Celestial: Lost and Found

by IvyPoet

Summary:

All Van wanted was a nice holiday with her twins, but when a figure from her past appears to steal a national treasure, Van finds herself face-to-face with an old... someone.

Chapter 1: Twins and Thieves

        “Ashe!” I screamed.

        My five-year-old daughter pulled her head out of the fountain. A big goofy grin grew across her baby cheeks as she held up a handful of wet coins. ”Look, Mummy!”

        “Ashe, put those back,” I sighed.

        ”But why?” she huffed. “Find a penny. Pick it up. All day long, you’ll have good luck.”

        Sometimes, I hated her decent logic. I pondered for a moment then said, “Because those are wishes, Ema.”

        Ashe's face scrunched. She stared at the coins with her brown eyes. She looked back at me and declared, “No, they’re not.”

        ”They are,” I insisted. “When people make a wish in the fountain, they toss a coin in as an offering.”

        Her eyes widened as my other daughter shrieked, “Ashe! You’re stealing wishes!”

        A moment of panic filled Ashe's gaze. She hastily dropped the coins and ran over. She clung to my legs and hid her face in my skin. “No, I’m not! No, I’m not!” she cried. “I don’t steal!”

        I ruffled her head. “You didn’t know, baby. What’s important is that you put them back… and?”

        She was quiet for a moment before mumbling, “And I won’t do it again.”

        I patted her head. ”That’s my girl.”

        ”What about me?” I looked down at her twin Alyssa. Her pouty, baby cheeks framed her sweet doe eyes.

        ”You’re both my girls,” I cooed, rubbing her black locks. I took their hands, and we walked down the cobblestone street. We passed a cathedral just as bells sounded. A crowd had gathered, circling a wedding procession. Photographers were being held back. They yelled, howled, and cried in desperation, but security wouldn't budge.

        "Mummy, what's going on?" Alyssa asked.

        "Looks like someone popular just got married," I said.

        Ashe tugged on my hand. "Mummy, are you going to get married?"

        I shrugged. "I don't know, baby."

        "Why?" Alyssa questioned.

        "Well... I'm happy with just my girls," I replied, pulling both into a tight hug.

        "Mummy!" Ashe squealed.

        "Too tight!" Alyssa shrieked.

        “Now, who wants ice cream?” I offered.

        "Yeah!" the twins cheered and shot out of my arms towards the nearest vendor. I chuckled at my little worlds. I curiously glanced at the wedding party. I caught sight of the bride. She looked familiar, but I couldn't quite place where. My eyes slid to the groom— Everything froze. It couldn't be. I only saw him for a split second before my view was blocked. It couldn't have been him. I couldn't believe it.

        "Mummy! Ice cream!" Alyssa yelled. I shook free my thoughts. I had to be seeing things. I turned towards my girls. I felt eyes on me. I glanced back. The newlyweds had vanished into a limo. I ignored the paranoia. I was just seeing things.

~~~

        "Tomorrow, we'll head to the museum," I said, tucking the girls into bed.

        "And pasta for dinner!" Ashe giggled.

        I pressed a kiss to her forehead. "And pasta for dinner," I agreed. "Now, get some sleep." I kissed Alyssa's head. "We have another big day ahead of us."

        I turned out the lights. "Mummy?" Alyssa called.

        "I'll leave the bathroom light on, Alyssa," I promised.

        "... I hope you get married."

        I paused. "Why?"

        "Because you'll be the prettiest bride ever."

        I smiled. "Maybe one day, sweetie. Good night, girls."

        "Good night, Mummy," the twins mumbled sleepily.

        I left the door cracked and let out a sigh. His face flashed in my mind again. I shook my head. He was the last person I needed in my thoughts. I slipped into the tiny suite's kitchen and poured a glass of wine. I needed him out of my head. After two glasses, his image became fuzzy before submerging back to the depths of my mind. I crashed into bed and relaxed, setting an alarm for the morning. We had another week in paradise, and I was going to enjoy every minute of it. That was until I got a call at three in the morning. I checked the caller ID and froze. Slowly, I lifted the phone to my ear. "Detective Billings here," I answered.

        "Billings, how's San Marino?" the director asked.

        "Beautiful. The twins are enjoying it," I said, "But you wouldn't be calling just to check up on us especially this early in the morning."

        "I'm afraid there's been a threat."

        I frowned. "Of what kind?"

        "Someone plans to steal the Royal Crown of Libertas."

        "... Director, can the local authorities not handle this?"

        "If this was your average theft and average thief, yes, but the crown is San Marino's national treasure. Only the heads of the nine territories know where it is hidden, and it is only revealed the morning after a wedding. We currently have an inspector in the area, but given the nature of the thief, I want you there."

        The wedding. The bride. The groom. The pieces began to click. "Let me guess... Inspector Zenigata?" I muttered.

        "Yes. You understand the severity now?"

        "I do. I'll be there." I hung up and ran a hand over my face. I wished I had been seeing things. I wished this was all just a bad dream. I suited up and locked up the suite.

~~~

        The old tower seemed to loom over the night. I stepped out of my car and approached a familiar figure speaking with two guards. I could recognize the trench and fedora combo anywhere.

        "Inspector Zenigata," I called.

        The inspector turned away from a guard and stared at me. "Billings? What are you doing here?"

        "I was on holiday. The director called."

        "Sorry to disturb you."

        "Let's just get this over with," I sighed. "Has he shown up?"

        "Not yet. We were about to warn the heads." He turned to one of the guards. "Captain Patrick, this is Interpol Detective Evangeline Billings."

        "A pleasure to meet you, miss," the captain greeted.

        "Let's get a move on," I said. "I rather return to my holiday before sunrise—or before my daughters wake up."

        Zenigata awkwardly chuckled, "I forgot about the twins. How are they?"

        "The usual. Giving me a panic attack one minute then melting my heart the next. I want to be back with them before either wakes up."

        Zenigata nodded. He turned to the captain. "Stay here and guard the tower." He then gestured for me and the remaining guard to follow. We climbed the stairs to the top of the tower. Nine men were present, all gazing a beautiful, golden crown lined with precious violet gems. 

        "This is the blood of San Marino," a bearded man said. "The pride of San Marino."

        A thin man noticed our presence. "And who might you be?"

        "That crown is being targeted by the notorious thief Lupin III," Zenigata announced, causing the men to gasp. "But don't worry. We're here to prevent him from stealing that treasured heirloom."

        "Inspector Zenigata and I are from Interpol," I added, trying to keep my expression neutral. I glanced towards the old fortress, scanning archways and walkways. "Where was he hiding?"

        "Captain Patrick is already guarding the tower," the guard reported.

        "Lord Marco," the thin man addressed the bearded man. "We should move the crown back to its original storage location immediately."

        "Yeah, I think you're right," Lord Marco agreed.

        "I'll do it myself." The thin man reached for the crown.

        "Wait a minute!" Zenigata cut in. "You're not Lupin in disguise, are you?"

        The thin man panicked. "Well certainly not!"

        Something caught my eye—a shimmer of light. I narrowed my eyes and spotted two figures ducked down along an open walkway several feet away along the fortress wall. "There!"

        "Lupin!" Zenigata yelled. The men gasped in disbelief. There he was—Lupin III. The second figure was most likely Jigen. I wished I was dreaming.

        "Ahhh, you really did miss me after all, Pops," Lupin called teasingly.

        "Don't play dumb. You sent this notice letter to the government residence, did you not?!" Zenigata accused.

        "Huh? What? I didn't send that thing!" That didn't sound like him.

        "Yeah, right. You married into one of the head families in order to bring out the crown and steal it." That did. "Isn't that your plan?"

        "Geez, Pops. Can't get anything past you," Lupin called, standing along with Jigen. "Gotta fly!" They zip lined down a black cord towards the shingled roofs below.

        "Come back here!" Zenigata yelled, taking off after them. I hesitated for a second—just a second—before joining the chase. We hit the roof tops quickly, Lupin and Jigen not far ahead of us. We leapt roof to roof, shingles sliding out from beneath our feet. I eyed a potential problem.

        "Zenigata, slow down!" I called.

        "What?!" he yelled.

        The thieves came to a sudden stop at the end of a roof and changed direction. Inspector Zenigata barely stopped himself in time and pivoted dangerously on the edge. I snatched his coat and pulled him back on track. “Thanks,” he grunted.

        "Keep an eye out!" I said as we continued the chase.

        "For what—"

        Someone in a kimono dropped from a tree into our path, kneeling on the rooftop. He drew an iron sword. He moved in a flash, swiping the sword through the air. There was a crack. "For Goemon," I groaned.

        The tree came crashing down. I only had time to brace for impact. A flurry of branches and leaves came hammering down on me, rendering new bruises and slight cuts. I glared at the trio as I began to fight my way free.

        "Sorry, chérie." I froze. Our gazes met. Lupin winked with a slight smirk, "Maybe next time."

        I gritted my teeth together as he took off with his associates. "Crap! Come back here!" Zenigata yelled.

        "Inspector Zenigata. Come in, Inspector Zenigata," a voice rang in my ear.

        I pressed the ear com. "This is Detective Billings. Who is this and what's the situation?"

        "This is Captain Patrick. There is a suspicious figure preparing to flee with the crown on a motorbike."

        "Ten four. Do not let them escape. We are on our way." I managed to squeeze out from the branches' grip and pulled Zenigata free. "Lupin may have been a distraction. We need to secure the crown."

        We raced back to the tower and found Captain Patrick holding a motorcyclist at gunpoint. She had long, wavy brown hair with highlights and glared sharply with her brown eyes. I internally groaned. As if my night couldn’t get any worse.

        "Good work, Patrick," Zenigata said.

        "Inspector?" Captain Patrick blinked in surprise.

        Zenigata pointed at the woman. "That's the notorious thief whose got Lupin wrapped around her finger! Fujiko Mine!"

        Her gaze shifted to me. She raised an eyebrow. "Well, look who it is? I haven't seen you in—"

        "Save it," I growled, already reaching for my gun.

        "Taking my things, Fujiko?" My hand froze. My eyes shot upwards. Lupin stood on top of a crumbling stone wall. "That's so unlike you." He extended his arm, and a cord shot from his watch towards a filled sack behind the woman. She snatched the sack right before the cord could strike it. Panic flashed across his face as he quickly reeled back in the cord. Fujiko started the motorbike and charged towards us. I dove out of the way as she sped past.

        "Stop that woman!" Inspector Zenigata yelled as Lupin took off running.

        "I'll go after Fujiko," Captain Patrick said. "You go get Lupin, Inspector."

        "I'll join Captain Patrick. She's at an advantage with the bike," I decided.

        "Alright," Inspector Zenigata agreed. We chased after our assignments. Fujiko was gaining distance— BANG! CRASH!

        Fujiko and the motorbike were on the ground, the front tire blown out. Lupin appeared, catching the sack. "Give it back! That's mine!" Fujiko yelled.

        "Nope, this is mine," he declared.

        "Fools, that belongs to San Marino!" Inspector Zenigata caught up and yelled, "Hand it over right now."

        "I think not!" Lupin turned to run again. I readied myself for another chase—

        "Oh! Lupin! Help me!" He froze. I looked to my side. Captain Patrick had Fujiko.

        "Give me the royal crown, Lupin, or I'll throw her into solitary confinement and throw away the key," Captain Patrick threatened.

        "What? Taking a hostage? That's not playing fair," Lupin argued as his two associates joined him.

        "Who cares about her?" Jigen said. "She used your name and stole from us."

        "I agree," Goemon said. Both began to walk away.

        "Lupin," Fujiko begged quietly.

        "Alright, hand it over," Captain Patrick ordered.

        He covered his face with his hand. I rolled my eyes. "Here we go again," I thought.

        He groaned before sighing in defeat. He straightened up and extended out the sack to us. "Alright, you can have it, so let Fujiko go."

        "Hey, Lupin," Jigen called.

        "You are quite the fool," Goemon remarked.

        Lupin tossed the sack backwards into the air towards a flight of stairs. Inspector Zenigata and Captain Patrick raced to catch it. Fujiko ran in one direction and Lupin sprinted after the others. He glanced over his shoulder. I caught his gaze. I knew what he wanted me to do. Instead, I joined Zenigata and the captain. Zenigata leapt off a bridge and caught the crown. Captain Patrick flew over the railing to stop Zenigata from plummeting, and I snatched hold of the captain's legs, anchoring him. I looked up. Lupin looked away.

        I hoped he got the message.

~~~

        "GOOOOOOAAAALLLL!" Ashe cheered. I grinned. Our holiday was nearing its end. As for the crown? Well, Lupin managed to steal it anyway, but then it was returned. I rested my chin on my hand. No one had contacted me since, and I was relieved. Soon, we would be returning home, and I could put this mess behind me again.

        My phone buzzed. I checked the caller ID and answered, "Detective Billings."

        "How much do you like San Marino?" the director asked.

        "It's an interesting place. I've enjoyed my holiday."

        "I would like you to continue your stay."

        "What?"

        "On assignment."

        "Sir, my girls—"

        "I've reached out to your mother. There's a worrying dilemma."

        "And that is?"

        "Lupin III."

        "I don't see what this has to do with me staying—"

        "He hasn't left the area."

        I froze. "What?"

        "I want you to stay and investigate. We'll be partnering you with another agency."

        "Who?"

        "MI6."

        "Sir, is this really necessary—"

        "Billings, there is something more going on. This is not just an assignment concerning Lupin III."

        I paused for a moment, letting everything sink in. "Governmental conspiracy."

        "That's what we fear."

        "And you want me to take a look."

        "Given your background, you're the best candidate."

        I took a deep breath. "And my girls?"

        "We'll provide all the protection we can."

        This was a bad idea—a really bad idea. "... I'll do it."

        "I knew you would, Billings." The line went dead.

        "Mummy?" Ashe questioned.

        I looked down at her and smiled. "That was work. My boss wants me to work from here for a little while. Gran's coming to stay with us." She cheered in delight. I then noticed. “Ashe, where’s your sister?”

       Her eyes widened. “I don’t know.”

---

        A little girl stumbled about in the crowded stadium. She only wanted to throw away her plastic cup. She didn’t want to bug her mother. Phone calls meant work, and her mother was serious about work. She tried to spot her mother and sister down the rows of seats. There was too many people. The little girl fiddled with her skirt. Tears welled up in her eyes. There was too much noise. Too many people shouting.

       “GOOOOOAAAALLLL!”

       She cowered, covering her ears. The screaming only grew louder. She closed her eyes. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She wanted her mother. She wanted her mummy. A light tap on her nose made the girl open her eyes. A man crouched before her in a blue suit. Ema nearly giggled at his monkeyish face.

       “What’s wrong, little girl?” he asked gently.

       “I… I can’t find my mummy,” Alyssa hiccuped. “There’s too many people.”

       “Well, that won’t do,” he said. He stood up, towering over her. “Let’s see if we can find her.”

       Alyssa nervously took his hand. He led her through the crowd. She tried to keep up with his long strides but stumbled and tripped on discarded merchandise and trash. His hand slipped from her grasp. Panicked filled Alyssa. A pair of hands caught her waist. She nearly cried out, but then, she was on a pair of shoulders. She looked down at the man. “There. Now, you’ll be able to see her better,” he said with a grin. “What does your mum look like?”

       Alyssa sniffled. “She’s very pretty.”

       “Very pretty,” he noted. The man seemed to light up. “Does your mummy have eyes that look very serious?”

       Alyssa grinned. “Yes! How did you know?”

       The man shrugged. “I guessed. Keep a lookout for your mum. We’ll find her.”

       The pair set off in search. Alyssa peered over the crowd. In the distance, she spotted a head of strawberry blonde locks. The head turned. Grayish-blue eyes frantically searched the area. “Mummy!” Alyssa cried.

       “I see her,” the man said and made his way through the crowd.

       Van spotted Alyssa. “Alyssa!”

       The man placed Alyssa down, and she raced to her mother. Van scooped Ashe up into her arms, checking for any injuries. “Alyssa, don’t you ever scare me like that!” her mother exclaimed.

       “I’m sorry, Mummy. I threw my trash away and got lost, but a nice man helped me.” Alyssa looked back towards where her new friend was. He had vanished. Her smile fell. “He was just there…”

       “Alyssa, you really shouldn’t talk to strangers,” her mother sighed.

       “But he was nice, Mummy!” The little girl then giggled, “He sorta looked like a monkey.” Her mother’s face suddenly hardened. Alyssa frowned. “Mummy?”

       “Don’t talk to strangers, Alyssa,” she repeated, staring out at the crowd. "Never talk to strangers."

Chapter 2: In the Beginning

Sixteen Years Ago...

       Everyone flocked to see the scores.

       “Excuse me! Move it! Pardon me!” I exclaimed, getting knocked around in the chaos. “Let me through!” I burst from the crowd, stumbling forward. I straightened my school jacket and dusted off my skirt. I looked up at the posted scores and scanned bottom to top. I wanted to let the anticipation build. Not ninth… not sixth… onto the top three—WHAT?!? … Second… I made second. I glared at first. Some boy had a perfect score. Impossible!

       “Aw man, Lupin’s at top again?”

       “Who even is Lupin anyway?”

       “Dunno.”

       “And where can I find this Lupin?” I cut in. With some hesitation, one pointed up. The roof. “Thank you,” I said. I pushed my way through to crowd and headed towards the stairs. No one could have a perfect score. It was impossible… unless they cheated. This Lupin person had some explaining to do. I reached the roof and found a small pack of boys corralling together. All had their attention on one boy with a bowl and a dice in his hands.

        "Are you ready, fellas?" he asked. He tossed the dice in the bowl and flipped the bowl onto a slab in front of him, hiding the dice from view. "Alright! Place those bets!" The boys placed various amount of pocket money on a mat with six numbers labeled.

        "I'm feeling this one!"

        "Okay, I'm set!"

        "Let's see..." the main boy mused. "That means I get the whole kit and caboodle if 3 comes up, eh?"

        "That's not gonna happen," one boy said.

        "You can't be that lucky, Lupin," another said. I narrowed my eyes. So the main boy was this mysterious Lupin.

        "And we're not letting you cheat, either," a third boy proclaimed.

        "Here we go!" Lupin said and revealed the dice. All the boys were shocked.

        "No freakin' way!"

        "I don't believe it!

        Lupin chuckled mischievously and collected his winnings. "Looks like I win again, fellas. Feel free to check the bowl if you want."

        Immediately, they checked the bowl as Lupin began walking off. "What the? That's weird. It's totally normal," one said.

        I looked back at Lupin. There must have been a trick. My blood began to boil. I tightened my ponytail and stormed towards him. "You!"

        He turned and eyed me. He was several inches taller with dark messy hair and mischievous dark eyes. His lips twisted into a crooked smile. "Yes?"

        "You won't get away with this,” I growled, jabbing my finger into his chest.

        He shrugged. "I don't know what you're talking about."

        "I know you cheated on the midterms!"

        His smile broke out into a large grin. "Bet you can't prove it.”

        I gritted my teeth together. The nerve of this boy! "Lupin," I snarled, "I got my eye on you."

        "Oooohhhh," the pack of boys hummed, trying to hold back laughter.

        "Does Lupin have a girlfriend?" one asked. He promptly got a Mary Jane to the face.

        "A little too temperamental for me," Lupin snickered.

        I retrieved my shoe and waved it at him. "And you're an immature nuisance."

        "Says the girlie with the hair ribbon," he quipped, quickly tugging on my black hair ribbon.

        I smacked his hand with my shoe. "Keep your hands to yourself before I break your nose!"

        He smiled again, "Whatever you say... chérie."

        My cheeks burned. I hurled my shoe at him. He ducked, letting the Mary Jane fly over his head. I stormed past him, grabbing my shoe. "Laugh all you want, but I promise you won't be laughing long!"

        The revving of engines and screams below prevented my wrath. I looked down as four bikers drove onto school grounds. "What's going on?" one of the boys asked.

        "Some kind of ruckus in the schoolyard," another said.

        What I assumed was the leader slid off his bike and stepped forward. "Where's the punk they call Daisuke Jigen?"

        "We got a bone to pick so get your ass out here!" one of his buddies threatened.

        "They're looking for Jigen," one boy murmured.

        "But he never comes to school, does he?" his friend mumbled.

        "I heard he had to go overseas because of his dad's job or something," another piped in.

        "Somebody get Jigen out here!" the second biker yelled, "Otherwise, we're gonna storm the school!"

        I gritted my teeth together. "Who do they think they are?" I growled. "A bunch of cowards! A whole group for just one kid." The boys stared at me in disbelief. I sighed. I was surrounded by babies.

        "He's coming!" another biker yelled. "That guy right there is Jigen!"

        I followed the direction he pointed. A boy—out of school uniform with an old cap on his head—leisurely approached them. "I see you brought a whole damn army. Are you not man enough to settle a score by yourself or what?"

        "What was that?!" the rude biker growled.

        "Them's fighting words," the leader snarled.

        "Get ready for a world of hurt, chump!" their buddy yelled. Jigen pulled a hidden gun and fired several shots. One by one, the bikes sunk to the ground, their tires destroyed. The leader's hat was shot clean off. The gang froze then raced to escape. Jigen placed away his gun and turned back towards the school, everyone backing away in fear.

        "Holy moly! Did you see that?!" one boy exclaimed.

        "Why on earth does he have a gun?!" another cried.

        "... Now, that's interesting..." I glanced beside me at Lupin, his eyes fixated on Jigen. I frowned. I had a bad feeling.

