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.*

image

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?

image

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:

image

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:

image

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:

image

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:

image

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:

image

“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:

image

*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? 

detectivephiliac:

image

Yes it is. Thank you again, Hakuba-san. I’ll start heading over there immediately; I imagine it won’t take more than an hour to get there.

“I look forward to meeting you, Kirigiri-san.”

Hakuba ended the call, then immediately sent a text with the address and associated directions. This settled, and miss Kyouko’s contact saved, Hakuba set to work to ready himself and inform the staff of the expected guest.

Once the drawing room was prepared, the detective settled in with a book to wait for her arrival.

Some Nights (blackfeatherswhitedoves)

blackfeatherswhitedoves:

At the sound of Hakuba’s voice, KID looked up, his expression going flat.  This was just his sort of luck.  And he naturally had all these questions that he had neither time no desire to answer.  In his opinion, it was rather stupid of Hakuba to expect different.

“You’ll have to excuse me, but there really isn’t time for those questions.”  He straightened up, taking a look around the rooftop and noting the direction of the wind.  He wasn’t sure if he actually could hear the men in black coming up the stairs or if he was simply being paranoid.

Stupid or not, Hakuba looked quite displeased at the thief’s retort. Straightening up himself, the detective brushed his clothing off, then set to work readjusting his tie in a huff. At least, until he thought he heard footsteps, too.

“Kaitou-san…” he said cautiously, lips tightening in to a thin, straight line. “Are there hunters on your trail at this very moment? Specifically, in this very vicinity? I should tell you that I’m not too keen in getting wrapped up in your hi-jinx tonight.”

Not that the detective had much of a choice – neither of them did – but still. 

detectivephiliac:

image

That sounds like a perfect set up, thank you. And… yes, perhaps I will join you for tea. I wouldn’t mind that at all, Hakuba-san.

“Wonderful. This number that you’re calling from – is it a text-capable mobile? If so, I shall send my address there, and be prepared to meet you whenever you should like to arrive.”

Hakuba, meanwhile, picked out his navy blue suit and a complimenting shirt, then started through his tie collection… which was massive.