Batman/Detective Conan crossover 87-88

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The Detective Prince

Chapter 87

New Trail

The time seemingly dragged along, patiently awaiting his return. He looked to the clock hanging from the wall several times over in the time that passed.

"How much longer must we wait for?"

He lowered his eyes from the clock, looking just in time to see him heading back into their direction.

"The results are finally in," Harold said upon his return. "It took some time to distinguish what kind of wood was found on his arms and back."

"So what's the verdict," Rick asked. "Are the wood chips found on his arm the same as the one found in the wound?"

"Negative," Harold replied. "The two samples are different."

"Just as expected."

"What are the differences between the two?" Rick asked.

"The wood found in his surrounding wound was that of red oak," Harold informed. "While on the flipped side the wood present on his body was poplar based."

"So now we have two different types of woods, that probably means there were two attackers after all."

"I don't think so," Conan said stepping from behind the table. "The wood chips around his body weren't deep enough to imply he was hit."

"The boy's right," Harold said in his agreement. "The poplar found on his back and arms seem to imply something less than force."

"Like what?"

"Maybe his body dropped , or was stalled away in something made of poplar," Conan replied. "That would explain why there were several wood bits covering his body."

"Exactly what I had in mind."

"But how can we be sure," Rick questioned. "Do you have anything additional that supports this claim?"

"Then you're not looking at the details hard enough Mr. Gates," Harold said. "Everything is laid out in front of us."

"What do you mean?"

"Isn't it obvious," Heiji said. "The poplar found on his body doesn't appear to have been forced into his skin, unlike the oak."

"They said that before."

"Which in affect could imply after his death the body was laid away to be hidden," Conan said. "Perhaps in a coffin or crate."

"Made of poplar." Heiji finished.

"Ok, maybe you two are onto something."

"I'll have to examine the body further before we can draw any conclusions," Harold said. "But at least we're making progress."

"That's a plus," Conan thought. "But if his body was really stalled away in a poplar crate, what was it doing in Salomon's home?"

"What about this guy here," Heiji said looking back to the body. "Was there atropine found in his system as well?"

"Most certainly not," Harold replied. "But there is something else, I have not yet diagnosed what it is at this point."

"So we have a guy who was tortured and another who suffered a fatal blow to the chest, then both are left to explode postmortem," Rick said. "Why?"

"The simple answer would be to destroy evidence," Heiji said. "But I get the feeling there's more to it than that."

"As do I."

"I'll continue my assessment of both bodies," Harold said. "With any luck maybe something we missed will turn up."

"I better be heading back up," Rick said after checking the time. "I still have that other unsolved case file on my desk."

"We'll come with you," Heiji said. "There's not much more we can do until more is learned, which will take some time."

"You'll be the first to know if anything additional is learned."

"I look forward to that," Rick said. "I'll try to gain as much ground as I can."

With that the three of them made their way out past the door.

"That went well, considering."

"I'd say so myself," Rick said. "But to avoid any unwanted confrontation with any of the others, I'd tuck your little pal back into hiding."

He stopped in his tracks, looking back to see him trailing from behind.

"You know.. he's got a point."

The skyline fell darkened from the scouring clouds in the surrounding area. They had little difficulty finding there way to the window side of the apartment regardless of the little light. He reached for the window, finding it to be unlocked like it had been from his last visit. The two of them dropped into the dark room, making little to no sound.

"Everything looks the same, it's clear no one has been here post my last visit."

He quietly moved forward, following the path of the visible light from where the moon flashed. He walked on, looking to the contents laid out upon the kitchen table on the left side of the room.

"You still haven't told me why we're here."

"To investigate the disappearance of Danielle Walden and his daughter Mera," Batman replied. "This is a missing persons case."

"Several people go missing every day, what's so important about this case in particular?"

He stopped after taking another step, standing there for seconds to come.

"Because I made a promise," Batman replied. "A promise I'd find them."

