Night fell, and the Suzuki villa was quiet.
Kazuha was too shy to share a room with Heiji at someone else's house, so she slept with Sonoko.
This was fine; it gave Heiji time to think.
[According to Kaitou Kid's riddle, he already knows the 'Sunflowers' at the Chusei Art Museum is a fake. That means he won't show up tomorrow.]
[But if he doesn't come, it's the perfect opportunity for the Night Baron.]
Heiji closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
For mystery fans, it was a satisfying night.
The next morning, Heiji walked out, looking tired.
"Heiji, what's wrong?"
Kazuha immediately ran up to him, her eyes full of concern.
Heiji shook his head. "It's nothing, just a bit of a headache."
"A headache? I'll call a doctor right now!"
Sonoko came out of the closet, heard Heiji, and her face paled.
She hiked up her long skirt and ran down, her worry obvious.
"Sonoko, don't you have to go support the exhibition with your uncle? I can take care of Heiji. You go on," Kazuha said.
"If Heiji's like this... I don't want to go," Sonoko pouted.
Heiji sighed. Seeing that no one else was in the living room, he gave both girls a light pat on their backsides.
"Today, not only is Sonoko going, but Kazuha, you're going too."
His tone left no room for argument.
"Heiji, you need someone to take care of you. I'm staying," Kazuha said, unhappy.
"Me too," Sonoko said stubbornly.
Heiji looked at their determined expressions. He was touched, but also frustrated.
If I let you two stick around, I can't carry out my plan.
"Sonoko, as the heir to the Suzuki family, you have to attend these events. It builds your reputation and experience."
"And Kazuha, if you want to be a great lawyer, you should go see these kinds of events. It'll broaden your horizons."
Heiji tried to reason with them.
"I go to these things all the time. Missing this one won't matter," Sonoko pouted.
"I'm going to be a lawyer who makes others adapt to me, not the other way around," Kazuha said firmly.
Heiji was speechless. "I'm going to the exhibition too."
"Then we're going too!" the two said in unison.
Although it was only 7 AM, the Chusei Art Museum was already surrounded.
Police were directing traffic, and officers from the MPD were everywhere.
Inspector Megure, Inspector Nakamori... they were all there for security.
A normal car screeched to a halt in front of the museum.
"Phew, we made it," Kogoro Mouri sighed.
"Dad, driving like that is dangerous!" Ran said angrily.
[Heh, it's not the first time the uncle's driven like that.]
Conan rolled his eyes at Kogoro Mouri.
"What do you know? If the great detective Kogoro Mouri isn't here, what happens if Kid or the Night Baron steal that 300-million-dollar painting? It's time for me to shine! Hahaha!"
Kogoro Mouri's eyes gleamed with self-admiration.
"Ugh. No wonder Mom left you," Ran sighed.
[You should probably improve your own deductions first, Uncle.]
Conan glanced at Kogoro Mouri, then pinched his chin, his glasses flashing.
Today should be the day I find out if Hattori has a problem or not.
"Security is tight. Too bad my target isn't there."
Kaito Kuroba sat on his sofa, watching the TV comfortably.
The museum was packed outside, but inside, it was just police, security, and Jirokichi Suzuki.
"Inspector Megure! It's me, Kogoro Mouri! Let me in!"
Kogoro Mouri waved frantically from the gate.
"Ah, it's Mouri. Let him in."
At a time like this, an extra hand was welcome. Besides, Kogoro Mouri had a good reputation.
"Inspector, who is this?" Jirokichi asked, looking at Kogoro Mouri.
"Ah, Consultant Suzuki, I am Kogoro Mouri, a detective," Kogoro Mouri said, standing tall.
"Kogoro Mouri? You're the 'Sleeping Detective'?"
Jirokichi seemed to recognize the name.
"That's me! I will definitely help you crack Kid's and the Baron's riddles. Just you wait!" Kogoro Mouri said excitedly.
"Yes, well, thank you."
Jirokichi gave a noncommittal nod and walked away.
"That's weird. Why is Sonoko's uncle so calm?" Ran wondered.
[She's right. He shouldn't be this calm.]
[He hates Kaitou Kid. He should be excited to hear a 'famous detective' is here to help. But he's totally indifferent.]
[Weird... unless he already solved the riddles?]
Conan's head snapped up, his face grim. Did Hattori already solve them? Damn it!
He had thought about it all night and couldn't figure out either riddle.
Just then, a long stretch-limo pulled up.
"It's Miss Sonoko Suzuki!"
A crowd of reporters instantly swarmed the car.
The police quickly formed a barrier.
The car door opened, and Sonoko stepped out, wearing an elegant, high-collared gown.
Next, another lovely girl appeared, wearing a black knee-length dress and black stockings.
After the two girls got out, they stood by the car, waiting.
"Is that Mrs. Tomoko Suzuki inside?"
The only people Sonoko would wait for were her parents.
But the person who stepped out was a man.
"It's Heiji Hattori! The genius high school detective!"
The crowd went wild.
Right now, there were three hot topics in society: The Night Baron, Kaitou Kid, and Heiji Hattori.
"Heiji, let's go."
Ignoring the stares, Kazuha and Sonoko supported Heiji from both sides.
This action sent the crowd into a frenzy.
"Is Heiji Hattori Sonoko Suzuki's boyfriend?"
"Who's the girl in the black dress?"
"Is Heiji Hattori dating two girls at once?"
The crowd was buzzing.
Heiji sighed. "I'm just sick, you know."
The two girls both rolled their eyes at him and helped him into the museum.
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