~~~

        I lied to Mum and Dad. They thought I was off to some study session with new friends. Truth was a) I had no friends and b) I decided to trail the boys from the rooftop after school, mainly that smug pain in my ass. The day drifted to night as the boys experienced club life. I managed to sneak in and spied on them within some potted fake bushes. I discerned two things about Lupin: one, he was rich, and two, he was bored. When the other boys weren't looking, his happy smile slipped into an uninterested frown. I jotted down in my notebook and drew a quick sketch... then deemed the sketch too nice and quickly drew him with a stupid face. I grinned to myself and looked up. Lupin was gone.

        I scanned the room and spotted him, clambering over some railing onto an upper section. I couldn't get a clear view. I checked my surroundings and rolled out of the bushes. I stuck to the shadows, ducking behind empty chairs and tall columns. I reached his location and listened in. "You've actually been on my radar for a while," he was saying. "It's hard not to notice a wolf hanging out among all the sheep."

        "Sorry." I recognized the voice: Jigen. "But I don't rub shoulders with pampered rich kids out for kicks. I'm doing business here, you see."

        "Pampered rich kid... Fair enough. You got me there!"

        "Next up is the pride and joy of our store," an announcer called, "The lady with the voice of a—Wh-what in the blazes?!"

        I looked towards the stage. A man dragged a young, pink haired woman onto the stage. "Get your hands off me!" she yelled.

        "Shaddup!" he spat.

        "I told you! You're making a mistake!" She bit his hand. She jumped off the stage and ran. The man quickly chased her. I internally groaned. My cover would be blown, but I couldn't stand by and do nothing. I began to move into position.

        "Excuse me." Lupin was suddenly in front of me, his back to me. "It's not nice to eavesdrop, you know?"

        "What are you—" I said, but I snapped my mouth shut when the man face planted on the ground. Lupin smirked, his foot lifted in the man's previous path. "... Oh..."

        "There she is!" A group of four men came charging from the entrance towards the young woman. "Get her!"

        Lupin raced forward and escorted the woman back the other direction. "This way!"

        As they hurried past me, I eyed a nearby drink cart. I grabbed hold and swirled it around, releasing it right into the men's path. They crashed, sending ice and liquid flying everywhere.

        "Come on, chérie!" Lupin laughed.

        "Don't call me that!" I huffed.

        "You haven't said what to call you," he countered, slipping next to me.

        "Because I don't like you," I argued as he crouched down and grabbed hold of a long rug.

        "You punks! Come back here!" the men yelled, back on their feet. Lupin yanked the rug hard, sending them to the ground again.

        "Oopsy-daisy!" he cackled. He jumped up and grabbed my arm. "Now, let's go."

        "You don't have to—" I tried to say, but he dragged me after him.

        "Are there any other exits?" he asked the young woman.

        "Over that way," she said, gesturing towards the stage's exit.

        "Gotcha," Lupin agreed. We ran onto the stage. "So lady, what's your name?"

        "I'm Yoko," she introduced. "And who are you two?"

        "Lupin!" he exclaimed, "That's my name. Don't wear it out."

        Her blue eyes landed on me. I paused. "Evangeline."

        "Evangeline?" Lupin repeated. "You don't seem like an Evangeline."

        I frowned. "That's why people call me Billings."

        "I think Evangeline is a beautiful name," Yoko complimented.

        I turned to give her a smile when I noticed one of the men charging at her. Lupin quickly grabbed her arm and pulled her out of the man's path. She gasped in surprise and caught hold of the microphone stand. They swung around, and the stand whacked the man away.

        I helped steady the two and looked at Lupin. "I can take it from here," I offered.

        "I'm not leaving."

        I frowned. "Why are you doing this?"

        Lupin took the stand. "There's a motto in my family, you see," he said. "Always stand up for a lady."

        "Hell yeah!" the boys from school cheered. "Stick it to 'em, Lupin!"

        I stared at him. I would need to update my notes. My thoughts were cut off as another man appeared and grabbed the stand. He wrestled with Lupin over it.

        "Hey, let go!" Lupin yelled... then his hand popped off. "Pop goes the weasel!" The man's own momentum sent him tumbling off the stage. Another man raced towards us, but Lupin stumbled into him. He bashed his head into the man's jaw. "Yeowch!" Lupin clutched his head in pain. The man regained his senses and threw his fist towards him.

        "Look out!" I yelled and dove, knocking Lupin out of the way. I swung out my foot and caught the man in his jewels. He snuck to the ground with a whimper.

        "Nice shot," Lupin snickered.

        "You brats!" A third man barreled straight towards us.

        I felt my hair fall to my shoulders. I glanced at Lupin who offered me one end of the black ribbon. "Here he comes," he said. I snatched up the end, and we stepped apart. The man was right on us. "Jump!"

        The ribbon pulled taunt and caught the man's throat. He flipped under and landed on the ground, gasping for breath. Lupin released the ribbon. "We're too exposed here," I said, quickly tying my hair back.

        "Gotta find another exit," Lupin agreed then looked up. "How about the second floor?"

        "Let's go," I nodded. We jumped off the stage.

        "Hold it! You little shitstains!" The man who tumbled off the stage aimed his gun at us. Lupin moved and shielded Yoko and me... only for the man I kicked to jump down behind us, his gun drawn.

        "Hands in the air!" he ordered. We complied. I gulped. I didn't see a way out—

        "... Jigen!" Lupin yelled. "Help us out here!"

        "Why the hell should I?" Jigen exclaimed.

        "Let's cut a deal!" Lupin smirked. "You want these back, don't cha?" He flicked his wrists, and two golden guns dropped from his school jacket, dangling from thin wires.

        "They're gone!" a man near Jigen cried. Jigen grumbled under his breath as he stepped onto a chair. His gun was then out. Shot after shot sent the two menacing guns into the air and onto their wielders' heads, shattering into pieces.

        "Now's our chance!" Lupin said, concealing the golden weapons. We raced towards the exit which was already being blocked by three men.

        "Hey! Fork those guns over, asshat!" Jigen yelled, jumping into our path with his gun ready.

        "You're the asshat! Who goes and wastes all their ammo like that?!"

        All of the men froze in realization. I facepalmed. "You're both asshats! They didn't know that!"

        The men charged. "Everyone, go that way!" Lupin yelled, shoving Jigen towards the stairs. I ran, leaping over a couch. Jigen and Yoko stumbled behind me, landing and flipping over the couch. They managed a perfect landing as one man dove at them and crashed to the floor. I looked for Lupin and found him caught by several men.

        Against my better judgement, I stepped forward to help him. "Jigen! Get going! Upstairs! The second floor!" Lupin called.

        "You heard him!" Jigen said. He dragged me by my jacket up the stairs. I slapped his hand off and leaned over the railing. Lupin had broken free and was managing to outmaneuver the men.

        "Lupin!" Yoko cried.

        "I'm good! No worries! Jigen! Do your thing!" Lupin yelled.

        "Time to go," Jigen said. We hurried towards an exit. 

        "But Lupin—"

        "I'm right here, chérie." I nearly decked him.

        "How did you—?" I sputtered.

        "Let's scram," he said.

~~~

        I made a mental note to add escape artist, car jacker, and driver to my notes on Lupin. All four of us were squished into a stolen car.

        "Playing tag with adults is the best!" Lupin laughed.

        "We could have been killed!" I snapped at him, squashed between Jigen and the door. Lupin was lucky he had Yoko and Jigen blocking me from strangling him.

        "Who the hell were those creeps?" Jigen asked.

        "The Kanto Fujioka gang," Yoko said. "They're yakuza."

        "So, did their top dog fall in love with you or what?" Lupin questioned with a grin.

        "No. They're butting in on a deal that I'm trying to make."

        I frowned as Lupin asked, "A deal, huh? What kind?"

        She giggled and threw her arms around us. "The naughty kind. Thank you, kids. You saved me."

        The car swerved violently back and forth. "Lupin!" I yelled. I glared at his tomato red face as he got the car under control. "Keep your mind on the road or I'll give you something painful to think about!"

        He cracked a smile. "A shoe to the face?"

        Jigen restrained me from launching myself across the car. After a few minutes, I gave up and slumped down in my spot. I glanced at Jigen. "So what's with the golden guns?" I asked.

        He tensed up. "None of your business."

        I rolled my eyes. I had already suspected he was in shady business. The golden guns only confirmed it.

        Eventually, we came upon a mansion in a less dense part of the city. We stopped in front of a large wooden gate. Lupin honked the horn. "Knock-knock! I'm home!" he called.

        The gate soon cracked open, and a housekeeper with white hair stepped out. She bowed. "Welcome back, young master."

        "Wait, this is your house?" Yoko asked Lupin.

        "A family of fat cats," Jigen muttered, "Like I figured."

        The housekeeper opened the gates further then eyed the car. "Care to explain where this car came from?" she said.

        "I stole it from some yakuza!" Lupin exclaimed.

        I stared at him in disbelief. Jigen mumbled in annoyance, "What?"

        "You can't just—" I started to sputter.

        "You can't go a day without causing trouble," the housekeeper sighed. "Listen here. What your father wants for you is—"

        "Yeah, yeah," Lupin said, slumping back into his seat. "He wants me to walk the straight and narrow."

        "Straight and narrow?" Jigen questioned.

        "Even though it's always hard to tell if he's dead or alive," Lupin grumbled to the housekeeper, "I'm still following the rules that Dad set so let me have a little fun, jeez."

        We drove onto the property. The manor was beautiful and lavish on the outside, and the inside matched with grand staircases and high ceilings. I checked the time on a nearby clock, and my heart nearly stopped. My parents were going to kill me. "Can I use your phone?!" I asked.

        "Go ahead," Lupin shrugged.

        I raced to the phone and dialed my home number. Mum picked up. "Hello?"

        "Hi, Mum. I'm sorry. I should have called sooner, but I didn't know how much time passed."

        She chuckled, "It's alright, Van. Are you having fun?"

        "Uh... yeah. It's been pretty fun," I lied. I felt eyes on my back and glanced over to see Lupin smirking. I stuck my tongue out at him. "Could you come pick me up?"

        "Well, I—" She was cut off. "Ph—"

        "Van, how's your study session?" my dad said.

        "Good, Dad," I replied. "I was just calling to get picked up—"

        "Nonsense! You're nearly thirteen. If you're having fun, you can stay out later. Maybe even have a sleepover."

        "Wait—Dad—"

        "Your mother and I have some important business to take care of. This works out for everyone. Have fun, Van!"

        "Dad!" But he had already hung up. I slammed the phone down. Tears pricked at my eyes.

        "Guess your dad's mad?" Lupin spoke up.

        "No," I muttered. "He thinks I'm having a wonderful time. He doesn't even care if I stay out with complete strangers."

        "... Are you—"

        "Where's the restroom?"

        "Uh, down the hall, but—" I pushed past him and headed straight for the bathroom. I locked the door behind me. I sank down to the ground and buried my face in my knees. He never fucking listened. After a few moments, I pushed myself to my feet. My eyes were puffy and red. I couldn't sit on the floor and cry about it. I splashed cold water on my face. I found my composure. Heroes didn't cry. I opened the door.

        "Is there anything I can assist with?"

        I shrieked, staring at the housekeeper. "Um... sorry. I didn't mean to scream. I, uh..." I looked down. "Is there... any way I can stay for the night? My parents aren't picking me up, and I... don't know the way home—But I understand if not. I'm just some kid you don't even know—"

        "I'll prepare a guest room. I'll escort you to the parlor," she said.

        "Thank you," I breathed and followed her. Inside the parlor, the others were laughing and talking, drinking coffee. The housekeeper presented me a cup.

        "I'll prepare the room." She stepped out.

        "Prepare the room?" Lupin questioned.

        I stared at my cup. "My parents are... super busy. They can't pick me up, and I don't exactly know my way around the city." I hated sounding so pathetic. I couldn't meet any of their gazes. I shut my eyes, just wanting to disappear.

        "Sugar or cream?" Lupin asked.

        I looked up. "Huh?"

        "Your coffee? Or do you drink it without?"

        Jigen snickered, "Lupin doesn't."

        Lupin's face turned red. "Shut up!"

        I giggled. All eyes were suddenly on me. I blushed. "Umm... both. Sugar and cream."

        Lupin grinned and gestured to a small table. "Help yourself."

Chapter 3: Fireworks

        I straightened my black blouse and double checked my holster. Today would mark my first official day on assignment. I gripped the bathroom counter and took a few sobering breaths. I could do this. I stepped out and was immediately attacked.

        "Mummy!" my girls shrieked, clinging to my legs.

        I smiled, stroking their heads. "I have to go, girls. Duty calls."

        Both pouted. I nearly caved. "Alyssa! Ashe! Breakfast!"

        The twins sped out of the room. I chuckled and followed. Mum had a stack of scotch pancakes ready. The girls were already digging in, mouths stuffed. I snatched up an apple, kissed both girls on their cheeks, and mouthed a "thank you" to Mum before I hurried out the door. I climbed into my old car—a red Citroën 2CV. The ancient girl sputtered to life, and I gripped the steering wheel.

        "It's just another assignment," I reminded myself as I drove to the meetup sight.

        Nestled in the city of San Leo, an abandoned building stood. Nothing appeared wrong with it. It sat surrounded by other quaint brick structures. I parked my car in a shadowy overhang and cautiously approached. A suited agent stepped out to interrogate me, his gun at the ready. "State your business."

        "Detective Evangeline Billings. Interpol," I said, flashing my badge. "I was told to meet agents here. What is the situation?"

        Before the agent could respond, a suited, gray haired man stepped from the shadows. "So you're Detective Billings."

        I frowned, "And I take it you're Agent Nyx."

        "I'm afraid Interpol's presence here may be wasted. We have already interrogated half of the thief's crew. There is one hundred percent certainty that he will be apprehended."

        "And why is MI6 getting involved in Interpol business?" I questioned.

        "Lupin III recently hacked MI6. He has now stolen the recently discovered fragment of Marie Antoinette's necklace. The theft could cause trouble during the crown prince's visit today."

        I internally groaned. "Of course he'd go and do this." I crossed my arms. "I'll remain if you don't mind. I'd like to see this through to the end."

        "Of course," Agent Nyx agreed as a slick black car drove up. "One of Lupin's associates is inside. You can assist in guarding him if you prefer."

        "Oh great," I thought and stepped inside. The building looked worse on the inside: dark, dilapidated, and damp. I stepped over fallen beams into the main room. I froze in my steps, my eyes widening at the man chained to the far wall. Jigen was drenched in sweat, hanging from his wrists.

        He glanced up and grimaced, "Oh. It's just you. Did Interpol send you instead of Zenigata?"

        "I'm surprised as well," I muttered.

        "How long has it been? Six? Eight years?"

        "Don't recall."

        "Brings back memories."

        "I don't know what you're talking about," I lied. I don't know what memories he was recalling, but my mind went further back. Much further...

---

Sixteen Years Ago...

        I kicked off my Mary Janes and climbed into the bed. I nestled myself under the sheets. In the morning, I would call Mum again. I would leave out who lived here just to be on the safe side, and then, I would put this whole mess behind me. I might wave to either boy at school occasionally, but I would move eventually, and tonight would become a rare adventure I could laugh about later. I snuggled into the sheets, letting out a heavy sigh. Soon, this would be over with.

        THUNK! THUMP! THUD!

        "What the hell?" I swore. I shoved my shoes back on and went to investigate. On the floor above, a chaotic mess of thuds and crashes resonated from inside one room. I threw open the door and got a pillow to the face. Both boys froze, pillows and stuffed toys in hand. I scooped up the pillow, shutting the door behind me. I looked directly at Lupin. He nervously grinned from his seat on a bed.

        "... Hey, chérie—" I charged and repeatedly smacked him.

        "Don't! Call! Me! That!" I yelled, emphasizing each word with a well deserved whack.

        "Stop!" he exclaimed, grabbing the pillow. He tugged hard, and I pulled back. A grin formed on his face, and he let go of the pillow. I fell to the floor, but I jumped back up and kept swatting him. "Jigen!"

        "I'm enjoying the show," Jigen chuckled.

        Lupin ripped the pillow from my hands and hurled it at Jigen, striking him in the face. Jigen shot to his feet and chased Lupin around the room. "Get over here! Take your lumps!" He tackled Lupin, and they wrestled on the bed.

        "Whoa! Watch it, buttmunch!" Lupin yelled.

        I grabbed another pillow and started whacking him when I could, careful not to smack Jigen. "I'm gonna slug you into tomorrow!" Jigen told him.

        "C'mon, cut me some slack!"

        There was a knock on the door. "Young master?"

        "I'm a little busy right now!" Lupin called.

        "Miss Yoko has left a farewell letter for you," the housekeeper said. We all stopped and hurried to see.

        "I appreciate everything that you did for me. I don't want to cause anymore trouble, so I'll be leaving now. Thank you, Lupin. And you too, Jigen and Evangeline," Lupin read then said, "We have to stop her. It's not safe out there!" We raced outside and arrived in time to see Yoko be dragged into a vehicle. "Yoko!"

        "Don't come this way!" she yelled as the car started off.

        "Yokooo!" Lupin exclaimed, chasing after the car. I went to follow, but Jigen grabbed my shoulder. He pulled out his gun and tried to take aim.

        "That dumbass," Jigen swore. "I can't get a clear shot with him running."

        "Come on," I said and ran down the road.

        The car took a sharp turn. Lupin tried to follow but tripped and hit the ground. The car sped out of sight. "You okay?" Jigen asked Lupin.

        Lupin pushed himself up. "Those bastards really went and did it right under my nose," he growled. He jumped up and yelled, "Nobody gets away with pulling a heist in front of me like that! I swear I'm gonna make them pay through the nose!"

        I stared at him. "... And how do you expect to do that?"

        He looked at me then gazed up at the night sky in thought. Slowly, a devilish grin spread across his face. "I have a few ideas."

