T.A series Volume 7: Feathers of Fury

Chapter 15 - Ugly Meltdown

"Professor Hoga," Ranran spoke in a composed tone, "I'm Kudo Ranran, also a member of Tantei Association," She introduced herself before inquiring, "I will go straight to the point, these girls here," Ranran pointed at Emiko, Ran and Junko, "How far did they ask you?"

Professor Hoga looked slightly taken aback by Ranran's direct approach, but he composed himself and replied, "They asked me about Jirou-senpai, his missing stuffed eagle, and if I knew anything about last night's shooting at his residence."

"Wait, who is Jirou-senpai?" Takuma was the first to interrupt.

"Jirou-senpai refers to Professor Shibuya Jirou as that, they studied under the same semester together since foundation," Emiko clarified for Takuma, his eyes still fixed on Ranran, trying to gauge her reaction.

"Only he graduated earlier than him," Junko adds.

"Huh, who knew...." Michio muttered.

"And what else did you tell them?" Ranran asked, her eyes steady on the professor.

Hoga hesitated for a moment before replying, "I told them how important the stuffed eagle was to Professor Shibuya. But as for the shooting and his whereabouts, I honestly don't know anything about that. Now, could you all please get the hell out of my off-"

Before Hoga blasted them to get lost, Ranran spoke ahead of him.

"And just for your information, we just returned from Professor Shibuya's place not long ago. Were you also not aware of the shooting that took place earlier? Unless you want to lie about the fact that earlier this morning, one of Professor Shibuya's neighbours allegedly spoke to you that you were aiding in moving your former lecturer/senpai out of the home he was residing in?"

Professor Hoga's eyes widened in surprise, and so did the three other girls.

"EEEEHHH!? SO SERIOUS!?"Heads turned to the three girls, especially Ran who turn white as a sheet by Ranran's revelation."Why didn't you say any of this earlier!?"Ran blasted at them.

"Maybe if you had obediently remained in the association instead of being a shameless bull who decided not only to not text us in advance before doing so, let alone, endanger the other two members besides you just to prove Shinichi wrong, you would've been notified, Mouri."Ranran folded her arms, glaring at them, forcing Ran to shut up by the response.

For a moment, Ran grew red in the face, but she was obviously angry with Ranran's choice of words. The tension in the room escalated as everyone waited for his response.

"I...I don't know what you're talking about," Hoga stammered, trying to regain his composure.

"Come on, Professor Hoga," Shinichi interjected. "We know that you were involved in helping Professor Shibuya move out of his mansion. We spoke to the neighbours, and they mentioned seeing you there."

Hoga's face paled slightly, and he looked visibly uncomfortable. "Alright, fine. I did help him move some of his belongings, but that's it. I don't know anything about shooting or where he went afterwards."

"Are you telling the truth?" Ranran asked, her voice firm.

"I swear, I don't know anything about the shooting or his current whereabouts," Hoga insisted.

Ranran exchanged a knowing glance with the others, silently communicating that they needed to be cautious with their trust in Professor Hoga's words. It seemed like he was withholding something, and they couldn't afford to take everything he said at face value.

"Alright, even if you don't know about his whereabouts, then what about the part that Professor Shibuya lost his job at NASA for allegedly embezzling funds for some project to feed his 150 exotic birds, do you believe he is capable of that?" Emiko's unexpected question caught the boys and Ranran off guard.