"Am I to assume this is where our missing pair lived?" Robin asked.

"Which is warranted for a second search." Batman confirmed.

"And what is it we should be looking for?"

"Anything, from the most apparent portrait to the single scrap of yarn," Batman replied looking his way. "Every subtle detail must be taken in as a piece of an incomplete puzzle."

He then turned for the other side, heading towards a door on the far right. Each step taken was in proportion with the last, scanning the room from top to bottom as he moved.

"If they are truly alive there could be something here, something I may have missed shadowing to their whereabouts."

He stopped once reaching the door, wasting no time in examining the door nob, looking to the hinges to check for any damages. He found nothing out of the ordinary in the process.

"The lock and door are in well condition, this is looking less and less as a break in."

He then focused his sights to the other sections of the room, seeing his partner was already hard at work in his search.

"I think I've found something." Robin declared upon reaching the center of the room.

He kneeled down, holding out his hand to grab what was before him.

"False alarm," Robin said hearing him approach from behind. "It's just a loose button and a patch."

"Let me have a look."

"I don't see the importance, but if you insist."

He handed him both items with nothing further said. He looked them both over for a short period, placing them into an empty slot in his utility after doing so.

"You're not serious," Robin questioned. "Do you really think those have any relevance to their absence?"

"To the single thread of yarn." Batman said in response.

"I'd hardly call that evidence, they could have been laying there for months for all we know."

"Well noted, but needs to be taken in for consideration regardless."

"Where do you want to check next?"

"We go."

"What," Robin questioned. "You find two little specs and we're already on our way out?"

"We have what we need," Batman said. "Besides, everything in here looks unchanged from the last time I visited."

"And you're positive this was the last place where they were seen?"

"That is according to the complex cameras," Batman confirmed. "There was no footage captured of them leaving this building."

"And where are these cameras?"

"The parking lot, front entrance, and the elevators."

"What of the stairwell?"

"Where I'm assuming they exited or were apprehended," Batman said. "That is the only section of this department without the luxury of surveillance."

"And you've checked the stairs for yourself?"

"Enough not to feel the need to look again," Batman replied. "Come, we've spent enough time here as it is."

He turned back for the window, exiting just as quietly as they had upon entering. He did just the same, following in his foot steps.

"What a waste of time this turned out to be."

After a lengths time of navigating the skies, the clouds released a shallow rain which lightly touched down with a soft grace. This lasted for several hours, mellowing down into the phase of dawn. He awoke with little sun to be seen, already seated in place as he continued his examination of the samples obtained. Another sweep was ran, not taking long for the results to feed back to him.

"Still nothing."

In some ways it was what he was expecting to receive, the same results again and again. He was joined shortly there after, hearing the sound of the door crack open shortly there after.

"You're up awfully early, I expected you'd be in bed for at least another hour or so."

"I can't put this on hold any longer Alfred," Bruce said. "Finding out the connection between the blood and the emblem left on the wall is most staggering."

"Have you gotten any closer to uncovering what it means?"

"Unfortunately I'm still in the process of that," Bruce replied. "I've already scanned through multiple species, ranging from insects to even bats."

"It's only a matter of time."

"I've launched another scan, which will account for all reptilian DNA."

"And if that's not a success?"

"That would leave one final group to search," Bruce replied. "Birds."

"I wish you the best of luck," Alfred said. "But that's not why I'm here, I've come with another subject in mind."

"I'm listening."

"I received a call this morning from a representative at the Halloway Future's building, they wanted to thank you for the endorsement." Alfred informed.

"I see."

"They also wanted to know if you would be interested in attending the party opening in the coming weeks," Alfred continued. "As far as delivering a speech of your own."

"I'll look at my schedule and then get back to them, later this week of course."

"I'll let them know right away."

"Thank you."

He left the room from there, leaving the door open. The scan went underway in the seconds that followed. He closely watched as more and more reptiles were blacked out from the list of possibilities.

