Officer Takagi walked toward them from the opposite direction. He looked like he was in a great hurry. When he saw the two of them, he suddenly stopped, looking stunned.
"Officer Sato, Heiji, what are you doing here?"
Then, he saw Miwako Sato's hand tightly clutching Heiji's arm. A flash of sadness immediately appeared in his eyes: Officer Sato really does like Heiji.
"Officer Takagi, why are you here?"
Heiji did not answer Takagi's question.
Since Heiji had spoken, Miwako Sato naturally did not try to speak over him.
"I came here to find someone."
Takagi did not hide anything.
"Officer Takagi, is there a case? Does the Metropolitan Police Department have enough people?"
Miwako Sato frowned and looked at Takagi.
"A little girl is missing."
"Missing person cases aren't handled by our Violent Crimes Division, Section 3. What is going on?"
Miwako Sato realized that this matter was not simple.
Takagi immediately explained the whole story.
"Ayumi Yoshida was kidnapped?"
"Is that the little girl who is always around Conan?"
Miwako Sato clearly remembered Ayumi.
"Yes. We received a report this morning. Also, the kidnapper called. He—"
"The police department received the call?"
Heiji interrupted Takagi. He had a vague feeling that this matter was related to Vermouth.
"No, Ayumi's mother reported it to the police. Also, from her description, the kidnapper isn't doing this for money. Instead, he wants to play a game with us."
Takagi's voice was full of helplessness.
"Play a game?" Miwako Sato barely managed to hold back her anger. "He kidnapped an elementary school student just to play a game?"
"Play a game? Is there some kind of code?"
"Heiji, how did you know?" Takagi looked at Heiji blankly.
Miwako Sato glared at Takagi. "Have you forgotten who Heiji is? What exactly is the code?"
She had absolute confidence in Heiji's abilities. Seeing Takagi acting so surprised made her feel a bit frustrated. After all, it wasn't like they had just met.
Takagi laughed awkwardly. "I forgot for a moment."
Even though he didn't show it, seeing Miwako Sato actually together with Heiji made his heart ache. It was already good enough that he could keep his head clear.
He took a deep breath and pushed the distracting thoughts out of his mind. His expression slowly became serious. He immediately took a notebook out of his pocket.
"The black demonic claws loom from above. Amidst the rows of guarding sentinels, the little prince breaks through the decaying prison among the flying glows to save the dying little princess inside."
Takagi looked up at the two of them. "That is the code Ayumi's mother told me."
Miwako Sato's eyebrows furrowed slightly. She lowered her head and whispered to herself, repeating the code she had just heard.
Heiji repeated the words quietly in his mind. His heart stirred. He looked up at Takagi. "Officer Takagi, did you guys ask Uncle Mouri for help?"
"Yes, Inspector Megure did ask Detective Mouri for help." Takagi nodded.
[Mouri Kogoro knows, which means that guy Kudo knows as well. If that's the case, this is very likely... a trap!]
A sharp light sparkled in Heiji's eyes. A wicked smirk appeared on his face. The person who deliberately created this trap should be that woman, Vermouth. It looked like a good show was about to start.
"Heiji, let's go."
Miwako Sato grabbed Heiji's arm again.
Heiji was surprised. "Are we still going to the Tropical Rainforest Zone?" He thought Miwako Sato would immediately go back to the police department to join the rescue work.
Miwako Sato looked at Heiji. A flash of determination appeared in her beautiful eyes. "I don't want to disappoint Heiji."
This was their first official date. She didn't want to disappoint her boyfriend because of work. Between the two choices, she chose her personal life again.
Takagi could not hide his sadness. He looked at the two of them. "Officer Sato, Heiji, I'm leaving now. Ayumi is not here. I need to look in other places."
He didn't want to stay in this spot for even another second.
"Officer Takagi, you can try using a photo to ask people. It's best to ask in places with a lot of people. Maybe there are witnesses."
Heiji gave him a reminder from the side.
"I understand. I'm going now."
Takagi quickened his pace. His back looked lonely and dejected.
"How strange. Officer Takagi is acting a bit weird."
Miwako Sato looked at Takagi's back with a confused expression.
Heiji smiled faintly. "Let's go."
He naturally knew the reason, but there was no need to say it out loud.
The two of them arrived at the Tropical Rainforest Zone. They stopped at the entrance.
Miwako Sato frowned. "Why isn't it open?"
The entire area was blocked off. There was a hemispherical glass dome over it. It was also covered with a black cloth, though only half of it was covered.
Heiji walked over to a staff member. "Hello. Excuse me, is this area under repair?"
"No, we are setting it up. As long as the black cloth covers the entire park, we can create a nighttime environment all day long. That way, the unique scenery of the Tropical Rainforest Zone can be open to tourists at any time."
"Unique scenery?"
"Heiji, it's the fireflies I told you about! The sight of thousands of fireflies flying in the night sky should be very beautiful." Miwako Sato looked forward to it.
"This lady is right. We will officially open tomorrow night. I hope to see you both then."
Heiji looked at the Tropical Rainforest Zone. There were trees everywhere. It looked like it was placed inside a glass cover. A river quietly wound its way through the area.
He couldn't see a single firefly inside. Clearly, they were all hiding.
On the way back, Miwako Sato held Heiji tightly. she remained silent.
Without realizing it, the two of them arrived at the parking area.
"Heiji, where are we going?"
Miwako Sato's eyes looked a bit lost.
Heiji smiled slightly. "To the Metropolitan Police Department."
"I am a bit worried about Ayumi Yoshida."
Miwako Sato stared at Heiji. She suddenly wrapped her arms around his neck. She stood on her tiptoes and suddenly kissed his lips.
Her technique was inexperienced, and the kiss was a mix of shyness and desire...
Heiji pulled the blushing Miwako Sato into his arms.
Miwako Sato was a police officer. Naturally, she could not ignore a crime. Heiji's action clearly showed that he could see right through her heart.
She felt very happy to have a boyfriend who understood her.
"Why are you thanking me? Have you forgotten that I am also a detective? It's not a bad idea to get close to this case using Miwako's identity."
Miwako Sato gave a sweet smile. She naturally didn't take Heiji's words literally. With his status, wanting to learn about an ordinary kidnapping case was extremely easy for him.
In front of the Metropolitan Police Department entrance, a Bentley Bentayga came to a stop.