Transport Into Detective Conan (OC Reader Insert)

Chapter 43 - Shadows of Suspicion

Kaiya POV

"The messages are showing up delayed on my phone," Camel said from across the living room, his brow furrowed as he showed Shuichi the screen.

"Hmm. Might be time to replace that burner," Shuichi said, arms crossed.

I looked up from the couch, buried under some books and magazines "What a wild coincidence there's a special deal on new phones at the mall" I held up a glossy ad and waved it like a flag.

Shuichi arched an eyebrow "And you're sure this isn't just a convenient excuse to go shopping?"

I gasped, feigning offense "Excuse me? I'm being a responsible teenager. I was about to go out anyways because Kogoro-san wanted me to drop off some case files to the MPD."

Shuichi me a pointed look.

"We will bring the phone back and transfer data afterwards, since we can let classified FBI data be made public" Camel suggested.

Shuichi sighed and gave a small nod "Alright. Be careful, you two. And don't take any detours."

"We'll be fine" I grabbed my bag "Besides I have the bracelet you gave me."

"Then wear this too" Shuichi placed his cap on my head.

"Do I have to?" I asked, adjusting it with a small pout.

"It doesn't hurt to be careful," he reminded me.

********************

(at the store)

Camel stood stiffly in front of the display, staring at the selection like they were suspects in an interrogation.

"You're not picking a weapon," I said, stepping up beside him "You just need something with clean firmware and a decent battery."

"They all look like toys," he muttered.

"They are toys. But toys with secure messaging and an eight-hour standby" I replied.

I scanned the shelf, then pointed to a matte black model with minimal branding. "That one. Basic UI, no pre-installed junk, good encryption compatibility. It won't spy on you, and it won't scream 'spy gear' if someone spots it."

He nodded, but hesitated "It's touch screen only?"

"Yes, touch screen only unless you want a rotary dial" I shrugged.

His eyes narrowed slightly with tiredness "I liked buttons."

I stifled a laugh "You also like disappearing into back alleys and using payphones. Times change."

Camel gave a quiet grunt before picking up the phone "Fine. As long as it doesn't update without asking."

"It won't," I said, already heading toward the checkout "I can help you disable auto-sync and location services. You'd still be on that flip phone if I let you choose."

He said nothing, but I caught the faintest shake of his head as he followed me. I wasn't sure if he was annoyed or grateful. Probably both???

*************

(at the Metropolitan Police Center)

Camel followed behind me as I walked up to Sato.

"Kogoro-san wanted me to deliver these case reports," I told Sato, handing her the stack of files. She flipped through the pages quickly, looking them over before glancing back up at me.

"Seems like he's been swamped lately, catching all those culprits," Sato remarked, before adding, "I guess Conan-kun too."

Before I could reply, I overheard a voice from across the room.