(hug)
Curacao: "..." She had thought that sometime in the middle of last night, she would hear a terrified scream, then everyone would gather together to search for Lawyer Tachibana's killer. After that, she could happily wrap up this mission and get far away at light speed... But it never happened.
...Then what exactly had this sleepless night been for?
Cruel reality did not bend to the scripts some people had imagined. In the end, under Curacao's disbelieving gaze, the vehicle continued onward and turned toward the entrance of an imposing villa.
"Jiang Xia, the children said they haven't finished their drawing diaries yet, and they have to hand them in when school starts." Professor Agasa waved to Jiang Xia from the window. "It's rare for them to love learning so much, so I'll take them back first."
The three children in the back seat startled. "!!" Why did he have to mention us?! What if Brother Jiang Xia guessed that we were only using it as an excuse to avoid him?
...Still, that excuse made them sound like they loved learning. Maybe it would help them seem like good children in Brother Jiang Xia's eyes?
The three elementary school students obediently curled up in their seats. Before long, they left with Professor Agasa's little Beetle, continuing toward Tokyo.
Haibara Ai did not go with them. Instead, she had gotten into a car with Jiang Xia earlier.
After getting out of the car, she looked at the suburban scenery and could not help tugging at Jiang Xia's sleeve. In a low voice, she said, "Didn't I tell you last night that I overheard Lawyer Tachibana talking? He was planning to deal with you—so why did you still come?"
Jiang Xia looked solemn. "Running away is useless. Offense is the best