Reminder of the Heart: A Detective's Case - Chapter 10

Gomen! *bows* I finally finished this chapter. It's getting to a point where everything is getting crazier... xD Hikari, just for you and I know you've been waiting! ENJOY!!!!

CHAPTER 10

The sun arose and brightened Mao’s room. Jun woke up from the light and blinked. He felt the side of the bed… it was empty. He sat up slowly and looked around. The realization of being in Mao’s room shocked him and got out of bed quickly. He opened the door and Mao wasn’t in sight. He began to worry. The cell phone beeped twice meaning he had missed calls. He went over to it, the time being noon. ~ Crap, I slept in…. ~ He had 4 missed calls and checked. One from Sho, Mao, the Chief and….. unknown number. The first voicemail was from Sho. He wanted to meet up with him for lunch or dinner to discuss everything they found out. After erasing it, he heard Mao’s cheerful voice. He was relieved that she was safe. What bugged him is that Yamapi saw her and introduced himself to her. So, she was having lunch with him. The next message woke his mind up… the Chief was yelling, wondering where he was because the police station was chaotic. Jun believed his neck cracked, listening to the message. After, an unfamiliar voice came on, and it was similar to the call Mao took that one night. 

“Well well… I found the detective who’s been screwing up my plans. It was tough finding your cell phone number. You were the one who disarmed my bomb… that made me very angry.” Then, the person cackled. Jun sat down on the couch and listened carefully. “I will go through great lengths to get what I want and that is Mao. I just want to make a point that you should not mess with someone like me. I’ve done some research on you, detective. You’re traumatized by the death of your girlfriend, yes?”

~ What the heck? How is he hacking into our network now? ~ Jun rubbed his forehead. The message continued after a little bit of silence.

“I know you’re listening carefully. Did I hit a soft spot, detective? Apparently, you went under an intense psychological treatment for it. I don’t get how you haven’t killed yourself.”

Jun did not want to remember it. It slowly was coming back to him when he mentioned the graphic details – almost committing suicide twice, drinking and taking sleeping pills at the same time, being quiet even though he was disturbed….. he apparently couldn’t forget his memories. He was a wreck after Yukie’s death. The voice laughed maniacally.

“Well, I hope I didn’t bring up bad memories… oh wait… that’s what I meant to do. You know you can’t forget Yukie at all. You have a nice, depressing day.” A click sounded. Jun closed his cell phone and sat back. Something rung a bell. ~ He said Yukie’s first name and not last name or girlfriend. ~ It confirmed to him that it was someone in the police department. After, he was thinking carefully what else might be obvious. ~ The tone of the person’s voice sounded like it was personal business. ~ He tapped his head wondering why go through the trouble of contacting him. It didn’t make sense to him. He turned on his laptop and opened up the Word program. Then, he clicked File and chose Open. He opened the document which contained the names of everyone in the police department. As reference, he put his notebook near him where him and Mao wrote down the names of the people they knew. He was thinking who liked Mao and who would have anything against him… it bugged him completely. Now, with some new information, he can try to narrow down his list. His cell phone rang again. Without looking, he flipped it up, “Hello?”

“Jun!!!! You should be with us. We’re having fun at the amusement park.” Mao shouted to his ear.

“Is Yamapi there too?” He would be fine but he’s not sure if he could be there with his ‘new’ partner.

“Yes. He was telling me you’re his partner for the investigation. He’s very hot.” She giggled.

~ Ugh, this is something I don’t want to hear. ~ “That’s nice….” He was not interested in the details.

“Oh, he’s getting me a drink. So, I decided to talk to you. Besides, you didn’t call me back.” She pouted.

“Oh… I apologize. I just… well…..” Then, his phone beeped and it was the office. He knew he had to pick it up, “Mao, I don’t want to cut this short, but I must go. The office is calling.”

“All right. I’ll be home in a while.”

“Have fun.” He quickly switched over to the other line, “This is Matsumoto.”

“JUN?!?! Where are you? Did you not get my message?” The Chief was yelling at him.

“Yes… what’s going on besides the insanity of the police station?” He sighed.

“Well, if you heard carefully, there’s a bomb in our vicinity.” Chief Abe shouted. Jun’s eyes widened, and it felt like his heart stopped. “Jun?”

He cleared his throat, “Sorry. There’s a bomb… why are you calling me? This is for the bomb squad.”

“There was a note left on it, and it was personally for you.” Chief looked at the note in front of him.

