“There, now,” Hakuba said, hands trembling despite how calm his voice sounded as he finished adjusting the Osakan’s collar and tie. He stood behind the curtain with Hattori, both in suits and ties, waiting anxiously for their turn to address the press. The case had received quite a bit of attention, and their fathers (along with Jones) had turned it into a publicity opportunity. 

After all, who wouldn’t be interested in the sons of the Superintendent General and Superintendent Supervisor, working together, bringing in to justice half a dozen dangerous criminals who had dared threaten to blackmail and murder members of the Japanese police force? 

All the same, there were so many things about the case that neither of the teenagers felt up to sharing, and there were sure to be awkward questions. But, they’d have to weather through it; there was no avoiding the inevitable.

Leaning closer to his colleague, Hakuba forced a small smirk. “Do I look all right?”

[x]