6-year-old Takuma knew he had only seconds to live.

He forced himself not to panic. He had to stay calm. He had to. It was how his friend Ranran got through life.

From living in slums where many malicious adults tried to kill her at the age of 2, to surviving in a school filled with manipulative nobles and royals, Ranran had always persevered.

So becoming her friend, should he die, will feel unqualified to be her friend.

The first thing he had to do was get rid of the old iron hook. It was dragging him deeper and deeper into the water. But the ropes had coiled around his body, making it impossible to move his arms and legs freely

He twisted and struggled but his hands couldn't reach the hook and pull it clear from his belt. His lungs were almost bursting and bubbles surged hum his mouth. His mind was beginning to black out. If he couldn't get rid of the hook, he decided he'd hate to get rid of his belt!

Takuma closed his eyes and tried to remember all the survival skills Ranran had taught him. He tried to regulate his breathing and focus on his surroundings. He felt the water rushing around him, and the weight of the iron hoo. He knew he had to get rid of it if he wanted to swim to the surface.

With calmness, his fingers fumbled with his belt buckle. They tugged on the clasp. They seemed to have lost all their strength.

And then the buckle popped open. With a final burst of energy, he slid his belt off.

The hook dropped away and plunged to the bottom of the river. In that instant, he shot up through the water and his head bobbed to the surface. Coughing and spluttering, his lungs hungry for air he rolled over onto his back. The rest of the ropes were still tangled around his arms and legs but at least he could float.

The tide had washed him clear of the boatshed. He was in a wide channel of water that fed into the river. He swallowed as much air as he could The more air there was in his lungs, the longer he could float. And that was all he could do...float. He'd let the currents do their work, his weary mind decided.

Soon his body was swirling out into the river, travelling on the tide toward the harbour.

Wait....harbour?

He looked properly before realizing it wasn't a mirage. It was full of ships, if there are many ships, that meant there are people. So the chances of someone seeing him are high. Somebody would rescue him there!

And then he remembered as soon as his eyes lay on the harbour's name, he recalled why it was named Samehara Taichi Habour.

That's right, the meaning behind the name 'Same' in Japanese means sharks.

And this area surrounding the harbour he recalled had tons of SHARKS.

Spitting out oily water from his mouth, he knew he couldn't just rely on floating alone. He had to get free of the ropes. He flexed his fingers and tried to move his arms.

........

Michio and Ran had left to return the goods and were in a cab back to headquarters.

"I can't believe we almost forgot to return Kyo's clothes," Michio commented, before staring at the paper bag filled with it at the centre, they were in the back seat between him and Ran.

"So did I," Ran frowned before thinking back, "Then again, we forgot that we snuck Kyo the keyboardist in the place of Takuma the other day. We were so excited to watch their performance by searching for Ryo's kidnapper, that our mind slipped."

"Yeah, you're right," Michio nodded, "We need to be more careful in the future. We can't afford to make mistakes like that."

Ran nodded in agreement. "Speaking of Ryo's kidnapper, have you heard anything from Shinichi today?"

"I mean right now we are heading to the hotel where Shiro and Kyo are," Michio then updated her about the case, "There has been another ransom note, this time it was delivered to Kyo's door. Either hand in the ransom or Takuma's life will be gone for good."

Ran's eyes widened in shock. "That's terrible. Do we have any leads on the kidnapper?"

Michio shook his head. "Not yet, but we're hoping that the ransom drop-off will lead us to them."

Ran sighed. "I just hope we find Ryo soon. It's been days since he disappeared, and we still have no leads. What I can't understand is, "Her brows knitted into a frown, "Why Ranran won't reveal who the true kidnapper is?! Does she not know she is putting Ryo's life on the line?!"

"I know you don't see things eye to eye with her, but at least put faith in her," Michio said, placing a hand on Ran's shoulder, "Three major cases were solved thanks to her and Shinichi. I am certain she knows what she is doing."

"I have faith in her, but not when it comes to endangering the lives of others." Ran comments.

"I understand," Michio replied, "but we have to trust that Ranran has a plan. She's never let us down before, and I don't think she will start now."

Ran nodded. "I know. I just can't help but worry about Ryo and Takuma."

"I know," Michio said sympathetically, "But we'll find them. We just have to keep working hard and stay focused."

The rest of the ride was spent in silence as they both lost themselves in their thoughts about the case.

