Case Closed Fan Fiction ❯ The Detective Prince ❯ A Night at the Theater ( Chapter 47 )

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

The Detective Prince
Chapter 47
A Night at the Theater

After all the circles and turns it had finally come to an end. The grip to the sides of his coat strengthened, glaring over at him in disgust.

"We'll aren't you going to say something," Dick asked. "You must have a reason why you killed him, right?"

He was surrounded from all sides, there was no way out, and he knew it. He could only think of one thing to do. Out of desperation he tossed the coat onto the ground to reveal a butcher knife strapped upon his belt.

"Don't do anything you'll regret, it's over." Juzo said.

"That's where you're wrong," Fredreck spat with the swing of the knife. "I'm leaving, and I'm taking her as my hostage!"

He darted toward Eri who froze in place, everything seemingly going blank within that one second.

"Gotta get to her, and fast!" Kogoro thought.

By the time he took his first step it was already to late, everyone watching in shock as Fredreck's body glided to the ground. Dick stood over him, looking directly over at Ninzaburo who hurried over.

"I gave him a strike to his lower neck, he should be ok," Dick stated. "You can check his pulse if you don't believe me."    

Ninzaburo did just that, leaning down in the process. Kogoro stood a few feet away, his eyes still wide from what he had seen.

"He was at least twenty feet away, how did he get there before me?" Kogoro muttered to himself.

He checked for a pulse, looking over at Inspector Megure after doing so.

"He's ok, just unconscious." Ninzaburo informed.

"Good, now let's take him down to the station," Juzo said. "The sooner he's there the better, we've had enough drama as it is."

He felt a hand touch down onto his left shoulder, turning around to see the accepting smile on her face.

"Thank you," Eri thanked. "I don't know what would have happened  if you hadn't intervened."

"Anytime, I'm just glad no one else was hurt." Dick said.

"How were you able to take him down like that," Eri asked. "I remember seeing him running toward me, then you were there."

"I guess my former time as a police officer has its benefits," Dick replied. "That coupled in with a little reaction time would explain."

The two of them looked to the left to see Kogoro slowly approaching.

"Are you ok?" Kogoro asked.

"I'm fine," Eri replied. "Good thing someone was looking out for me."

"Hey, hold on a minute," Kogoro said noticing a shift in her tone. "I was going to jump in, Grayson here just managed to get there before I could."

"Is that so," Eri said. "Because if I can recall you were standing stiff from my view."

"That's not true!" Kogoro stomped.

"Let's just drop it, you're already causing a scene as it is." Eri said looking away.

Kogoro muttered something as he looked into the opposite direction. Dick took a step back, looking from one to the other.

"Why do I get the feeling I just walked in between something." Dick thought with a smile coming onto his face.

The entrance doors flew open as someone ran in, grabbing everyones attention. Two police officers followed shortly after.

"Sorry Inspector, he managed to get past us." One of the officers informed.

"Wait a minute, haven't I seen you before," Juzo asked. "You look familiar."

"That's Tim, you probably met him when we were at that party a few weeks ago," Kogoro said walking over. "What are you doing here?"

"There's actually someone I'm supposed to meet," Tim replied. "And when I saw what was going on from outside I came in to make sure everything was ok."

"Who are you supposed to be meeting with?" Kogoro asked.

"That would be me." Dick answered joining them.

"You two know each other?" Kogoro questioned.

"Of course we do, we're brothers," Tim informed. "He flew down from Gotham nearly a week ago to come see how I'm doing."

"I guess it's a small world as they say."

"Eri," Tim said recognizing the sound of her voice. "Didn't expect to see you here."

"Today's been filled with the unexpected," Eri said. "So what are you doing here, did the two of you plan on watching the cook out?"

"A cook out," Tim questioned. "There was going to be a cook out here?"

"That is until the murder occurred." Eri confirmed.

Ninzaburo made his way over with Kaimeil walking at his side.