~~~

        I should have known that his ideas would involve some immoral implications... like stealing a speed boat or having the housekeeper eavesdrop on a conversation. We cut through the currents after a freight ship. I held on tightly as we grew closer and closer to the ship. "How are we going to get aboard?" I yelled over the wind.

        "Working on it," Lupin said, steering the speed boat. A searchlight illuminated us. "Here they come!" Gunfire rained down, but Lupin swerved the boat out of harm's way. "Jigen!"

        "Shut it!" Jigen snapped and stood, shooting at the gunmen. He took out one and the searchlight. "Your aim is shit!" he taunted the men, firing more shots. He ran out and sat down to reload. "What's our plan to get onboard?"

        "I'm still working out the details!"

        "Well, can you work them out a bit faster?" I insisted.

        "I'm trying—"

        "Watch out!" Jigen yelled. Water exploded to our right, sending the boat airborne for a moment. We crashed back down.

        "The hell was that?!" Lupin exclaimed.

        I looked up at the ship. Burning explosives came flying overboard. "Brace yourselves!" I screamed.

        One by one, the explosions hit the water and went off. Columns of water rocketed up, sending our boat crashing up and down. "We gotta do something!" Jigen said.

        A bundle of explosives was thrown. Lupin swerved away then drove the boat straight towards the site. The huge section of water began to rise. "Now!" We hit the column and were thrown into the air. I screamed. The water fell away, leaving us in midair. "Come on!" Lupin threw an arm around my waist and grabbed hold of Jigen. I held onto Lupin tightly. We jumped from the boat and stuck the landing onto the ship. We ducked into hiding.

        "... Uh... chérie?" Lupin whispered. "You can let go now."

        I scrambled away from him, pressing myself into a wall of metal. "That was the scariest moment in my life," I gasped. "Warn someone before you do something like that!" I took a few breaths to steady my racing heart. "Now what's the plan?"

        Lupin stepped out into the open. "Listen up, ya bunch of chumps!" he yelled. Jigen grabbed me before I could tackle him. "Your thieving skills are so crummy that watching you try to pull one over on me was insulting! So sit your sorry asses down and watch a real master at work!"

        "He's insane," I hissed.

        "Hey, Yoko!" Lupin called, "I'm coming to steal you from their clutches, okay?"

        Two searchlights flashed to life, blinding us. Shots went off. "Lupin!" Jigen yelled and ran into the line of fire. He tackled Lupin into a metal crevice.

        "Are you both okay?!" I called. I moved an inch. The bullets came down. I ducked down again, wrapping my arms around myself. I squinted my eyes, trying to make out the boys. Jigen was clutching his arm in pain. His gun laid on the ground, surrounded by light and flying bullets.

        "Keep at it! Pump 'em full of lead!" a gangster yelled as the shots kept coming.

        I looked around for something—anything! There was nothing. Tears pricked at my eyes. "What was I thinking?" I scolded myself. "I'm no hero. I'm going to die here."

        "Listen, you both should run," Jigen said.

        I looked up, blinking back tears. Lupin was wrapping Jigen's arms in gauze, but he paused at the words then exclaimed, "Are you kidding me?!"

        "You've played with fire enough for one day, rich boy," Jigen replied. "An amateur like you has no place in this fight."

        "I'm no amateur!" Lupin snapped, tying off on the gauze tightly.

        Jigen flinched in pain. "Yeah, well, I've followed my old man through war zones all over the world since I was a little kid. I fell asleep to the sound of gunfire and ate out of combat helmets. Amateurs like you two do nothing but get in the way."

        Lupin shot to his feet. "How many times do I gotta say I'm not an amateur, dammit!" Lupin yelled. He ran directly into the line of fire.

        "Lupin!" I screamed.

        He outran the bullets. He dove to the ground and rolled to his feet, snatching up the gun. He slid to a stop beside me. "Listen here! My grandfather has drilled me in the art of thievery for as long as I remember, since before I could even write my own freakin' name!" He began to fire the gun.

        "Thievery?!" Jigen and I exclaimed.

        "But what about the 'straight and narrow'?" Jigen questioned.

        "I'm not gonna sit around and spout any idealistic crap about how thievery is bad. Sure, living on the straight and narrow is probably a lot easier in the long run. But screw it!" He fired the gun again. "That doesn't matter! Because I'm sick and tired of living on a course that's already been plotted by somebody else!" The gun went off. "All I want in life is to walk down an entirely new path that I forged myself!" He shot the gun again, and the searchlight shattered, plunging us into the shadows. He tried the gun again but was out of bullets. "Shit!" He growled then glanced at me. His frustration slipped away. "But you might want to leave—" I ripped off my shoe and smacked him with it. "Ow! What was that for?!"

        "Shut up!" I said, fighting off tears. "I'm not going to run! That only proves I'm a fucking coward. If I'm going to become a hero like my parents one day, then I have to take risks and fight back!"

        "Hero?" he murmured.

        "My parents are government agents. I've spent my entire life moving country to country, following their assignments. I've been trained to defend myself." I used my sleeve to wipe off any trace of fear. "I'm seeing this through to the end!"

        He cracked a smile. "Wow, Eve."

        I paused. "... What did you say—"

        "All right," Jigen called. "Then it's time to decide!" We looked at him. "This little war we're in wasn't plotted by anybody. This is our fight that we decided to pick all on our own! So decide! Are you gonna pull back? Or charge ahead?"

        "Pull back or charge ahead?" Lupin repeated.

        I put my hand on his shoulder. Our eyes met. "I know my choice," I said.

        His mischievous smile appeared, and he slipped my shoe back on my foot. Sparks caught our gazes. Three sticks of dynamite landed between us and Jigen. "That's easy!" Lupin called to Jigen. We jumped to our feet and ran from the explosives... only to turn and run straight towards them.

        "Take this!" Jigen yelled. We kicked the explosives towards the gangsters. They exploded in midair.

        "Neato," Lupin gasped.

        "Let's move," I said.

        "Where to?"

        "Air ducts. They won't be able to follow us."

        Lupin grinned, "And they should lead us to the perfect spot."

        "Huh?"

        "Follow me!" We made our way into the air ducts and deeper into the ship. Within the hull, we found a storage space full of cargo. Lupin checked the crates, and his grin appeared. He broke open one wooden crate and began to pour out its contents: black powder.

        "Is that—" I realized.

        He chuckled, "Yep." He poured a trail then backtracked and dumped out the remaining powder into a large heap. "That should do it, and now..." He took some broken pieces of the wooden crate and started a fire. He held one lit end of his burning plank. He lit the end of the trail then threw the fire into the room. "Get down!"

        We raced into a corridor. The space erupted into a violent explosion. I was thrown off my feet. I pulled into a ball to try and shield myself. I shut my eyes. A weight landed on me, smothering me against the flooring. The chaos soon settled. I opened my eyes to find Lupin shielding me. "Uh... thanks," I murmured.

        I looked back at the storage room. The fire was already being doused in water. I got up and looked inside. The explosion tore a hole in the ceiling, exposing the night sky. Tears along the walls let in gallons of seawater. "How about them apples?" Lupin laughed.

        "Get bent, losers," Jigen chuckled. "Pretty crazy that their cargo was full of blasting powder."

        "Guess Yoko's got her nose into some risky business."

        "... I hope you have a plan for getting off this thing, Lupin," I muttered.

        Lupin merely smiled, "Let's go." We raced back towards the main deck. I spotted the crew already attempting to abandon ship. As we turned a corner, we ran right into the gangsters. One man pulled out a gun. Lupin threw off his jacket and leapt at the man. He twisted his jacket around the man's arm. "One. Two." He kicked the gun from the man's restrained arm. "No gun for you!"

        Jigen caught the gun and took aim. The gangsters panicked. The man turned to run but crashed into two others. All three went tumbling over the side of the ship. One man remained. "I'll just see myself out," he said and jumped over the side. "Sorry, kids!"

        "Let's move," Lupin said, pulling his jacket back on.

        "... Well, that was easy," I murmured as Jigen tossed the gun away.

        We entered a main control room. "Oh hey! There she is!" Lupin exclaimed. Yoko was tied to a metal pipe.

        "Lupin! Evangeline! And Jigen, too!" she cried happily.

        "Who goes and leaves a beauty like this behind?" Lupin grumbled. "What a bunch of namby-pambies." He reached behind Yoko for the ropes. "Abracadabra." The ropes fell away.

        Yoko chuckled and stood. "Be honest now, who are you kids really?"

        "Shucks, I'm still trying to figure that out myself," Lupin replied.

        "Then let me tell you the answer." She pulled us into a hug. "You're the brave heroes who rescued me." She pulled back, leaving two flustered boys. "Hey, is this ship really sinking? There's someone I know who's waiting for the cargo that's onboard."

        "No problem! There's actually a sunken breakwater just up ahead!" Lupin said.

        "What? I don't understand—" The ship began to shake violently. I grabbed hold of Lupin to keep myself steady, but we both lost our footing. The shaking stopped.

        "We just ran aground thanks to that," Lupin said.

        I slapped his shoulder. "A warning next time!"

~~~

        We built a small fire outside and settled around. The sun began to rise, turning the sea a sparkling orange hue before fading to blue. I curled up for warmth.

        "I was able to contact my friends on the radio," Yoko informed as she began treating Jigen's wound. "They agreed to help us out when they come to pick up the cargo."

        "We're not the top priority, huh?" Lupin chuckled.

        Jigen suddenly flinched, gritting his teeth against a cigarette hanging from his mouth. "Sorry, did that sting?" Yoko asked.

        Jigen blushed. "Not at all," he fibbed. "Light."

        "On it," Lupin said and used a piece of flaming wood to light Jigen's cigarette. Jigen blew out a puff of smoke. "Are cigarettes really that good?" Lupin asked curiously.

        "You should just stick to lollipops, kid," Jigen taunted.

        Lupin attempted to snatch Jigen's cigarette. Jigen pulled away in time. Lupin tried again, only for Jigen to dodge. He tried a third time, but Jigen tripped him, sending Lupin crashing down. I tried not to laugh. "That was a cheap move and you know it!" Lupin yelled.

        "Sorry, man. My feet are just too long." Jigen offered Lupin a hand. Lupin grabbed hold and pulled Jigen forward, throwing him over him. I cracked and started to laugh. Yoko joined in, and the boys quickly followed, laying on the ground. Jigen took another puff of his cigarette before letting Lupin try.

        His face turned green with disgust. "Wow, great stuff," he mumbled. Yoko and I laughed harder.

        "You boys are crazy," I said, shaking my head.

        "I wouldn't be talking if I were you, Eve," Lupin quipped, and Jigen chuckled along.

        I paused. "Eve?"

        "Hmmm?" Lupin hummed. "I said you didn't seem like an Evangeline."

        "But I look like an Eve?"

        "Maybe."

        "Why don't you just call me Billings?" I frowned.

        "Nope. Eve, it is."

        "Why?" I huffed.

        "Because it irritates you."

        I kicked his foot. "Idiot."

        He grinned then looked at Yoko. "Oh hey! Sing us another song, Yoko!"

        "Something to suit the sunrise," Jigen suggested.

        "Wow, Jigen," Lupin teased. "Aren't you a romantic?"

        "Shut it," Jigen muttered. I started to laugh again. I looked at the three, feeling something I hadn't felt in a long time. I knew our time together would soon be over. These past few hours would become distant memories, but for a moment, while sitting in the cold around a warm fire, watching the sunrise, and laughing with strangers... in the moment, part of me didn't want it to end...

---

        "Four minutes to go." I was pulled from my memories. An agent checked his watch. "It's almost time."

        There was sudden shuffling from the other room. "What was that?" I muttered, readying my gun.

        "Wait here," the agent said and entered the dark entryway. "Nothing—"

        Someone dropped from above and kicked him in the face. The agent went down, and the figure vanished. "Show yourself!" I yelled, aiming my gun. I slowly stepped forward. "I'm armed, and I will not hesitate to shoot." I stood within a foot of the entryway. "This is your final warning—"

        A familiar chuckle sent a shiver down my spine. "Well, aren't you all serious?" A hand shot out and grabbed my wrist. I flew forward, the gun knocked from my hand. My second hand caught my other wrist. I tripped and fell into a warm chest. I looked up into dark, mischievous eyes. "Hello, chérie."

        "Lupin," I murmured.

        "It's been a while," he grinned.

        I threw myself back and stumbled. I tried to steady myself, but my arms were trapped behind my back. I hadn't even noticed him tying my wrists together. I nearly fell, but Lupin caught my arm and pulled me back. I crashed into his chest again. "What the hell?" I swore at him.

        "Sorry, chérie, but I can't have you aiming a gun at me again," he said, leading me to the main room. He forced me to sit down in a chair before he turned his attention to Jigen.

        "You know you're late, Lupin," Jigen grumbled.

        "Sorry," he replied, pulling out and swinging a key around his finger. "I ran into a little trouble along the way. Did you and Eve have a nice chat?"

        "Barely a word," Jigen muttered.

        Lupin sent me a pout. "A little rude, don't you think, chérie?" I shot him a frown. "I thought motherhood might have soften you up." I froze. "Why wasn't I told you had a kid?"

        "It's none of your business!" I snapped.

        "So, tell me, Lupin, how did you get away from Nyx?" Jigen asked as Lupin started working on his handcuffs.

        "Nyx? Who the heck is that?" Lupin asked.

        "He was chasing you."

        "Huh? Is that right? What's up with that cool name of his?"

        "It's probably a codename. For some reason, he always seems to know exactly where you are, and that's how I ended up like this."

        "It's just a stupid trick," Lupin retorted. Jigen tensed, his eyes settling on something behind me. I looked over my shoulder. Agent Nyx had arrived, his gun ready. "Oh, wow, you got here pretty quickly, didn't you?"

        "Crap," Jigen grumbled.

        "I was quite certain I had you back in the underground waterway," Agent Nyx stated, cocking his gun. "How did you escape?"

        "The first time we encounter each other, you tapped your foot and used that sound to immediately find where I was hiding," Lupin revealed confidently. "And when I threw the smoke bomb at you, the first thing you covered were your ears. I discovered at that moment that you have the power to use the sound all around you to see. That it was a form of echolocation—a very neat trick." Agent Nyx gritted his teeth together.

        "Yeah, that's exactly what a blind bat does in the same situation," Jigen commented.

        "Yeah. All I had to do was mess with that a little bit," Lupin said. "After going through the crossroad junction point, I ran a while until he picked up on where I was going. I waited until I knew you left the waterway and then went back."

        "Please with yourself," Agent Nyx said, reaching down to untie my hands without letting his gun waiver. "Just because you figured out one of my secrets doesn't necessarily mean you've won."

        "Is that so? And what other secrets do you have? Are you like an owl or a cockroach?" Lupin taunted.

        "Now, it's 99.80 percent," Agent Nyx stated. I stared at him, confused. He kept his gaze on Lupin. "Your chance of success according to my calculations. The likelihood of survival is almost nonexistent."

        "Hey, thanks a lot, chum," Lupin said, leisurely stepping closer. "0.2 percent. Now, that's pretty encouraging. I can live with those odds." Lupin kicked a chair, sending it over my head and straight at Agent Nyx. The agent knocked the chair aside but earned a kick to the face instead. I wiggled my hands free as the two struggled for the gun. I searched frantically for my own firearm. I shoved myself to the feet and retrieved it from the other room. When I turned around, Lupin was crouched on the ground with his hands up. The agent had his gun to Lupin's temple.

        "Now, give me the necklace," Agent Nyx said as I slowly approached.

        "Over my dead body!" Lupin proclaimed, shutting his eyes and turning his head. "No way!"

        "I don't get you," Agent Nyx muttered. "You're just a thief. Why are you putting your life on the line for that necklace?"

        "It's for the woman I love," Lupin declaring, keeping his eyes shut.

        "It's Fujiko Mine," the agent stated.

        "Of course," I mumbled.

        "You would go this far for a woman?" the agent questioned.

        Lupin opened his eyes. Our gazes locked. "I would."

        I looked away. "Don't you dare, Lupin."

        "Then you're no better than an ape," Agent Nyx said.

        "And you, double zero," Lupin responded. "Look how far you're going for your country. You're no better than a lap dog."

        "You're going to regret ignoring this warning," Agent Nyx threatened, readying his gun.

        Lupin held out his hand. "Wait. Now, hold on."

        "So you're begging for your life now?"

        "Since I'm going to die soon. At least let me have one last cigarette," Lupin requested.

        "Something in your cigarette that will help you to escape?"

        "No. Good ahead and check it out. I have nothing to hide."

        Agent Nyx lowered his gun and checked his watch. "I will give you thirty seconds, but don't try anything funny or I'll shoot you immediately."

        "That's more than enough time," Lupin agreed. Agent Nyx allowed him to stand, and Lupin lit cigarettes for both Jigen and himself.

        "I can't believe this is going to be my last cigarette," Jigen muttered.

        "Let's make the most of it, shall we?" Lupin said.

        "Take aim at Daisuke Jigen, Detective Billings," Agent Nyx said. He aimed his gun at Lupin. "It's time now."

        My heart raced as I raised my gun. "This is too soon."

        "Just go ahead and aim for me," Lupin said, gesturing to his temple. "Right here."

        The seconds ticked down. My hands trembled. I tried to control my breathing. I couldn't show them. I couldn't let them see. I couldn't—I began to apply pressure to the trigger. I had to. I needed to. I didn't—

        Agent Nyx froze. "Hold your fire," he said and listened closely to an ear com. "What is going on, sir?" he asked. A pause. "What about my current mission?" He paused. "And Detective Billings?" Another pause. "Yes, sir." He dropped his aim and placed his gun away. "Detective Billings, I'm requesting your assistance with an emergency. The crown prince is in danger." He turned to Lupin. "Looks like you lucked out this time, Lupin."

        Lupin grinned. "Didn't you know? You make your own luck, pal."

        "Looks like you'll die another day. Let's go, Detective Billings."

        "Right behind you, Agent Nyx," I agreed, slipping my gun into its holster. I turned to leave.

        "Another time then, Detective," Lupin teased.

        I walked out.

