Cointreau is an extremely dangerous man.
The bus robber made Vermouth realize that under that man's gaze, no one could predict how or when death would come.
Because he was too dangerous, Vermouth had originally postponed any contact with him.
Although Cointreau is dangerous, he doesn't pose a threat to Ran.
But this time... it's different.
When Vermouth learned—through some unknown channel—that Gin had assigned Hayashi Yoshiki to investigate Kudo Shinichi, she couldn't help but become alert.
She didn't know whether Hayashi Yoshiki would follow orders or pretend to follow them, but either way, she had to keep an eye on him.
"As a date spot, this place is really remote."
Hayashi Yoshiki pulled up to a quiet street.
Wearing sunglasses, Vermouth opened the car door and got in. The car was instantly filled with the elegant scent of her perfume.
"I can't help it. After all, some troublesome people are watching me very closely," Vermouth smiled.
She removed her sunglasses and looked at Hayashi Yoshiki.
"If you don't get rid of them before coming on this date, you might get into trouble."
"Then I should thank you for your thoughtfulness," Hayashi Yoshiki replied as he started the car.
"So... what's the reason for this sudden invitation?"
"Gin probably only told you that he killed Kudo Shinichi. What's rare is that he didn't use a gun to blow a hole in his forehead—he used him as a test subject for the poison developed by the Organization."
Vermouth pulled out a document.
"This contains information about that poison."
Taking advantage of a red light ahead, Hayashi Yoshiki briefly looked through the file.
It mainly detailed experimental records on APTX4869, including data on the test subjects, photos taken on-site, and autopsy results.
Hayashi Yoshiki stared at the document, falling into a moment of silence.
"All users of APTX4869 died without exception. Even the autopsy reports couldn't detect traces of the toxin," Vermouth said.
"I even disguised myself as a teacher at their school to investigate this matter."
"Although Kudo Shinichi is said to be dead, rumors keep circulating that he's merely missing. His body was never found, and his parents remain abroad, refusing to return to Japan. It's... very strange."
"So what do you think?"
"The Great Detective."
With the back of her fingers resting under her elegant chin, Vermouth studied his face.
What she said seemed to suggest that Kudo Shinichi might still be alive—but in truth, she didn't believe that.
Because with Cointreau's intellect, he would have already seen through it. No matter what she said, he had already understood everything.
"Don't overthink it," Hayashi Yoshiki replied calmly, putting the document down.
"We suspect Kudo Shinichi is alive because there's been a lot of speculation that he's actually Kaito Kid. So once we catch Kaito Kid and confirm the truth, we'll have our answer."
"That's true," Vermouth nodded.
Of course, she didn't believe that Kaito Kid was Kudo Shinichi.
However, she probably hadn't anticipated that her teacher's son—who happened to be Kudo Shinichi's cousin—looked identical to him. They looked more like twins...
She simply assumed it was a trick by Kaito Kid to escape pursuit.
If Cointreau's attention shifted to Kaito Kid, it would be ideal.
Or... had he done it on purpose?
Vermouth still couldn't confirm whether Hayashi Yoshiki knew Conan's true identity or the real effects of APTX4869.
This mattered a lot to her.
If he knew what APTX4869 could do but still chose to protect Kudo Shinichi and Sherry, then he would be a traitor to the Organization.
If he didn't know and had simply protected Kudo on the bus out of genuine kindness, then the boy's identity might be compromised the moment Hayashi Yoshiki noticed something.
Despite these thoughts swirling in her mind, Vermouth's face showed nothing.
"Where are we going next? It's getting late," she asked.
"Haha, I managed to shake off those kittens just to meet you... I don't want to head back so early," she said with a flirtatious smile, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, her fingers releasing a trace of perfume.
That somewhat ambiguous look… it seemed to be hinting at something.
Vermouth studied Hayashi Yoshiki's profile as she smiled.
That gentle, serious look... he's very good at pretending.
Vermouth already knew the results of his past physical evaluations. Apparently, he had a strong appetite in that regard.
"Would you like to go for a drink?" Hayashi Yoshiki asked, smiling.
"Sure. But let's avoid any place connected to the Organization, okay?"
"Do you prefer somewhere quiet or loud?"
"Hmm…" Vermouth thought for a moment. "Let's go somewhere loud. Who knows? It might be fun."
Hayashi Yoshiki replied with a slight grin.
From Vermouth's subtle smile, he couldn't tell exactly what she was planning—but he didn't particularly care.
He quickly made a turn and headed toward their new destination.
Hayashi Yoshiki wasn't very familiar with noisy places.
He was more used to sharing a quiet drink with a woman, letting the alcohol and atmosphere draw them closer, whispering things into their ears... conquering them step by step.
But he also understood that such a simple tactic wouldn't work on someone like Vermouth.
In a noisy, chaotic environment—where people acted recklessly under the influence of alcohol—Vermouth's personality fit right in.
She pulled out her phone.
There was a subtle smile on her face, as if she were enjoying herself. Even the text messages she received seemed to amuse her.
Calvados: "I just completed a mission. Two headshots, clean and efficient."
Calvados: "Are you still in Tokyo, Vermouth?"
Calvados: "Once I'm done here, I'll head to Japan to help you."
Calvados: "I'm really looking forward to it."
Vermouth didn't even glance at them carefully.
The Halloween costume party she had planned was actually a setup—a trap to deal with Sherry.
To avoid suspicion, she had no choice but to choose Calvados, someone controllable who wouldn't betray her.
Vermouth: "Okay, see you then, Cardos."
She had barely sent the message when another one appeared:
Calvados: "Are you free now?"
Vermouth: "Haha, I'm just about to take a shower."
Calvados: "Then… can you tell me when you're done?"
Vermouth put her phone away.
She looked up at Hayashi Yoshiki.
"What's wrong? You looked a little hesitant just now."
"I was just thinking about which bar I should take you to," Hayashi Yoshiki replied with a smile.