“What? Crap. I’m on my way over.” Jun closed his phone and left the apartment quickly.

*******

Jun arrived at the police station. All the officers were chaotic even though they were trained to be calm. The Chief was inside with the bomb squad to watch them carefully. He looked at the note again and shook his head. ~ I can’t believe this person went this far… ~

Jun tapped Chief Abe’s shoulder, “Can I read that?” Chief Abe handed the note to him. Jun read it to himself and couldn’t believe he was beginning to be targeted.

To the Detective who disarmed the last bomb,

I hope your happy now. I decided to take deeper measures to grab your attention. Try to figure out this bomb. It’s a lot more complicated and of course, less time. Once you’re out of the way, Mao is mine. So, you better think quickly.
 

~ FUCK!!!! Wait… a bomb maker, huh? I’ll keep that in mind… first, must save everyone…. ~ He pushed himself to the front and saw what the bomb squad was dealing with. They couldn’t figure it out at all. Jun examined it quickly, and it’s more complex than the other one. The bomb had a digital combo lock meaning that there’s only 4 digits that can make sure this bomb doesn’t go off. He had 10 minutes to get that code to work. Before he started, he decided to take extra pre-caution since he didn’t want it to explode just because he put the wrong code in 3 times. “Someone hand me a piece of paper!” He shouted out. One of the members quickly ran to the Chief and came back with a notepad and pen. ~ Now, this person is really annoying. There’s billions of combinations. How the heck am I supposed to decipher quickly? ~ He tapped the notepad and kept looking at the bomb. It was down to 8 minutes. He wrote down some possible number combinations like birthdays, his own number codes, and any police codes. Then, he tried 2 of them and it made the time go faster. It went down to 5 minutes really quickly. The bomb squad was panicking while the police officers left inside scrambled to get out. Jun looked around for other possible clues and then he thought of something bizarre. ~ Would my own police code work? ~ The timer was down to 2 minutes and he quickly entered his police code. The bomb timer stopped, and it was green. Jun sighed in relief. After a bit, the bomb squad moved forward and did their duties. Chief Abe went up to Jun and instructed for him to follow. He nodded and followed Chief into his office. The door closed, and they both sat down. 

“This is getting out of hand. Now this person is targeting the police station….” Chief stated.

“I know, sir. I didn’t think the person would. I still can’t figure out if it’s a male or female in all that matter.” Jun admitted.

“Are you and Mao sleeping together already?”

“NO!!!!” Jun exclaimed, “Sir, we just live together!” He had to lie because he cared for Mao so much.

“She might be clouding your judgment, though.”

“What makes you say that?” Jun arched a brow.

“You haven’t solved the case as fast as you used to….” Chief wanted Jun on the case for his amazing deductive abilities.

“I am trying to, sir, but it’s getting more and more complicated. Now I’m also a target, and I’m trying to figure out the motive. Mao is scared, and you put me on the case to protect her. She’s actually helping me because she wanted to know everything that was happening.” Jun explained himself.

Chief was surprised. No client would ever help the police force since they always seem to panic, “Ok. I apologize for judging you quickly. It’s just… well… now, we have to get to the bottom of this or this police station will become the target again.”

“I know, sir. I know…” He crossed his arms. “I’m highly irritated this person decided to use this building to get to me….”

Chief figured something he said, “So, have you gotten further clues?”

“After today, the person is a bomb maker and works here at the station or maybe another police station. No one knows my police code except for you, sir.” Jun thoroughly explained. “So, I want to know who else would have access to the police database.”

“Hhhhmmm…. The only person I trust with this is your friend, Sakurai Sho.”

“It doesn’t make sense that he would do this. I don’t see the motive.” Jun outbursted.

“I’m just answering your question. I didn’t say that Sho is the suspect. It’s just a possibility.” Chief took mental note of Jun’s reactions. He was answering with more yelling and not thinking, “You sound like you may to be taken off this case. I might have to give this to Detective Yamapi….”

Jun blinked and couldn’t believe what he was saying, “Really?”

“You seem like you need a break in general. You are not thinking of what you’re saying and anything the deals with Mao, you’re emotionally involved.” Chief pointed out.

“I want to stay on. I will have Detective Yamapi as my partner still and I’ll question more people.” Jun responded.

“You absolutely sure?”

