phantom-thief-kid:

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“Yes, detective?” He was curious. Hakuba gave him such a guilty look earlier and now he’d pulled away. There were several possibilities in his mind, including Hakuba thinking that this was a ploy of some kind, having issues with sexual orientation, or that he was worried about how this would affect their constant cat and mouse game now.

A subtle shift and KID was now a bit worried that Hakuba would put some cuffs on him. It wasn’t enough to make him move, though. He was enjoying this and Hakuba relaxing, even for a bit, was an interesting sight to behold. “If you wish to go to a more private location, I completely understand.”

How could Kaitou remain so calm? Hakuba swallowed at his anxiety and tilted his head at the thief, eyeing him with some skepticism. Yet, Kaitou appeared so genuine. For being a phantom thief and a stubborn liar, he was anything if not truly authentic. The detective realized that made very little sense, but somehow did. At least where it was important. 

“…Perhaps relocating would, indeed, be for the best. I think I’d like that very much." 

It was the safe answer to give for the time being. Of course, being alone in a private place also made for opportunities that could increase the stakes ten fold. Then again, if Kaitou were on the prowl, as it were, and interested in casual affairs, then why shouldn’t he indulge? Hadn’t that been his rule? 

Regardless, moving seemed the fastest and easiest reprieve, even if it was only momentarily. 

"Do you drink at all, Kaitou-san?" 

detectivephiliac:

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Yes, Hattori-kun said something similar to that. Please continue.

*She listened intently; holding back any comments relating to what Heiji had told her. She wanted the story from Hakuba before she openly tried to compare them – just in case they had contrasting points…*

“Hattori-san and I don’t exactly see eye to eye on many things, as I’m certain he’s already relayed to you-”  that bastard “-and we soon got into a heated discussion. Granted, I did say some things that were out of line, which I did apologize for later, but… Of course, things got physical as Hattori-san is wont to do, and threw me to the ground with his hand around my throat.”

Hakuba frowned at this, not entirely enjoying the admission that he was bested by the Osakan brute… but it did seem like important information to convey the savagery of the beast, as it were. His pride could suffer for the greater good.

“He released me after that, and told me to go. Attempts at smoothing things over with him were unsuccessful, and I left.”

Ah, if only that had been the end of the story.

detectivephiliac:

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I’d like as much as you can offer, please, no matter how seemingly insignificant. One way or another, his testimony is completely unreliable and the crime scenes were relatively bare.

Completely unreliable? The words garnered an amused smirk from Hakuba, who leaned forward in his chair.

“Certainly, Kirigiri-san. I understand more than most how difficult it is to work with that particular colleague of mine…”  Hakuba tried to repress the smile, and cleared his throat with a small, polite cough into a fist. “Ahem.

"The night of the inciting incident found both myself and Hattori-san on the same case, but through different districts as it had crossed some boundaries as far as territory is concerned. In the spirit of erring on the side of caution – redundancy routines, you see – I was asked to make a record of whatever details I could find regarding the culprit’s whereabouts. More of a fact-checking affair, you understand.

"Unfortunately, it was raining quite heavily, and I took shelter in an abandoned cafe that just so happened to be the… exact same that Hattori-san found fitting as he sought respite from the rain.”

Hakuba sighed. “Be it luck or terrible misfortune, I can’t be sure.”

detectivephiliac:

*She hadn’t pulled away when the other detective kiss her hand, but her expression didn’t change in the slightest either. She took a careful seat; keeping herself at the edge of the chair.*

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Yes, thank you, Hakuba-san. You see, this case is concerning another detective that I hear you know… A certain Hattori Heiji-kun? There was an incident and he ended up in the hospital, and he requested my help for it. He said you had been at the scene, and visited him later… Do you have any details about that?

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Hakuba waited for the lady to be seated first before stepping around to the opposite armchair. He took his seat with hesitance, however, upon hearing that name in conjunction with his present guest. 

Still, the male detective nodded, and then sighed. So much for a pleasant interruption. Of the things that resided under the ‘bad’ column, Hattori was one of the few that made ‘interesting’ not worth it. Yet, for Kirigiri’s sake…

“Ah… Hattori-san. My colleague does seem to have a knack for getting himself into trouble, doesn’t he? I will share whatever information I have-” to a point “-but I’m afraid that I don’t have all that much. Did you need details about the original incident at the scene of the crime, the hospital visit, or both?”

detectivephiliac:

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The pleasure is all mine, Hakuba-san. And it was no trouble at all – this place might almost be bigger than my school. It was quite easy to locate.

*She took the hand and shook it – doing the same as the detective opposite to her. Her eyes were scanning the room and glancing over the person in front of her.*

This certainly is… an impressive estate. I would expect no less from the Hakuba name.

