Puzzle V

Suzume did not get enough sleep last night. She was still shaken from the kidnapping incident of Shion. She has Shion spend the night with her in Hotel Picarat out of precaution. Shion was still sleeping on the floor in a Japanese futon next to the bed when Suzume woke up and went to the bathroom to freshen up. She washed her face with a liquid skincare product soap. After gently drying her face, Suzume applied moisturizing cream to her face. Suzume was still wearing her navy blue nightie. She brushed her long hair out. She paused and stared at her reflection in the mirror. 

'Why did I wear this nightdress last night?' Suzume thought in self-disgust, her eyes downcast to her sleepwear. 'The dress is too pretty on someone like me.' 

"Miss Suzume," Shion knocked on the bathroom door softly. "Are you in there? Breakfast will be arriving soon." 

"Yes, Miss Shion. I'll be out." Suzume answered tiredly. 

Suzume really wanted to sleep more after breakfast, but she didn't want to risk Shion wandering around in the city alone.

"Damn, Luke. You looked tired as hell." Tweeds commented when he noticed the dark circles under Luke's eyes. He and Luke were heading towards a conference room inside the Steam Bison Precinct. "Did the new mystery keep your arse up?" 

"Yes," Luke yawned, carrying a notebook and a pen. "The new mystery is connected to the crime syndicates." 

"Oh, for bloody freak's sakes, those fools don't stay put, do they?"

Luke nodded tiredly. Layton was already in the conference room waiting for him. Tweeds wasn't allowed to join him and Layton in the police meeting, as he had no experience with detective work, or that was what the Steam Bison police told him. So, Tweeds just waited for Luke and Layton outside the conference room. 

Crow and Marliyn have gone to the Steam Bison black market this morning. Flora Reinhold and Luke's classmate, Marina, were assisting Eggmuffin on a new invention at his workshop. 

"So, how is this new mystery and those syndicates connected?" 

"I cannot say."

"Oh, come on!" Tweeds puffed his cheeks in disappointment. "Just since when ya became so secretive?" 

"I'm sorry. It's classified." 

"So, ya going to share the new information with the police, but not with your friends? Geez. It looked like ya let your reputation as the Great Detective Luke get to yo head." 

"You know it isn't true, Tweeds." Luke chuckled. 

"Whatever you say, dude. Anyway, good luck." Tweeds grinned at Luke as they arrived at the conference room. 

"Thanks." Luke smiled at him and entered the room. 

There were a few police officers, inspectors, and detectives chatting with each other as they stood around. Layton was sitting at a long table, reading notes that he had written during his solo investigations on Gunman King Joe. 

"Good morning, Professor," Luke greeted him.

"Ah, Good morning, Luke," Layton smiled at him, tilting his top hat at him. Then, he looked very concerned. "Please do not tell me you did not get enough sleep, my boy." 

"I'm sorry. I did not." Luke sat next to Layton. "I was thinking about what happened last night." 

"Oh, Miss Mizuno..." Layton mentioned. 

"I do not understand why she does not seek help," Luke said as he rested his chin on his hand. "I am also concerned about how she managed to defend herself from Inferno Shadows and Serpent Phantoms, and she thinks I'm the idiot?" Luke frowned, recalling how Suzume had called him an "idiot" after he explained his police connection to her. 

"I suppose she disliked reliance. There must be more to Miss Mizuno. Is that correct, my boy?" 

"Oh," Luke smiled gently at Layton, his gaze full of admiration for his mentor. "You know how I think, Professor." 

"Of course. We've known each other for years." Layton chuckled. 

"Let us settle down." A male police lieutenant entered the conference room. 

The police, detectives, and inspectors took their seats at the long tables. The police lieutenant stood behind the podium. He has an Ivy League hairstyle, and his hair color was dark brown with copper highlights. His sharp brown eyes focused on the males before him. He was wearing a brown suit with a green necktie, a white dress shirt, and black Oxford shoes. His name was Raymond Buckbee. 

"I'll get to the point, gentlemen," Raymond cleared his throat. "Those Inferno Shadows and Serpent Phantoms fools have been causing trouble for the residents. There have been reports that they looted a market booth, attempting to evict the area, caused a nuisance during an event, and who knows what else trouble they've caused!" 