No sooner had Michio settled back into his seat than his smartphone rang again. He glanced down and saw Shinichi's number displayed. He answered immediately, switching to the loudspeaker function so Ran could hear the call. It was Ranran's voice, "Guys, where is your cab right now?"

"We're I think....40 blocks away from the hotel," Michio replied, "Is everything okay?"

"There's been a change of plans," Shinichi who is next to her said in an urgent voice.

"Which is?"

"See the video Ranran sent through the group."

Michio quickly checked his phone and found a video message from Ranran. He played it, and they both watched in horror onto the footage

Ranran, listen to me, I don't have much time. I'm in...some sort of old boat repair shed, and I don't know where it is. Desmond kidnapped me, and he's planning something. You need to find me, fast!

Chills went up Ran's spine as they heard Takuma's terrified whisper through the recording played through Ran's own phone, leading up to this:

Hey! Do I see you using a phone!? That does it! YOU ASKED FOR IT, KID!

Then they heard somebody shouting in the distance and a strange chopping sound.

"What's happening?" Ran began to panic.

Michio's phone vibrated with Takuma's agonized, "Nooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" Suddenly a high-pitched whining scream fled the ears. More screams followed-loud echoing, booming cries for help and then the phone was sent dead.

Ran turned white while Michio hesitantly asked Shinichi over the phone, "Shinichi, is he...is he alive?!"

"I don't know," He admits, "But he did share a location with the group, do you know how to get there?"

Michio quickly checked his phone and found the location shared by Shinichi. "Yeah, I am familiar with this area." Doing his research on his smartphone, he revealed over the phone, "Samehara Taichi Habour, he is most like at the Kuroiwa Marine warehouse."

"How is it you know this place?" Ran can't help but ask, "I thought you lived around Beikai District with us. Judging the phone, it takes an hour to get there from here using a car."

The 10-year-old sighed, "That place had...scary rumours."

Ran looked at Michio with concern, "What kind of rumours?"

Michio hesitated for a moment before speaking, "There have been stories of strange disappearances and unexplained occurrences in that area for years. Some people say that the Kuroiwa Marine warehouse is haunted by the ghosts of the sailors who died in a shipwreck nearby. Others say that it's a place where illegal activities take place."

Mouri Ran who is afraid of ghosts looked even more worried now. "Do we really have to go there?"

Shinichi who just heard her nonsensical nonsense took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down, mustering all of the patience he could get from snapping at her idiocy towards ghosts over the phone, "Mouri, a human life is way more important than beings that don't exist."

Michio added, "Besides, we can't just sit around and do nothing. We have to help Takuma."

"About the location, is there anything we need to worry about? Such as strong currents and rough waves or anything?" Ranran asked.

"...well, all of that is nothing. Compared to how the harbour got its name from." Michio commented.

"Why?" Ranran asked.

"Well, that area is well known for sharks..."

Shinichi's eyes widened in horror. "Sharks? Are you serious?"

Michio nodded grimly. "Yes, unfortunately. That's why the area had a nickname called 'Shark's Cove'."

"B-but, it's still winter season, there ain't sharks there in Japan of all places, right?" Ran suddenly brought up.

Michio shook his head. "Actually, there have been sightings of sharks in that area even during the winter season. It's rare, but it does happen."

Ranran massaged her face in frustration, "This isn't good."

"Why?" Michio and Ran question in unison.

"We thought of sending the two of you there, it would be quicker than the time we sent Genzo over." Ranran said while pacing around, "Problem is, Michio can't swim-"

"I can," Ran answered.

"I don't doubt you, Mouri. But the seas are now filled with sharks. Not to mention, cold enough to give you hypothermia, in other words: death from freezing." Ranran reminded over Shinichi's phone.

"And let's not forget the illegitimate Extra case, Junko is an excellent 10-year-old swimmer, but even she herself struggled against the tough currents while we were at the quarry. Can you, a 6-year-old, be able to save Takuma?" Shinichi confronts. 

Ran's face fell as she realized the severity of the situation. Then again, Michio can't swim, and time is running out. "Are they not any coastguard in that harbour?" Ranran asked.

"The harbour is abandoned for 40 years, Ranran, so no," Michio explained.

Shinichi spoke up, "Okay, listen. I'll contact the authorities and inform them of the situation. Meanwhile, you both should head there and start looking for Takuma. Keep me updated, and be careful. And Ran, I'll give you full permission to swim. But if you drown or anything like that...."