"What I don't understand is the use of blood completely unrelated to the crime," Bruce thought. "Something's got to give."

He sat in the company of his thoughts for a time to come. The sound of the door bell came clear to his ears while he sat in observation. He stood up, pushing the chair in as he did. He quickly left the room, heading directly for the front door.

"It's only ten after eight, who could possibly be here to see me this early?"

He reached the door after a couple more steps taken, opening it to find someone standing from across.

"Special delivery."

"A special delivery.. I don't remember ordering anything."

"All I need is for you to sign here Mr. Wayne."

He received a clip board and pen, doing as instructed before handing both items back.

"Will that be all?"

"That's is it," He confirmed with the shake of his head. "I hope you find your purchase to your liking."

It was then that a box was handed to him.

"You're free to call our office if there is anything wrong with your item, until next time."

He turned away, heading down the fleet of stairs he had come. He watched him for the first few moments only to focus his attention to the package given to him.

"Now, what do we have here?" Bruce thought with the close of the door.

The sound of someone trotting down from the floor above could be heard. Dropping the box to his side he turned to see who was to join him.

"You're awake."

"Who was that at the door?" Conan asked.

"A special delivery." Bruce replied.

"For who?"

He looked down at the package, coming to find who it was addressed to.

"Perfect timing," Bruce replied. "Says here it's for you."

"For me," Conan questioned. "From whom?"

"Here, why don't you have a look for yourself," Bruce said holding the box out in front of him. "If you're unsure of who sent it I could examine it first."

"Let's see here."

He dropped down from the staircase, walking over to have a look at the box himself.

"It has no return address," Bruce informed handing him the package. "Were you expecting to receive something from someone?"

"Now that you mention it, I was expecting a little mail," Conan said looking down at the box in hand. "Just not this soon."

"What have you been expecting to get?"

"A couple supplements, as some would call it." Conan replied.

He removed the tape from the sides of the box, feeling a sudden weakness come over him. His fingers dawdled in the moments that followed, hearing the sound of the box touch down to the ground.

"Are you alright?" Bruce asked in concern taking a step toward him.

"I'm fine," Conan assured. "Just a little tired is all."

He reached down for the box, bringing it back into his possession. He opened the box with little effort, revealing the contents from within.

"A pair of shades and some shoes, what do you needs those for," Bruce asked. "If you wanted, we could have gotten you some from the store."

"These aren't your ordinary shoes or every day shades," Conan stated. "They both allow for useful enhancements, like a gadget if you will."

"I see," Bruce said. "But why no return address?"

"I don't know," Conan replied. "I'll have to ask him about that."

"I'm going out on a little drive," Bruce said. "Would you mind keeping a watch out for the results?"

"Not at all," Conan replied. "I was just about to ask about that in fact, where do we stand on the matter?"

"All that is left to account for are reptiles and birds,." Bruce replied. "The scan is in affect now, so we should know soon enough."

"I'll keep an eye on it."

"If I'm needed, just call."

"Of course."

"Good, now if you will excuse me," Bruce said turning for the other side. "I have something I must do before I head out."

He moved aside, allowing for him to make his way to the kitchen. He then placed both items back into the box before making his way toward the study.

"Talk about fast shipping, I'll have to call and thank Dr. Agasa," Conan said. "There's no telling when I might need these."

Not much went on from the spot he worked, occasionally hearing the sound of someone moving past from the other side of the wall. Just as he was to have a seat in front of the computer the door could be heard pushing off to the side. This prompted him to turn around, coming to find the two of them entering the lab.

"Back so soon, you two must be very anxious to learn the conditions surrounding this case."

"Indeed we are."

"Where's your other little friend," Harold asked. "I was half expecting you'd bring him along again."

"Not this time, he has somewhere to hang for the time being."

"Have you learned anything since the last we met?" Rick asked.

"I try never to disappoint detective Gates," Harold replied. "I now know the true cause of death in the case of the first victim."

"Are you saying the wooden stake to his chest didn't do him in?"