"Do you think they may have something to do with the robbery at the museum, sir?" A low-ranked police officer asked. 

"We are still investigating the robbery," Raymond answered. "Unless the kid has something to share with us." He referred to Luke. "I believe the higher-ups did assign you to the robbery case." 

Luke was startled by Raymond's watchful gaze at him. He met Raymond a few times, and he could still tell that Raymond was still skeptical of his innate puzzle and mystery-solving abilities. In fact, Raymond referred to him as a kid, which was a pretty much an obvious answer to why Luke isn't taken seriously by some police members. 

And it was a frustrating experience for Luke; all because he was only a fourteen-year-old boy who genuinely wanted to help people. 

"I'm still working on the case, sir," Luke answered politely. 

"Understandable," Raymond smiled at him. "After all, you are still a boy. Youngsters need more time, do they?" 

'He is mocking me.'  Luke annoyingly furrowed his eyebrows. 

"Mr.Layton, I hope you do instruct your apprentice." Raymond smiled cheekily at Layton. 

"Of course, Lieutenant Buckbee," Layton smiled, tilting his hat. 

Luke just shot a disapproving look at Layton and sighed in displeasure. Layton knew too damn well that Luke could handle things without his help sometimes. 

"Sir, Detective Luke is also assisting us in the Inferno Shadows and Serpent Phantoms investigation." Johan reminded Raymond of Luke's participation.

"Oh, I apologize. I wasn't informed, Mr. Williams."  Raymond looked at Johan in surprise. Then, he glanced at Luke. "To think even the higher-ups keep such important details from me." 

"I guess this shithole of a place is really that incompetent if our high boss allowed a noisy brat into our police force." One of the police officers muttered.  

"Bad enough those stinky ass robots are taking over our tasks." A second police officer muttered as well. "Why the hell are we even here? I should be home sleeping." 

Luke ignored the comments from the police officers sitting behind him and Layton. He understood the frustration and concern about the steam-powered robots doing some tasks for the police. Some members of the police force genuinely wanted to work hard for their earnings, while others would neglect their duties. 

"I'll speak to the High Commissioner after the meeting." Raymond looked at Luke. "I am concerned about your role in the investigation."

"I suppose you are underestimating me, sir," Luke responded unhappily. 

"Luke," Layton warned. 

"Because of my age," Luke added, ignoring Layton's disapproving gaze. 

"Of course I am," Raymond narrowed his eyes at Luke sternly. "You are just a kid. You may be an intelligent boy, but your intelligence is unbalanced with the adults in the P.D. You are better off using your innate creativity for riddles. You should leave the more difficult cases to the police. You, a kid, have no business to be here, but the High Commissioner permitted you to participate in the meetings, so I will not disobey his order." 

"I do not need help from a kid playing detective." 

Suzume's frigid words once occurred in Luke's mind. Her words were still upsetting to him. She, too, had underestimated his innate problem-solving skills. Luke assured that his age was the reason why Suzume discredited him. Suzume had given him a hint to back off and leave her be, but his keen senses kept telling him to help her. 

"You are suddenly quiet," Raymond's voice cut into his thoughts. "Is there anything you need to share with us? You know, regarding the investigation of those criminals?" 

Luke blinked at Raymond. He needed to tell him that Suzume had become a target of Inferno Shadows and Serpent Phantoms. He also needed to mention that Zen, Nebula, and Reyson also targeted her. 

"No. I do not have new information to share, sir." 

Luke needed to look into the family heirloom Coindar had mentioned before updating the police with further information. No, he needed to ask Suzume herself. He has a feeling Suzume will be sticking around Steam Bison for a while. 

"I see." Raymond sighed and crossed his arms. "Just keep working on your part, but do remember, do not go beyond your abilities. Leave it to the police when it does become too dangerous for you to handle."

"Yes, sir." Luke obeyed. He knew better than to try to argue with an adult who was obviously more experienced than he was. 'It is so frustrating.' 

"I do not mean to disrespect you, Lieutenant," Layton spoke in a polite tone. "Luke has proven his worth in handling the problems." 

