Fujino walked over and sat down.
Vermouth raised her eyes, narrowing them slightly.
Fujino said, "You've got some nerve arranging to meet in a place like this."
Vermouth remained unfazed, her expression returning to normal.
She lifted her wineglass and took a sip, speaking evenly. "It's not like this is something shameful. Would you only be satisfied if I asked you to meet at a hotel?"
"Watch the dirty jokes. You're not getting any younger."
"Tch."
Vermouth clicked her tongue at the retort. "Don't worry. Operatives of our rank usually aren't monitored unless they fall under suspicion... and once they're suspected, they're executed."
"Just like a certain kitty's older sister."
"So we're making dark jokes again, huh?"
Fujino raised his eyes to look at her. "But that's not quite right. A certain kitty's older sister is still alive and well with her little sister."
It was as though a switch had been flipped in Vermouth. Her gaze sharpened. "You mean..."
"Does that even matter? It's not like you can do anything about it."
Fujino gave a soft snort and continued, "Enough nonsense. What information did you call me here for?"
"Young men really are impatient."
Vermouth sighed and swirled her wineglass. "Because of what happened last time, BOSS gave me a thorough scolding and sent me out of Japan. Even under those circumstances, I was still gathering information for you, yet you haven't said a single word of thanks..."
"We're using each other. Why would I thank you?"
Fujino gave her a deadpan look and crossed his arms. "Old auntie, if I thanked you, would that mean I'd stop protecting that kid Conan?"
The corner of Vermouth's delicate brow twitched slightly. She rolled her eyes, tapping the tabletop with a fingernail. "I looked into the incident where you were hit