"Megure now that everything has been cleared, will it be ok for us to start releasing everyone?" Ninzaburo asked.

"I have to get to that meeting Fredreck was supposed to attend," Kaimeil stated. "If I don't go now I'm not sure I'll be able to make it on time."

"You're free to go," Juzo said. "Everyone is for that matter, this case has been closed."

"I guess we'll be leaving as well," Dick said. "It was a pleasure working with you and your unit Megure, maybe I'll see you around some time."

"I'd like that," Juzo said. "And if you happen to see him, give Kudo my best."

Dick nodded.

"Will do," Dick said with a turn. "Come on Tim, I'm sure there's plenty of other places we can go to talk."

"Later Eri, to you as well Kogoro," Tim said before following after him. "Who knows, maybe we'll bump into each other again soon."

She watched as the two of them walked out, a smile sliding across her lips.

"I look forward to that." Eri thought.

He kicked the ball along as he walked, feeling the breeze as a speeding car past by. He kicked the ball into his arms once reaching the stairwell

"Home sweet home." Conan said before making his way up.

Once arriving into the room he closed the door behind him. Conan looked across the room to see the TV had been left on. He walked over to check the news listings which were flying in every second.

"Doesn't look like there's anything to alarming to see," Conan thought as the highlights of a car chase were shown. "I should probably give Dick a call, who knows how that case may have turned out."

He tossed the ball into one of the corners, feeling the relief on his shoulders after removing his bag.

"There you are."

Conan spun around to see Ran step out of her room.

"Where have you been," Ran asked. "I was almost sure you would get here before I did."

"I was at Agasa's," Conan replied. "He showed me a little something on his computer."

"Were your friends there with you?"

"They actually went home right after school," Conan replied. "So it was only Agasa, Haibara, and myself."

"You can turn the channel if you want, my show doesn't come on for another two hours."

"That's ok, there's nothing on that interests me at the moment." Conan said.

"Guess that makes the two of us." Ran said while reaching for the remote.

She shut the TV off before walking back into her room. Conan did the same, dragging his bag along as he opened the door to his room. He dropped his bag onto the bed once in, pulling his phone out after doing so.

"Now to see how things are going at that restaurant."

He had finally decided on a pair, looking them over one last time before taking them up to the register. After paying he walked out past the sliding doors at the front of the store.

"Now where did he run off to?"

He turned to his left to see him standing under a tree with his phone by his ear. He walked over to join him in that next second.

"Great timing," Dick said removing the phone from his ear. "Just finished."

"Who was that you were talking with?" Tim asked.

"It was Conan," Dick replied. "He wanted to know what happened in regards to the murder of Mr. Renin."

"So I see you got the chance to meet detective Mouri," Tim said. "How was it working with him?"

"I enjoyed it," Dick replied. "Not just just him, but with everyone involved in the case."

"I thought you might."

"So what's in the bag?" Dick asked looking down at his side.

"Just a pair of shoes for gym class," Tim replied. "The ones I've been using are a little worn out, and since there's a school cross meeting this Friday I decided to buy a new pair."

"What kind of meeting." Dick asked.

"Track and field is what I signed up for," Tim replied. "Of course that's not all that will be held."

"That would explain the shoes."

"You said you wanted to talk to me about Salvonte," Tim reminded. "I'm ready to hear what you had in mind."

"Here's the deal," Dick began. "I want you to go and talk with him again, but this time keep anything business related out of the discussion."

"Why," Tim questioned. "Isn't that the point of me going to see him?"

"True, but that's not how we're going to play this," Dick said. "All you need to do is find out a little more about him, maybe even tell him some stuff about yourself he might not know."

"So, you want me to raise the comfort level between us?"

"You hit it right on the money," Dick confirmed. "And with time maybe he'll see you as more than just a friend, someone he could do business with."

"Giving us just that much more room to feel around."

"You catch on fast." Dick said not surprised in the least.