~~~

        "Fireworks and firecrackers," I sighed, standing on the hotel roof by a large pool. "He planned this."

        "It appears I've underestimated him," Agent Nyx muttered. "We tapped the phone lines. He sent a calling card to the owner, threatening the prince's life to ensure she kept him on the roof until time."

        "All for a necklace," I grumbled.

        "Apparently so."

        I pinched the bridge of my nose. "It's been a long day. I'm off the clock."

        "There are rooms at the hotel—"

        "Agent Nyx, I got young twin girls waiting for me. I rather be with them after today."

        "I wasn't aware you're a mother."

        "Two five-year-olds," I chuckled. "My mum's helping out."

        "No partner?"

        "None."

        "Lupin has taken an interest in you," Agent Nyx warned. "He told the owner to tell you hello from him."

        I shook my head. "Lupin has a weakness for women. A possible reason why they asked me to take part of this case. I suspect they hope I can throw him off his game."

        "And what do you believe, Detective Billings?"

        I looked up at the night sky. "That even they are underestimating him. Yes, a woman can rattle him, but he always tends to find a way to his goal."

        "We will catch him next time."

        "Don't get your hopes up," I advised. "Inspector Zenigata has been at this for years, and Lupin is still on the loose. It'll be a game of cat and mouse until he leaves the area."

        Agent Nyx frowned. "I will ensure he's caught."

        I nodded my head. "Then we can hope we're lucky. Have a good night, Agent Nyx."

        "And to you, Detective Billings."

        I rode the elevator down to the hotel lobby. I was halfway to the door when someone called out to me. "Detective Billings?"

        I turned and was met by a woman, a bit younger than me. Her long blonde hair faded into teal, and her green eyes studied me curiously. She looked familiar. "Yes?" I replied.

        "I'm Rebecca Rossellini. I own the hotel chain," she introduced.

        The name jogged my memory. "The film star, celebrity, and member of the Rossellini clan," I recalled, deciding not to also list the number of scandals she had as well. "What can I do for you, Ms. Rossellini?"

        "Lupin asked for me to say hello to you from him," she grumbled.

        "Ah," I muttered. "Well, he has a roaming eye."

        Her eyes squinted. "I recognize you."

        I paused. "What?"

        "Do you have two young daughters?"

        "Um, yes," I answered.

        Her eyes lit up. "I saw you after my wedding!"

        "Oh!" I exclaimed. "I remember! I didn't know it was you, but that explains the photographers and the limo. Congratulations."

        "Thank you but it's not much to celebrate," she sighed. "He wants a divorce already."

        My jaw dropped. "It hasn't even been a month yet."

        "I know. He only married me to steal a crown."

        "Steal?" I stared in disbelief. "... Hold on..." I mumbled. "Are you married to—"

        She winked. "Yep. But forget about him. I want to know about you!"

        "Why—Why me?" I stuttered.

        Ms. Rossellini pouted. "Because you know him."

        "I'm sorry. You're mistaken. I know about him." I needed to get out of there. "Now, it's been lovely to talk to you, Ms. Rossellini, but I need go to my daughters. Goodbye."

        I turned to leave. "That's not what his eyes said."

        I froze. "... What?"

        "He looked at you like he'd seen a ghost."

        "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" I swore internally, but I held my composure. "Then he must be mistaken," I said flatly. "We don't know each other."

Chapter 4: Guns and Trains

        "Mummy, I don't feel so good," Alyssa murmured, looking green in her carseat.

        "I knew it! I knew it!" Mum exclaimed. "That chicken looked off! Those people have some nerve! Serving undercooked food to a child!"

        "Mummy, is Alyssa going to die?" Ashe questioned.

        "Die?!" Alyssa cried.

        "No, Ashe. Alyssa will be fine. We're stopping by a doctor to get her checked out," I assured. I drove through the small town, searching for the nearest hospital.

        "Alyssa's going to puke!" Ashe yelled.

        "No, I am not!" Alyssa whined.

        "Yes, she is!"

        "Am not!"

        "Is!"

        "Not!"

        "Is!

        "Not—" I heard the unmistakable sound of retching followed by splatter. I thought a nice drive outside the city would be fun. I was sorely mistaken.

        We pulled up to the hospital. "Take the girls," Mum said. "I'll handle the mess."

        "Thank you," I said. I hurried the twins inside, carrying Alyssa in my arms. I stopped dead in my tracks at a wrecked site. The entire reception area looked like a hurricane tore through. Waiting patients and nurses were attempting to clean up the mess. One nurse noticed us and approached.

        "I'm sorry. We had an altercation. How may I help you?" she offered.

        "Oh, um, my daughter's sick. She's been throwing up. I'm worried it's food poisoning," I explained.

        The nurse nodded. "We'll get her seen as soon as possible—"

        "I need all available personnel! We have another victim!" someone yelled. A female doctor came racing into the reception area.

        "Dr. Levia," the nurse said. "Who's been—"

        "Nino," the doctor said with a grave expression on her face.

        "Where did Nino get a gun?" another nurse cried.

        "Poor Nino," another gasped.

        "Excuse me!" I snapped. All eyes turned to me. "My name is Evangeline Billings. I'm an Interpol Detective. Now, what exactly is going on here?"

~~~

        "So let me see if I have this straight," I sighed as Dr. Levia prepped for surgery. "Some crime lord has taken up at the church and has been exploiting the town. Anyone caught with a gun is shot, but in a way where they aren't killed immediately. So far, no one has died, but all the victims are now in catatonic states. Am I correct?"

        "Yes, Detective," the doctor said. "I will have the nurses see to your daughter until I can—"

        "Focus on the surgery, doctor," I cut her off. "And I'll focus on bringing Erik Urigiani down."

        She shook her head. "You're as crazy as that man."

        "Nino?" I questioned.

        "No. A man with a gun came in today complaining about a cavity and wanting pain medicine. Nino took his gun to confront Erik, and the man left to get it back."

        "Can you describe this man so I can keep him out of the crossfire?"

        "Black hair. Dark eyes. He wore a dark suit and a fedora."

        I pinched the bridge of my nose. "... His gun. A Smith & Wesson model 19?"

        "How did you know?" Dr. Levia asked.

        "I know the man," I sighed. "And knowing his ways, Erik is going to leave town... either out of fear or in a body bag."

        "... Who is he?" the doctor questioned.

        "Daisuke Jigen."

---

Sixteen Years Ago...

        "It was great to see you, Aunt Kat," I said. "I wish you could stay longer."

        "Me too, Van, but I need to get back to London," Aunt Kat chuckled, grabbing her luggage. "I wish Katrina could be here."

        My smile faltered. "Mum and Dad have been really busy."

        She patted my shoulder and gave me a comforting smile. "Maybe you'll make some friends soon to hang out with."

        "Maybe," I shrugged then changed the subject. "Your train's about to leave, Aunt Kat."

        "Right! Bye, Van! It's been amazing!" I watched her vanish into the train.

        "Who was that?" I nearly leapt out of my skin. I swung around to Lupin's curious face.

        "My aunt," I muttered. "What are you doing here?"

        He grinned, "Jigen's up to something."

        "He's in shady business. Of course he's up to something."

        "You're not curious?"

        "Why should I be?"

        "You're not itching for our next adventure."

        I frowned, "Last time was a one time thing."

        "But you said next time."

        "What?"

        "When we ran aground. You told me to warn you next time."

        "That's just an expression! And you know that!"

        He smirked mischievously. "Then I'll guess you'll miss out on all the fun. See you at school." He began to walk away.

        "... Wait!" I exclaimed.

        He stopped and looked back with a smug smile. "Yeeeessss?"

        I fiddled with my sleeve. "... What do you know about Jigen's current dealings?"

        "I know it involves a pretty necklace. Definitely not from Japan."

        "Imported? Probably illegal..." I hummed.

        "Are you coming or not, Eve?"

        "Stop calling me that!" I hurried to catch up.

        "What? Prefer chérie?"

        "I prefer you shut up!"

        We boarded a drain and snuck into the attendants' storage. Lupin rummaged around and pulled out some uniforms. "Here, put this on," he said, throwing me one.

        "What are we doing?" I questioned.

        "We're going to walk around as attendants."

        "This is a very dumb idea."

        "Just follow along," he said, putting a green cap on my head and pulling it down over my face. I rolled my eyes and pulled the uniform over my clothes. We stole some bento boxes and candy then proceeded through the cars, offering snacks. As we entered one car, Lupin ducked his head and whispered in my ear. "He's ahead."

        I peered over his shoulder and spotted Jigen coming down the aisle, scanning his surroundings. "He's making a security check," I murmured.

        Lupin chuckled, "Follow my lead." He tugged his green cap down and stepped forward. "Just holler if you want a bento box, folks! We got salmon bentos, variety bentos, and more!" We walked past Jigen who didn't even notice. Lupin stopped and hollered over his shoulder. "Hey there, pal! You've got a big appetite, doncha? How about a bento box?"

        "Nah," Jigen replied.

        "Then what do you say to a chocolate tube?" Lupin offered. "Or wait, maybe a lollipop is more your style... Jigen."

        "Lupin?!" Jigen whispered.

        "And Eve," Lupin revealed. I nervously waved. "Busy protecting that treasure, huh? Let us lend you a hand."

        "What?!" I hissed. "Lupin, I'm not getting involved in some illegal smuggling."

        "You looking for somebody in particular?" Lupin questioned, ignoring me. "I can handle that better than you can—"

        "Go home!" Jigen snapped. He grabbed and dragged us down the aisle. "I'm not here to goof around!"

        "Oh yeah? So what, then?" Lupin asked. "You here to do business as a pro?"

        "Exactly. And I don't need greenhorns getting in my way."

        "Well, ain't that a fun idea," Lupin considered.

        "What?"

        Lupin slid right out of the uniform and slipped behind Jigen. "I challenge you, Jigen!" Jigen tried to grab him, but Lupin blocked him with the bento boxes. "I'm gonna steal the treasure you're protecting so just try and stop me."

        "There's no way in hell—" A bunch of little kids suddenly flocked him. I snorted with laughter. Candy stuck out of his pockets. I felt a hand take mine. I looked at Lupin.

        "Let's go," he laughed and pulled me along. "This is going to be great."

        "I'll help you," I offered, "But on one condition."

        "Hmm?"

        "We give the necklace to the police." He pouted. "You still get to steal it."

        "... Fine," he agreed. "But we drop it off anonymously."

        "Deal."

        We made our way through the cars, ditching the uniforms and bento boxes. "Alrighty, let's put these sticky fingers of mine to work," Lupin schemed.

        I rolled my eyes and looked ahead. I jumped back in surprise. "Uh... Lupin?"

        "Huh?" he muttered and stared. Coming down the aisle was a figure in a white cloak, wearing a painted cow skull on her head. She had large, greenish-blue pigtails. Pouches dangled from her waist. She held out in front of her a bone on a string.

        "Wumera noomera. Totenpahno nyahpalari," she chanted repeatedly. I racked my brain, but I didn't recognize the language. She stopped in front of us. She was nearly a foot shorter than me. "Stand aside. The object I seek is just up ahead."

        "Huh?" Lupin responded.

        "I'm performing an arcane technique passed down through my tribe for generations. It can reveal the location of missing items."

        "Oh?" Lupin replied. "Sounds real useful."

        "You don't sound convinced!" she snapped. "My name is Marinal Zochile Npakakokka! In your language that means: 'The Eleventh Daughter who Frolics with the Reaper'!"

        "A pleasure," I said.

        "Well, I've got my own arcane technique," Lupin declared. He closed his eyes and appeared to think very hard. "I sense the object of which you seek is... a golden color! Specifically, some fancy regalia that looks like a cow bone necklace."

        The girl's face lit up. "Wow! I didn't know there were shamans in this country as well!"

        "Interesting. So this little lady is after that necklace, too?" Lupin whispered to me.

        "Huh?" she asked.

        "Oh, nothing!" he covered then turned serious. "If you're looking for help getting it back, then we'll lend you a hand."

        "No need," the girl said and started to walk by us.

        "Huh?" Lupin exclaimed. He moved and grabbed the skull off her head. "Hold on just a sec!"

        "How dare you remove my headdress!" she yelled, trying to grab it. "A curse upon you, stranger!"

        "Lupin," I hissed.

        "I sense the presence of a fierce warrior in the coach ahead who stands guard over the treasure," Lupin warned Marinal.

        "A warrior...?" she mumbled nervously.

        I reached over and smacked Lupin on the head. "Give her back the headdress now." I gave her an apologetic smile. "Sorry about him, but he's right. There's someone guarding the necklace. However," I hummed, "We happen to know this person, so it shouldn't be too hard to deceive him."

~~~

        We squeezed together under Marinal's cloak. Jigen walked by on his patrol. He stopped and peered closely at Marinal. He reached his hand out. Marinal shot her head up. "Have you no manners?!" she yelled.

        "Y-You're a woman?!" Jigen panicked.

        Lupin stuck out his arm to point at Jigen. "And you must be the 'molester' demon they speak of in civilized countries!" Marinal exclaimed.

        "My bad! Sorry about that," Jigen said and hurried off.

        I held down my laughter. "That cap boy was the 'fierce warrior'?" Marinal questioned.

        "His pistol is way faster than any incantation of yours. Trust me," Lupin said.

        "So you have engaged in combat with him before?"

        "Nope. Not just yet, anyway."

        "Come on," I urged. "We better move while he's patrolling the other cars." We hurried towards the private cars. Lupin pulled on a new disguise as a ticket inspector. I stayed in the adjoining car, keeping an eye out for Jigen and listening in.

        "Welcome abroad and thanks for riding with us," Lupin said. "May I see your tickets, gentlemen?"

        "Look!" Marinal exclaimed. "I told you my technique was showing me the right way! That's what I've been looking for!"

        "It's the Reaper's Servant!" someone screamed.

        "Don't be ridiculous! It's just some stupid brat!" another snapped.

        "Have a taste of the deathly ashes!" Marinal yelled. I poked my head in and found the car filled with a cloud of ash.

        Someone crashed into something. "Ya big bozo!" the grumpy individual yelled.

        "I'll be taking this off your hands, thanks!" Lupin said. They met back with me, and Lupin threw off his disguise, keeping a briefcase in hand. "Time to run!"

        We raced through the cars. I looked back and saw a large man chasing us. "That punk stole from me!" he yelled. "Somebody stop him!"

        "Says the guy who looks like he steals stuff for a living!" Lupin countered. We entered the dining car and reached a kitchen space. Lupin looked back. "They don't know when to quit, huh?" I turned to see the large man and an older man quickly approaching. "Try this on for size!" Something whizzed past my ear. The large man barely dodged the plate. Lupin whirled plate after plate at the man who managed to dodge them all. "Nice moves!"

