A considerable amount of time had passed since we received the theme park entry passes, which were rigged with high-explosive C-4 plastic explosives.
I was accompanying Detective Mouri and Conan-kun to an abandoned hotel at "Takashima-cho 3-8-5" to investigate the case. The building looked like it had been closed for two years; the lavish decorations had crumbled, and the chandeliers lay tragically shattered on the floor.
Upon our arrival, I sensed several presences. One, two, three... about six people in total. Their discipline surpassed that of mere amateurs, and their positioning suggested they carried long-range weapons. I whispered to Conan-kun, who was scouting the basement.
"Someone is watching this place. There are about six of them, likely armed."
"What... what does that mean? Is there something in this building?"
"I don't have the details yet. What do you think—should I just go out and disperse them?"
I pulled out my telescopic baton, now my constant companion. Conan-kun slowly shook his head in refusal. In truth, I had snapped this baton twice in the past because I used it to strike buildings with excessive force, as if I were using my usual claws.
The expansion mechanism seems fragile. Although Dr. Agasa recently began upgrading it with enthusiasm, it remains a weapon full of flaws. I sometimes fear he might actually create something that can withstand my full strength; the man's scientific genius is beyond comprehension... How did he manage to make a skateboard reach such incredible speeds using nothing but solar panels?
"No, wait. Wasn't there a threat from Kaito Kid around here recently? They might be police officers."
"You're right; they don't move like underworld thugs. Their movements show signs of uniform training. They're likely Special Security (SP), police, or perhaps firefighters."
Those disciplined, synchronized movements reflected the nature of official work. Even Furuya-san's movements belonged to that same school. I told Conan-kun while keeping a light watch on them: "Regardless, we need to finish searching and get out of here quickly."
It would be unfortunate if Detective Mouri were detained by the police for no reason. Conan-kun is a child, so he would be released immediately, but things wouldn't be so simple if suspicion fell on Mouri. While I considered this—completely forgetting that I might be arrested too—the smartphone in my pocket vibrated.
A call. And this phone was strictly for Organization business. Damn, at a time like this! The caller was Gin. If I didn't answer within three rings, he would be beyond annoyed, so I had no choice. Conan-kun read the situation from my tense expression and tried to press his ear close to the phone.
"Yes, Bourbon speaking."
"Wolfhound. We have a mission. Be at Pier XX at 2:30 PM. I'll give you the details there."
"Understood. I'll head there immediately."
As usual, it was a brief call consisting only of orders, with no regard for anyone else's circumstances or schedule. Nevertheless, missions assigned to me were considered "gentle" treatments; he summoned me in advance to explain the details, whereas my partners were often just told the mission and thrown directly into the field.
It's a style of handling that makes me think he tries to get them killed under the guise of a mission. Even Kir was cursing him the other day, saying, "I can't believe that damn man." Well, I'll bow out of this movie's plot for now and leave the rest to Conan-kun and his friends.
"I'm sorry, Conan-kun. An urgent work matter came up. I'll leave this case to you."
"...Work?"
Conan-kun asked, narrowing his eyes with sharp intelligence. He didn't ask if it was an "Organization mission," likely to avoid any potential eavesdropping devices in the rigged watches we were wearing.
"Yes. Unfortunately."
"Me too... no, I can't go. As long as I'm wearing this ID pass, my location is definitely being tracked."
"And likely the audio as well; there's no reason for them not to listen in."
"! ...I expected as much."
I placed the C-4 rigged entry pass in a spot where the police would clearly find it later, hoping they would realize the gravity of the situation. I did some light stretching. I planned to escape from the hotel's third floor using a folding wire hook to avoid bumping into the police.
Conan-kun watched me in silence. I swiped an extra detective badge from his pocket and smiled at him.
"I'll borrow this just in case. Make up a good excuse for Detective Mouri. I'm off."
"Wait, what do you mean by a good excuse... fine, whatever."
I used the internal stairs to reach the third floor, then took a massive leap from a broken window that couldn't be seen from the fire escape. Since it was broad daylight, I tried to land smoothly in a back alley to avoid drawing attention. I left the area with speed reminiscent of a certain famous web-swinging hero.
When I arrived at the meeting point, Curacao was leaning against a warehouse wall with a look of boredom, a cigarette in her mouth. Gin stood beside her.
"Sorry I'm late."
"Don't worry about it; you're right on time. It's fine."