“Yes, sir. I want to stay on this case. I’m working so hard for this and I don’t want this person to hurt Mao.” Jun turned his head to the side, “You are correct about emotionally involved with her. My judgment is not clouded, though. She’s helped me through the case a little bit and cooperating well. Besides…” He looked back at the Chief, “She just heard my whole story of Yukie…”

“You in love with her?” Chief already figured the truth after his questioning but need confirmation. Jun nodded. “Then, don’t lie to me anymore either…” He grinned.

“I will not, sir.” Jun looked down.

“Ok… well, write your report and e-mail it to me about today. Go back to work and don’t hurt Mao in the process.” Chief encouraged. “I’d like you both to stay alive and just don’t get sidetracked. This case is taking a toll on everyone and now the police station is spooked.”

“All right, sir. Thank you.” Jun stood up and bowed to him and left his office. The Chief sat back, sighed and mumbled to himself, “What I do for that guy….” He smiled and looked at the files on his desk.

******* 

Mao got home with Yamapi while the whole police station incident occurred. Yamapi wasn’t notified because he wasn’t the main detective on the case, and it wasn’t his main office. He was impressed by Mao’s apartment on how decorative and simple on the way it was setup.

“Would you like something to eat or drink? I know we just came back from the amusement park but those were snacks.” Mao asked.

“Oh, well, I am more hungry but I don’t want to bother you with dinner.” Yamapi was being considerate.

“You sure?” Mao smiled. “I make a really dinner…..” She was acting cute but wasn’t flirting with him in anyway. Yet, he thought that way.

“Ok.. sure…. You win.” Yamapi laughed.

“Awesome. Now go ahead and sit down. This may take a bit.” She instructed.

“No. I want to help. I can’t let a cute girl do all the work. That’s not right.” Yamapi began to like her.

Mao blushed but started taking out chopsticks and other utensils.

“So, what do you want me to take out?” Yamapi was anxious.

“I’m going for making sushi tonight actually. Actually, could you make rice with my rice cooker over there?” She pointed over to it.

“I can do that.” He went over to the rice cooker and saw the bag of rice near it. He put some in the bowl and the washed it in the sink. As Mao was preparing, she watched him carefully. He knew what he was doing, and she smiled. Her cell phone rang, and she was happy it was Jun.

“I’ll be right back. I have to answer this call.” She walked into her bedroom and clicked the answer button. “Hello?”

“Evening, Mao-chan. I apologize but I won’t make it tonight for dinner.” Jun explained as he sat back in his seat.

“Oh… okay. Are you coming home late tonight?” She asked.

“It might be like that this next week. Something happened and I’d have to explain it later.”

“All right. Your partner is here with me.” Mao chuckled.

“Eh? What’s he doing there?” Jun sat forward quickly.

“I offered dinner and he accepted. Do you want me to inform him of anything?” She said innocently.

Jun changed his mind quickly, “You know….” He paused.

“I know what?” She wondered.

“I might be able to get home early. Let me finish something up here. Is he doing any funny?” He narrowed his eyes.

“You fired back kind of quickly. He’s not doing anything….” Then Mao realized, “Are you jealous?”

“I am not!” Jun lied.

She thought of a funny idea, “Right. Listen, he’s hot and you know, I wouldn’t mind putting my hands all over him….” She held in her laugh.

“Mao… I didn’t need to hear that.” He looked at his computer monitor.

“Oh, you know you do. We’re not dating or anything….. besides, he’s quite a catch. Maybe I can have fun with him tonight while your gone….” She held her hand up to the speaker of her phone and covered it. She started cracking up.

“That’s it! I’m going back there in an hour!” He screamed and didn’t hear the laughing on the other end.

Mao put her hand down and laughed into the phone, “Right. You sure?” She couldn’t stop.

“What’s so funny?” Jun asked.

“You think I’m going to just go after Yamapi when you and I finally confessed to each other?” Mao shook her head.

“Well…uhh…” He couldn’t answer.

“Jun, I care for you, and I really want more like last night. I don’t Yamapi well and besides…” she whispered after, “You’re hotter.” Jun’s face flushed at her comment. He was very ecstatic about that. He knew that Yamapi was very good looking, and he could get every girl to drop dead. He was just glad to hear it from Mao. “So, you still going to come home tonight early?”

Jun snapped out of his quick thoughts, “Oh. Well, I guess I shouldn’t worry about anything. Go ahead and have your dinner with him. I’ll get home tonight to talk to you some more and hoping it’s not too late.”

“All right then. Don’t overwork and call me if anything.” Mao demanded.

