn't you say Conan?"

"I was to busy working to really pay attention to the time," Conan replied. "I plan on heading back to the theater, do you guys want to come along?"

"I need to check in with my parents first." Genta said.

"As do I," Mitsuhiko said. "I'll meet you up there after I do."

"Shouldn't we go stop by Agasa's first," Ayumi questioned. "Ai never showed up for class."

"You guys can go ahead and do that," Conan said. "I really want to get back to the crime scene as soon as possible."

"I see what you're trying to pull," Genta said with the cross of his arms. "You just want to solve the case so you can take all the credit for yourself."

"If I don't go now there might not be anything left to uncover," Conan said denying his accusation. "Once the police feel they've found all they need, what makes you think they won't clean up the scene?"

Genta scratched the top of his head while giving some thought to what he said.

"I guess you have a point."

"Which is why I have to go now," Conan said. "If any you decide to come along, I'll see you there."

Over the past week he realized just how packed his locker was becoming. He reached in to maneuver his supplies, making room for yet another text book.

"I should really think about taking some of this stuff back to the apartment, next thing you know I won't even be able to fit a dime in here." Tim said closing the locker.

He turned to walk only to bump into Sonoko who stood in his path.

"What are you still doing here," Tim questioned. "School ended ten minutes ago."

"Are you always this late getting out?" Sonoko asked.

"Pretty much, it's not like I'm in a rush to get anywhere," Tim replied. "What about you, why are you still here?"

"We have another test coming up next Wednesday."

"And?"

"You're supposed to help me study remember?" Sonoko reminded.

"But it's going to be multiple choice," Tim said. "You should be able to pull a superb grade easy, you've actually been paying attention."

"Well obviously you haven't been, because only the first three pages of the test are multiple choice," Sonoko informed. "The four last pages are written responses."

"Guess I have been spacing out in class a little." Tim thought.

"So how does today sound," Sonoko asked. "I could follow you back to your place or you could come over my house, either way works."

"Yea... I actually have a lot on my plate for tonight."

"How about tomorrow?" Sonoko asked.

"The weekend would be better, that way we can be more flexible with the time."

"Good point." Sonoko said coming to an agreement.

The sound of the door to the teachers lounge flew open, causing the two of them to look over to see Ms. N heading their way.

"Just the person I was looking for," Teia said coming to a stop in front of the two. "I thought for sure you'd be gone by now."

"Why do you need to see me," Sonoko asked. "Did I do something wrong?"

"You did great in class today, both of you for that matter," Teia stated. "I was actually hoping you could contact a certain someone for me."

"Who do you need me to get ahold of?" Sonoko asked.

"Shinichi Kudo," Teia replied. "I did a little asking around amongst the other students and they said if anyone knew where to find him it would be you."

"Me?" Sonoko questioned surprised at this.

"Let me guess," Teia said with a smile. "Are you his girlfriend?"

"Oh gosh no," Sonoko firmly denied. "He is far from my type."

"Why do you need to speak with Shinichi," Tim asked stepping in. "Do you know him?"

"I met him three years ago at a library," Teia confirmed. "I heard he's become quite the detective."

"What do you need to talk to him about," Sonoko asked. "Is there something you need help with?"

"Just see if you can get ahold of him," Teia said. "Tell him to meet me at central park no later than noon tomorrow, let him know it's important."

"I'll see what I can do."

"Thank you Ms. Suzuki, you don't know how much this means to me," Teia said turning to walk. "You two stay out of trouble now."

Tim's eyes narrowed, watching as she disappeared around the corner. He felt a slight nudge at his side seconds later.

"Tim, are you ok," Sonoko asked. "Is something bothering you?"

"It's nothing, just thinking."

"Well I'm going to go wait for Ran to finish with her karate session, if there's anyone who can get ahold of Shinichi it's her," Sonoko said. "Would you like to come along?"

"Can't, I have something I need to attend to."