"That was done postmortem, for what purposes I do not know at this time."

"Give it to us straight," Heiji said. "What happened?"

"There were high traces of orellanine found in his system," Harold informed. "From the amount found, I'd say he received regular dose of it over a few day period."

"Which ultimately lead to respiratory heart failure, correct?"

"Right you are Hattori."

"You mean to tell me he was poisoned," Rick asked. "What about the place of death, were you able to distinguish that?"

"Not an exact location, but I did find something else worth mentioning," Harold informed. "Found surrounding his body rested mushroom residue."

"Mushrooms, of course," Heiji said. "Were they all of the same brand?"

"No, I've accounted for five different types thus far."

"So the guy was slipped some poisonous mushrooms," Rick said. "I hardly see how that leads us to where he was killed."

"Then don't look at it as a whole," Heiji said. "This in the least narrows down the playing field."

"Come again."

"Like Mr. Jones said, mushroom residue was found on his body," Heiji said. "It's one thing to have poison in your system, but another to have pieces of the material used in the death connected to ones body."

"I don't follow."

"Tell me," Heiji said with a step taken. "How many facilities usually carry around poisonous mushrooms, particularly in an environment such as this?"

"You're right, stuff like that is usually imported from out of state," Rick said with the snap of his finger. "That's not something you can easily come by."

"Which means coming up with a list of all places in this city that carry or have access to mushrooms," Heiji said. "Then we'll be a step closer to finding out what played a hand in our mystery persons death."

"And you're certain some kind of mushroom is what killed him?" Rick asked looking back toward Harold.

"Not the mushroom, but rather a fungi," Heiji answered. "Orellanine is a crystalline alkaloid which is found in certain fungi's, which was most likely attached to the mushrooms the victim was forced to take."

"Thanks for the quick run down," Harold said. "And very true."

"So, he died from some kind of fungi?"

"That's right," Harold confirmed with the shake of his head. "I hope you can put this information to good use."

"More so than you may think," Heiji said. "We'll leave you to the comfort of your lab, we now have some stops to make."

"Right behind you." Rick said as both turned for the door.

"Be sure to drop in later some time," Harold said. "There's no telling what I might have for you."

"We'll keep that option open," Rick said glimpsing back. "Later captain."

He was the second of the two to make his way out, looking forward to see him gazing over something in hand.

"What's that you've got there?" Rick asked coming to his side.

"The note of riddles left for the employees at Starlest."

"Have you been able to untwine the true meaning for each one?"

"I'm still working on that," Heiji replied. "Just thinking about it left me awake for the majority of last night."

"Why don't you seek some help from that little detective friend of yours?"

"You're not serious are you?"

"Why wouldn't I be," Rick replied with a slap on the shoulder. "He's one bright kid, and that's a compliment."

"I'll be sure he receives your praise," Heiji said. "But on the topic of things, where do you suggest we begin our search?"

"That's a good question," Rick replied. "I know just the guy who might be able to point us in the right direction."

The last set of profiles had generated the same results as before, coming to yet another dead end. He sat back as the final scan proceeded, feeling the urge to fall completely under in the process of waiting. Ten minutes quickly turned into untimely hour. Before he knew it his eyes had closed, drifting away with little to the mind. It was then that the computer alarm ring loudly, flashing his eyes wide to see what was laid onto the screen.

"Match," Conan read pushing up with a renewed energy. "We now have a match to the blood that was on the wall."

He reached for the computer mouse, pressing down to view the inner details of the findings. The profile that came to the screen came as a surprise, far from what he was expecting to see.

"This is far from the left field, which raises questions more than anything," Conan said. "I better call Bruce and let him know."

"Let him know what?"

He looked across the way to see Alfred had entered the room.

"We now know the type of blood that was present at the scene," Conan informed. "It belongs to a bird known as the Resplendent Quetzal."

"A Quetzal?"