"It's a risky move," Tim said. "But we are running low on options as it is, not to mention not knowing when this merger is supposed to occur."

"Bruce has come up empty just as we have," Dick informed. "This might be our only way in."

"As much as I am against this idea, he might just be right."

The day had come and gone, the night bringing a clouded sky. He glimpsed over at the clock upon his desk which ticked past nine, feeling the urge to close his eyes. A knock could be heard from the other side of the door, snapping him out of his little doze.

"It's unlocked, you can come right on in."

The door slowly opened in the next few moments.

"It's been a couple days now," Ginzo said walking in. "We have everything set up just as planned, yet Kaitou Kid has chosen not to show up."

"And why do you think that is?" Juzo asked.

This left him a little lost for words.

"I don't know," Ginzo finally replied. "There's something different about him."

"You mean the fact he's resulted to more lethal measures?"

"Even before that," Ginzo said. "For the past few months he hasn't been the same, I'm starting to get the feeling he's planning something, something we won't be expecting."

"Well if he's not going to take the bait, then how do you propose we catch him?"

"I'm still working on it," Ginzo replied. "But rest assured we will catch him."

"Let's try and  make it soon rather than later."

"No worries Inspector Megure," Ginzo stated. "I'll have this wrapped up before the end of the week."

With that Ginzo headed out the door. This left Megure in the silence of the room like he had been for the previous hour. He began sorting out the papers that laid upon his desk, looking toward the door once more to hear someone approaching.

"What now?"

The door flew open to reveal Officer Takagi who quickly made his way over to the desk.

"You wanted to see me?"

"Who told you that?" Juzo asked.

The door slammed shut from behind, causing the two of them to look in that direction.

"Oh, it's just you," Juzo said sitting up from the chair. "I take it you're the one who orchestrated this little meeting?"
"Correct you are Inspector," Red Robin said stepping away from the door. "How much have you been able to gain from that last killing, any possible locations you think the culprit will strike next?"

"I was hoping you would have a possible lead," Juzo said. "There's not much we've been able to come up with from what we have."

"That's the way they want it," Red Robin said. "This whole thing seems to be a game to them."

"If this is truly a game, wouldn't they leave something behind," Wataru questioned. "Something to keep us guessing?"

"The clues lie within the deaths themselves," Red Robin pointed out. "I've been giving some thought to the latest killing."

"And what have you been able to come up with?" Juzo asked.

"According to the report given, the latest police officer was killed via drowning," Red Robin began. "This is an eye opener considering the change in tactic."

"But there was still a cut on the body," Wataru said. "Why cut someone if they're already dead?"

"Simple," Red Robin replied. "To represent a landmark, the culprit intentionally did this to give us a clue as to where they will strike next."

"Please explain," Juzo said. "I'm not so sure I follow?"

"There's a water park that opens up this weekend down town," Red Robin informed. "The way our last victim was killed coupled in with that slash mark upon his chest might be pointing to that very location."

"Great work," Juzo commented. "I'll have my men on the look out."

"I wouldn't jump the gun just yet."

"What do you mean?" Wataru asked.

"That only answers part of the riddle," Red Robin replied. "I've yet to find out what the number nine represents."

"I thought you said it had something to do with a countdown." Juzo stated.

"As a whole, yes," Red Robin said. "I also believe that each number individually left behind at each scene represents something, maybe even a hint to the next murder to occur."

"We're currently at nine," Wataru said. "What do you think will happen if we reach zero?"

"The finale," Red Robin replied. "And I don't plan on us reaching that point."

"I don't like the sound of that." Wataru thought.

He made his way over to the window, stopping before reaching it to glimpse back at the two.

"I think we should find a more discreet place to meet from here on out," Red Robin said. "This way we can avoid any possible run ins with anyone walking throughout the station."

"Good idea." Juzo said in agreement.

"I'll let you know when I come up with a location," Red Robin said turning for the window. "Not to mention, there's someone I want you both to meet."

