"It's alright, Commissioner Gordon. I believe in the GCPD's capabilities. You'll surely be able to protect the Hope Star. As for canceling the filming plans, let's not consider that for now. We've already signed an agreement with Withers, and not filming here would constitute a serious breach of contract."
James spoke calmly, his tone polite and unwavering.
The reason he gave was perfectly reasonable on the surface.
In fact, he had another reason for refusing Gordon's suggestion, but that reason absolutely could not be spoken aloud, especially not to Gordon.
The production was already deeply invested in this location. Sponsors, media outlets, and investors had been notified. Changing plans now would not only create financial chaos but also attract unwanted speculation. Not to mention the Penguin's demands...
That was something he could not afford.
Seeing that the person directly involved was firm in his resolve and had even expressed confidence in the GCPD's capabilities, Gordon found it increasingly difficult to continue persuading him.
After all, as Commissioner, he could not openly show a lack of confidence in the GCPD.
"In that case, we will do our utmost to ensure that Kaitou Kid does not steal the Hope Star."
In the end, that was the only promise Gordon could make.
"Thank you."
James stood up and shook hands with Gordon.
His expression remained composed, though the faint tension in his grip betrayed that the situation was far from relaxed.
…
"Quartz, fire, ocean, breeze…"
Tim stared blankly up at the sky outside the car window, murmuring to himself without pause.
His brows were furrowed, and his lips moved faintly as he repeated the words over and over again.
"Hey!"
Suddenly, a voice sounded beside him, snapping him back to his senses at once.
"Timmy boy, what have you been muttering about this whole time?"
Darren, seated next to him, turned his head slightly, studying Tim with visible curiosity.
At the moment, the two of them were sitting inside a moving car.
Streetlights passed rhythmically through the windows, casting shifting bands of light across their faces.
"Don't mind him, Darren. He must be thinking about Kaitou Kid's notice letter. He's been like this for quite a while."
In the driver's seat, Jack kept his eyes on the road and spoke without looking back.
"This kid is completely obsessed with Kaitou Kid now. Every time a new notice comes out, he'll brood over it for days, barely eating or sleeping. The last person he admired this much was Batman."
"What? Admire? I don't admire Kaitou Kid, and I don't admire Batman either!"
Hearing his father's words, Tim protested immediately.
His reaction was so quick that even Darren raised an eyebrow.
"Do you realize you look exactly like a kid throwing a tantrum after having his secret exposed?"
Darren looked at Tim with clear mockery.
"Darren, if you don't have anything nice to say, you don't have to say anything at all."
Tim shot back irritably.
Some time earlier, while James had been negotiating with Withers Shipbuilding about borrowing the cruise ship, the rest of the film crew had been busy recruiting extras.
By yesterday, all the candidates had been finalized.
The crew then began contacting the extras and specially invited guests like Jack's group, informing them that a pre-filming banquet would be held on the cruise ship that evening.
That was why Darren and Tim were currently sitting in Jack's car, heading toward the shipyard.
Before the sun set, the three of them arrived at their destination.
After many days, Darren once again returned to the shipyard where the luxury cruise ship was docked.
This time, however, he did not need to move in secrecy.
He entered openly through the main gate.
When they reached the pier, the cruise ship's gangway had already been lowered, and many people were lined up ahead, forming an orderly but dense queue.
Bright floodlights illuminated the boarding area.
Uniformed security personnel stood at fixed intervals.
At the front of the line, a newly established security perimeter was conducting checks on everyone boarding the ship.
The inspection process was extremely strict.
Not only were personal belongings searched and real name information such as fingerprints and facial scans recorded, but everyone was also required to vigorously knead their own cheeks before being allowed through.
The scene looked less like a film event and more like a high security government checkpoint.
"Sorry. I'm sure you've all heard about the notice sent by Kaitou Kid. These stringent measures are for everyone's safety, and we appreciate your understanding."
As soon as Darren's group arrived, a staff member stepped forward to explain the situation with a rehearsed smile.
Even as specially invited guests, they were not exempt from the procedures.
Many members of high society clearly disliked being searched. A few were already whispering complaints, visibly uncomfortable with being treated as potential suspects.
Fortunately, neither Jack nor Tim showed any objection.
Tim was completely indifferent to the inconvenience.
As for Jack, although his mindset in his younger years had been similar to that of other wealthy individuals, possessing good intentions mixed with ingrained arrogance, that had long since changed.
Years ago, he and his wife had gone on a sea voyage and been kidnapped by a supervillain known as Witch Doctor. His wife was poisoned, and he himself nearly became permanently disabled.
If Batman had not rescued them in time, Tim might have grown up without parents.
Since then, Jack had developed a deep respect for security precautions.
If the Drake father and son had no objections, Darren naturally complied as well.
His expression remained relaxed as he observed the process carefully.
…
As special guests, distinct from the hired extras, Jack's group naturally enjoyed certain privileges.
For example, they did not need to wait in line with everyone else and were able to pass through security via a separate channel.
However, the overall security procedures remained the same.
Body searches were still required.
Luggage was still inspected.
Jack stepped forward first.
He passed through the metal detector without incident.
Tim followed, cooperating with the facial scan and fingerprint recording without complaint.
Their identities were confirmed quickly.
No irregularities.
The security staff nodded and waved them through.
Now the only person remaining to be checked was Darren.