To Be Continued

The Detective Prince

Chapter 88

Stage Two

Mid day had fast approached, finding himself in a minor back up in traffic. His phone was set to speaker, listening to the incoming information from the other line.

"Affirmative, the sample of blood you were able to obtain belongs to that of the Resplendent Quetzal," Conan confirmed. "They are most notably found in the western parts of Panama all the way to Mexico."

"What else do you have on this bird?"

"They're part of a larger family known as the Trogonidae," Conan replied. "Thirty nine species in all within the group."

"Now we need to find out why this bird in particular was chosen for the cause."

"Not to mention the paint mixed in with it."

"See if you can find anything further on the subject."

"What did you have in mind," Conan asked. "There's a lot of directions we can take."

"Let's stick with the bird, be sure to expand your searches past the Resplendent," Bruce said. "Check the entire Trogonidae family."

"Already on it," Conan said. "I'll call if I come across anything worth mentioning."

"Good luck."

The transmission fell blank within that instance. He turned back for the road, looking ahead to see the next intersection was fast incoming. He looked down at his watch to find there were twenty minutes remaining before thirty after one.

"Not much further to go," Bruce thought. "At this rate I'll arrive with time to spare."

The sun shined bright from the window side, feeling a sense of comfort as he waited for his return. Several cars zipped by from his blindside, keeping him attentive to the task in play. Just as he was to switch on the radio he caught sight of him making his way out of the gas station.

"That didn't take long."

He continued around the car, dragging his hand along the top on his path to the driver side.

"Smooth as usual." Rick said re-entering the car.

"So, how did things go in there," Heiji asked. "Was this friend of yours able to hand us a lead?"

"He never disappoints," Rick replied. "There's a place called Living Green just two miles from here, a facility for plants."

"And they have mushrooms?"

"That's what he said, and then we've got this other joint clear across town," Rick continued. "Some place called Libits."

"Ok, where to first?"

"I say we take it to the green," Rick replied. "It requires we pass through there to reach Libits anyway."

"I'm all in."

"Sit tight, I'll have us there in no time."

He put his foot to the pedal, backing out from the lot. Within no time they were back on the freeway, finding themselves cruising along for minutes to come. They slowed up after a couple miles driven upon finding themselves in a traffic jam.

"Talk about timing," Rick said. "With this clog in traffic I doubt we make it to Living Green until at least another hour."

"I see no problem in that," Heiji said. "It's not like we're in a rush of any kind."

"I guess you're right."

"Besides, that gives me the time to look over some of this other stuff."

"What other stuff?"

He didn't respond, simply pulling out the note stashed away within pocket. He resumed from where he had left off, looking at everything as as a whole. The more he read over it, the more invigorating it became, feeling as if he was getting a clearer understanding to who may have written the note. Then something came to him, staring it dead in the eye with the raise his head.

"That's it," Heiji exclaimed. "How could I have not seen it earlier."

"What," Rick questioned looking his way. "Does this have something to do with one of the bodies?"

"The riddle," Heiji said holding up the sheet. "The thief has already let us know what their next move will be."

"The riddles from Starlest," Rick questioned. "I thought we were keeping our focus on the two dead men."

"Multi tasking never hurts."

"Ok then," Rick said. "You know where this guy will strike next?"

"Or woman, the gender of our thief is still unknown," Heiji corrected. "All we know is there's a message within the context of the riddle itself."

"I'm as clueless as the next guy," Rick admitted. "Would you be so kind to elaborate what you speak of?"

"Here," Heiji said handing him the slip of paper. "Why don't you have another look."

He accepted the sheet into hand, wasting no time in directing his focus down to the print before him.

"i am solely for the eye beyond all affiliated kins, a tune to Hear with a misdirection Red (1)."

He read through it a couple times, looking back to him with the shake of his head.

"Sorry, but I'm not seeing anything I didn't notice before."

"Read the second line," Heiji said. "It's just as important as the first."

