[ Discontinued ] Crossroad 『Detective Conan』

Chapter 43 - With Sato

   Jinpei yawned as he pushed his chair back a bit. There wasn't much to do, and he was bored. He no longer had something regularly taking his head. He had peace of mind.

   -Matsuda-kun.
   The man turned his head when he heard the voice of his colleague, Sato. She stood behind him.
   -Eh ?
   - You who are gifted in mechanics, could you check my car please?
   He turned his chair to look at the policewoman.
   -What is the problem ? He asked raising his eyebrows.
   - That's exactly why I'm asking you. There's a kind of rumble when it's stopped or accelerating... She replied.
   Jinpei scratched behind his head and stood up. He was going to examine the vehicle. At least that would keep him busy.

   The two policemen arrived at the car. It was a Mazda RX-7. Jinpei knew it very well, given that he took it when he wasn't driving his.
   - Okay, I'll let you start the engine.
   The policewoman nodded and sat on the driver's side of the vehicle. The man opened the passenger side door so he could hear the noise. He cringed when a fake snake popped out of a box, almost landing on top of him. He didn't expect it.
   -I didn't think I had you! Sato laughed.
   The man looked jaded.
   -What is that ?! He asked.
   -Rooh, it's ok, this toy is funny, isn't it?
   The woman picked it up and played with it a bit with an amused smile.

   Jinpei leaned against the car, looking annoyed.
   -You asked me to come just for that? He asked.
   -Of course not. I just took advantage of it. Sato replied, still amused.
   - So, what is the problem with the car?
   -As I told you, she growls. Listen...
   She started the vehicle. A growl was indeed heard. Then, she accelerated while staying in place. The noise was louder.
   -It must be the leaky gasket or some other piece of that kind that's ruined... Announced the policeman.
   The woman cut the engine before staring at her colleague, clasping her hands.
   -Can I let you fix this, please?
   -Let me do.
   This activity was going to occupy the man.

   It was indeed the the sealing gasket in question that was leaking, thus causing the rumble. The repair was short: it was enough to tighten the part.
   Sato left quickly before returning with canned coffees for both of them. She returned soon after Jinpei finished. So the two could drink together.

   -By the way, are you getting on with little Yoko-chan? Asked the policewoman.
   -Eh ?
   His colleague raised an eyebrow, wondering why the woman was asking him that question.
   -I mean, it's not too complicated for you to take care of a child?
   - It's not difficult.
   In any case, it was not difficult with Yoko. She was resourceful, especially since she was seventeen. And she did a lot of things, like cooking.
   -I hope your character doesn't rub off too much on her. She added in a mocking tone.
   -Heeeee?!
   The man couldn't help grumbling at what his colleague had said, which made her laugh a little.

   There was a moment of silence. It was quiet in the parking lot, with most people busy with other things. It was not unpleasant.
   -You know, it hasn't even been two weeks, but it's obvious that you're better.
   -Eh ?
   -Since the bomber was arrested, we feel that you are better. You could listen to me better when I talk to you. Sato sighed
   - But I listen.
   Could it really be seen that he was relieved that the bomber had finally been arrested? He had no idea. Sato, when to her, had noticed it. And she also thought that another factor came into play. Maybe giving him a child was a good idea?
   The woman just rolled her eyes as her colleague lit a cigarette.

   - Well, since your car is repaired, I'm going back up there.
   The man yawned before starting to walk away from the parking lot, in order to return to the offices. The policewoman followed him, having nothing more to do there either.

   Night had fallen. The day had been calm, except for a case of false threats with a knife that was quickly settled.
   Jinpei lay down on seats that he lined up. He was sleeping on it, to pass the time. He didn't even hear his phone ringing, and it was one of his colleagues who had to wake him up.

   The man sat up, yawning and scratching the back of his head before looking at his phone. It was Yoko.
   - Yeah, what is it? asked the policeman.
   -"Could you come get me, please? I'll explain everything to you when I'm with you..."
   -Eh? Where are you?
   He couldn't help but raise his eyebrows. The tone used by the young girl was rather worried. So she didn't look like she was lost, otherwise she wouldn't have acted like this.
   -Where are you ?
   - "... In the combini closest to the school."
   -I'm coming.
   He hung up and got up, before heading for the exit, without saying a word.

   The way to the famous combini was not long. He found it easily, as indeed it was not far from Teitan Elementary School.
   Seeing the car, Yoko left the store and entered the vehicle at a rapid pace, bag in hand. She looked like she had done some shopping.
   -What's wrong ? Jinpei asked.
   -...
   The girl seemed to hesitate. She didn't look completely sure what she was going or should say.
   - So, have you lost your tongue?
   - Well... I... I have the impression of being followed... Or at least, watched...
   -Eh ? What ?

   There was a moment of silence. The girl and the man looked at each other. It was very different from the one this afternoon, with Sato. This one was tighter, and the time seemed to last forever.
   -I don't know... Two or three days ago, I also felt watched... I know I would have told you about it but... I said to myself that there were several reasons for this... for this impression... But it's strange that it happens a second time... isn't it? Ended up explaining the former high school girl.
   It was strange indeed. But, from the beginning, she should have told him about it.
   - So you preferred to put yourself in a place where people were present, that is to say a combini.
   -Yes...
   -And what are you doing at this hour outside?
   -Uh... I was playing with my friends at Agasa-hakase... and we didn't see the time pass...

   There was a new silence where Yoko lowered her head, clutching her bag in her hands.
   -Sorry, if I disturb you... She apologized.
   Jinpei looked jaded at the saying of the kid he was babysitting.
   - But what are you talking about... You can bother me as much as you want, you know! And as for your impression, if that doesn't reassure you, you go to the old man's and when I've finished my day I'll come get you...
   The girl with the glasses looked at the policeman, surprised.