"Someone you want us to meet?" Wataru questioned.

"Until next time." Red Robin said before jumping out of the window.

"I wonder what that was about." Juzo said.

"Any idea who he wants us to meet," Wataru asked. "Maybe the rumor about him and Kid working together are true."

"Time will only tell," Juzo said. "Remember, we keep this whole thing between the two of us."

"Understood."

The next morning brought a strong wind which glided throughout the streets, speeding past any standing trees. Everything seemed to flow at a quick pace from the morning up the till afternoon. The final bell of the school day rang loud to their ears. Conan was one of the first to leave the classroom. The rest of his friends caught up to him once arriving outside.

"Where are you going in such a hurry?" Genta called out.

"I guess I got a little spaced out." Conan replied.

"So how's tomorrow sound," Mitsuhiko asked. "Did the two of you find out if you can go to the movie Wednesday?"

"It's ok with my parents." Ayumi said.

"My dad is taking me in for an appointment after school tomorrow," Genta informed. "So I was thinking maybe we could go and see the movie tonight."

Mitsuhiko stepped back while rubbing the top of his head. He took a few seconds to give it some thought.

"Well none of us have any homework," Mitsuhiko said. "So I don't see why not."

"I guess that's means we'll have to ask our parents if it's ok." Ayumi said.

"Where should we meet if we're clear to go?" Genta asked.

"Conan's of course," Mitsuhiko declared. "He lives the closest to the theater after all."

"Then let's hurry," Genta stated. "Who knows how many showings are scheduled for tonight."

"See you guys later." Mitsuhiko said taking off as well.

Ayumi did the same, leaving Conan and Ai the lone two still standing there. He turned to face her after the others cleared out.

"Do you still plan on coming?" Conan asked.

"Why wouldn't I be?"

He couldn't help but smile at how direct she was with her response.

"I guess I'll see you then." Conan said before turning to head home.

He found himself gazing up at the clouds as he walked, admiring the many different shapes and sizes. He arrived back at the detective agency not long after. He pushed the front door open to find Ran sitting at the table with a pencil in hand. It was quiet, more quiet than he expected for this time of day.

"I wonder what's going on here."

He slowly made his way over to her side, looking down at the table to see a text book and a spiral note book at the right of it.

"Hi Ran," Conan said getting her attention. "What are you working on?"

"Preparing myself for tomorrows math test," Ran replied. "How was school today?"

"The usual," Conan replied. "The day went by pretty fast for a Tuesday."

"That's good."

Conan placed his bag to the side as he took a seat next to her, smiling as he did.

"Would you like some tips," Conan asked. "Note taking is my expertise, especially when it involves math."

"Thanks for offering Conan," Ran said smilingly. "But I'm afraid this might just be to complex for someone your age."

"Please," Conan plead. "I can almost assure you that you'll find my methods more than useful."

"Ok," Ran said in acceptance. "Show me these skills of yours."

"Watch closely," Conan said sliding the text book his way. "Every step is as important as the last."

Nearly an hour past as they went through his method of note taking, Ran carefully listening to him as she continued writing away.

"Thanks a lot Conan, I'll have to start taking notes like you do," Ran said. "Where did you learn how to take notes like this anyway?"

"Agasa gave me a few pointers about two months ago," Conan replied. "I've taken my notes just like this ever since."

The two of them turned at the sound of a knock coming at the door.

"I wonder who that could be?"

"I'll get it." Ran said while pushing up from her knees.

Conan watched as she opened the door to reveal the four of his friends standing on the other side.

"Are you still coming?" Mitsuhiko asked.

"Conan," Ran said looking over. "Where are you going?"

"To see a movie," Conan replied. "The Goats Medallion if I can recall."

"All that's left is the seven O'clock showing," Genta said. "Our parents won't let us go unless someone older goes with us."

"Why's that?" Ran asked.