"...we won't be able to help you," finished Ranran. "We can't afford to lose anyone else."

Ran nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I know. I'll be careful."

"Good," said Shinichi. "Now, get going. We don't have any time to waste."

The moment the two kids hung up, Michio's eyes were shadowed with fear: "I just hope we can get there in time."

Ran then leaned forward and tapped the cab driver's shoulder, "Go back, there has been a switch in plans," he called. "Head down to Samehara Taichi Habour."

"Boy, you do know that harbour is hunted, right? No one travels there anyone," The cab driver reminded him.

"We're aware of the risks," Ran replied firmly. "But we have to go there to save someone."

"Suit yourself. Just don't blame me if anything happens." The driver muttered something under his breath, swung the wheel, and nosed the taxi into a maze of alleyways.

As he drove towards the harbour, Ran tried to calm herself down by taking deep breaths. She had never been a strong swimmer, but she knew she had to push herself to the limit to save Takuma.

............

When Emiko and Shiro entered the basement office, everyone spun around. "Where have you been?!"Ogawa leapt up angrily he shouted. "We have been looking all over for you! Do you know how worried I was when you went missing!?"

Kyo cast Shiro a mocking smile. "Been busy have you, man?"

Shiro ignored them and dumped the black bag on the table in front of Sergeant Genzo, "Sergeant, can I leave this in your care?" he asked.

The sergeant peered into the bag and raised an eyebrow.

Kyo looked over his shoulder and snorted. "What are you trying to prove, Shiro? You don't really care what happens to Ryo."

Shiro spun round and clenched his fists to respond calmly, "At least, for the past 4 days, a plan was made to ensure he returns."

Opening the bag, everyone was stunned to see the money, even Ogawa while he confronts the 10-year-old, "Where did you get the money!?"

"Look closely again, Ogawa-san, tell me if you see anything familiar about the money."

Kyo and the rest of them inspect the money, before Kyo suddenly recognizes, "Wait, ain't that our prop money for that music video we filmed last month?"

Shiro nodded, "Yes, it is. I borrowed it from the storage room. It ain't possible to borrow money from the bank. But don't worry, I will return it once this is over."

Sergeant Genzo shook his head, "I don't understand. What is going on here?"

Emiko stepped forward and explained the situation, "We are planning to use this as bait to lead us to the kidnappers. If we plant devices in the bag, we can track their movements and hopefully locate Ryo and Takuma. After all, they can't tell the difference between real and fake money, right?"

Sergeant Genzo looked impressed, "That's a smart plan, but it's also very risky. We need to make sure that Ryo and Takuma are not harmed in the process."

Shiro nodded, "I know, but we have to do something. We can't just sit around and wait for them to be found. We have to take action."

Ogawa sighed, "Alright, we'll help you with the plan. But we need to make sure that everything is done carefully and without any mistakes. We can't afford to mess this up."

Kyo smirked, "For once, Shiro is able to come up with a good plan. Let's see if they can pull it off."

Suddenly, Emiko's phone shrilled in the silence. She took the call, her eyes lighting up as he listened. "That was Ranran," she announced, "Takuma made a call to her and Shinichi not long ago."

Everyone's attention immediately turned to Emiko. "What did they say?" Ogawa asked urgently.

"Did Takuma say where he was?" Sergeant Genzo demanded.

Emiko frowned, trying to recall the details. "Takuma said they were being held in a warehouse near the Samehara Taichi Harbor. He also mentioned something about a boat, but I couldn't quite catch it. And yeah, I think Michio and Ran are heading there to save him from being eaten by the sharks."

Junko's eyes widened in horror. "Wait, sharks!?" Her hands slam on the table, "But Michio can't swim! And do you know how many degrees the sea temperature is now!?"

Emiko quickly reassured Junko, "Don't worry, he won't be swimming. Ran would be."

This did not sit well with Genzo, "She is only 6!"

Emiko held up a hand to calm the sergeant down, "I know it sounds dangerous, but we don't have much of a choice. We have to act fast before the kidnappers move Ryo and Takuma to another location."

Kyo spoke up, "I don't agree with this idea, but for the sake of my Oniisan, it's for a good cause."

Genzo nodded, "Alright, let's do it. Emiko, could you all share the whole lot of us the location over where Takuma is?"

Emiko quickly pulled up her phone and began to work her magic. "If we hurry, we can catch them before they leave."