If I were a simple lackey, I would have been executed by firing squad on the spot, but Gin was always lenient with me. He gave a wicked grin as if forgiving me, while Curacao spat on the ground in annoyance. I understood that Gin's blatant favoritism toward me disgusted her, but I wished she would stop because it actually made me nervous.
The mission this time was relatively simple: recover data stored at Yokohama Ocean University. The data was vital to the Organization, and the job needed to be done between today and tomorrow. Additionally, we had to erase all traces after stealing the data and delete the original copy entirely.
This type of mission was more suited for Kir, Curacao, or Vermouth—not something I was particularly used to, which made me slightly anxious. I tilted my head, trying to hide my concern, and smiled at Gin.
"I don't see why you're sending two high-ranking members for something like this. University security is weak, even with student listeners around."
"I agree, but these are direct orders from 'That Person.' We don't have the right to refuse."
"Understood. Then I will carry out the orders."
"Good boy, Wolfhound."
As long as the orders came from 'That Person,' I had no choice. Failure meant death. Ah, but I would resist with all my might if it came to that to avoid being killed. I exchanged looks with Curacao to discuss the general outline.
"We'll infiltrate tonight, then set the place on fire. That's the simplest and best solution."
"Agreed. Let's finish this quickly."
The planning ended in moments. Curacao was used to working alone, and a complex plan would only hinder her. Gin said, "I'm leaving it in your hands, Wolfhound," then departed, his silver hair trailing behind him. He seemed to completely ignore Curacao's presence, causing her to fume and click her tongue. Seriously, guys, try to get along...
I tried talking to her to lighten the mood.
"Still... this is strange. Being called for a spy mission and data theft. Are all the other leaders busy?"
"Yes. Wasting your skills on stealing university data is like using an anti-tank missile against a water pistol."
Curacao muttered quietly that the data must be extremely important. I just hoped they wouldn't entrust such vital data to someone as bad at spying as me.
"Haha. Let's put aside whether I'm as useful as a missile or not. Curacao, what are you doing now? if you need to go shopping, I can give you a lift."
"No need. I don't need equipment. We'll meet at midnight at the edge of the campus... at this location."
I wanted to use the ride to build a good rapport with her, but she politely declined. Still, she didn't seem hostile.
"I appreciate the offer, but if they found out I was using 'Vermouth's pampered dog' to run my errands, I'd have problems later. Take this and be a good boy."
"! This is..."
"It's a popular type lately. Distribute it to the subordinates or enjoy it yourself as you please."
She tossed me an envelope containing candy laced with illegal substances, which I caught quickly. These items are used for recreation in the underworld and can be sold for a good price. I wouldn't use them, of course, but Curacao did it out of a sort of kindness... or like someone secretly feeding another person's dog. I decided to hand them over to Kazami-san later and tucked them into the car's door pocket.
After they vanished from sight, I spoke into the detective badge I had stolen from Conan-kun.
"Hello, Conan-kun?"
"── Oh, it's you! What happened!?"
"They just explained the mission details to me. The actual execution is for later. Where are you now?"
"I'm at Yokohama Ocean University with Heiji and Detective Hakuba investigating. It seems to be related to the armored car robbery from a few months ago."
"You're as amazing as ever... anyway, listen closely."
"Yeah, what is it?"
"Tonight, make sure to evacuate the university and stay far away from it. Do you promise me that?"
I made him promise in a calm, firm tone. If he didn't comply, his life would be at risk.
"...What do you mean?"
"We plan to burn the place down. There are other leaders with me, so don't even think about trying to stop us."
"...Damn it! People could get hurt!"
I laughed mockingly in response to his angry voice, trying to sound as callous and harsh as possible.
"And why should I care?"
"You bastard..."
"Kidding, kidding. I'll arrange things so the university is evacuated as much as possible. But you won't be able to protect them if you intervene yourself... keep that in mind."
I threatened him coldly, as if pressing my claws against his throat. If he intervened clumsily, the plan might fail, so I had to be harsh. I then hung up immediately without waiting for a reply. It's a cheap trick to prevent him from arguing while maintaining the tension.
This move—hanging up abruptly—is common in the world of Conan, but it really lacks class. Chronologically, he must be with Heiji Hattori... and probably Saguru Hakuba, who is actually Kaito Kid in disguise. I expect Conan-kun will face a long interrogation from those two about that call. As I pondered that, I began to wait for nightfall.
••••••
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