"As far as I am concerned," Raymond narrowed his eyes at Layton sternly. "You're just a professor from England. I do not know how the English police handled their cases, and the help of third parties in your mother homeland, but things are different here in Steam Bison, and I will not let you or your pupil meddle with our issues beyond what the higher-ups expected of you two."

Luke scowled at Raymond. How dare he disrespect his mentor? Layton darted Luke a warning look.

"I understand, lieutenant." Layton nodded, looking back at Raymond. 

A police officer walked into the room and whispered to Raymond. The Lieutenant has a sour expression. Luke and Layton looked at each other, wondering what was going on. 

"I apologize, gentlemen. This meeting is adjourned." Raymond exited the room, following the police officer.

"What the hell, Lieutenant?! A police officer exclaimed in frustration. 

"What gives?!" A detective added, also frustrated. 

"Waste of our time!" An inspector groaned unhappily. 

The police officers, detectives, and inspectors walked out in disappointment or frustration. Luke and Layton remained in the room. Tweeds walked in.

"What the heck happened?" Tweeds asked. "That lieutenant stomped out as if someone pissed him off."

"Whatever," Luke ignored Tweed's question, still upset with Raymond disrespecting him and Layton. 

"Luke," Layton gazed at him with a sympathetic look. "I understand you are upset, but there is truth in Lieutenant Buckbee's words." 

"He disrespected you, Professor," Luke grumbled. 

"Even so, my boy, I would rather not disturb our ties with the Steam Bison police." 

"No shit." Tweeds agreed with Layton. "So, what are you two going to do today?" 

"I need to look for Miss Mizuno," Luke said quickly and then walked off. 

"Ehhh? Who is Miss Mizuno?" Tweeds wondered, raising an eyebrow. 

"She is a Japanese tourist whom Luke met a few days ago. She is connected to one of his cases." Layton explained quietly to Tweeds. 

"That is so strange of Luke. He would have definitely mentioned this chick in the meeting. She must have been significant, right? He isn't the type to withhold important information." 

Layton chuckled at Tweeds' word choice for a young lady. Tweeds was already picking up American slang words. 

"I know, Mr. Layton. I should be calling the young lady "bird," but "chick" sounds more fun and attractive." Tweeds grinned and put his arms behind his head. "I am starving. Let us grab a bite to eat from the food street. My treat."

Layton smiled at Tweeds. No matter how much he really wanted to eat first, Luke needed to be monitored. While Luke had aided the residents of Steam Bison, he was still a teenager. Luke's emotional state and safety worried Layton. 

"Thank you for the offer, Tweeds." Layton tilted his hat, declining politely. "But, I must accompany Luke on his investigation."

"Of course, Mr. Layton. Do keep him safe. I'll see you two later. Food is calling out to me." Tweeds cheerfully walked off. 

Layton smiled softly. Youngsters and their youth energy. Tweeds has the energy to eat food, and Luke has the energy to solve puzzles and mysteries. He quickly left the precinct before it could get more chaotic than he could handle. 

Suzume and Shion were at a cafe where the girl with blond pigtails, Sandy, worked. There were some customers there relaxing with their drinks and meals. Suzume ordered a white chocolate mocha frappuccino, and Shion ordered a chocolate one. Jazz music played in the cafe. Sandy delivered their drinks to their table. 

"Here are your drinks, girls." Sandy smiled at Suzume and Shion. "Enjoy." 

"Thank you." Suzume smiled back. 

"Thanks!" Shion grinned cheerfully. 

Sandy nodded and turned her attention to the next customer who had entered the cafe. Suzume sipped her drink and kept her gaze at the window. The residents and tourists were occupied with their activities. Steam-powered walkers, steam-powered vehicles, and steam-powered robots passed on the streets.

"Miss Suzume, who was that boy and the man from last night?" 

Suzume looked at Shion. Shion has a curious expression. She still remembered Luke and Layton last night. Suzume's chest tightened at the mention of Luke. She still has no idea why she felt so uncomfortable around him. 

Or maybe she does know, but refuses to acknowledge it out loud for the whole damn world to know. 