        Marinal grabbed a large serving dish and hurled it. The man ducked, and the dish slammed into his accomplice's face. I gripped two plates and flung them, striking both men in their mouthes while distracted. "Come on!" I said.

        We entered the next car. We stopped. "Lupin!" Jigen stood in our way, gun drawn. "Billings!"

        "Jigen!" Lupin said, throwing out a protective arm in front of Marinal and me. Everything seemed to freeze. The seconds ticked by.

        "Why isn't he shooting?" Marinal asked.

        I stared at Jigen. I smiled slightly. "He won't," I realized. I heard footsteps behind us. The large man was charging straight at us. "Lupin!"

        "Slip and slide!" Lupin yelled and pushed us down. The large man sailed over our heads as we slid back towards the dining car. The older man blocked our path and grabbed the suitcase. He struggled with Lupin. Marinal kneed the suitcase into the air. I took the chance and kicked the older man's knee. Marinal jumped and used her feet to shove him backwards. He crashed into the dishes. Lupin caught the suitcase. The train slowed to a halt. We raced onto the platform. Lupin took the lead. "Follow me!"

        "Now arriving at Hamamatsu. Hamamatsu," an announcer called.

        We ran to a more deserted area of the station and found a train. Lupin opened the car door. "Mooooo!" It was full of cows.

        "Shucks, I thought it was empty," Lupin said.

        "Let's hide in here!" Marinal exclaimed. "Cows are the guardian deities of my people!"

        "Wow! Deities, huh?"

        "Just get in before someone sees us!" I insisted. We clambered in and shut the door. I collapsed on the flooring, catching my breath. "That was close."

        "And fun," Lupin chuckled, taking a seat beside me.

        "Fun?!" I screeched.

        "Yep!" He grinned mischievously. "Never took you for a thief."

        "I'm not a thief!" I snapped. He kept smiling. I looked away. "But... that was... kinda fun," I admitted.

        "I knew it!"

        "There, there! You're okay!" Marinal soothed the cows with a happy smile.

        "I've got a quick question for you," Lupin said to her. "Why were you looking for that necklace?"

        "That's easy," she replied, growing serious. "It's because those ruffians stole it from the grave of our king!"

        "Ahhh, makes sense. I guess they don't look like thieves for nothing." Lupin then murmured, "But I wonder if Jigen knows that?"

        "Now I have a question for you. Is that cap boy a friend of yours or what?"

        "Cap boy? You mean Jigen?"

        "He hesitated to shoot his gun after he saw you both."

        "Well, he and I are..."

        "It's... complicated," I stood, scooting away from Lupin. "None of us are friends."

        Marinal looked confused. "But you two—"

        The car door opened, revealing Jigen. "What?!" I shrieked.

        "Jigen?!" Lupin exclaimed.

        "How did you find us?!" Marinal yelled.

        The thieves appeared behind Jigen. "That lead us right to ya, missy," the older man said and pointed to one of Marinal's pouches. It was leaking, sprinkling dust onto the ground. They grabbed Marinal.

        "No!" I yelled, but the large man snatched up both Lupin and me.

        "Get your hands off me, fatso!" Lupin shouted, struggling. "Take this! And that!" The older man opened the door behind us.

        "Go home and play with your mamas, kids!" the large man yelled and threw us. We tumbled down a steep hill. The ground disappeared beneath me, and I plummeted. I screamed.

        Lupin grabbed hold of me and held me to his chest. "Look out below!" he warned. We crashed through a thin metal roof and into a dining space. Before I even had time to gather my senses, Lupin kicked down a pair of doors and dragged me out.

        "Stop, you thief! Give that back!" someone yelled behind us.

        "Thanks for the snack!" Lupin called and raced up the hill towards the train while eating stolen food. I shook my head clear and quickly tried to follow. Pain shot up my leg. I stumbled and fell. I looked down and saw a thin trickle of blood oozing from a long cut on my leg, my leggings torn. I turned towards the train to see it pulling away.

        "No!" I cried.

        "Eve!" Lupin raced back.

        "Forget about me! The train—"

        "Will outrun me on foot," he said. He eyed the cut. "You're hurt."

        "Obviously," I muttered and checked the wound. It wasn't deep, but it still stung. Lupin knelt in front of me and pulled out some bandages. "I can do it," I mumbled.

        "Hold still," he said and gently began to wrap my leg. My chest tightened. I looked away. 

        "What now?" I asked.

        "This isn't over yet. I'm already thinking of a plan." He finished wrapping my injury and stood. He scarfed down the rest of the food. "Wait here."

        "Why?"

        "Because you're injured. I'll be back soon."

        "You're going to leave me here alone?"

        "With your scary shoes," he chuckled.

        I frowned and snapped, "Get moving then before I start throwing them!" He laughed and took off. I sighed. I swore he'd be the death of me. It didn't take him long to return.

        "Yo, Eve!" I sat up and stared at him in disbelief. I stood and hobbled down to him. "You like?"

        "You stole a scooter?!"

        "You want to save Marinal, right?" I glared at him. "Hop on." I sighed and clambered on behind him. "Hold on tight." We shot off.

        I threw my arms around his waist, burying my face in his shoulder. "Lupin!" I shrieked. We drifted a corner. I slowly looked up. I felt the wind on my face, tossing my hair. My heart raced. A grin formed. I started to laugh. "Woohoo!" 

        "Burn rubber, baby!" he yelled excitedly.

        "Faster!" I cheered.

        We caught up to the train. "Jigen! The competition is still on!" Lupin said. We drove up a hill and launched into the air. The scooter landed on the roof of the train. We raced across the train cars, leaping to each.

        "This is insane!" I laughed. The front wheel got caught. We were thrown off into the air. I screamed. We crashed onto a car roof. I took several deep breaths then broke out in more laughter. "We made it!"

        "See? I had a plan," Lupin said, popping open the roof hatch. He dropped inside. "Come down. I'll catch you."

        I jumped inside, and Lupin caught me before I hit the flooring. "Thanks," I said as he lowered me to my feet.

        "Can't have a lady injuring her leg any more," he hummed.

        "Part of your family code," I teased, studying our surroundings. We landed in a car full of chickens in cages.

        "Of course." He tensed. "Someone's coming." We ducked behind a row of cages.

        Someone entered. "Don't blame me if you get hurt." Jigen.

        "Not a problem. I performed the incantation of defense earlier." Marinal. I peeked through the bars and chickens. Her arms were tied down with rope around her body. Jigen had his gun ready.

        "Cool! Then I won't worry," Lupin said.

        "Lupin?" Marinal called. They peered through the cages at us.

        "Get off my case already, man!" Jigen grumbled.

        "This whole thing has really piqued my interest," Lupin said. "How do you feel about it, buddy?"

        "It's just another job."

        "That's not what I'm asking. I wanna know if you're happy with being a stooge for those losers." Jigen gritted his teeth. Lupin continued, "Me? I don't take orders from anybody. I'm my own master. I don't abide by parents, contracts, or anything else. So, Jigen, what about you?"

        "Well, I..." Jigen trailed off.

        "Tell me, Jigen... who is it that gets to decide what master you serve?"

        "You asked us before, Jigen," I said. "Whether we pull back or charge ahead. You know what we do, but what about you?"

        Jigen remained silent. The cages went flying. I barely scrambled out of the way. The thieves had arrived. "Outta the way!" the large man yelled.

        "That punk is back again!" the older man grumbled, staring at Lupin. He was perched on a mountain of cages, ready to spring.

        "Then I'm gonna kick his ass to the curb again!"

        "Bring it on, fellas!" Lupin challenged. "You're not getting rid of me that easily!"

        "Stupid twerp," the large man said and prepared to charge. They sprang at each other, but Lupin pulled back. He clapped his hands in the man's face, throwing him off.

        "Made ya flinch!" Lupin exclaimed and brought a cage down on the man's head. The man's head got caught inside the chicken cage. The trapped chickens immediately began pecking at the intruder. He cried out in pain. "You can either sleep with the pigs," Lupin said, "Or get kicked by the cows. Take your pick!"

        "Annoying brat!" the older man said. He grabbed Marinal. "Ya better quit pushing your luck!" He pressed a gun to Marinal's head. "Jump off the train right now, or the little missy here gets a face full of lead!"

        "Don't concern yourself with me!" Marinal said. "I am being protected by the incantation I performed earlier! This hooligan and his pea shooting contraption are no threat at all!"

        "All right. Then I'll start by blowing your ear off," the older man said and aimed his gun at her ear. "And we'll see if that incantation of yours works or not."

        "Stop it!" Lupin yelled. He opened the train door. The scenery sped by. My heart dropped. He stepped towards the edge, leaning his head out the door.

        "Fight back, Lupin!" Marinal called.

        "Sounds like ya don't mind losing an ear, huh?" the older man said. He began to pull the trigger. BANG! The gun flew from his hand.

        "Jigen!" I cried in relief.

        "What the hell?! Ya dirty traitor!" Lupin's shoe slammed into his face.

        Lupin chuckled and winked at me. "Sorry for stealing your move, Eve."

        I blushed, "I don't mind... this time."

        Lupin turned to Jigen. "Isn't this gonna hurt your business?" he asked.

        "I'm doing exactly what I was hired to," Jigen said. "Keeping the goods safe from lying crooks." Lupin grinned then grabbed the older man. He hurled him out of the train. I eyed the large man then flashed the boys a smile. They nodded. I ripped the cage off his head. Lupin and Jigen caught hold of his arms and sent him flying out the door. Lupin untied Marinal.

        "There's one more," Marinal said and leaned out the door. "Ngara dela hoh!" I peeked out just in time to watch a third man jump from the engine. "See that? The curse incantation works wonders!"

        "Thanks for the save, Jigen," Lupin said.

        "I wasn't doing it to save you," Jigen grumbled.

        "Hey, Lupin?" Marinal asked. "Wasn't that guy who just jumped off the driver?"

        We froze then raced to the engine. "Now what do we do?!" Jigen exclaimed.

        "I'm pretty sure this is the brake," Lupin said and pulled one lever. The train increased in speed.

        "You dumbass! Now it's going even faster!"

        "Oh shaddup! If you're really the 'pro' you claim to be, then you try driving it!"

        "This is not my area of expertise!"

        "Look up ahead!" Marinal called.

        We peered ahead. My heart raced. "It's the switchyard!" Lupin cried.

        "If we charge in there at this speed," Jigen warned, "We're all gonna kick the friggin' bucket!"

        "Wanna jump off?" Lupin suggested.

        "No way!" Marinal argued. "We can't leave the cow deities behind!"

        "Oh, that's right."

        "Less arguing, more trying!" I yelled. We tried everything in sight. The whistle blew. Lights blinked on and off. The train continued to speed towards the switchyard. Lupin and Jigen both pulled on the final levers. They snapped off!

        "Crap, there's nothing to stop it now!" Lupin exclaimed. Jigen stuck his head out the window. Lupin checked our approaching surroundings. "On the left! There's a coal tower!"

        "If we can switch tracks, we might be able to use it to slow down," I said. "But I don't see how—"

        BANG! Jigen began firing shot after shot towards the track divide. "Jigen?!" Lupin yelled, "Those tiny bullets won't do anything!" Jigen revealed an unnecessary amount of rounds on him. He shot an entire round off then reloaded. Bullet casings piled up in the floor. BANG! BANG! BANG!

        We hit the track divide. The train was thrown off track, curving in mid air. Jigen fell out the window. "Jigen!" I screamed. Lupin threw out his arm and caught Jigen. I latched onto Jigen's arm. "We got you!" We barreled towards the coal tower. Jigen fired one final shot. BANG!

        Coal rained down. We braced ourselves. I shut my eyes and clung tightly to Jigen's arm. The train shook and flipped. I fell out of the train, collapsing on the ground. Everything screeched to a halt. I kept my eyes shut. My body ached. "Eve!" I finally opened my eyes. A cloud of coal covered the area. The train was partially buried in coal. I turned to Lupin. He reached for me. "Are you—"

        I burst into laughter and threw my arms around his neck. "We did it!"

        "It stopped!" Marinal said.

        Jigen leaned against the train and pulled out a cigarette. Before he could light it, Lupin pulled me to my feet and rushed over. I dangled from his neck as he raised a fist towards Jigen. His other hand gripped his wrist, restraining himself. He then flicked his fist and revealed a feather. "I wouldn't light that cig here if I were you."

        "Good point," Jigen said and tossed the cigarette.

        "The deathly ashes protected us!" Marinal exclaimed.

        "That was impressive as hell, Jigen," Lupin complimented.

        "I ain't a pro for nothing," Jigen replied. Lupin started to laugh. He flopped down, taking me with him. I snorted and joined in. Jigen followed suit. The animals corralled around us and laughed in their own way. I breathed a sigh of relief.

~~~

        We saw Marinal off at a port. "Leaving already?" Lupin asked.

        "Yeah. The holy spirits back home await my return," Marinal said. She handed Lupin some golden jewelry. "These are a token of my thanks. Selling them should fetch you a pretty penny."

        "Thanks."

        I gave her a hug. "Safe travels," I said.

        "Thank you for your help." Marinal turned to Jigen. "Cap boy."

        "Hmm?" Jigen replied.

        "I'm glad to see my incantation worked," she said then began to chant, "Kiyehtay koshee koshee! Kirekireytay!"

        He smiled a little then quickly frowned. "Sure. Whatever."

        I nudged Jigen. "And what incantation would this be?" I asked.

        "None of your business," he grumbled with a slight blush.

~~~

        The three of us met up on a rooftop at school. Lupin produced two stacks of cash from his pocket. "Check it out!" he said, handing a stack to each of us.

        "Wow. More than I thought," Jigen murmured.

        "That's your shares," Lupin said. I smiled then handed mine to Jigen. "What?!"

        "I wasn't in it for the money. My reward was seeing things get set right," I replied.

        "Glad I made some profit," Jigen said, tugging the two stacks into the jacket. "I never got a chance to collect my dues from those skuzzbuckets."

        "By the way," Lupin mused, "Have you heard about the croquette sandwich?"

        "Another new thing at the school café?"

        "Nope! Maruju Bakery by the station!" Lupin said. "It's got a tasty croquette that's covered with sauce and surrounded by crispy cabbage! One bit and crunch! Splash! Shazam! It'll blow your mind!" I chuckled at his excitement. "Wanna compete for one?"

        "You seriously think I'm gonna play along?" Jigen muttered. I frowned. "You're on!" He sprinted across the roof.

        "What?! I didn't say go!" Lupin yelled, racing after. I laughed and followed. We made it down to the courtyard. Lupin tried to take the lead with a bike.

        "Dude! That's cheating!" Jigen shouted.

        "I never agreed to any rules!"

        "Oh yeah? Fine then!" Jigen said then reached into his jacket. He threw all the money into the air. "Heads up!"

        "What the?!" Lupin exclaimed. He was immediately surrounded by greedy classmates. He fell off the bike and landed on the ground. He started to laughing. "Smart thinking, Jigen, but jeez, that's one pricey croquette sandwich!"

        "It's my money, man. You gonna complain about how I use it?"

        "No sir!"

        "Keep arguing, boys!" I called, taking off. "And this competition will be mine!"

        "Not a chance, Billings!" Jigen yelled.

        "This showdown is far from being over!" Lupin exclaimed. I just laughed and kept on running, determined to beat my friends.

---

        I tapped my foot, waiting for the gunfire to cease. A deafening crash signaled my entrance. I stepped into the church. In a circle, eight men lay dead. Beneath a chandelier, a ninth man was crushed. Erik would be leaving in a body bag. "You should get out of this town quickly," I advised the last standing gunman.

        "What are you doing, Billings?" Jigen questioned.

        "I don't know what you're talking about—"

        "You're working with MI6."

        "I'm doing my job," I snapped.

        "It's your job to shoot me down." I refused to meet his gaze. "But you and I both know you won't."

        "Don't test me, Jigen."

        "Why are you doing this—"

        I took aim. "I'm giving you a chance, Jigen. I have a job."

        "A job you can't complete—"

        I met his gaze. "I will for my daughters if I have to... so don't make me. Any of you."

        He looked away. "Want me to tell Lupin for you?"

        "He hasn't gotten my hints yet. He's more likely to listen to you."

        "I highly doubt that, but I'll try." He turned to make his exit. "And Billings?"

        "What?" I sighed.

        "Take care of yourself and those girls."

Chapter 5: Night of Secrets

        "Thanks, Mum, for finding this," I said as we took our seats. The twins were bouncing with anticipation.

        "I thought we could use some excitement," Mum shrugged. "And the girls have never been to a circus."

        "I want to see a loin!" Alyssa cheered. "Roarrrrr!" Ashe giggled along.

        "And this show is supposed to be special. They're bringing back a magic act after ten years," Mum proclaimed.

        "Ten years?" I questioned.

        "The original magician died in an accident, and no one could figure out the secret until now."

        "Oooooh," the twins cooed.

        "Ladies and gentlemen! The show is about to begin!" the announcer called. The twins squealed in delight. I chuckled and settled in. The show was your basic circus: dazzling costumes, acrobats, clowns, animal tamers, and the usual assortment of performers. My girls awed and cheered for every act. I had to pull them back into their seats a few times and flash some apologetic smiles to the other guests. It was worth it though to see their smiles.

        "And for our grand finale!" The tent went dark. Two rows of lights came to life, illuminating the ringmaster. "The man they called the magician, Antonio Belcastro, once said: my right hand has the magical power to move, but my left hand has the power to deceive. It is ten years since the passing of Antonio, my father. And tonight, his magic comes back to life!"

        A third light revealed a familiar woman chained to a stake. My skin crawled with irritation. I muttered under my breath, "You have got to be kidding me."

        "And now, will our muse of the circus, Miss Fujiko, break free of her iron chains!"

        Around the tent, flaming arrows appeared. "What is she doing?" I mumbled.

        "It's showtime!"

        "Stop the show!" My eyes shot to the entrance. Lupin, followed by a young man wrapped in bandages.

        "Luca!" Fujiko exclaimed. The arrows fired. The stake erupted into flames. The young man screamed in agony.

        I sat in disbelief, holding my girls as they cried. "What twisted game is she playing?"