"If you insist," Rick said taking a deep breath before setting his sights to the riddle once again. "superior to my the Deceiver, at the Affair shall I appear.."

He gained nothing from reading this, feeling just as lost as before.

"Care to throw an inflated life vest, I'm drowning here."

"That's how I felt before," Heiji said. "That was until I realized looking at it as a whole was incorrect, but rather as pieces."

"Pieces?"

"Pieces that need to be connected, and rearranged."

"Ok, now you've just added more confusion to the matter."

"Stay focused, I promise all will make sense in the coming minutes."

"I'll take your word for it."

"Alright, then let us start with the second phrase of the first riddle," Heiji said. "a tune to Hear with a misdirection Red (1), notice the key words being hear and red."

"So what of it?"

"What happens if you remove all other letters and swap the two words?"

"You end up with 'red hear'," Rick stated. "Is there some significance to this?"

"Maybe with a step forward, how about a red-herring?"

"A red herring," Rick questioned. "How did you come up with that?"

"Misdirection is due to this, the word within that sequence," Heiji replied. "Not only do I believe it was referring to its own riddle, but the message as a whole."

"As a whole?"

"With that in mind, I rearranged how I think the riddle should play out."

He reached into his jacket, pulling out a notepad that had been tightly tucked away. He took little time in writing out what he had in mind, handing him the notepad once finished.

"There," Heiji said. "Give it a read."

He gave it a look, doing as he instructed.

"a tune to Hear with a misdirection Red (1), superior to my the Deceiver," Rick read with a pause. "i am solely for the eye beyond all affiliated kins, at the Affair shall I appear."

Silence ensued for seconds to come as he read over it a few times more.

"You've rearranged the set up, now that you put it this way it does make a bit more sense," Rick admitted. "But I still don't quite get the meaning of it it all."

"Think about it," Heiji said. "The first part of the riddle is hidden with misdirection and deception, that alone links the two separate phrases together."

"Nice find," Rick commented. "But you said you knew where they would strike next, mind sharing?"

"Starlest."

"Say what?"

"Their next showing will be at Starlest, I'm certain of it."

"But why," Rick asked. "The thief already completed a successful heist there."

"We can't be sure that last incident was done by the person who left the riddle."

"Ok, let's say this deduction of yours is correct," Rick said. "Why Starlest?"

"That's where the riddles were left to be found," Heiji replied. "But don't get too caught up in it."

"What do you mean?"

"If what I think is correct, whatever is set to occur at Starlest will be nothing but a dry run."

"Dry run," Rick questioned looking back to the road. "What do you mean by that?"

"Haven't you been following along, the culprit wants us to focus our attention to the targeted facility," Heiji continued. "In this case being Starlest, this of course is to keep our attention elsewhere while they prep for their true heist."

"And how can you be so sure of this?"

"The second part of the riddle all but confirms this," Heiji replied. "Though hints have been dropped, I'm still unsure of the where."

Rick took another look at the second part of the riddle, reading it for himself.

"i am solely for the eye beyond all affiliated kins, at the Affair shall I appear," Rick read. "You're right, it does sound as if they're planning something big."

"And I can't quite pin point the where, especially when I still haven't accounted for all elements within the riddle," Heiji said. "Particularly the (1) directly after red, I'm sure there's some significance to it."

"So what happens now," Rick asked. "We contact Mr. Ellson and let him know about this latest development?"

"We will, but first answer me this," Heiji said tucking the notepad back into place. "How many Starlest facilities are located here in Gotham?"

He was hard at work, taking ample amount of time in digging up what he could on the subject at hand. Most of what was found was typical and expected, only coming across small details worth mentioning. The door cracked open from the other side of the room, keeping his sights to the screen as the sound of someone approaching became apparent.

"How are things coming along?"

"Little progress Alfred," Conan replied. "But I might have something note worthy, in regards to the Resplendent Quetzal in particular."

"What have you learned?"