It had hit past mid day. The traffic quickly begging to pick up just like it always did around this time. He walked with his hands rested in is pocket, looking upward to see the street light turn red. With that he made his way toward the other side. Just as he stepped onto the sidewalk he heard a loud honk, looking over to see a red car he had never seen before.

"Were they honking at me?"

The car slowly pulled up with the window in the passenger seat sliding down.

"Need a ride?" Dick asked from the drivers seat.

"When did you get this." Conan accepted while opening the door to get in.

"Rented it this morning," Dick replied. "Where to?"

"The theater," Conan answered. "I want to have another look at the crime scene, not sure if Tim told you what happened last night."

"Just got done driving past there, and let me be the first to say you're not getting in," Dick stated. "The place is packed; police, bystanders, newscasters, you name it."

"Great," Conan said sitting back with a huff. "I had a feeling that might happen."

"Any place else you'd like me to take you?"

"You could give me a ride to Agasa's," Conan replied. "Haibara didn't show up for class today, I think I better go check on her."

"Your wish is my command."

The light turned green moments later, allowing for them to move on. Dick reached over as they drove, flipping on the radio.

"Do you have a music station you like, or would you prefer to hear the news?"

"Anything works," Conan replied. "I'll let you decide."

He laid back in thought the rest of the ride there, occasionally looking out the window to gaze up at the sky.

"We're here." Dick said after parking.

Conan left his bag in the seat, locking the door before closing it. Surprisingly the gate was unlocked.

"Bet he's expecting you." Dick said.

"You might be right."

They made their way up to the door, giving the bell a ring before taking a step back. The door slid open not long after.

"Conan, I had an idea you would come," Hiroshi said. "I see you brought Grayson along as well."

"It's actually Dick who brought me," Conan corrected. "Where's Haibara, is she ok?"

"She woke up with a massive headache this morning which prompted her to stay home for the day," Hiroshi informed. "I was actually in the kitchen whipping up a batch of tea for her to drink."

"Where is she?" Conan asked.

"Laying on the couch," Hiroshi replied while stepping aside. "Come on in, we could use the company."

They took him up on his offer. Conan headed straight for the couch, arriving to find her laying on her back.

"You had everyone worried at school today you know," Conan stated. "Are you feeling any better than you did a few hours ago?"

"Still rather light headed, but I'm getting there,." Ai said while turning her head to face him.

"Well that's good to hear, just keep taking it easy."

The two looked over as Dick approached with a cup in his right hand.

"Time to ease up," Dick instructed. "Here's a little something for you to drink."

"I'm not very thirsty." Ai protested.

"Doctors orders." Dick countered.

She gave in, sitting up and taking the cup from his hand. Conan looked down at the sound of his phone ringing from within his pocket.

"Who's that?" Ai asked before taking a sip.

"This won't take long," Conan said before stepping aside. "I think I better take this."

He made his way over to the wall where he leaned, answering the call after doing so.

"Hey Tim, what's up?"

"I'm not sure yet."

"What do you mean?" Conan asked.

"It's a long story," Tim replied. "But I need you to tell me if you know a Teia Njoo."

".... That name doesn't ring a bell," Conan replied after giving it some thought. "Why do you ask."

"She was a substitute for gym class today, claimed she knows you."

"Is that so," Conan said becoming interested. "What did she say?"

"Teia wants to meet with you come noon of tomorrow."

"Why," Conan questioned. "I don't even know her."

"Not according to what she said."

"This whole thing seems shady, I think you should have a look into her file." Conan said.

"Already took the liberty of doing so," Tim informed. "A hard in depth look past the surface."

"And what were you able to find?"

"Nothing, zilch," Tim replied. "There's defiantly something going on, and we need to find out what."

"No kidding."

"How soon can you be over?"

"Ten minutes," Conan replied. "Give me ten minutes."

"See you then."

Their conversation ended from there, Conan dropping his phone back into his pocket. Dick glimpsed over at him, seeing the slight distress in his face.

"Teia Njoo..," Conan thought while placing a hand over his chin. "Who is she?"

To Be Continued











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