---

Sixteen Years Ago...

        I approached the meeting point. Yoko had invited Lupin and me to join her at some establishment that played opera music on loud speakers. While the place wasn't my taste, I was excited to see Yoko again. Plus, Jigen was gone until the following month with his dad in Cambodia. With him gone, things were... awkward. First day he was gone, I realized he took the edge off whatever was happening. With each passing day, I struggled to keep my head straight around Lupin. My thoughts were in a daze. My chest felt tight. My stomach was in knots. I had tripped or ran into walls repeatedly. Without Jigen, there was no barrier. I was forced to admit that something was going on. I just couldn't place my finger on it.

        I reached the establishment as two men in suits and sunglasses hustled out. A third figure was squished between them, but I couldn’t quite make them out. They hurriedly approached a car. I frowned. Yoko raced out of the establishment. "Evangeline!" she exclaimed in a panic.

        "Yoko!" I cried. "Where's Lupin?"

        "With those men!" I turned just in time to see Lupin slip into the car. "He said they work for his grandfather. They're taking him somewhere."

        "His grandfather?" Then I remembered. His grandfather was some thief. A bad feeling seeped in. "Don't worry, Yoko. I'll take a look into it."

        "Wait!"

        I ignored her and ran straight for the car. As the two men climbed in, I popped open the trunk and threw myself inside. I shut the lid with the doors. I curled up and waited. The car started off. I heard Yoko yelling, but her voice faded. I settled in and waited. Hours passed. I lost track of all the turns the car made. No one spoke a word. I hoped Lupin was okay. The car eventually came to a halt. I heard the doors open and shut. I planned to wait until the coast was clear... when the trunk opened.

        "Come out with your hands up!" someone barked. I gulped. I raised my hands and slid out of the trunk. The two men pointed their guns at me. "You made a mistake tagging along, little girl—" They flinched in pain as Lupin appeared, elbowing their sides.

        "Leave her be," he ordered and stepped forward. He glared at me. "What are you doing here, Eve?"

        I crossed my arms. "What? Was I supposed to let you get taken and not do anything?"

        "This is serious—"

        "I'm serious," I challenged.

        He looked away and sighed. He wrapped an arm around me, pulling me against his side. "Stay close," he whispered then turned to the two men. "Anything happens to her, and you'll regret it." We approached a lavish mansion, even grander than Lupin's. Inside were huge statues of women. I stared up, feeling even smaller than I was. I wrapped my arms around myself. I felt Lupin’s breath in my ear. “You okay?”

        I blushed. "Yeah. Just a little shaken,” I mumbled. We were led up a grand staircase to large double doors. Lupin pushed me into a cushioned chair by the doors. 

        "Stay here. I have to go speak with my grandfather,” he said then flashed the men a threatening look before stepping inside. The doors shut behind him.

        I gripped the chair nervously. "What was I thinking?!" A series of loud crashes sent me to my feet, but the two men shoved me back down.

        "His grandfather's greeting him," one said with a smug smile. I gripped my seat again. I continued to wait. Two more men appeared and entered the room. They dragged out a crying, naked woman. Blood was pouring from her mouth. My stomach twisted in disgust and horror.

        "Who's that there?" someone called. I froze.

        "No one!" I heard Lupin snapped.

        "Bring them in!" The two men dragged me into the room. Dozens of lit candles were scattered across the floor, creating a path to a large bed. An elderly man sat up in the bed with two naked women. A young, blond boy stood by the bedside, holding a tray stacked with papers. "Who are you?" the old man said, scanning me up and down. My skin crawled.

        Lupin stepped in front of me. "Leave her out of this, Grandfather,” he warned.

        The old man eyed me. "I've seen your face before, girl..." He closed his eyes and nodded. "Yes... Billings, correct?" I tensed. His eyes opened. "Your mother's family has a reputation. I'm familiar with your grandfather's accomplishments. Exceptional minds." He smiled wickedly. "Let's see how exceptional."

        "Grandpa!" Lupin yelled.

        "Add her."

        "Very well, sir," the young boy said.

        "You old coot!" Lupin howled. "What are we even here for?"

        "I've brought you all here to play a little game," his grandfather stated.

        "You all?" Lupin repeated. An arrow whizzed down and struck the floor by Lupin's feet.

        Laughter filled the room. Perched on a grand window was an archer with light brown hair. "Behold! I am Marion Hood! The 16th heir of the world's strongest bandit, Robin Hood." He jumped down. "Seriously? The last participants are just some students?"

        "There are now five of us who will be playing the game," the young boy informed.

        "Five?" Lupin questioned.

        "Up here," a voice called from above. A white-haired woman stood on a candle-lit chandelier high above our heads, donned in a cloth wrap.

        "How long have you been up there?!" Lupin exclaimed.

        She flipped down and landed in front of us. "My name is Phoolan. I am in need of great riches to help aid the revolution in my homeland,” she stated.

        "Sign this if you agree to all the terms," the young boy said and tossed out the stacks of paper. Everyone but me received one. One of the suited men appeared and thrusted one into my hands.

        "The winner of this game shall become the sole beneficiary of Lupin I's estate and inherit everything upon his death?!" Lupin read then looked at his grandfather.

        "That's a binding contract. It will ensure that nobody else can try and lay claim to my legacy after I pass away," his grandfather explained. "Listen up, grandson. If you manage to win this and become my successor, then you will be known as Lupin III."

        "Gramps..." Lupin stared at his grandfather then shook his pen and signed the contract. One by one, everyone signed, including the young boy. I was the last one standing.

        I shook my head. "I have no interest in your fortune or your legacy. I'm not playing this—"

        Something pressed against my temple. I heard the unmistakable click of a gun. Lupin I smiled. "You were saying, Miss Billings?"

        "Grandpa!" Lupin snapped.

        My hand trembled as I readied the pen. It slipped from my grasp, clattering on the floor. "I-I..." I stammered. I stared at the contract.

