Disclaimer: Detective Conan is not mine. This fanfic is a translation.
Enjoy Reading!
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The computer screen clearly displayed the shooting scene. After the shot was fired, the image quickly became blurry, likely because blood had splattered onto the tiny camera embedded in the glasses.
In the lower-right voice channel, Gin exited immediately after seeing that.
The fist resting on his thigh clenched tightly, joints cracking audibly. Rei gritted his teeth, suppressing his sense of justice. He didn't blame his close friend, he just couldn't stand the organization that was using him.
He knew Ritsu too well. He knew exactly how much inner conflict there must have been when he pulled the trigger.
Leaving the office and heading into the adjacent software research room, Ritsu moved with purpose. The reason today had been chosen for the mission was because, aside from Tomioka, the rest of the development team happened to be on leave.
Ritsu had already studied the layout of the lab. He went straight to the main computer, took out a data cable, and plugged one end into the system while connecting the other to his glasses.
This was the second function of the glasses, they could act as a medium to remotely hack files and systems.
After setting everything up, Ritsu said, "Bourbon, you can start the decryption."
No response came.
Frowning, he repeated, "Bourbon?"
"Hm? What is it?" Rei snapped out of his daze.
"What are you spacing out for? Start cracking the files. If they notice anything here, Rye and I could get trapped."
"…Right. Sorry. Didn't sleep well last night, lost focus for a moment."
Ritsu knew exactly why he had spaced out, but said nothing. Watching the progress begin on the main screen, he moved to the safe, where the design documents were stored.
The safe wasn't particularly difficult. Within about three minutes, he had it open. He couldn't help but mock himself internally. At this rate, he could probably become a high-level thief.
Meanwhile, Akai, hiding in a blind spot near the elevator, spoke up, "An elevator's coming up to the 15th floor. Macallan, how much longer?"
"The progress bar's halfway. About four more minutes."
"Then I'll stall them. Be careful."
"Got it."
Just as Akai expected, three security personnel stepped out of the elevator, carrying food, clearly dinner for Tomioka, who was working overtime.
They were about to enter the code when they heard movement behind them. Turning around, they caught a glimpse of a long-haired man in a black coat slipping past.
Immediately on alert, one of them grabbed a walkie-talkie.
"Suspicious individual on the 15th floor! Lock down all elevators immediately! Redirect some personnel to the stairwell entrances!"
"You two go after him. I'll check inside."
"Yes, sir!"
The security team leader set down the meal meant for Tomioka, drew his revolver, and moved along the wall toward the office. He knocked twice but there was no response.
'Don't tell me Tomioka-san is already—'
His expression changed instantly. Turning back, he headed to the research lab entrance. After steadying himself, he scanned his fingerprint and entered the eight-digit code.
As head of security, he couldn't open the door with just a fingerprint alone.
"Tomioka-san?"
He called out cautiously while leaning against the door. Receiving no reply, he stepped inside with his gun raised.
But the moment his foot crossed the threshold, Ritsu struck.
A punch delivered with eighty percent of his strength landed head-on, instantly knocking the man unconscious.
"Pretty sturdy," Ritsu muttered, shaking his hand before speaking into his earpiece. "Rye, how's your side?"
"No problem. I took the elevator down to the 5th floor. I'm currently in the restroom."
There was a brief pause, Akai had just realized there were no urinals in this restroom.
From the car, Rei monitored the cameras and warned, "Macallan, someone's heading your way. Take the stairwell down to the 12th floor immediately, it's still clear there."
"Got it."
Pulling out the cable and securing the design documents, Ritsu put on a black mask and ran openly toward the stairwell. At this point, he didn't care if cameras caught him.
Under Rei's guidance, he removed his mask and glasses, blending into the crowd. Riding the employee elevator down to the first floor, he passed inspection smoothly, he had already changed clothes and still had valid ID.
He walked out the front entrance without issue.
"OK, you're clear," Rei said, letting out a breath. "Macallan, head 500 meters west. There's a phone booth, I'll pick you up there."
"Rye's already in the car?"
"Yeah, he made it out."
Completing the mission without a scratch, having intel support really made things easier.
Ritsu stood by the phone booth. In less than a minute, the white RX-7 pulled up. He opened the rear door, only to find Akai already sitting there.
"??"
His expression clearly asked, 'Why are you in my seat?'
Akai leaned back calmly and shrugged. "He doesn't like the smell of smoke."
"…."
Ritsu was speechless. He walked around and got into the passenger seat instead, glancing at Bourbon, who wore a faint smile.
Disliking smoke was true but the real reason was probably wanting him to sit up front.
Since when did Rei get this childish?
Ritsu turned his head away, pretending not to notice.
But less than ten minutes into the drive, the car suddenly slowed… and stopped.
"??"
Ritsu turned to Rei. "Why did you stop?"
"It's not that I wanted to." Rei pointed at the fuel gauge. "I forgot to check before leaving… we're out of gas."
"…."
Silence filled the car. You could almost imagine a crow flying overhead, cawing "idiot, idiot."
"I'll call for fuel delivery. Should take about half an hour."
"Yeah… no other choice. Don't make mistakes like this again."
"It won't happen again."
After making the call, the atmosphere turned awkward once more.
Akai was the first to break the silence. He opened the door, stepped out, and leaned down toward the two still inside. "Not bad luck, actually. There's a beach here. While we wait, might as well get some fresh air."
The two in the front exchanged a glance. Sitting around doing nothing wasn't appealing, Akai's suggestion wasn't bad. It had been a while since they'd relaxed by the sea.
Every now and then… it was fine to let their guard down.
Though for some reason, looking out at the ocean at night…
It reminded them of a promise.
They had once promised to go to a festival together, to watch fireworks, to take a trip to the beach.
None of it could come true anymore.