[ Discontinued ] Crossroad 『Detective Conan』

Chapter 33 - Memories of three years ago

   Yoko got in the car with Jinpei. He brought her to give her deposition at the same time as that of her comrades following the case of the day before.
   This one ended pretty well. The girl with the glasses had, as given the time of the mail statement in order to retrace the route of the van which had not passed. And if he hadn't passed, it was because of robbers who were arrested thanks to the deductions of Conan.

    The car stopped a first time not far from a florist where Jinpei went, then a second time after several minutes of driving. Yoko looked out the windows to get her bearings. Then she watched the policeman come out.
   -Stay there, I'll be right back. he said.
   -Where are you going ? Dare she ask.
   - Just see someone.
  The man left after slamming the door, bouquet of flowers in hand. The former high school girl looked at him, her gaze saddening a little for him seeing him take a certain path.

   Jinpei walked between the graves until he stopped in front of one of them. "Hagiwara Kenji" was inscribed on it. He stared at her for a moment in silence.
   It had been a while since he had lost his best friend. He had wanted to catch the criminal for a while. And when he finally thought he had it, three years ago, he failed...

   The police officers were looking at the time. There were only a few seconds left before the explosion. In their minds, the count was ticking as Sato stared at the Ferris wheel. She had tears in her eyes.
   There were only three seconds left. They became two, then one and...

   Complete silence.

   The cabin had not exploded.

   Stunned, no one moved.
   Jinpei ends up getting out of the famous cabin and descending as best he could using the frame of the Ferris wheel. Hardly had he put his foot on the ground than he was greeted by Sato, who was the first to do so, tears of joy in her eyes.
   - Thank God you're alive...
   - This is not the time to rejoice, idiot! There is still a bomb to be found! I didn't understand the code... Shit!
   Sato looked at him for a few seconds before trying to reassure him.
   - Don't worry, there are still two hours left.
   - Two hours to search all the hospitals in the area? It's not enough !
   - All the more reason to hurry!

   The police compiled a list of all possible hospitals.

   Once installed in Sato's car, Jinpei resumed speaking without hesitation.
   - This is Beika Central Hospital.
   - Eh ?
   - The second bomb is in Beika Central Hospital.
   Sato took a few seconds to assimilate the information and understood. He hadn't been able to say it in front of everyone, knowing that the culprit was hiding in the crowd.
   - In this case, you must warn the deminers brigade!
   Jinpei nodded while lighting a cigarette.

   The bomb squad arrived first at the central hospital. They were in telephone contact with Jinpei, since the latter had information about the first bomb. It was likely that the second was identical, so it was better to have as much information as possible.
   - "We found the bomb! It was behind an air vent."
   - Good ! We're coming any minute. In the meantime, describe the craft to me.
   - "Looks like a classic bomb with an LCD screen."
   - An LCD screen?

   The policeman remained silent, Sato briefly turning her gaze towards him. Something was bothering him.
   'Why put one on that one too? He would have another message to convey? To do what ?'
   This was not normal in his eyes. He had a bad feeling.

   - "Oh?" The voice launched through the phone.
   - What's the matter ?
   - "A... A text is displayed on the screen..."
   'Again ?'
   - "It is written: Too bad, your acting was almost convincing..."
   Jinpei's blood began to boil. It was not good. The situation was not good.
   'No...'
   - "Followed by: Never mind, brave policeman." Finished the man from the bomb squad.

   Jinpei couldn't help but scream, which startled Sato.
   - Get out!! The bomb will explode!
   - "Eh ?"
   Other voices were heard over the phone.
   - "Hey! Look at the counter!"
   - Run!
   Screams of terror were heard, then nothing.

   A sound of explosion is heard in the distance.

   Jinpei stood still, stare into space. He was stuck in the memory of his lifelong friend, the one who also died without that he couldn't help him. He didn't have the strength to scream. He didn't have the strength to bang his fist on a wall, as he would have done as usual to let off steam.
   He didn't even have the strength to move.
   'If... If I had stayed in that cabin... If I had let myself die... They wouldn't have...'
   This should never have happened, for him. The bomb should never have exploded. People should never have died.

   He heard Sato talking to him in the distance. She tries to reassure him.
   -Matsuda-kun... You know, it's not your fault...
   - Shut up ! Leave me alone...
   Once the car was stopped in front of the hospital, he got out and walked in the opposite direction. The policewoman watched him go, without trying to hold him back.
   'Hagiwara... What should I have done...?'

   The policeman looked at his friend's grave. He put his fist in it. He still had his promise to keep and did not intend to give up. He was going to catch the culprit. He was at least going to make sure he was caught. And he hoped it was.

   The man felt someone tug on his sleeve. He turned around and saw Yoko, who was smiling at him innocently. He sighed.
   -What are you doing here ? he asked.
   -You were late coming back so I came to get you.
   - Do you know that you suck at lying? He said in a mocking tone.
   The girl puffed out her cheeks sulkily but said nothing.

   -Matsuda-keiji...
   Yoko broke the silence that had settled. She didn't look at Jinpei, just the grave. The man turned to look at her.
   - I... I will help you! Sato-keiji explained to me what happened three years ago and even before... And... I promise to help you find him and arrest him, without any victim! She assured in a determined tone.
   She looked at the policeman. She was worried about his reaction. He just wore a smile.
   -... Do you really think you can help me? He asked. He's a bomber, huh.
   The face of the former high school girl decomposed for a few seconds before she took on a confident air.
   - I just have to face my fear! It must be so ! And then, I promised! I can't go back anymore.
   She pointed to the grave.
   - He is a witness!

   Jinpei looked at her. She was serious, her expression showed it. She had made her decision. It seemed to matter to her.
   But he didn't want to. He didn't want her to be in danger. She was his responsibility after all.

   He ends up putting his hand on her head.
   - Okay, are you going back to the car?
   - Yeah... You'll be back soon, huh?
   -I take the time I want.
   She looked at him with a smile before running away. She just turned around quickly, to look at Jinpei with a sad look, before leaving definitively.