Idol's Peril 11

Kogoro was browsing through today's news. On the table in front of him was a spread of snacks he prepared for his guest, Yoko Okino. He also prepared a pot of tea, and a jar of honey in case she wanted it.

While he was reading the news, his mind went back to the new peeper he saw before. Since the beginning, Kogoro already knew of his impending confrontation with the Black Organization. His path as a detective was in direct contrast to their crime-oriented one.

Nonetheless, he was surprised that they started sniffing around this early in the game. What's more interesting was who they sent to be his minder. It was none other than Vermouth!

'You think because your agent is sexy, I'll let my guard down? Just watch, I'll fuck her! Er, I'll fuck her up! Yes, that's it.'

Kogoro coughed at his own stumble, but fiercely reigned himself in. He poured himself tea, and a little bit of honey to neutralize the bitter taste. Just as he was about to sip from his cup, someone knocked on the door, and went in after Kogoro loudly gave his permission.

Kogoro stood up, and saw the person who just entered his office. It was his guest, Yoko Okino, and she was holding a big bag of what he assumed to be some gifts. They had to be quite light though, seeing how relaxed she was.

"Mouri-san, I hope I'm not intruding! I'm bringing these for you and your family!"

Kogoro hurriedly took it from her, and noticed the weight. "Jeezos, Yoko-san, it's really heavy! I'm thankful, but why did you bring such heavy things by yourself? Hasn't your sachou-san appointed a new manager for you yet?"

Yoko looked down for a moment, but then she was back, forcing a smile for Kogoro. "No! It's just that… It's thanks to you that I am not being harassed anymore! And… I now know the truth about what happened with my former assistant, and… Fujie-san. That's why I want to bring it to you myself!"

As short as the pause before she said the name, Kogoro knew her feelings for the man were anything but. The first person someone falls in love with, no matter how bitter the ending to their story was, would always be in their heart. If not for Chou Yamagishi, Akiyoshi Fujie and Yoko Okino might still be together. Or they might not, but at least they would be able to decide for themselves. But now, even the notion of getting back together was impossible. So Kogoro understood why she was sad.

"Yoko-san, you may feel bad about Akiyoshi Fujie-san, but you should not be caught up in sadness. After all, you are an idol! The fans who supported you will be sad if you are sad, and they will be happy if you are happy!" Kogoro reminded Yoko, and it seemed to be working, because her smile turned more gentle.

"Mouri-san is right. Thank you for that! I really need it."

Kogoro waved off her thanks, knowing that she would have been fine on her own. After all, she did not look that downtrodden before. He gestured for her into the office, and they took their seat around the small table.

They spent the next hour just having a chat over tea, with Kogoro subtly trying to steer the conversation to her contract with her current agency. She explained that when her former manager said she was under a ten year contract; it was an old one, signed over nine and a half years ago. So technically, Yoko only had to stay for a couple more months there, and could sign with another company afterwards.

"Well, how about Rising Star? I know we are a new company, but we are still the number one in terms of raising internet celebrities in the country!" Offered Kogoro.

Yoko hummed, "Well, I don't mind, especially because Mouri-san and Yuko-san!"

However, just a second later, she shook her head. "But I'm actually quite close with the people of my current agency! I need to ask their opinion first. I'm sorry, Mouri-san!"

Kogoro laughed off her apology, "It's okay, I'm just shooting blind, don't be sorry!"

With his words, Yoko smiled in relief, and their chat turned into a casual one, Kogoro now joking around, and Yoko giggling at his silliness.

Time flew, and by the time they noticed, another hour had gone by.

Yoko excused herself, saying that she was about to meet her new manager today.

Kogoro accompanied her to her car, and he watched as Yoko drove her yellow De Tomaso Pantera away.

'Now, to sort all those boxes…'

***

'What's this?'

Kogoro opened the third box Yoko Okino gave her. Inside the cardboard was something wrapped with paper. Kogoro cut it open, and in his hand was a stuffed penguin!

He was speechless, and could only turn it around, not seeing anything special about it.

'It's cute, but… I don't think she knew how old my daughter was. Or did I mention Conan to her before? But that bozu won't like this either…'

From the total five small boxes, three of them were food, one contained a stuffed animal, and the last one was some mystery novel.

Kogoro flipped through the page, not finding anything that caught his eyes.

"Well, we were not close, so I can't exactly fault her for giving me this. But still… I need to give some of the food away."

Kogoro put them back in the box, and labeled them 'for RSTA'. He took a grapefruit and bit them gently. The liquid it released felt soothing to his sore throat.

"I wonder where the bozu is… It's been a few days. If I'm right, it should be about time he gets those strength enhancing shoes."

Right as Kogoro said that, his phone rang, and he couldn't help but raise his eyebrows at the name.

'Megure-keibu? Why would he call me at this hour?'

He accepted the call, and the more he listened to Inspector Megure, the more shocked he was.

"It can't be!... But she just left!?"

Kogoro rushed to grab his jacket, and ran downstairs to catch a cab. All the while, his mind repeated the recent conversation with Yoko, trying to find a clue on what the reason for the bad news Inspector Megure had just told him.

Yoko Okino was found unconscious, after she fell down from the third floor of a building!

***

In a coffee shop a mile from the Mouri Detective Agency, a blonde woman was sitting on a table in the corner, calmly sipping her coffee while listening to the call Kogoro had with his former supervisor.

When it ended, she had a small smile on her face.

'Now then, Meitantei Kogoro Mouri, let me see how you are going to solve this!'

~To Be Continued~