        "Use mine," Lupin said. I met his gaze. His eyes were hard. He gave me a gentle nod. "Trust me," he whispered. I gulped and took the pen. I signed my name.

~~~

        The moon lit our way into the forest surrounding the estate. I gripped Lupin's hand. "What did my Gramps mean about your family?" Lupin mumbled.

        "We're good at cracking puzzles," I murmured. "Everyone is. My grandfather. My uncle. My aunt. Even my mother."

        "When were you going to tell me?" he teased.

        I shook my head. "Never. I don't have the head for it," I admitted.

        "That's not true."

        "Lupin—"

        "You're clever, Eve."

        "Clever? I acted impulsively, and now, I'm stuck playing some game."

        "You'll be okay. We're going to get out of this together," he swore. "I promise."

        All participants were lined up. "Hand over all weapons," a servant ordered. Everyone emptied their pockets of anything mildly dangerous. "On the signal, you will run forward to reach the destination."

        "But what's the—" I asked. BANG!

        The other contestants raced ahead. "Come on!" Lupin said and tugged me along. We ran deeper into the woods. Phoolan and Hood swung from branches, gaining a lead. The young boy bounced on a pogo stick. "I'm pretty sure that's cheating, pal!" Lupin yelled.

        "Anything goes as long as we don't use weapons," the boy replied.

        "So, how long have you know my gramps?" Lupin questioned.

        "I've been around ever since you left."

        "Well, shucks, he sure picked an adorable replacement for me."

        "Oh, I'm far more than a replacement," the boy claimed. "In fact, I've already learned all the thievery skills that he once taught you."

        "For real? But you're so young—" Lupin tripped and crashed, pulling me down with him. The boy smirked and sprung ahead.

        "Come on," I said, helping Lupin to his feet. We reached a large clearing. I stopped, my breath taken away. Various large cement towers sat on a foundation, resembling chess towers. Close by, a huge, monstrous rock structure loomed just past a cliffside, rising from a lake. Hood and the boy were waiting before a large tower with a door, an X painted across the door.

        "What on earth...?" Lupin murmured.

        "This must be new to you. Welcome to the Hollow Needle," the boy said. "It's an area that Lupin uses as training grounds for burglary. There is a specific door inside and whoever makes their way through it first lays claim to the inheritance." I stared at the towering structure and gulped. Lupin took my hand and rubbed it with his thumb. I passed him a grateful smile.

        "What happened to Phoolan?" Hood questioned.

        "She probably went in ahead of us," Lupin said.

        Hood studied the door and tensed. "Huh? Wait, this door... it just painted on!"

        I peered closely and found he was right. "An optical illusion," I mumbled.

        "Well, I guess that means we're not going inside this building," the boy said. I glanced at Lupin. He nodded. We began to search. There had to be a secret entrance. We checked the area. I kept an eye out on Hood and the boy. The boy disappeared to the left of the area and never returned. We bumped into Hood.

        "Where'd the little brat get off to?" Hood asked.

        "Dunno, maybe he found a way inside?" Lupin suggested.

        "Let's keep searching," I said. I tugged Lupin to the right and around one tower before darting over to the left. "I watched him. He went this way."

        "And you say you aren't clever," Lupin chuckled. We studied the area. I eyed one flaw. There was a wall surrounding the perimeter, lined with much smaller towers. One appeared to have broken off and laid on the ground. I nudged Lupin and pointed. We approached. "Since Phoolan and the genius kid are already gone, that must mean..." he murmured and knelt to examine the small fallen tower. He took a deep breath and lifted the piece. It was rigged to a mechanism. The floor flipped beneath us, sending us below. We slid down a slide. We clung tightly to each other. We were launched into a small, shallow pond.

        "That was simple," I muttered and stood. We landed in a grotto. Glowing ponds of water formed a path deeper in.

        "Ready?" Lupin questioned, offering his hand. I nodded. We followed the path to a large staircase built into the grotto. At the top, we came into a huge room with many doors on various levels. "We gotta find the winning door out of all these?"

        "There has to be a trick," I mumbled. We approached one door. On the wall beside it read "Insanity".

        "Oh boy," Lupin said. "Insanity." We entered the room to find an assortment of deadly mechanisms: spikes, flame throwers, crushing balls, arrows, swinging axes, and more. "Wowzers! I guess this is where the burglary training happens. All of these weapons are rigged to go off automatically. Jeez, that old coot really is out of his damned mind. But...” he trailed off. “Eve, wait here."

        "What?!" I shrieked.

        "I'm gonna show 'em how it's done!" He raced ahead, setting off the mechanisms. He leapt, scrambled, dodged, shrieked, and maneuvered around every trap. I covered my eyes in fear as he struggled, hearing his panicked cries. Everything went silent.

        "Lupin?" I squeaked. I peeked through my fingers. He had vanished. "Lupin!"

        The door flung open behind me, and Lupin poked his head through. "It led to one of these doors."

        "Are you okay?" I checked.

        "A little banged up and burnt, but I've had worse—" I smacked him with my shoe. "Hey, what was that for?!"

        "Don't scare me like that!"

        "Okay, okay," he murmured. "Let's keep checking." We found another door and peered inside. The room had even more doors with one at the far end having a serious of dial locks in front of it on the ground. "Is that a safe?"

        "Aren't you going to check it out?" someone asked.

        I yelped and clung to Lupin. We looked over and found Phoolan. "Whoa, Phoolan?!" Lupin exclaimed. "I thought you were way ahead of us!"

        "This is a game from the mind of the great Arsène Lupin," she said. "It would never be conquered so easily. I can tell you that none of the other doors in this room go anywhere. So, naturally, that door must be the correct one."

        "Just one problem," Lupin murmured and tossed a piece of candy into the air. Four laser guns appeared and zapped it. The candy disintegrated in a ball of fire. "Are you trying to kill us or what, Gramps?!"

        "He clearly doesn't want to hand his legacy over to anyone foolish enough to die in this trap." Phoolan then removed her wrap, revealing her strapless bra and underwear. Lupin squeaked. I covered his eyes.

        "Hey!" he grumbled. Phoolan tossed the fabric into the air. The laser guns zapped it, leaving a cloud of smoke. Trigger lasers were revealed in the cloud. "Yeah, I figured it was an infrared sensor,” Lupin mumbled.

        "We only have until the smoke clears up," Phoolan warned. "I'm going on ahead." She gracefully leapt through the lasers. Lupin and I carefully made our way across. She reached the door. "It's locked, as expected."

        Lupin eyed the dials. "Well, this is gonna be a pain in the butt..."

        "This dial is sticking up higher than all the rest," Phoolan observed, reaching for one dial. She swiftly cracked it. One of the other dials sprang up.

        "So it's one of those types where all the locks are connected..." Lupin murmured and turned the dial. Another dial popped up near me. I ducked down and listened closely. The dial clicked. Another dial rose. "I didn't know you could safe crack."

        "It's just listening," I shrugged. We worked together, cracking all the dials and maneuvering uncomfortable positions. Finally, Lupin twisted the last dial. It clicked, and all the dials sank down. The door clicked open.

        "That did the trick!" Lupin exclaimed, rising up. "Get bent, Gramps!" He broke one of the lasers. The guns fired. Phoolan shoved us through the door, barely making it out.

        "We made it to the next room," she said as we rested on the ground.

        "Why'd you save us?" Lupin questioned.

        "Let me ask you," she said. "Why did you participate in this game? Your friend was forced to, but you weren't. I don't get the impression you're in it for the inheritance."

        Lupin's eyes darkened. He looked away. "Because I'm really pissed off. The genius kid. The pompous meathead with a bow. The old shithead who just wants me to be a thief. And my asshole of a dad who straight up abandoned me, after stealing me away from Grandpa. Screw every last one of them!" he yelled then grew silent. "I bet you think that's stupid, huh?"

        "No. Young people like you have every right to be angry," Phoolan said. She offered us her hands and helped us to our feet. "You have my sentiments. And besides... I need someone to walk in front of me. It will help in the event that bullets start flying."

        "So that's what you're after, huh?" Lupin said. "Fine." He stepped ahead. "I'll go first. Eve?"

        "Yes?" I murmured. He reached back and offered his hand.

        "Stay behind me." I gripped his hand and nodded. We proceeded to the next trial. A boiling molten lake met us. Sweat dripped down my face. "Holy moly. This place is like an oven!" There was only one path: large balls set in the molten lake, leading to a door. "Enter one by one," Lupin read above the door. "See that?"

        "Don't try and pull a 'ladies first' on me," Phoolan said. I stared at the molten lake. There was no way I could get across. Phoolan placed her hand on my shoulder. "I will help you."

        "Why?" I questioned.

        "Because you did not choose to play this game." She turned to Lupin. "Go ahead."

        He hesitated. I gave his hand a squeeze and let go. "Go on. I'll be fine," I assured. "Be careful."

        "Okay! Okay!" he said. He charged ahead, jumping and flipping from ball to ball. "I get it, the meat shield's gotta go first!" He barely made it across and slammed into the door. The door spun, and he disappeared.

        Phoolan scooped me into her arms and easily crossed. On the last ball, she tossed me to the door. I collapsed against. The door swung, and I was pushed into another room. This one was much smaller. A lever sat, and a wheel hung on a wall, divided into five sections. A pedestal sat below the wheel with a slot carved into its base. A book sat on top with one word. "Spin," I read then studied the wheel. "Knife. Gun. Key. Bandages. Handcuffs." I pulled the lever. The wheel spun and landed on "handcuffs". Handcuffs appeared in the slot. I grabbed them and hid them in my pockets. Another wall slid open, revealing a staircase. I proceeded up and found Lupin, Hood, and the boy.

        "Eve!" Lupin exclaimed and quickly hugged me. "Are you okay?"

        "I'm fine," I assured.

        Phoolan soon arrived. Hood let out a whistle. "Grow up," I muttered.

        Lupin snickered, "Good one."

        "You too."

        "Hey!"

        "So, everybody survived," the boy said. "I guess Lupin picked some competent players after all."

        "Of course I did!" The old man appeared on a screen in a wall. "You've all come through, just as I predicted! Congratulations on making it to the final room." The walls then exploded. The roof began to collapsed. We scrambled, trying to avoid the falling debris. The night sky was exposed. All that remained standing were columns and a staircase leading to a small tower with a single door. "But take care, the final door won't open unless you have a special key."

        "A special key?" the boy questioned.

        "It must be the one that was part of the roulette we spun," Hood said.

        "Precisely!" the old man confirmed. "Right now there is one among you who has the winning key that will open the final door!"

        I studied everyone. One person had the key. Someone else had the gun. Someone was hiding a knife. Another had bandages. I gulped. I wished I had picked up something other than the handcuffs. "I've got it figured out!" Lupin announced.

        "You're bluffing," Hood said. I silently agreed, as much as I hated to.

        "Calm your horses, buddy. Just listen because I'm gonna break it down nice and easy for you," Lupin replied. 

        "Hmph," the boy scoffed.

        "Are you pretending to be a detective or what?" Phoolan questioned.

        Lupin extended his arms grandly. "The reason I've gathered you all here is..." He jumped and landed on the stairs. "To solve the mystery!" I snorted a little. "We all know there is one person among us who has the key. So let's call them 'the culprit'!"

        "You better not end this little speech by saying you're the culprit," Hood warned.

        "If you think that's the case, then just shoot him," the boy said.

        "Great idea. I'm all for it! Who's the one with the gun?"

        "Yeah, the gun!" Lupin exclaimed. "That's what was bothering me, too!" He proceeded backwards up the stairs. "Why hasn't the person with the gun just shot the rest of us? The answer is simple. It's because they don't have enough bullets. The gun likely only has one, maybe two or three, rounds loaded inside."

        "Good point. A gun without bullets will definitely lose to a knife," the boy noted.

        "Projectiles aren't enough to take me down, anyways," Phoolan said.

        "And if the person misses, they’ll have an additional opponent," I pointed out.

        "That's right! Which is why they can't just start shooting willy-nilly," Lupin said, taking steps back.

        Hood chuckled, "Whoever this guy is, he's playing it really smart."

        "So they're not going to shoot until we let our guard down, huh?" Phoolan said.

        "Hmph," the boy scoffed. "I don't bother getting my hands dirty when I can get a dirtbag to do it for me."

        "Now we all know what the guy with the gun is thinking!" Lupin said. "Next, I'm going to tell you about the guy with the key. And guess what? He's—"

        BANG! The boy went down. Hood held the gun and hurled two bricks at Lupin. Lupin caught the first, but the second knocked him in the face. He tumbled down the stairs. "Lupin!" I screamed and tried to rush forward, but Hood aimed his gun at me. He sat down on Lupin's sprawled out form.

        "Stay back!" Hood threatened, waving the gun at Phoolan and me. His eyes narrowed at Phoolan. "You seem pretty confident you could dodge a bullet, so don't try anything funny or the kid here dies!" His gaze shifted to me. "You don't want anything happening to your little boyfriend, right?"

        I took a step back. "Don't hurt him," I pleaded.

        Hood reached into Lupin's pocket and produced a key. "Just like I figured," he said.

        "How did you know?" Lupin croaked.

        "While you were putting on your detective performance, you kept getting closer and closer to the door. It's not hard to tell you were gonna take advantage of the confusion to come out on top." He glanced towards the door. Phoolan jumped forward. "Whoa there!" He sprang to his feet. "Not so fast!" He kicked Lupin over to the boy. "Happy now, brat? The dirtbag did the dirty work, just like you wanted him to!" Hood proceeded up the stairs, keeping the gun aimed. "It's true I only have two rounds left, but I never miss when shooting a lot. Whether it's from a gun, a bow, or something more—"

        "Sleazeball," Phoolan muttered.

        "Keep inflating that ego of yours!" I growled. “Means it’ll hurt more when someone crushes it!”

        "Crush it? You’re dumber than you look, girl. The legacy of Arsène Lupin now belongs to me," Hood proclaimed. He inserted the key and turned... but nothing happened. He turned, aiming the gun. "Don't move a goddamn muscle—" Spikes pierced his entire body. I turned away, trying not to hurl. "W-Why...?" He choked on his own blood.

        "I wasn't the one who had the key," Lupin said, sitting up. He raised his pants leg and pulled his object from his sock. "I had the knife. That's the key to my family's garage."

        "You pulled... a fast one... on me..." Hood let out a few strangled breaths and fell silent.

        Lupin stood. "Are you okay, Eve?" he asked.

        "Traumatized for life but alive," I murmured. "Are you?"

        "Bruised but alive," he chuckled, throwing an arm around my shoulders.

        "You made us think you had the key in order to ferret out the gun, eh?" Phoolan asked.

        "Nobody can say what kind of key it is except for who own its," Lupin replied. "That's why I figured my little trick would work." He tossed the knife aside and knelt next to the boy. "Meanwhile, the real one..." He reached under the boy's collar and produced a gold key. "Is right here. But I got to admit, I didn't expect the door to be rigged like that."

        "Smartass..." the boy murmured. I stared in shock.

        "Oh gosh!" Lupin gasped. "You're still alive down there, buddy? Does the wittle baby need an amboolance? Wee-woo! Wee-woo!" Lupin patronized. I smacked him with the handcuffs. "Ow!"

        "Shut up. You're going to make me break out in hives," the boy complained.

        "The real art of thievery comes from... the ability to fool people!" Lupin proclaimed. "Ain't that right?"

        "You don't have to tell me!" The boy flipped over. The bullet was stuck in padding. "That's why I was wearing a bulletproof vest the whole time."

        "Hot damn! That's impressive!"

        "I guess this is where the bandages I got come in handy," Phoolan said and began to wrap the boy's chest.

        The floor began to rumble. The stairs parted to reveal a brightly lit tunnel. Three men in surgical gear rose out. "Seems like gramps has a smidgeon of kindness left in him," Lupin said. But the three men ignored us and hurried towards Hood. "Yo! There's another patient for you right over here!"

        "Our orders from Lupin don't pertain to anyone but this man," one man said as the other two examined Hood's unharmed chest.

        "What the hell?!" Lupin yelled.

        "Look," Phoolan called. She held out the bullet which crumbled in her palm. "It appears to be a real bullet, but it's actually a non-lethal round made of wax. Perhaps Lupin wasn't interested in any needless bloodshed?"

        Lupin's face turned red. "No way!" he screeched. "That friggin' fraudster! What a load of crap! You may think he wanted to avoid needless bloodshed, but all he really wanted was to keep our hearts in one piece! That jackass!"

        "What are you talking about?" the boy questioned.

        "Argh! I can't believe this! Goddammit! That crazy asshole laid in his bed and made a big show of being weak and feeble! But he ain't dying, which means there's no friggin' inheritance!" Lupin screamed. He let out a huff and tossed the key away. "I sure as hell don't need this key anymore. Bleh." On the screen, his grandfather began to cackle. "Screw him. That old coot can suck eggs." He turned to me. "We're done here." He then called over his shoulder. "Oh, and before I forget, Phoolan... I owe you a debt of gratitude. Thanks for your help."

        We found our way down and back into the forest. The sun was beginning to rise as Lupin explained the ordeal. "So your grandfather did all this for a heart transplant?" I murmured then shook my head. "He's horrible."

        "Feh, I knew there was no way Gramps would give up his legacy with a stupid game," Lupin muttered. "Because the only way to truly inherit a thief's treasure is by stealing it, obviously."

        I shook my head. "I'm just glad it's over—" Muffled cries caught our attention. Tied to a tree was...

        "Phoolan?!" Lupin exclaimed. "You've been here the whole time?!"

        "How?!" I said.

        "Wait, then the person with us in the Hollow Needle was..." Lupin trailed off. "... My dad."

        We untied Phoolan and explained what had happened. She vanished into the forest afterwards. "Now, it's over with," I declared.

        "We have to get home," Lupin pointed out. I groaned. "By the way, about earlier..."

        "Huh?"

        "When Hood called me your boyfriend," he teased. "You didn't correct him—"

        I repeatedly smacked him with my shoe. "I was too worried he was going to blow off your head, idiot!"

        "Okay, okay!" he laughed. I shook my head, lowering my head to hide a smile. After everything, I was coming to terms with my twisting stomach and tightening chest… but I was going to leave it to him to figure it out.

        "So how exactly are we getting back to the city?" I asked. A familiar red car tore into view and skidded to a stop in front of us. "Oh no."

        My mum stuck her head out the window. "Evangeline Billings!"

        "Who's that?" Lupin whispered.

        "My mum," I squeaked.

        "Oh..." He then waved enthusiastically. "Hi, Mrs. Billings!"

        "In the car. Both of you. Now," she ordered.

        "Yes, ma'am!" Lupin straightened up. We dove into the backseat, and Mum drove us away from the estate.

        "Evangeline," Mum said lowly. "Care to explain why you were at the estate of an infamous thief?"

        "Well, I— uh," I panicked.

        "It's my fault, ma'am," Lupin announced. I stared at him. "He's my grandfather. Your daughter was only trying to save me."

        "You're his grandson?" Mum muttered.

        "He's nothing like his grandfather!" I cried. "He's brave! And kind! He protected me! He's my friend, Mum." Tears pricked my eyes. "Please don't tell Dad!"

        "I won't," Mum answered firmly.

        "... What?" I whispered.

        "He can ask about this himself! That is if he even considers to! I have been trying to track you down for hours, but your dad didn't even bat an eye!" Mum yelled. "I don't know what I'm going to do with that man anymore!"

        Her words slammed into me. He didn't care. The tears slipped out. He didn't care! I curled into a ball, trying to hold down the pain. He never cared! I felt a hand on my shoulder. I slowly looked up at Lupin's concern expression. He opened up his arms. I collapsed into him and sobbed. He held me close and stroked my back. The tears wouldn't stop. I cried for hours. When we finally reached the city, Mum drove to Lupin's mansion first.

        "Thank you for the ride," he murmured. I reluctantly pulled away so he could leave.

        Mum sighed, "Can she stay for a while?" I stared at Mum in disbelief. "I need a long talk with her father."

        Lupin nodded. I hugged Mum and scrambled out of the car. Lupin threw his arm around my shoulders and escorted me inside. Once the door closed, the tears returned. He got me to a couch before I collapsed again. I buried my face in his shoulder. He held me tight and refused to let go...

---

        "Hey, what are you looking at?" Fujiko called. "I'm up here!" Lights illuminated Fujiko above, hanging from a trapeze. "Doesn't magic just thrill you?"

        The crowd erupted into applause. Alyssa trembled in my arms. "I didn't like that," she whimpered.

        Ashe was bouncing. "That was so cool!" she shrieked.

        Mum shook her head. "They should have gave a warning," she grumbled.

        I stood with Alyssa in my arms. "I think we've had enough excitement for tonight," I said.

        We made our way out of the stands and into the night. Mum turned to me. "I'm going to use the restroom before we head back," she informed.

        "We'll wait here," I replied. I watched Mum head off. Alyssa's grip tightened on me. She continued to tremble. I felt her tears on my neck. I gently rubbed her back.

        "Mummy, is Alyssa okay?" Ashe asked.

        "That last act really shocked her," I said. I pressed a kiss to Alyssa's head and mumbled, "I'm sorry, baby."

        "What's this?" someone said behind me.

        I tensed. "No! No! No!"

        "A little princess crying?" Lupin said. I turned to see him and Jigen.

        Alyssa perked up at his voice. She looked up and gasped, "Mister!"

        "Hey, I remember you," Lupin chuckled. "Now, what has you crying?"

        "I thought the lady got hurt," she whimpered.

        "Me too," he said. "But she's okay. She got out with magic. Would you like to see a trick?" Alyssa quickly shook her head. "Don't worry. No fire. No danger—Oh, what's this!" His hand formed a fist, and his other hand gripped its wrist. He slowly raised his fist to Alyssa. "I... Can't... Control it!" He exclaimed. He flicked his wrist and present Alyssa a little blue flower. Alyssa burst into a smile and took the flower. "See? Not all magic is scary."

        "Oh! Me next! Me next!" Ashe squealed.

        Lupin turned to her. "Have you been washing behind your ears?"

        Ashe paused. "Huh?"

        "You really should, little lady," he said then kneeled in front of her. He reached behind her ear, flicked his wrist, and pulled out a quarter. "Because you never know what's hiding."

        Ashe broke out into her big, goofy grin. "You're funny, mister!" she laughed in delight.

        The color drained from his face. His eyes flickered over that smile. I knew he had seen it before. He made the effort to put that same smile on his calling cards. "Jigen," he said very slowly. "Can you keep an eye on the girls... I need a word with their mother."

        Jigen only nodded. His body was tense. He had seen it too. Lupin rose and took my wrist. I placed Alyssa down. "Girls," I said, "Wait here with this man. Run to Gran when you see her."

        I allowed him to lead me away. The tears pricked my eyes. He stopped, a safe distance from the girls, but he kept his back to me. The silence clawed at my grief, digging it up from the depths I shoved it to. He didn't need to know. He never should have known. They were safer this way. He was free—

        "Those girls," he whispered. "They're mine."

        I held back the tears. "Yes."

        "... Did you ever plan to tell me?"

        "No."

        "Why not?" he growled.

        I shut my eyes. "... Because it was for the best—"

        "That's not an answer, Billings."

        A tear ran down my cheek. "Because you're a thief. I couldn't bring them up in that life."

        "You could have told me!"

        "I had to protect them. How many times have you almost gotten yourself killed, Lupin? How many times have you been forced to run? I couldn't put them through that!"

        "... You could have told me..." His voice turned shaky.

        I hugged myself. "For their sake, I couldn't."

        "... Do they know...?"

        "... No."

        "... Did you tell anyone?"

        "Never."

        He straightened. He finally turned. I nearly broke down. He wore his facade. "Then we'll keep it like that."

        "I'm sorry, Lupin," I choked.

        His eyes were cold. "Too little too late, Billings."

Chapter 6: Kidnapped!

        "You look terrible," Mum said, patting my hand.

        "I'm just having trouble sleeping," I murmured, sipping my coffee. I had barely slept a wink since that night. His cold eyes haunted me.

        "Van, something else is going on," Mum sighed, "I can tell."

        "Mum, it's nothing—"

        "He found out, didn't he?"

        I froze. "I don't know—"

        "Evangeline, I know."

        I looked away. "For how long?"

        "Since those girls started smiling. I remember when you and him were young. I recalled how he smiled. They both do it," Mum said.

        "Why didn't you say anything?" I muttered.

        "Because I understood the moment I saw it why you did what you did. I know that he has a good heart, but the world still views him as a criminal. The girls would be in more danger."

        "I never wanted him to know. I knew how much it would hurt him to find out. I loved him."

        "Loved... or love?" Mum asked.

        I gripped my cup tightly. "... Loved. What we had ended. I ended it. It's been over for almost six years now."

        "Are you certain—"

        "Mummy! Mummy!" Alyssa cried, running over with a suitcase. "Look! Look! I packed my own suitcase!"

        I smiled and ruffled her hair. "Good job, sweetie. Are you ready to see Rome?"

        "Yeah!" she squealed.

        "Mummy!" Ashe yelled. "I can't find my shoes!"

        "Coming, Ashe," I laughed, relieved to leave the conversation behind.

~~~

        I slid into Agent Nyx's car. "What's the assignment?" I questioned.

        "You're my backup. I'm going undercover into a trafficking deal," Nyx stated.

        "And why is this Lupin related?"

        "He supposedly in the city, and the dealers are rumored to be making a high profit. I've heard Lupin has a soft spot for children."

        I nodded along as the words tore at my heartstrings. "Makes sense."

        We drove to the meet up point. Nyx tossed me an ear com. "You can track my location using the car's computer."

        "Understood." I watched him leave, heading into a shady alleyway. I slipped in the com and checked. "Can you hear me?"

        "Yes. You'll hear what I hear," his voice rang in my ear. I patiently waited. "I want a really young girl." I held my breath, eying the tracking monitor. He was brought inside a building.

        After a few moments, a new voice caught my ear. "We have some high quality commodities here," the seller offered. My stomach twisted. These traffickers were going down. "So how 'bout this girl? Like her?"

        Rushed movement. BANG! I sprang out of the car and raced towards the location. I burst in. The traffickers were already down. Nyx held us gun to one's head, forcing a tablet in his face. "Now, where can I find this girl? Tell me now."

        "She's in the car!" the man cried.

        "What sort of car?"

        "What happened?" I demanded.

        "Return to the vehicle. The mission has been compromised," Nyx ordered.

        "What—"

        "Do it!" he growled. His eyes were wild. I returned to the vehicle and waited. Nyx appeared and entered something into the computer.

        "We have obtained one search result," the computer said.

        "Nyx, what is going—"

        "They have my daughter," he snarled. I froze. "No one touches my family."

        "... Then let's go," I said. He glanced at me, uncertain. "I'm a mother of twins. If anything happens to my girls, I'd tear the world apart." He paused then nodded. We shot off.

---

        "Mummy's not joining us?" Alyssa asked her grandmother.

        "Later, Alyssa. Your mum had some work she needed to take care of," her grandmother explained, "But she said we'll go see the Colosseum when she's done."

        "Yay!" Ashe cheered.

        "Until then, we can explore the city," her grandmother suggested. They wandered the famous city. The twins oohed and awed at the sights. Their grandmother's phone began to ring. "Hold on a second, girls." She answered the call. "Bresson, how nice to hear from you." She quickly became engrossed in her conversation.

        Alyssa's eyes wandered. They stopped on a perplexing sight. Two strange men were leading an older girl down a dark alleyway. The boy looked nervous. Alyssa nudged her sister and pointed. "See that?"

        Ashe narrowed her eyes and nodded. "Yeah."

        "Let's go!" The girls raced off to investigate, leaving their grandmother behind. They hurried down the alleyway and spotted the two men now carrying the girl. She was suddenly asleep.

        "Bad guys," Ashe whispered to her twin.

        Alyssa nodded in agreement. "We have to stop them." The twins trailed the men to their car and watched as they placed the girl in trunk, tying her up in the process. They shut the lid and walked away. The twins looked at each other and rushed to the car. The kidnappers had left the car unlocked. Alyssa and Ashe lifted the trunk's lid. Ashe began smacking the victim. "Wake up! Wake up!"

        "She's not waking up!" Alyssa panicked. The twins heard hurried footsteps. "They're coming back!"

        Ashe looked around. "I have an idea!" She shut the lid and grabbed her sister's arm. She pulled her into the car's backseats and ducked down. "We'll hide here. They'll take us to their lair and then we can call the police."

        Alyssa devilishly smiled, "Yeah! Then they'll go to jail."

        The front doors opened. The twins grinned before being crushed by three bags of loot. "Start the car!" Jigen yelled.

        "I'm trying!" Lupin snapped. The car roared to life and took off. The twins kept quiet as the thieves outmaneuvered the police. They hid in a park, taking a moment of peace.

        "You know I was really worried there for a minute," Jigen said.

        "You can relax. We did good," Lupin said. "We got a nice haul here."

        His voice was recognized by the twins. "Is that Mister?" Ashe whispered.

        "But Mister wasn't one of those men," Alyssa replied. The two men froze, glanced at each other, and lifted the bags of loot. They stared at the twins. "... Hi, Mister!"

        "What are you two doing here?!" Jigen exclaimed as Lupin stared at the girls—his daughters.

        "We saw two kidnappers!" Ashe said. "So we followed them to try and stop them!"

        "Kidnappers?" Thuds sounded from the trunk.

        "Out of the car," Lupin said, gathering his senses. They slipped out and opened the trunk. The girl was awake, tape covering her mouth.

        "This is the kid they took," Alyssa explained. "We thought they were coming and decided to hide in the car so they'd take us to their lair. Then we would call the police!"

        Lupin ran a tired hand over his face. "... You're definitely your mother's daughters." He reached down and tore the tape from the girl's mouth.

        "Help me! Help! I've been kidnapped!" the girl screamed. Lupin quickly covered her mouth.

        "I'd have to say it seems like we've helped someone," Jigen muttered.

        "Yeah, seems like it," Lupin agreed. He turned his attention to the girl. "Hey, you, little girl,” he frowned, “You think I'm actually a kidnapper?"

        The girl shook his hand free. "Of course you are!"

        Jigen started laughing, "Well, of course you are, Lupin."

