He heard the slick of the lock and surged upward in an impulsive response. Mari and Keena we’re chirping at the door and he found the monocle resting on the side table. His hands were shaking and his vision was starting to tunnel. He swung the door open and launched out.
“Hakuba! I …. I ”
The detective stopped halfway down the walk, car in the corner of his peripheral vision- his getaway. He considered making a run for it, certain that even if Kuroba caught up for whatever reason, he wouldn’t be able to stop him from leaving. But when the thought ran its course, he turned to look over his shoulder at him instead, expression worn and faded. Hakuba was tired of all of this.
“What, Kuroba-kun? Did you forget some other piece of helpful advice? Or are you just eager to take one last shot at me before I leave?”