Sergeant Genzo then crossed to where a large map of the city had been pinned up on a notice board. He jabbed a finger at the river."There are some old boatsheds down that harbour," he frowned. "They've been abandoned for 40 years."

He snapped orders for his men to take the million dollars upstairs to the hotel safe and stand guard over it. Then he called the harbour police. "We can have a patrol boat there in fifteen minutes

The team sprang into action, grabbing their gear and heading out to the cars. They were all determined to rescue Ryo and Takuma and bring them home safely.

With that, they set off towards the harbour, their hearts pounding with a mixture of fear and hope. Would they be in time to save Ryo and Takuma? Only time would tell.

After that, Genzo had two police cars waiting at the hotel entrance. After reuniting with Ranran and Shinichi, the two along with the two remaining association members join in at the first car.

Kyo, Shiro and Ogawa were bundled into the second. In the back, a huge policeman sat between Kyo and Shiro to stop them from squabbling.

"I don't want one of them disappearing again, "Sergeant Genzo explained as he ordered his driver to head for the harbour.

"Do you think we'll find Ryo in one of the boatsheds?" Emiko wondered aloud.

"Don't worry about that. He will definitely be alive," Ranran grinned widely with her red lips looking at Shinichi, as he too followed suit with the same grin.

"Because he had to be there.At all cost."Shinichi responded firmly.

Junko stared at them, "How come you two are that confident? What if Ryo is dead?"

"The mastermind will never let Ryo die." Ranran insists with a mysterious smile, "Cause if Ryo dies, the kidnapping is all for nought."

Meanwhile, in a cab somewhere, "I hate traffic jams." Ran was feeling agitated as the traffic begins to build in the city, "Why of all times it has to be now!?"

"This is the time people leave after a long day at work to head home, or school just ended," Michio replied. "I just hope we're not too late," Michio said, his eyes darting between the clock on the dashboard and the traffic ahead.

Ran glanced at him before focusing back on the road. "I wonder how Takuma is doing?"

.................

The water was growing colder.

Or maybe it had always been cold, Takuma thought, only now the chill was beginning to bite more. He could feel it seeping through his skin and into his bones. He turned his head to see where he was. slimy stone embankments lined both sides of the river. Above them, derelict buildings crowded against each other:

If only he could steer himself toward them.

He tried kicking his legs but the ropes seemed even heavier. He wriggled his arms. Nothing! The ropes were hopelessly tangled around his body. The current was moving faster and sinister waves lapped around his head. Once or twice oily water washed over his face, trickling up his nose and into his mouth. He swallowed some and immediately choked on the taste. But whenever he lifted his head clear of the water he could feel his feet begin to sink.

And then he saw the tree looming up ahead in the water. He lifted his head and risked another look.No, it wasn't a tree! Trees don't grow in rivers! It was a thick wooden pole poking up above the tide. A pylon. All that remained of an old ruined jetty, he guessed

If he reached it, he thought, he could rest his body against it. And then he could work on his ropes!

He kicked his legs as hard as he could, trying to steer himself across the tide toward the wooden pylon. The current did the rest of the work. It spun his body around and a surge of water slapped over him. Suddenly he gave a cry of alarm. He was being carried straight toward the old pylon at a furious pace. If he wasn't careful the tide was going to smash him against it-headfirst!

Takuma's body slammed against the pylon and he cried out in pain. But it could have been worse. Over the years, a floating mass of garbage had wrapped itself around the sturdy wooden beam. Oil-stained plastic bags, soggy cardboard, and waterlogged pieces of vegetation, leaves and twigs cushioned the impact.

He caught his breath. The pylon was wider than he'd first thought. He found he could float against it, wallowing in the twisted strands of garbage. The tangled rope had slipped loose from his feet and he struggled to slide his hands free from the rest of it. An oily plastic bag drifted over his face and he ought to find air Then it was gone, washed off by the tide, and he spat foul-tasting water from his mouth.

At last, he could move one arm. He gripped the rope and pulled it clear. It was swept by the current away like along, twisting snake clutching the garbage that clung to the pylon,

Takuma looked around desperately as he thought about swimming to the nearest bank and tried to remember what Junko did with her arms and feet when she swam strongly. Then he saw how the river widened beyond the pylon, feeding into the harbour And then he felt the pull of the current he was better or staying where he was!

If he started swimming he'd never make it. He started shouting for help instead.

............

