T.A series Volume 7: Feathers of Fury

Chapter 23 - An Enigmatic Child of A Criminal

Ranran's eyes widened in shock as Shinichi confessed to being the real founder of the Tantei Association.

It was an audacious lie, and she could see the strategy behind his decision. By claiming to be the founder, he was attempting to protect her and deflect Adeline's attention away from her. Her heart raced as she realized the depth of his sacrifice, and she knew that they needed to navigate this situation carefully.

Adeline's grin widened, her eyes glittering with triumph. "Ah, so the great detective himself is the mastermind. How delightful."

Shinichi's voice was steady, his gaze locked onto Adeline's. "Now that you know, let Ran go. This is between you and me. She's not part of our feud."

Adeline's laughter rang out, cold and eerie. "Oh, but she is, Shinichi. She's very much a part of it. After all, isn't that why you're willing to reveal yourself?"

Recalling that The Snake is somehow involved with the recent case involving Professor Shibuya's missing stolen eagle, Ranran confronted Adeline, "Is your Tousan worried about the fact that he is no closer to locating the taxidermized eagle?"

Adeline's eyes flashed with a mix of surprise and anger as Ranran brought up the stolen eagle. Clearly, Ranran's words had struck a nerve. The tension in the air grew even more palpable as Adeline's grip on the gun tightened.

"You're quite well-informed, aren't you?" Adeline's voice was laced with a dangerous edge. "But you ain't wrong. Truthfully, the stuffed eagle was initially with my Tousan."

 "Initially?" Ranran's brows shot up, "Did someone steal the eagle from your Tousan's hands?"

Adeline's eyes narrowed, and a flash of anger crossed her face at Ranran's question. It was clear that Ranran's accurate deductions were unsettling her, and she was struggling to maintain her composure. But Ranran is a bit impressed, to see her gathering her act calmly.

Cause most bad evil kids Ranran used to deal with won't stand a chance with Ranran's jibes.

And judging Adeline's body language, it appears that she is good at masking her anger elegantly, kind of reminding Ranran of someone she used to know when she was younger.

Observing Adeline's fingers tightened around the gun as her composure wavered for a moment. Ranran's accurate deductions seemed to be getting under her skin, and the tense atmosphere grew even more charged.

"Enough with the games," Shinichi's voice cut through the tension, his gaze fixed on Adeline. "Where is Mouri!?"

"If you want to see her again, then..." Adeline indicated the alley behind them, "There's a car waiting inside for us. Just walk down and get in the back. There are one or two things I want to ask you."

A black car behind Adeline arrives silently. Judging the model, Ranran deduces the car model, "2019 Jaguar XJ."

Observing Ranran silently, Adeline spoke cautiously, "You seemed very knowledgeable about cars. Reminding me of someone I used to know."

Ranran's gave an indifferent look at Adeline, while Shinichi's eyes grew wide at Adeline's words.

But before Ranran could accompany Shinichi, the gun was pointed at Ranran as Adeline's lips curled into a smirk, "Not you, the boy only." 

Ranran's heart raced as the situation escalated even further. Adeline's gun was now pointed directly at her, and she found herself in a dangerous predicament. She exchanged a quick glance with Shinichi, their unspoken communication speaking volumes. It was clear that Adeline's intent was to separate them, likely to ensure that Shinichi followed her orders without any interference.