"The Resplendent is one of the more well known birds from the Trogonidae circle," Conan informed. "For starters it's the national bird of Guatemala, even having a place on their flag."

"That's quite the find."

"I also found an interesting story, a mythology if you will."

"Carry on."

"According to legend, the Resplendent Quetzal was looked upon as a figure of worship or a divine."

"Like a god?"

"Simply put," Conan confirmed. "There's much to the story, but the fine details are what stand out."

"Which is?"

"What its main feature represents," Conan replied. "For example its green tail feathers are a symbol for spring plant growth."

"I see."

"Then you have the ancient Maya and Aztecs who viewed the quetzal as the god of the air," Conan added. "Symbolizing goodness and light."

"Am I to assume this legend has something to do with the events leading to Salomon's Green's death?"

"I can't say for sure," Conan replied. "But with the blood of a resplendent quetzal making an appearance at the scene, I'd say that warrants for a look."

"I'm inclined to agree."

"If there is some kind of ritual in this regard, I haven't found it yet."

"Keep at it," Alfred said. "If there is something to find, you will."

"Hopefully something that leads us to whoever is responsible for the murder of Salomon Green," Conan replied. "From the intensity of the crime, I'm getting the vibe this was the first act of many to come."

"That's not too far fetched."

"Which means finding this guy before he kills again."

After a measurable amount of time spent on the road they had finally reached their destination, pulling into the large parking lot which was already next to full. They exited the car once parked, turning for the building standing in the wait.

"This is it," Rick said with the close of the door. "Welcome to Living Green."

"Did you call and let them know we'd be coming?"

"I've always preferred the surprise approach."

"Right after you."

The two moved on with nothing further, advancing toward the entrance with a step up to the sidewalk. They quickly gained ground, only a matter of time before they were to reach the doors. He looked to him as they walked, seeing something in him he hadn't before.

"He's so different than most, so direct and decisive.. yet calm," Rick thought in the mist of the moment. "This string of sheer raw talent is hard to come by, especially in youth such as he."

Not once did he take notice of him, his mind completely fixated on the task presented before them. They reached the doors within moments, stepping inside to see several other individuals strolling about.

"Now," Heiji said looking around. "Where to find a manager."

"That's a really good question," Rick said having a look himself. "There should be someone close we could talk with."

"How about that clerk there." Heiji pointed.

"That'll do."

The two of them made their way across the room, careful as not to make contact with some who darted past.

"A lot of someone must be in a hurry."

"Or we've walked in on a day where things are on sale." Heiji said taking note of the advertising signs.

"That to is a possibility." Rick said noticing the signs as well.

They stepped around a stand of plants which posed a strong scent, walking over to greet the clerk who stood behind the register.

"Hello there," Rick said upon coming stopping. "Could you point us in the direction of your mushrooms?"

"Most certainly," The young man said in response. "They are located in the outside part of our department."

"Which is where?"

"Follow the wall there, it will take you to a door leading to the back." He instructed pointing to the left.

"And how might we get in contact with a manager," Rick asked. "We have a couple questions we'd like to ask."

"Hold on, I'll get one to this register immediately."

"Appreciate the help."

He then turned, coming to find him looking over something that was on his phone.

"Who's that there," Rick asked coming to his side. "Someone you know?"

"Not exactly," Heiji replied. "But it is someone I'm hoping to find."

"Let me guess," Rick said. "Another case you're fiddling with on your multi task list."

"You could put it that way."

He overheard the two speak, immediately recognizing the person in question after laying his eyes down to the phone from where he stood.

"Hold on, I've seen that person before."

The two of them turned at the sound of the voice, coming to find it was the same clerk they had just spoken with.

"You've seen this woman," Heiji said holding out his phone. "Are you positive?"

"Undisputedly," He confirmed with a nod. "I recognize her apparel, she tends to wear that same outfit every time she drops in."

"And when was the last time you saw her?"

"Three days ago if I'm not mistaken."

"What do you know about her?" Heiji asked pushing for information.