Late afternoon shadows draped the main streets at Samehara Taichi Habour. Mouri Ran wrinkled her nose in the cab. "Of all the places the kidnappers decided to kidnap Takuma, why on earth must there pick somewhere dark, scary looking and abandoned!?"

"I mean if they don't, then where do you expect them to hide where one could easily find them?" Michio pointed out, "Kidnappers chose places like this because it is abandoned and secluded. It makes it easier for them to carry out their plans without getting caught."

Ran nodded, "I know, but it still gives me the creeps. I just hope we find Takuma and Ryo soon." She then groaned at the sight, "Why don't they knock down all those messy old buildings and replace them with a nice, bright sunny park?

Michio chuckled, "You will need money to do that, Ran. Tons of it."

The driver then pointed ahead to where a cluster of ruined structures huddled by the river

"They are old boatsheds over there," he told Michio. "They used to repair boats down here years ago." The driver's eyes narrowed. "You're not thinking of going inside, are you I wouldn't do it--not for millions of yen!"

"Just get us close to the river as you can," Michio told him.

"I do wonder why are you two heading there, I meant there are tons of rats there," the driver mumbled.

"R-r-rats!?" Ran stuttered in disgust, for she hate rats.

A side note, when her parents split up, her dad was much more of a slob. Due to his drinking and smoking lifestyle, it wasn't uncommon for Mouri Ran to see bottles of booze and cigarettes all over the table at the Mouri Detective agency. When her mother was married to him at that time, she is usually the one who do the cleaning and his smoking and drinking habit was always in moderation, mostly owing to her mother for keeping him in check.

But after her mom moved out of the house not long after splitting, the cleanup role landed in the 6- year old's hands.

Of course, Mouri Kogoro, Ran's dad, wasn't really that irresponsible to dump it all on his only child when it comes to house chores. He does clean up on his own occasionally, but he usually waits till the table lacks space to place another can or bottle of booze, or cigarettes, only then he does do the job. And when he is busy with work, those cans and cigarettes piled tend to attract rats for some reason, which honestly irked Ran.

Since then, she put herself in charge of the household chores. At first, her dad insist to let things be, but she refused. Perhaps she got that from her mother, get things done now rather than do it later.

Eventually, he gave up trying to convince her after arguing for over a month. She dislike rats, and that was all it took.

"Don't worry, Ran. We'll be fine, and it can't be that bad. I mean you are just going out to save Takuma through swimming, not go into some abandoned building," Michio reassured her with a pat on the shoulder.

"I wouldn't be too sure of that. Have you ever seen a river rat before? I once saw the size of it to be as an American football."

And that was enough to make Ran shudder further.

As the taxi came to a stop by the bank of the river. Michio then pulled money from his wallet and leapt out. Ran followed, gazing about at the forlorn district and the inky swiftly flowing river

Then the taxi sped off and they were alone.

"Judging the video, it looks like Takuma was dumped in the river," Michio told Ran as they crunched along the broken paving beside the river, "The tide's moving fast so let's follow the river for a while."

"But what if he's been swept out to sea?" Ran asked anxiously, "What if... what if he's drowned already?"

Michio quickened his pace. "We've got to find him before any of that happens then!"

Ran stumbled to catch up. "Why do I always keep ending up in such situations?!" she complained. Suddenly she stopped. "Michio, wait!" she called. "Listen! I heard something!"

The slop of water against the embankment and a distant hum of traffic was the only sounds Michio could hear, "We're wasting time," he snapped.

Ran shook her head. "No! Listen'" she pleaded.

And then it came again --a faint shout carried across the murky water in the gathering gloom. Michio grabbed her arm. "It's to be him! He's got somewhere out on the river!"

They hurried forward, their eyes scanning the dangerous tide. Michio saw him first, a shadowy bundle clinging to the remains of an old jetty pylon. He cupped his hands around his mouth."TAKUMA! OVER HERE!"

Beside him, Ran screamed in horror."We're too late!"

The racing current had plucked Takuma from behind the pylon and whisked him out into midstream. They could see his arms waving and legs kicking. The tide spun him around like a cork.

To their horror, Takuma disappeared beneath the swirling water where the river emptied itself into the harbour. He surfaced again, splashing desperately before he sank from sight a second time

That is when Michio kicked off his shoes.

"No! Michio, have you lost your damn mind!?" screamed Ran. "You'll drown, too! No one could swim out there, not even Junko! I will swim instead! Have you forgotten that?!"