"Just a pair of a resident and a tourist that happened to be at the wrong place at the wrong time," Suzume answered dismissively. 

"It seemed like he knew you. Did you two meet somewhere before encountering me in Japantown?"

"That boy is not a concern of mine, Miss Shion. Please drop it." 

"Miss Suzume..." Shion was surprised by Suzume's icy tone. "So, why are you in Steam Bison? Is it for touring reasons?"

"I suppose." 

"I see. How do you like the American city so far?"

"It is quite the opposite of our city. Mochinoki City is radiant, and the people take pride in doing their own work. Here in Steam Bison, there is steam smoke, steam-powered robots, and vehicles everywhere. I wonder how people could even breathe in a steamy atmosphere. 

"They may have gotten used to it."

"I guess."

Suzume was now hungry, so she ordered sandwiches for her and Shion after Sandy came by to serve a customer at a table behind Suzume and Shion. 

"Huh?" Suzume spotted Zen, Nebula, and Reyson crossing the street from the window. They were heading towards the cafe. "Shit..." She cursed. "We need to leave." Suzume stood.

"Why?" Shion asked, confused. 

Before Suzume could explain, Zen and his gang entered the cafe and looked around. They laid their eyes on her and approached her. 

"Go to the restroom and lock yourself in," Suzume whispered to Shion. "I'll handle those three." 

"What....? No. Those guys looked dangerous. I ain't leaving you to deal with them alone. I'm calling the police." Shion quickly took out her steam-powered cell phone from her pocket. 

"I would not summon the popo if I were you," Zen pulled out a handgun and pointed at Shion. He smirked at her. "All we want is a chat with your friend." 

"Please don't kill us..." Shion was shaking in fear, tears forming in her eyes. 

"Enough, asshole," Suzume stood in front of Shion protectively. Oh, now she was furious. She was shooting daggers at Zen. "Leave Shion out of it. We can talk outside. You are disturbing the customers." 

Everyone in the cafe was freaking out. Children were sobbing and hiding under the table. 

"Awwww! Y'all scared?" Nebula pointed his handgun up to the ceiling and shot it as a warning. "Stay put! Don't move!" 

"Come with us now, tootie,"  Reyson snickered at Suzume, pointing his handgun at Sandy, whose eyes started to tremble in fear. "If ya want everyone to live."

Suzume gritted her teeth and clenched her fists together in rage. She glared indignantly at the trio. How much she really wanted to beat the crap out of them, the safety of the hostages came first. Last night was a reminder; she blindly fought Shion's kidnappers without considering her safety first. 

"Fine." Suzume accepted their demands begrudgingly. 

"But..." Shion objected fearfully. "You can't just go with them..." 

"I have to, Shion. Please do not follow me for your own sake." Suzume answered sadly before she walked out of the cafe, following the criminals. "So, are you finally going to tell me who hired you to target me?" 

 "Nope. You will follow us to our hideout, and a partner of our patron will pick you up from there." Zen answered, grinning at her greedily. "What would happen to you next wouldn't be our concern because we'll be out of Steam Bison with the money. It's what ya deserved for blinding us a few nights ago." 

'What a confident idiot.' Suzume thought, rolled her eyes in disgust. 

"Boss, ya just revealed our plan to the lass."  Reyson laughed.

"Nah. The girl will not live long enough to expose us." Nebula added, smirking. 

'Typical criminals and their bullshit.'  Suzume tossed a nasty glare at them. 

Zen and his men led Suzume to a four-door, steam-powered car parked in the alley. Suzume was calm. She needed to seek answers from the client about why they were after her family heirloom. The heirloom was just an old necklace watch. But Suzume knew the importance of her family treasure. Her great-great-grandmother, Ayana Mikawa, was the original holder of the necklace and passed it to her daughter, Yuna Misawa, her grandmother's mother.

"Get in," Zen demanded, pointing his handgun at her as Reyson opened the door. 

Suzume shot a deadly glare at him before she stepped into the backseat, and Reyson sat next to her. Nebula got into the passenger seat, and Zen was the driver. Zen started the engine and drove out of the alley. Suzume was so deep in thought that she didn't care for her surroundings as Zen drove by the sidewalks, houses, apartments, and stores. 