"Because of how late it will be after it's over," Mitsuhiko replied. "I tried asking my sister but she's busy."

"Will you go with us Ran?" Ayumi asked.

"As much as I'd love to I can't," Ran replied. "I still have a full chapter to complete."

"Bummer," Genta said with the drop of his shoulders. "I guess we'll have to go another time."

"Don't give up hope just yet," Ran said. "Conan why don't you try asking Tim, I'm sure he'll be willing to take the five of you."

"That's a great idea!" Ayumi shouted.

"Let's hurry and get over there," Mitsuhiko said looking down at his watch. "The movie starts in an hour and forty five."

"He's right," Genta said. "We'll be late if we don't go now."

Conan quickly slid on his shoes, tieing the laces tightly before heading out the door along with his friends.

"Have fun and be safe." Ran said waving to the five of them as they walked down the stairwell.

"We will." Ayumi said waving back.  

"Tim's not going to like this one bit."

They moved as quickly as they could, knowing the time was ticking away. Once arriving at the apartment complex Conan singled for all of them to come to a stop.

"What's wrong Conan?" Ayumi asked.

"You four stay here, I'll go up and ask him if he'll go with us." Conan stated.

"Why do we have to stay here?" Genta questioned.

"Yea," Mitsuhiko remarked in agreement. "Are you afraid he'll say no if we're with you?"

"It's not that," Conan said. "I'd just rather do it alone, I promise I won't be long, so stay here."

With that said Conan headed toward the doors. Once in he made his way over to the elevator. He entered only to be joined by three others. He arrived on the fourth floor shortly after, heading straight for his room.

"Let's hope he says yes."

That was his last thought, giving the door three firm knocks. The door slid open moments later, Tim glimpsing down to see him standing a few feet away.

"Just the guy I wanted to see," Tim said widening the door. "There's something important I need to talk to you about."

"Can we save it for later?" Conan asked.

"... Sure," Tim said with the lift of a brow. "So if you're not here to talk, then what are you  here for?"

"It's a, well... can you take my friends and I to go see a movie," Conan asked. "There parents won't let them go unless someone older goes along with us, I hate to bother you with this, but there's no one else available."

"No worries Shinichi, I'll take you guys," Tim said giving him an answer. "Besides I could use some time out of this room."

"Great, the others will be overjoyed."

"Hold on for a minute," Tim said. "I'm going to go throw on a light jacket, I heard it's supposed to get a little cool tonight."

"Take your time, I'll be right here waiting." Conan said leaning against the wall.

He waited in the same spot just like he said. Tim returned shortly after, locking the door before closing it.

"Where are the others?" Tim asked.

"Waiting for us outside," Conan replied. "I heard you showed up at Sea Top after Dick solved that case yesterday."

"We had a little talk after I bought a new set of shoes," Tim said. "He wants me to have another meet with Salvonte, which I plan on setting up soon."

"Is Dick going to help you set that up?"

"He's actually busy with an agenda of his own," Tim informed. "As of last night Dick has pin pointed four of Brutho's hideouts, if you want to call them that."

"Do we know which one he's staying at?" Conan asked.

Tim nodded, pushing down onto the button.

"If that's the case, then why not go in and hand him over to the police," Conan questioned. "That would leave us with only the Black Yangs and the White Tiger to deal with."

"It's not that simple."

The two of them entered the elevator with the doors closing behind.

"You cut off a demons head, another is surely to grow in it's place," Tim said putting it into perspective. "If we're going to rid ourselves of the Outworlders we'll have to do it in one massive blow, one little jab here and there won't do the trick."

"How do we plan on doing that," Conan asked. "It's not like we can take them all on at the same time."

"That's not the plan," Tim stated, "We're going to hit them where it hurts, there will be no recovering if all goes right."

"Where do I fit into all of this?"

"You're going to be our stealth card." Tim replied.

"Sounds promising."