Suddenly, the roar of an engine cut through the gloom. A spotlight speared the water. "Hey, isn't that the sound of a speedboat or something?" Michio suddenly realise, "That's odd, ain't this place abandoned? So why would there be a boat here?!"

"Who else could've been here?! Aside from that psychopath Desmond!?" Ran shouted. "He probably didn't leave to make sure he died! Now that he did! He is coming back for Takuma!"

"Oh snap!" Then suddenly Michio remembered something, "Paintball guns!"

"Excuse me?!" Ran whipped her head at Michio in a frazzled state.

"Paintball guns!" Michio reminded Ran, "Do you recall Junko and Takuma using paintball guns to shoot The Snake the other day?! Don't we have one ourselves?!"

"Oh right!" Ran's fist meets her palm, "If we use this to shoot at Desmond, he will lose control of the boat and won't be able to harm Takuma!"

Exchanging determined nods, the two took out their paintball guns to aim at whoever it is that is piloting the speedboat. "I hope your aim is good, Ran."

"Even if it ain't, I must do it." Ran became determined.

The shape of a speeding boat loomed up from the harbour. A long curling wave trailed behind it "Wait, ain't that the police-owned speedboat?!" Ran recognised this.

"Eh? Ran could tell they work for the cops?" Michio grew surprised at Ran being able to identify.

"My dad used to work as a cop for the Metro Police Department, he had friends at the sea, so I saw this boat many times!"

Michio cheered. "That meant Ranran and Shinichi must have sent it."

As they watched, the police patrol boat cut its speed, its spotlight sweeping the water as Takuma surfaced again. Men stood by the rail armed with poles and nets. They had seen them. He bobbed on the water, his arms waving weakly. The police boat nosed toward him.

A life raft was tossed over the side and a policeman clambered down into it.

"They've got him," Ran cheered as Takuma was hauled into the raft. When Takuma had been lifted safely aboard the patrol boat, the spotlight swept across the river and bathed them in a brilliant pool of light.

"Stay where you are," boomed a voice through a loudhailer "We're coming to pick you up.'

The water churned at the stern of the boat as it gathered speed and cruised toward the embankment. Michio pulled on his shoes.

"Would you really have swum out there? You can barely even swim for Pete's sake!"Ran asked him shakily.

Michio shrugged and stood up. "No choice, right? You frozed again," was all he said.

The patrol boat swung into the riverbank." There are some steps just here," called a man over from the deck. "But be careful. They'll be slippery.'

Michio led Ran down the slimy stone steps cut into an embankment, while policemen lining the rails held out the long poles for them to hold on to. When they reached the deck, they found Takuma sitting in the stern. Wrapped in a thick blanket, Takuma gave them a weary smile and sneezed. Beneath the streaks of oil, his skin was bluish. "Swimming is for fish," he grumbled.

A senior officer joined them. "Sergeant Genzo said something about a boat repair shed. Do you think you can recognize it?"

Takuma nodded. "I'll never forget the faces of anyone who wronged me."

Supported by Michio and Ran, he walked to the bow and pointed upstream. The patrol boat swung out into the channel and the engines throbbed. A few minutes later it edged in toward the cluster of old boathouses" That's the one!" he told the senior officer.

The patrol boat nosed closer to the shore. As it did, two police cars pulled into a narrow lane running alongside the shed.

Ranran soon leapt out of the leading car and waved. The life raft was dropped over the side. Takuma was helped down into it, followed by Ran and Michio. Then a policeman climbed into it and took a pair of oars. He rowed them across to the shore. Two of Sergeant Genzo's men were waiting to help them climb an old wooden ladder

Soon, the rest of the members gathered around Takuma. He sneezed loudly and shivered. "I'll have to give everyone swimming lessons, especially you after what happened," promised Junko.

"That I totally approved."Emiko nodded.

But then Takuma shook his head, "I don't ever want to go near the damn harbour ever again," he groaned. "It's so deep!"

Sergeant Genzo came over to join them. "I've called for more men. I'm going to seal off this whole area."

Takuma looked at the warehouse. "Do you think Desmond is still inside?" Anger flashed in his eyes. "I've got things to settle with him about messing with a six-year-old boy like me!"

Sergeant Genzo aimed a warning look at him. "He's in enough trouble already. And so are you, young man. I thought I told you to leave this case to me!"

Soon, Ogawa, Kyo and Shiro hurried toward them."If Ryo-san is in there," shouted Ogawa, "I demand you get him out now."