“Have fun.” Jun clicked off. Mao smiled and was glad that he got jealous. It proved that he wasn’t just saying things last night to make her feel better. He actually did care and wanted to be there.

“Mao….” Yamapi knocked on the door.

“Oh… hey. I apologize. That wasn’t supposed to be a long conversation.” Mao bowed.

“It’s ok. I got everything cut up.” Yamapi smiled.

“Eh???? You’re done?!?!?!” Mao ran out to the kitchen as Yamapi followed. She was impressed, “You know how to make sushi, don’t you?” He nodded. “Well, let’s just wait for the rice then so we can eat.” ~ Something is kinda fishy about him. I will need to do some research. ~ 

*******

Jun decided to take a nap on his seat. He was at his computer for 3 hours straight, researching and writing. As he attempted to sit back, someone knocked on his door.

“Come in….” He yawned.

“Did I disturb you?” Sho responded.

“Oh! Sho-kun…”

“So I heard about today by the Chief.” He sat down in one of the seats in front of Jun’s desk.

“The bomb that spooked the whole police station?” Jun put his hands behind his head.

“Yup. I have to say this person is capable of many things.”

“Why do you say that?” Jun looked at him suspiciously.

Sho noticed, “Hey. I’m not your guy! Why would I betray you and the police station?”

“What? I didn’t say anything.” Jun responded.

“You looked at me like you suspected me of it. I talked to the Chief and that’s what he thought you assumed. Then you gave me the look which confirmed the assumption…” Sho explained.

“Oi. Look… there’s too many possibilities. It’s gotten complicated, and it’s pinned down from someone on the police force. When the Chief explained to me about codes and who may have it, it did cross my mind.” Jun sighed.

“Seriously, why would your own friends or partners go against you, though?” He looked up at Jun who seemed deep in thought, “Or something happened that spooked you personally…”

“Oh… no… it’s just…. Never mind. You wouldn’t understand since you never had a girlfriend or just slept around.” Jun blurted.

“Oh thanks.” Sho shook his head, “If it comes to girls, yes, I’m not an expert. Yet, I know the little things and you seem to have some girl trouble yourself regardless of this case.” He was right but Jun didn’t want to admit it.

“Anyways… let’s not go into my business…”

“You mentioned it. So, what’s up about Mao?” Sho never backed down to any subject.

“Well, she apparently knows everything about me. I don’t know whether to be happy or cautious but she heard my whole story about Yukie. She started to cry and I felt bad to tell her. Then, she had nightmares that I died….”

“She’s got it bad for you, then.” Sho quickly responded.

“We did kiss and told each other somewhat of how we felt…..”

“So you had it bad for her…..”

“Sho, I get that. So, this isn’t weird that she reacted or even had nightmares like that?” Jun asked.

“No. It means that you both care for each other a lot it seems and didn’t realize it.” Sho smiled, “Besides, she’s one beautiful woman.”

“Don’t even go there.” He smirked.

“Ok ok. I’ll back down. Let’s talk about business again. So, the case got harder…. Did you bring the package I brought you?”

“Yes.” He took it out of his bag.

“Anything match up?”

“Not really…. The person is like you, a hacker.” Jun re-checked everything to make sure.

“Hey, I’m not a hacker anymore. I work for the police force, remember?”

“Oh don’t hide it. Even Chief calls you the hacker.” Jun snickered.

“Anyways….. another hacker, huh? From all the work, experienced is what I describe our person.”

“Also a bomb maker….” Jun typed it up on the computer.

“Seriously? Oh God…. What else? A very good cook?” Sho joked. Jun looked at him seriously at that joke. It’s another possibility. “Don’t tell me you’re considering that thought from your look?”

“I’ll keep that in mind. Maybe a couple of things are TOO perfect…” Jun tapped his pen on the desk.

“Well, who do we know that’s like this?” Sho looked at the package contents again.

“Are you a good cook?” Jun smiled.

“You’re kidding right? You know I burn things…” Sho rolled his eyes.

“Well, you like perfection like I do.”

“Oh be quiet. How do we know that you aren’t the suspect?”

“You dumbass. Why would I use my own police code to disarm the bomb? Why would I hurt Mao in any way?” Jun glared.

“Ok… I’ll shut up now.”

“I’m just frustrated…. Don’t mind me so much.” Jun explained.

“I figured. Look, it’s late and I’m starving. Let’s have dinner. My treat…” Sho offered.

“That’s a good idea. I need it.” He got up and they both left his office for a late night dinner.