[ Old ] Crossroad 『Detective Conan』

Chapter 76 - Care of yourself

  Yoko sneezed and shivered. She'd had a sore throat all morning. She was probably ill, which wouldn't be surprising if Jinpei was.
   -Are you all right, Yoko-chan? asked a girl in class.
   -Yeah, don't worry.
   She coughed a little before grabbing the broom and starting to sweep.

   The girl was cleaning the class. Her friends had gone off to play on their own, not being in charge of this task. It did her good to finally be able to breathe a little. The class was often a little calmer without Genta, who sometimes tended to get a bit too agitated.

   Once the sweeping was done, she helped to put the tables back in place and then finally left the school. She stretched out her whole body. At last she was free.
   No sooner had she passed through the gate than a presence caught her attention. She turned her head quickly in surprise, and even more so when she saw Conan.
   -What are you doing here...?
   He laughed nervously, detaching himself from the wall before looking a little more serious.
   -I just wanted to talk to you...
   The young girl blinked while her comrade moved closer to her.
   -Can we go for a walk together? he suggested.
   -... Yeah.

   The two children walked through the streets towards where the brunette lived. After a few minutes of silence, the boy began the conversation
   -I got a call on my way out of school earlier. It seems that a member of the organisation is starting to act... I was warned by the FBI. he explained.
   It was surprising. Now Conan was sharing information. But his old friend couldn't blame him, quite the opposite in fact.

   -And? I don't suppose you've come just to tell me that... Well... I mean, I... Surely you must have some more information, don't you?
   -No. From what I've been told, his code name is Bourbon. And Agent Jodie and I think you might be one of his targets. Vermouth knows your identity so...
   There was a moment's silence when the young girl swallowed slightly, not without coughing, before raising her hand to her stomach, looking darkened as she remembered the woman previously named.
   -If you notice anything suspicious, let me know, OK? Bourbon would be redoutable...

   Yoko paused, before looking down at the ground. The last few weeks had been pretty quiet, but now... She had no desire to relive the nightmare of a few months ago. But this time, she had to avoid falling into any traps. Not like the first time.
   She took a deep breath before raising her head and looking at Conan.
   -Thanks for the warning. I'll be careful... she replied simply.
   Her comrade smiled.

   -Well... Have a good weekend. Said the young boy.
   -Yeah, have a nice weekend.
   With that, the girl walked away. Conan watched her go. He hoped nothing would happen to her...

   Yoko unlocked the front door of her flat before walking through it and locking it behind her.
   -I'm home! she announced as she took off her shoes.
   She stepped into the living room, feeling a draught of fresh air. Jinpei was sitting by the window, smoking.
   -Yo! he said.
   -You feeling better? she asked.
   -Can't you tell? replied the policeman, annoyed.

   The little girl was about to answer when she sneezed and coughed a little.
   -Well, now you're the one who's getting sick? remarked the man.
   -Eh? No...
   Closing the window, the adult moved closer to the child, bringing his hand to her forehead.
   -But you've got a fever, you know? he announced.
   -Eh?
   Yoko checked for herself, without really feeling any difference. She simply sighed.

   -Come on, hurry up and get some rest! ordered the policeman.
   -Eh? But...
   -There's no 'but' about it! You made me rest for a cold, so do the same.
   The girl concerned looked away before putting on a sulky expression.
   -It looked more like the flu... she muttered. And besides, I'm fine, I don't need to rest! she added more loudly.

   The young girl looked her guardian in the eye for a few moments, hoping to convince him that she was fine. But the latter was not at ease because of the look he was giving her, so she declared defeat.
   -Ok.. agreed the brunette.
   -You see when you want . In the future, avoid ordering me to do something if you don't do it. He said in a mocking tone, with a satisfied expression.
   -Yes, sor...- she began.
   She didn't finish her word and simply shook her head. She had said she would make an effort and stop apologising all the time, and she was more or less succeeding. Her flatmate couldn't help but smile at this.

   Yoko sat down on the sofa, coughing a little before sighing and turning on the TV. Then she seemed to remember something. Bourbon. Not that she'd forgotten Conan's warning, but she hadn't had time to tell Jinpei about it straight away. And now she could.
   But she had a doubt. She had a doubt about whether she could bother him with it. No, she shouldn't go back to her bad habits and talk to him about it. After all, he was also concerned. Who knows if this 'Bourbon' might not take it out on him.

   -Matsuda-keiji! Before I forget, I've got something to tell you.
   -What's that?
   -I had a chat with Conan-kun... Well, he's the one who came to talk to me and... I got some information... she finished hesitantly.
   -About this organisation?
   -Yes, about that organisation.

   The man sat down on the sofa, ready to listen to the little girl.
   -What's the news?
   -It's not much but... He told me that there's someone, a certain 'Bourbon', who's starting to make his presence felt and... apparently he's quite redoutable, as Conan-kun said...
   The policeman took his time to grasp the information. Bourbon... A fearsome man... That didn't sound good at all. But this time, he'd make sure that the kid he was guarding didn't get hurt... or worse...