Shiro tossed him a disgusted look. "Be quiet, Ogawa. What have you done to help Ryo? Nothing! You're all talk."

"Shiro, calm down, "Kyo tries to calm him down, "The sooner we find my brother, the better."

Within ten minutes, Sergeant Genzo's men were in place. He scooped up a loudhailer and directed it at the boat shed."This is the police. You are surrounded. Come out now with your hands up!"

An eerie silence followed.

That was when Ranran stared at the bleak walls of the derelict shed. She and Shinichi could hardly wait to get inside. Sergeant Genzo brought the loudhailer to his lips again "This is your final warning. Come out now with your hands up."

Again there was silence. The only sound was the steady slap of the tide on the embankment. Sergeant Genzo gave a sharp command to the squad of uniformed men in bulletproof vests who stormed the front door It was smashed to pieces in seconds and the men disappeared inside. Moments later one of them reappeared at the doorway."All clear, sir!"

Sergeant Genzo hurried forward, followed by Alvin and his investigators. Kyo, Shiro and Ogawa tailed behind them. Takuma then pointed to a long flight of wooden stairs and sneezed. "That's where he took me."

Sergeant Genzo then led the way down the creaking steps. The shadows deepened and the slosh of water grew louder.

"I don't think anyone's here," whispered Ran.

"I'm inclined to agree with you," grunted Sergeant Genzo.

"You're too late again, sergeant," accused Ogawa behind them.

They reached the cavernous workshop where Elijah had brought Takuma. It was deserted. Sergeant Genzo shone his torch around the walls. Suddenly, Shinichi gave a sharp cry and pointed."Sergeant Genzo, over there!"

When Sergeant Genzo flashed his torch back toward a pile of rusty machinery, Shinichi and Ranran soon ran forward. "There's a door behind all that junk!" Ranran then shouted.

Before anyone could stop either of them, Ranran had unbolted the small wooden door at the back of the shed while Shinichi then raced down the wooden stairs, followed by another flight of wooden stairs by Ran and Michio.

"Ranran! Shinichi! Come back!" yelled Sergeant Genzo. "That man could be down there!"

"He's not!" Ranran called back

"But somebody else is!"Shinichi responded as well.

The stairs led to a small room lit by an oil lantern flickering from a beam in the ceiling The air stank of sweat and dampness. There, in the centre, was a figure. Trussed up in rope, a gag firmly over his mouth, sat a young man with long, red-dyed hair. His red stage clothes had been ripped in places and were covered with grime. At his feet was what had once been a beautiful purple guitar. Someone had smashed it in two.

"Ryo!" cried Ran. "We've found him!

The young boy, 11-year-old Nagano Rokurou, better known to the world as Ryo, struggled against his ropes, as his eyes wild with terror, his skin taut and drained of colour.

It wasn't long before Michio ran forward to untie the rope. Sergeant Genzo then helped him, while Emiko guided Takuma down the stairs. The remaining three from Red Illumination soon clattered down after them.

"Ryo!" shouted Kyo running toward his brother, "Are you alright?!"

Sergeant Genzo gently peeled the black ducting tape from Ryo's mouth. The young boy gulped for air, "I thought they'd left me here to die," he gasped.

Kyo and Ogawa then helped him to his feet. "There's nothing to worry about now," Ogawa told him excitedly."We found you!"

"No, you didn't," Shiro corrected him, "Tantei association found him."

"Well, good to know all things are done and over now," Junko groaned before staring at the other members, "Come on guys, when all of this is over, let's say we watch that concert they owed us."

"Yeah!" Everyone throws their fists up in the air.

Almost all of the members...except Ranran, who is surprisingly, still talking to Shinichi and didn't look...pleased?

"Neh one of you kids go and call those two over, we are leaving the forensics here to see if we can find any traces of Desmond and the rest of the kidnappers," Genzo informed them.

"Ah right," Ran and the rest agreed, before approaching the two, who are still immersed in what appears to be a serious conversation.

As the 5 members made it to them, Emiko called out to them, "Guys, we are leaving. Genzo said he will be sending all of us back."

With sudden silence, came an unexpected response when Ranran suddenly throw an unexpected question, "Neh guys."

"Yeah?"

"The money I loaned you the other day to take a taxi here and back, and during the past 4 days while we were busy investigating...did you all remember to calculate how much of it was spent?"

The five members looked at each other, then at Ranran before Emiko replied, "We did take pictures of the amount as you asked, why?"