"I hope you've worked on your poker face, you'll be needing it," Tim informed. "Your next task will be dangerously fun, just the way you like it."

"Don't stop there, my interest level is only rising."

They reached the first floor, stepping out into the lobby.

"We'll have to put a cap on it for now, but we'll discuss matters further the next time you're over."

"I hate waiting." Conan mumbled.

They made their way out through the entrance doors to find the others standing over by the bus stop.

"Ha, I told you he'd be back in under ten minutes." Genta said.

"Hi Tim." Ayumi said waving up to him.

He smiled in return.

"It's good to see you all again," Tim said. "So what is it you guys plan on seeing?"

"The Goats Medallion," Mitsuhiko replied. "We have a little under an hour before it begins."

"The theater is not to far from here if I'm not mistaken, so there's no need to rush." Tim said as they began walking. "Anyone have an idea what this movie is going to be about?"

They kept conversation while they walked. He glimpsed back as they did, looking to see Ai straggling from behind.

"I wonder if she's always this quiet," Tim thought. "Or maybe she gets this way when someone she doesn't fully know is around."  

They arrived at the movie theater within the next fifteen minutes. After paying for their tickets they were directed to head left, to room three.

"Looks like we came early enough," Genta said as they walked in. "There's still plenty of seats left."

"Let's sit in the mid section." Mitsuhiko suggested.

"I'd rather sit up in the right corner," Ayumi said in disagreement. "What do you think Conan?"

"The right corner it is." Conan said not wanting to get on her bad side.

Mitsuhiko shrugged this off as they made their way in that direction. Once there they all took a seat in the same general vicinity.

"Last chance," Tim said. "Are you sure none of you want anything to eat?"

"I had enough for dinner, that alone should hold me for the rest of the night." Genta replied.

"That would be a first." Conan thought to himself.

The lights above shut off minutes later, alerting them the movie was about to begin. Conan sat back with his hands rested to the back of his head, preparing himself for anything. It didn't take long for him to show his feeling toward the movie. Fifteen minutes in Conan could be seen shaking his head from one side to the other.

"This is beyond ridiculous."

It was bad, yet so humorous. That was the only thing that kept his eyes from closing. He didn't keep track of how long he had been sitting, all of his thoughts and focus taken over by what was on the screen. Then he felt it, something touching down onto his left shoulder. It was a warming feeling, causing him to ease back even further. He looked at his side to find her head rested upon his shoulder, her shallow breaths calming his tenseness.

".... Haibara."

He tried repositioning himself only to have her right hand fall upon his upper leg. He gasped out only to feel a nudge at his right arm.

"Didn't know you had it in you to play both sides of the fence," Tim jokingly whispered. "First Ran now Shiho, phew, wait till Dick hears about this."

"That's not true," Conan exclaimed. "And you know it."

"Shhh, I'm trying to watch the movie." Ayumi said glaring over at him.

"Yea Conan, we're trying to watch the movie." Tim said adding fuel to the fire.

"Out of all times, why did this have to happen tonight?"

Conan looked back to Ai once more, figuring out how he was going to move her without awakening her. Some times a little luck played into these situations, just like it would tonight. A loud scream echoed throughout the walls, captivating everyones attention in the theater. Ai's eyes immediately sprang open.

"Where did that come from?" Ayumi asked.

"Defiantly not from the movie." Mitsuhiko said as another scream could be heard.

"It's coming from inside the hall," Tim said jumping from his seat. "I want all of you to stay here, I'll be right back."

They watched as he took off.

"What if it's a murder?" Mitsuhiko questioned.

"Then we should follow after him," Genta said jumping from his seat as well. "We are the Detective Boys after all."

"Not to mention Tim may need our help." Ayumi added.

"Hurry, let's go!" Mitsuhiko instructed.

Conan shook his head as they took off.

"Sorry Tim, but we're not ones to just sit and wait for results." Conan said as he to headed for the door.

To Be Continued










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