The compliment was well-received, and Hakuba lifted the young woman’s hand to kiss it, if permitted, before releasing her and gesturing to the assortment of chairs around the fireplace and coffee table.

“Thank you. My father may be Japanese, but it does seem that he still appreciates the English idea of comfort.  Please, take a seat and make yourself comfortable, Kirigiri-san… I was most intrigued by your phone call earlier, and should very much like to assist you in any way that I can.”

detectivephiliac:

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Well, since it’s clearly liked, I’ll accept green tea – thank you, miss.

After bowing again, Baaya opened the door to the room and stepped inside, leaving room for the girl.

“Young Master, your guest has arrived. I will bring tea presently." 

She nodded once more, then turned to go, leaving Kyouko alone with the other detective. He stood from his chair and approached with a small, polite smile.

"Kirigiri-san, a pleasure. I trust that you had no trouble finding the estate?" 

He offered his hand to her, arm outstretched for a handshake, but even as he did he was evaluating her, keen eyes taking in the details from head to foot. 

detectivephiliac:

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Thank you, miss.

*She followed along, making sure to take in this new environment. She studied as much as she could without slowing her pace.*

The estate was large and pretentious. Marble flooring, giant paintings, excessively long area rugs in the hall. It was European by design, built rather like an English manor for the countryside. The drawing room was several doors down the hallway and to the right, which is where Baaya stopped. She turned to face the girl again. 

“I’ll be bringing tea in just a few moments. Do you have a preference? We have an assortment broad enough to cover almost any. Green tea seems to be the most popular for our guests." 

All of this just to see Hakuba. At least it wasn’t the senior Hakuba that she was trying to see.

detectivephiliac:

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Ah, yes… My name is Kirigiri Kyouko. I’ve come to discuss a certain case with Hakuba Saguru-san. I believe he was expecting me?

At the introduction, the older woman smiled and stepped aside. “Yes, he is. Please follow me, Kirigiri-san… he’s waiting for you in the drawing room.”

Asking visitors to state their business was a precautionary measure. Not a terribly difficult one to get around, but at least it left a trail. Baaya would make note in the record books once she’d seen Kyouko safely to Saguru. 

kazuha–toyama:

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“That’s great!” Kazuha said smiling broadly turning her head to face him her ponytail swaying lightly. She had been more than convinced that this was the perfect plan – if she’d just had Hakuba find her missing items than Heiji would never even have to know! Which is what she preferred, after all, risking her charm being taken into his possession again would only play out…strangely…

Kazuha began to listen intently to his first theory.

“I suppose yer…” Kazuha spoke softly and hesitantly – before remembering her charm… There was no way someone could have thought it was theirs!  "U-Uh… no! It can’t be…“ Kazuha  interrupted looking down a small blush on her cheeks."They’ve stolen somethin’ really precious ta me..”

She looked up to him a moment later and noticed the annoyed look on his face. “Sorry continue…” Kazuha said softly and from there she listened to his second theory.

“Oi!” Kazuha yelled her face turning a deeper red as she smacked her hands to her cheeks. “How’dya…” Kazuha turned from him and decided then to simply just answer his questions – and be truthful.

“They’re in de back of de practice area – the only ones who’ve got access are members of the Aikido club…Both male ’nd female, though our lockers ’re on separate sides…” Kazuha said still lokking down and scoffing her shoes on the ground.

Hakuba slowed his steps and came to a stop, considering the information at hand. “Are there locking mechanisms on any of the lockers? If so, are they key or combination locks? Does anyone else know your combination or have a copy of your key? I’m assuming that it has at least one master, which is still in your possession, as you were able to open it to discover that items were missing… Unless there are no locks, as is unfortunately far too often the case in Japan with its ‘honor system,’ in which case it could be any person…”

The detective rambled, then paused abruptly to look at Kazuha, frowning.

“Please note that the more information you give me… Rather, the more accurate, honest information that you give me, the better. I will be able to help you a lot more thoroughly with this matter if you can resist the urge to lie." 

More frowning. Then, thoughtfully. "Are you searching for a new phone because that, too, was stolen, or is it completely unrelated to the issue at hand?" 

detectivephiliac:

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*Eventually she made her way over via taxi. She bounded up to the estate and rang the doorbell; waiting patiently for an answer. She’s a bit anxious at the thought of what is to come, but keeps a calm composure.*

The one who opens the door is an older woman, who offers a traditional bow of respect before inclining her head curiously.

“Welcome to the Hakuba Estate… Please do come in; I’m assume you’re here to see the Young Master. Do you have an appointment?”

Why else would someone come when the Superintendent General wasn’t at home?