"Read out the amount of each transaction please," Ranran requested, while she orders Ran, "Mouri, you pay the bills for your place, right? Do the calculation for me, will you?"

Emiko pulled out her phone and started reading out the amounts while the others listened. Ranran nodded after each one was read out, while Ran calculated and read out the amount. "How much is it in yen, Mouri?"

"It's a total of 52,500 yen," Ran answered.

"Ranran, are you worried we won't pay you? Don't be that money minded, we just saved someone for God's sake!" Junko felt was Ranran rather insensitive to be calculating the expenses at this point in time.

But Ranran was clearly ignoring the secretary's comment, as Ranran's head suddenly shifts to the artist, "Emiko."

"Hmph?"

"Shiro suffered a severe panic attack the other day, right? When he passed out upon learning his tote bag had a pair of scissors planted in his bag?"

"Ah yes," Emiko then grew confused, "But what does this have to do with-"

"Did you overhear how much was his medical bill?"

"Eh? His medical bill you say?" Emiko thought hard about it, "It involved sedatives, so it cost a total of 12,800 yen."

"Add that to the total," Mouri RAn said, "Now it's 65,300 yen."

The rest of the group looked at Ranran in surprise and confusion, wondering why she was so fixated on the expenses at this moment. Except for Shinichi, who is surprisingly not puzzled by her behaviour. "Ranran, why are you counting all of this?" Michio grew rather confused, "Shiro ain't one of the members of our association."

"And lastly, Takuma," Ranran turn her attention to her friend, "How are you feeling? Any severe pain you are feeling?"

Takuma looked at her with a grateful smile. "No, Ranran, I'm feeling much better now. Though now you mentioned it," He rubbed his bruised neck, "It was painful around here since Desmond stepped on me with his feet, and everywhere around my body since I was swimming while struggling for air. So I need to do hospital check-up and recovery-"

"Mouri Ran," Ranran cuts her own friend's word and called out the long brown haired girl.

"Eh?"

"You used to share stories about how your dad kept ending up in the hospital while working as a cop, right? Give me a rough estimation that if Takuma were checked into a private hospital to recover, how much would he be charged? Then add up the total."

Ran looked at Ranran with confusion but nodded and started thinking. "Well, it would depend on the hospital and the type of care he needs. But if we assume it's a private hospital and he needs a few days of recovery, it could cost anywhere from 200,000 to 500,000 yen."

"Add the maximum amount to the total," Ranran instructed.

The group was now getting more and more confused, wondering where Ranran was going with all of this.

"Okay, now the total is 565,300 yen," Ran said after doing the math.

"Ok, then Shinichi," The founder's attention now shifts to the apprentice, "With your knowledge of Japan laws, if we were to put ourselves in the shoes of Shiro, who was framed, as well as Takuma who was kidnapped, how much can they receive in compensation under charges of emotional damages?"

Shinichi looked thoughtful for a moment. "It's hard to give an exact figure, but emotional damages can vary widely depending on the circumstances. In a case like this, it could be anywhere from a few hundred thousand yen to several million yen."

Ranran nodded, "Let's say we put it at 1 million yen each for Shiro and Takuma. That brings the total to 2,565,300 yen."

The rest of the group was now completely baffled by Ranran's calculations. "Ranran, what's going on? Why are you adding up all these expenses?" Mouri Ran asked.

"Yeah Ranran, I get it if you were to charge us since you lent us money, but 2 million is not something all of us can afford to pay you back," Emiko deeply frowned at the founder.

"Who says I am going to charge all of you for that amount? That would take 70 years of all of your lives by then," Ranran turned to the group and announced with a devious smile, "Now that we did the math, the bill will be sent straight to Red Illumination's management."

Everyone except Shinichi grew wide in horror. "Ranran, why will you say such a thing? They are victims of the case! Don't be unreasonable!"Junko frowned, not getting where Ranran's head is heading with this.

"She ain't, you dimwit! The reason she is doing this is because we discovered it was in fact one of the member's fault! " Shinichi snapped.

"Wait, say what now?!" Takuma found himself mouthing.

Then Ranran directed everyone and pointed at Ryo, much to everyone's surprise, "This idiot here, staged his own kidnapping! So his kidnapping plans racked up the expenses I had calculated, so he has to pay, especially Shiro, that amount in full!"

Everyone stared at Ranran's revelation except Shinichi.