"Not much, you should probably ask Steve about her," The clerk suggested. "He talks with her every time she comes in."

"Does this Steve have a last name?"

"Matthews, Steve Matthews."

"Would he happen to be working today?"

"No, and he's off for the next two days."

"What about the woman," Heiji asked. "Has he ever mentioned her name to you?"

"... Sam, I belive that's what he addressed her by," He replied. "If I'm not mistaken."

"What about a last name?"

"If he knows, never mentioned it to me," The clerk replied. "Why do you want to know, is she in some kind of trouble?"

"No, just want to talk."

It was at that moment that his phone began to ring, stepping off to the side as he answered. Heiji could only stand in wait, watching as he engaged in conversation.

"What a lucky break this is, having her name speaks volumes," Heiji thought. "Pending that the information holds true, we're just that much closer to tracking this woman down."

The conversation had been brief, setting his phone away with a deep breath. He could see the disturbance in his eyes, knowing something wasn't right.

"What's wrong, did something happen?"

"That was Mr. Ellson of Starlest," Rick answered. "He wants us to meet with him right away."

"For what?"

"It seems you were right," Rick replied. "The thief has left their next mark."

"A thief, what's going on?" The clerk asked.

"Don't worry," Heiji assured. "It has nothing to do with here."

"Who are you people anyway?"

"Detectives," Heiji replied turning back to face him before reaching into his jacket. "Here's my number, would you be so kind to have Mr. Matthews call me the next time he's in?"

"Sure thing," The clerk replied. "What about the manager, what would you like me to tell her when she arrives?"

"Let her know we had somewhere to be," Rick replied. "But rest assured, we will return."

"Understood."

The two turned back for the entrance, much running through each of their minds as they pressed on for the exit.

"Any idea what was taken from the scene?" Heiji asked.

"That's the thing," Rick said. "They're unsure."

"Unsure?"

"All they've found thus far is some broken glass and a few rearranged items."

"But nothing missing?"

"Not from what I was told."

"Then I guess we'll find out when we get there," Heiji said. "Which should only be about a ten twenty minute drive from our location."

"Better make that thirty five," Rick corrected. "This Starlest is not the same as before."

"I had a feeling that'd be the case."

"Let's hurry, the sooner we get there, the better."

"Nothing missing, broken glass, and a couple items rearranged," Heiji thought. "That might just be our next hint."

The last hours were spent along the road side, taking enjoyment in the ever lasting hill tops that were passed in the process. The sight of the many people gathered around the streets in the near distance gave him the clear, knowing he was closing in on his destination.

"Looks like the carnivals just getting started, this is defiantly the place."

He slowed up in the seconds that followed, finding a place next to a public tree. He dropped down from the bike, keeping the helmet to the top of his head as to keep his appearance hidden. He pulled out a piece of paper, one filled with decisive instructions to follow. He casually made his way along the sidewalk, keeping his eyes peeled for a lone phone booth.

"According to this there should be one close."

It was then that he saw it sitting directly across the way. With no vehicles currently passing by he quickly made his way to the other side. He headed directly for the phone booth once there. He stepped inside, gazing to the ground to find a batch of yellow chrysanthemum flowers tied together with an envelope attached.

"This is it."

He reached down to grab it, feeling a spec of water touch down to his wrist upon escaping a petal. He took the time to tuck the flowers away, separating it from the envelope from them in the process. Just as he was to find what was concealed inside, the phone within the booth went off. He was almost certain who was on the other line. Thinking quickly he pulled out a small device, connecting it to the phone as he answered it.

"I'm here."

"You've done well Light Knight, it's only a matter of time before they catch on."

"What happens now?"

"Open the envelope, you're next task has been set," A faded voice spoke in response. "Remember, I'm all counting on you."

The line fell dead in the passing seconds, dropping the phone back to the hook after removing the device he'd attached to the phone.

"You have my services for now, but we'll see how long that lasts."

To Be Continued