It felt like it was just yesterday that she was a nobody in middle school. No one has any idea who her grandfather was or his importance in society. When Suzume was only twelve years old, she had expressed her desire to follow in her mother's footsteps, but her parents rejected the idea. Suzume was upset with her parents for a week over their disapproval of her dream job. 

"So, I heard you had beaten the crap out of those fools last night." Zen snickered. "They got their asses kicked by a lass. How embarrassing." 

"I suppose those idiots must have briefed you from their hospital beds," Suzume said derisively. 

"DAMN!"  Nebula laughed. "She got yo ass good, boss!" 

"Shut it, fool!" Zen exclaimed at his partner. Then, he scowled, keeping his eyes on the road. "I could have shot you in the head and taken your family heirloom by force, but our client wants you alive." He told Suzume in a threatening tone. 

"And you Americans sure love your shitty guns, asshole." Suzume spat at him. 

"That's enough out of ya." Reyson placed his handgun on Suzume's head as a warning. 

"We need to keep the girl alive, Rey. Put your gun away." Zen reminded his partner in crime. 

"I know, Boss. I'm just scaring her, ya know," Reyson snickered. "This car ride is so boring."

Suzume breathed. She has her hands on her lap. She was actually terrified for her life. There was a chance she would never see her parents, grandparents, Shion, Kiyomaro, and Mariko again if the client decided to kill her off after getting her family heirloom to silence her from reporting them to the police. 

'No. I need to protect my family heirloom,' Suzume placed her hand on her chest. 'I will get myself out of this mess alive. I hope Shion is okay alone...'  She expressed worryingly.

"You are indeed frustrated, my boy."

"Of course I am, Professor. I still haven't found Miss Mizuno." 

Layton and Luke were walking around T-Bone Street. He was concerned about how his apprentice had been acting lately. One of Luke's classmates, Hector, bumped into him.

"Move it, Triton! I'm in a hurry!" Hector scowled at Luke. 

"Sorry...." Luke quickly apologized.

"Nosy ass," Hector huffed, walking away. "Always searching for an excuse to peek your nose into someone's business."

"That's not true..." Luke sighed. 

Layton knew some of Luke's classmates disliked him and were jealous of his natural ability to solve mysteries and his popularity with female classmates. Luke walked ahead of Layton in determination. Layton followed him to ensure Luke's safety. Luke needed answers from Suzume on why the lawbreakers targeted her. 

"Luke, we should take a break," Layton advised. "I'm sure Miss Mizuno is okay on her own."

"You once told me that it is a gentleman's duty to assist a young lady." 

"Yes." Layton agreed with Luke. "However, Miss Mizuno desired no assistance." 

"Hey! Wait up, you two!" A female voice called out from behind. 

Layton and Luke paused and turned around to face a familiar girl. This girl was with Suzume at the warehouse last night. She stopped running towards them. She panted, having her hands on her knees. 

"Wait, you are-" Luke spoke, his eyes widened. 

"I'm Shion Hibiki, and Suzume is in danger! Please help me search for her! She was last seen with three men in masks!" 

Luke and Layton gasped in alarm. Zen, Nebula, and Reyson had finally captured their target, or that was what they would assume...

"The more people know about the girl, the more that kid will interfere with my plans." 

The black-haired man in the black suit spoke as he held his hands behind while facing the open-blinds window in the darkened office. 

"Mr. Layton is more concerning than a kid playing detective," Raymond disagreed with the man. "I've heard he had assisted the British police back in his homeland with his puzzle-solving skills." 

"Do not mind him, Lieutenant Buckbee. The boy is more of a problem than his mentor." 

"Please do explain to me, sir," Raymond inquired out of confusion. "How is Luke Triton, a teenager, more of a problem than Mr. Hershel Layton, a mature man with experience?" 

"I do love it when you American bastards keep questioning my reasons when I clearly told you NOT to mind a person when I do say so." The black-haired man scoffed. "Now, leave and surveil the boy." 

"Yes, sir." Raymond obeyed and walked out of the office, closing the door behind him.