        "I'm just a passing thief who stole a kidnapper's vehicle. That's all," Lupin explained sheepishly. The twins gasped and looked at each other.

        "Mister is a thief? But he's so nice," Ashe whispered.

        "Maybe that's why Mummy doesn't like him," Alyssa mumbled.

        "How dare they treat a lovely little lady like you in this way," Lupin told the girl. He pulled out a knife. "Hold on a second." He sliced the ropes off and helped her out of the trunk. "There. Much better."

        They circled around the car, letting the kidnapped girl sit in the backseat while the twins squeezed together in the front passenger's seat. The older girl hugged a pink book bag. "What's your names?" Lupin asked.

        "Bridgette," the girl said.

        "Hi! I'm Ashe!" Ashe extended her hand over the seat. The girl nervously shook it. “And this is Alyssa. We'll make sure you get home safe! It's what our mummy would do."

        "So, what happened, kid?" Jigen questioned. "Were you kidnapped for a ransom?"

        "I'm not sure," Bridgette said. "All I know is I was nearly taken to the Dream of Italy."

        "You say 'Dream of Italy'? What's that anyway?"

        Bridgette didn't reply, looking just as puzzled. Lupin eyed the girl's book bag and squatted down. He pointed to a drawing on the front of a girl. "Is this you, young lady? It really looks like you," he said.

        "Oh, this?" She held up the bag, showing off the drawing. "You think it looks like me? I really love it. Rebecca drew it for me."

        "Who's Rebecca?" Alyssa asked.

        "What?!" Bridgette shrieked. "You don't know who Rebecca is! She's amazing!"

        "I know Rebecca," Lupin chuckled.

        "More than that actually," Jigen smirked, "He happens to be her husband."

        Lupin scowled at Jigen, "That's one word too much, Jigen."

        "Husband?" Bridgette gasped. "What?! Rebecca?!?"

        "Shush! It's top secret. Don't tell anyone. It will be our little secret."

        "... We're telling Mummy," Ashe whispered to Alyssa.

        Lupin's face grew pink. "Please don't," Lupin begged.

        "This could be love at first sight," Bridgette gushed.

        "What?" Lupin and the twins said.

        "Because Rebecca fell in love with you!" Bridgette exclaimed. "That's why I love you too."

        "Bleh," the twins shivered in unison.

        "What do you mean that's why?" Lupin questioned.

        "What do you usually like eating? What is your favorite color? And what music do you listen to?" Bridgette questioned rapidly.

        "Hey, hey! Calm down, little girl!" Lupin said.

        "Mummy has a word for this," Ashe muttered, scratching her head.

        "Fangirl?" Alyssa guessed.

        "Yeah! Fangirl!"

        "Oh, I know! Let's exchange phone numbers!" Bridgette decided.

        Lupin frowned. "Going willing after men you don't even know like this," he scolded. "That's how you get yourself into trouble."

        Bridgette paused then laughed happily, "You're so kind!"

        Lupin's shoulders sunk in defeat. Ashe crossed her arms. "Did you forget?" she grumbled at Bridgette. "He's a thief. It means he steals stuff and breaks the law."

        "But Rebecca—"

        "Should know better! My mummy wouldn't marry a thief!"

        Lupin shot Jigen a pleading glance. "So, kid," Jigen said to Bridgette. "What kind of parents do you have?"

        Before Bridgette could answer, a car skidded into view. The driver's door opened. A masked man raised a gun. "Get down!" Lupin yelled. The twins clambered over and slid into the backseat flooring. Lupin dove to shield the kids, slamming the car shut behind him. Jigen leapt over the car and took cover. Shots shattered the windows, sending shards raining down on them.

        "The kidnappers! They're coming after me!" Bridgette cried.

        Lupin sighed to himself, "We're having a really bad day today."

        The twins held each other tightly. Alyssa tugged on Lupin's jacket. He saw her frightened gaze. "What do we do?" she whimpered.

        His expression hardened. "Alright, how's everyone at running?" he questioned the kids.

        "Second fastest in my class," Bridgette said.

        "Mummy taught us how to run really fast," Ashe said, and Alyssa nodded in agreement.

        "That's great," Lupin grinned then called out, "Jigen! Back us up, will ya?"

        "Damn," Jigen muttered but started firing return shots. The masked man stopped.

        "Now!" Lupin yelled. They rushed out of the car. "Go!" They raced deeper into the park.

---

(Van)

        "WHAT THE FUCK?!" My heart stopped when I saw them. That couldn't be them! My phone buzzed. I answered it. "What?"

        "The girls are missing!" Mum sobbed in my ear. "I took a quick call, and they were gone—"

        "I see them. Call you back."

        "What—" I hung up on her.

        "What were you thinking?!" I screamed at Nyx, leaping out of the car.

        "They have my daughter—"

        "My daughters are with them!"

        He froze. "What?"

        "Shooting your gun like that could get them hurt!" I snapped. Nyx ignored me and turned to chase them. I rushed forward, grabbing his arm. "If either of my daughters gets hurt because of you—"

        "My aim is for the kidnappers. They will not get away!" he growled, ripping his arm from my grasp. His eyes... I'd seen them on wild animals. "Don't get in my way," he seethed. He took off.

        I hesitated. I saw who they were with. Nyx would not hesitate. I raced after. Rain began to fall. I slipped and slid on mud, trying my best to stay upright. I had to stop him. I had to protect my girls! Gunshots rang out. "Shit!" I swore. I spotted him. "Nyx—"

        "Get down!" He yanked me behind a tree. A series of shots exploded rapidly.

        "What the fuck?!" I exclaimed.

        "Machine gun."

        "I guessed that!" I peeked around the tree. Down a muddy slope, an expensive red car sped off.

        "Picked up the target," Nyx said. "Likelihood of accomplishment 100%." He took off again. This was getting messy. I flew after him. We exited the park into a rundown district. Nyx stopped at an abandoned warehouse. "Here."

        I readied my gun. "Don't start shooting like last time," I muttered.

        "Don't get in my—"

        I grabbed him by the collar and forced him to look at me. "If one hair is harmed on either of my daughters' head, I'll ruin you. I don't care if you're fucking MI6. I don't care if I lose my job. Nothing happens to my daughters. Got it?"

        He observed me. "... The same applies to my daughter."

        I narrowed my gaze. "Then we have an understanding?"

        "Approach with caution. Guns when necessary."

        "... Agreed," I sighed.

        "Do you wish to conceal your identity?"

        "No," I muttered. "I won't need to."

        We entered the warehouse. The place hadn't been touched in years. Mold and mildew clung to the walls. Abandoned wooden beams and panels laid propped against walls. Nyx tapped his foot then fired his gun. A yelp followed. Jigen.

        "Come up with your hands up," I ordered.

        Lupin leapt out, hands up. "Let's just end this farce. You still got quite a good ear, Mr. Nyx of MI6." He smirked, "Surprise I knew it was you?"

        Jigen appeared with his hands up. "Didn't expect to see a face I never wanted to see again." He eyed me. "Make that two."

        I stared straight ahead, avoiding looking at either of them. "This is the way things should be."

        "Where's the children?" Nyx demanded.

        "Don't you worry. They're in a very safe place," Lupin replied. "I'd like to put my hands down now. Getting a bit tired here." They dropped their hands. Nyx pulled off his mask. "I can't imagine you as a kidnapper. It would appear both of us got things wrong this time, didn't we?"

        "He has a point, Nyx," I said, letting my aim down. "Lupin is a lot of things... but by all accounts, he doesn't harm children."

        Nyx lowered his gun. "What happened to the kidnappers?" he questioned.

        "Don't know," Lupin shrugged. "They're probably teed off somewhere because they lost their mobility."

        "You stole their car. That fits," I muttered.

        "And your twins," he said, a slight twinge in his voice, "... were hiding out in the car, planning to follow them to their hideout and call the police. Guess they take after their mother." I pinched my nose. They were grounded after this.

        "Appears I've been mislead," Nyx said.

        "This is just dreadful. How could they ever abduct such a cute little girl?" Lupin said. I narrowed my eyes. I recognized his tone. He was up to something.

        "Yeah," Jigen joined in. "What was she saying? The Italian Dream or something?"

        "The Italian Dream?" I repeated and glanced at Nyx. His eyes were focused on Lupin. I frowned. Something was up.

        "In any event, I shall place the children where I can watch them—" Nyx said as a car engine reeved outside. I rushed out in time to see the red car from before racing off.

        A familiar figure with an umbrella stood outside, waving it off. Nyx appeared and aimed his gun at her. "You will call them back right now!"

        "What! Hey! Just chill out!" she cried.

        "Nyx!" I snapped, stepping in the line of fire.

        He lowered his gun, studying Ms. Rossellini. "Wait. I know who you are," he said. "Rebecca Rossellini!"

        "Oh! And you're Prince James's special security detail," Ms. Rossellini recalled then glanced at me. "And Detective Billings."

        Nyx raised his gun again. "Tell me now! Why did you kidnap those children!"

        "Hmm, well, due to a particular reason," she hummed. "I needed them to keep their little mouths shut."

        A strained expression sprung onto Nyx. His body shook. "Nyx!" I exclaimed, reaching for him. His eyes shut. He grunted in agony. I touched his arm. His eyes flew open. Rage filled him. He threw me off. I slammed into the pavement. I looked up. He aimed his gun, his finger at the trigger. "Nyx, stop!"

        Lupin threw himself in front of Ms. Rossellini. "Wait a minute!" he yelled, "She's not the bad guy in this situation!"

        "Why would you be protecting her?" Nyx growled.

        Lupin paused. "Well, she's—uh..."

        "I'm his wife," Ms. Rossellini chimed in, "If you must know."

        "Although we are right in the middle of a divorce," Lupin quickly added with a scowl.

        "Well, that's a coincidence," Nyx muttered. "I'm going to ask you just one time, Lupin III. If a member of your family was taken away from you, what would you do about it!"

        Everything stopped. I looked away. My nails dug into the palms of my hands. I couldn't bring myself to see his face. "Anything taken from you," he declared, "You get it back."

        My gaze shot up. For a split second, our eyes met. My heart raced. Fear welled up inside me. "Please..." I barely mouthed.

        "Oh, wow," Ms. Rossellini gushed, hugging Lupin's arm. "What a moving comment!"

        "Mind your own business!" Nyx snapped at her. "Stay out of this—" He froze.

        "I think I understand now why you're protecting them, Nyx," Jigen said, his gun aimed at the back of Nyx's throat.

        "Huh? What do you mean by that?" Lupin questioned.

        "Bridgette is your daughter, isn't she?" Jigen said. "Isn't that right?"

        "So that's the reason you were wearing a mask," Lupin exclaimed. "Makes sense being secretive is your intelligent division speciality."

        "If anything at all happens to my daughter, I'll have you and all your family wiped from the face of the Earth!" Nyx threatened. A dark look came over Lupin's eyes. My stomach coiled in knots. I held down my own glare. I didn't give a damn if he was MI6. Nyx would never lay a hand on my daughters. He'd be a dead man.

        Ms. Rossellini laughed, "That's funny. That means you're going to have us killed, doesn't it? You're watching too many movies."

        Nyx lowered his weapon, staring at her in shock. "What are you saying?"

        "I'm saying they're gone," Ms. Rossellini said. "I sent them with my butler to enjoy a little shopping on me.”

        Nyx's rage disappeared. He shut his eyes and regained his calm demeanor. "If anything brings harm to my family, they are dead. Understand?" He began to storm off.

        "Of course, super spy!" Lupin yelled as Ms. Rossellini made faces at Nyx. "Why would anyone want to do such a stupid thing?" He turned around and walked right back up to Lupin and Ms. Rossellini. The two quickly clung to each other in fear. "What do you want from us?!"

        "Uh... Rebecca," Nyx said, "Just one question."

        "What?" she whimpered.

        "... My daughter would love your autograph." He offered up a dollar bill.

        "Oh... sure," she said and quickly signed it.

        Nyx turned to me. "Detective—"

        "Go ahead," I grumbled, still on the ground with my clothes soaked from rain. "I have a few things to clear up. I'll phone a ride afterwards."

        "Are you certain?"

        "Get to your daughter, Nyx. I'll have someone pick up mine before grabbing me." He hesitated. I watched him walk away.

        "Need a hand?" I eyed Lupin's hand. I stood on my own, wrapping my arms around myself.

        "Wasn't that fun, Lupin?" Ms. Rossellini laughed.

        "I can think of a better way to spend an afternoon," Lupin huffed.

        "We must do it again soon," she flirted. She looked at me. "And thank you, Detective Billings."

        "What for?" I asked.

        "You tried to stop him. That was really brave."

        "Oh... you're welcome," I mumbled. She shifted her umbrella to shield us both. "Thanks."

        "It makes up for a lie," she smiled.

        I froze. "What lie?"

        "Not all the children went with my butler."

        "What?!"

        Lupin facepalmed. "I think I can guess who," he muttered.

        "Where are they?" I snapped.

        He threw up his hands. "They're safe! I promise!" He led me to a closet with a cement door. He pulled it open.

        "Mummy!" The twins crashed into my arms. I nearly broke into tears.

        "Are either of you hurt?" I checked. They shook their heads. "What were you girls thinking? That was incredibly dangerous!"

        "But Mummy, we couldn't just do nothing!" Ashe cried.

        "We did what you would do!" Alyssa exclaimed.

        "Girls, never do something like again," I stated firmly.

        "But Mummy," they whined

        "No buts. What I do is very dangerous. Sometimes, I make bad decisions, and I get hurt. I don't want anything like that happening to either of you."

        "What about you, Mummy?" Ashe mumbled.

        I held them close. "I can handle the pain if it means making the world safer for you both. Let me handle the dangerous stuff."

        "Okay, Mummy," they nodded.

        "Now, let's call your gran. She has to be worried sick by now." I called Mum. After I finished reassuring her and checking the location with Ms. Rossellini, I told her our location. It would be a short wait. We slipped outside. The rain had faded into a light drizzle. I held the girls in my arms, each resting on a hip with their arms looped around my chest. The moment their heads hit my shoulders, they were out like lights. An overhang shielded us from any further drenching, but wind brought goosebumps to my arms.

        "Here." Lupin stood beside us. His suit jacket dangled in his hands.

        "I'm fine—"

        "It's for you and them," he insisted and draped the jacket around us before I could refuse further.

        "... Thank you," I murmured.

        "I couldn't leave you like this."

        "I wouldn't be surprised if you did... after..." I couldn't get the words out.

        "I'm still furious, Billings," he muttered. I looked away. "But after today... I think I'm starting to understand. I'm not happy about it, but... I'm starting to get it."

        My heart felt heavy. "I see—"

        "But I meant what I said to Nyx about family." I froze. I met his eyes. My stomach twisted. There was that headstrong, determined look. "I'm going to prove you wrong, Billings."

        I turned away. “Please don't, Lupin... please don't do this."

        His face fell. "... What happened to you, Billings?"

        "I don't know what you're talking about."

        "What happened to the Eve I knew? The one who chased her dreams? Who wasn't afraid—"

        "She's gone," I snapped, trying to hide the tears. "She had to put someone else before her." A car horn blared. I spotted my car. "... You should take your jacket back—"

        "Keep it. I have a spare," he said. "Consider it step one in my master plan."

        "Give it up—"

        "Never," he declared. "I'm going to find out what happened to Eve, Billings, and then..." He trailed off. I raised my eyes to meet his. I hated what I found. "I'm going to steal her back," he said desperately.

        I blinked back the tears. I held myself firm. "There's nothing to steal... She's gone, Lupin."

        There it was again. The fiery look sparked in his gaze. "That's where you're wrong, Billings."

Chapter 7: Haunted

        "I hope the rain lets up soon," Mum grumbled.

        I steered the car carefully towards our destination. I eyed the rearview mirror. The twins were nodding off. "Mum," I said softly. "Have you ever heard of the Italian Dream?"

        She frowned, "No. What is it?"

        "That's what I'm trying to figure out."

        "You think it might be part of the conspiracy?"

        "Not sure yet, but whatever it is, Agent Nyx knows something, and Lupin is getting suspicious," I said.

        "And how are things with him?"

        I gnawed my lower lip. "Stubborn as always."

        "You or him?"

        "Whose side are you on?" I muttered.

        "Just trying to make an observation," she shrugged.

        I rolled my eyes, stopping the car. I stared at the old castle. "Are you sure about this, Mum?"

        "What? It's a hotel in a historic castle!" she exclaimed excitedly.

        "It's also the sight of a horrific massacre and apparently haunted."

        Mum waved it off. "We'll be fine. It's not like England."

        "Mummy... sleepy..." Alyssa whined from her carseat. Drool dripped from Ashe's mouth.

        "Alright," I caved then whispered to Mum. "But don't you dare tell them it's haunted."

        "My lips are sealed."

        We checked in and were shown to our rooms. "I advised staying in your rooms and not wandering the hallways," the manager stated then hastily left.

        "Already planning to," I grumbled. I shut the door and turned to see the girls asleep in their shared bed.

        "I'll be in my room," Mum said, going for the door. "Try to get some sleep, Van."

        "I've slept in worse places," I chuckled.

        "I recall," Mum said. "Your secret hideout... but that's not what I'm referring to."

        My smile faltered. "... I'll try, Mum, but bringing up that spot isn't helping."

        Mum paled. "I'm sorry. It slipped out—"

        "It's fine, Mum. Good night."

        Mum frowned, "Good night, Van."

---

Sixteen Years Ago...

        I stormed towards the roof, the morning newspaper in my hand. There were days I just wanted to strangle that idiot. I slammed the door open. Both boys froze. "Do either of you want to explain a factory exploding last night?" I demanded.

        Lupin cheekily grinned, "How do you know it was us?"

        "Oh, I don't know..." I hummed. "How about the dramatic flair of fireworks being the culprit?"

        "I do love a good firework show," he laughed. I smacked him with my shoe. "Ow!"

        "Unbelievable."

        "Well, now that you're here, you can help."

        "Help with what?"

        "Building a secret base here."

        "What?"

        "I'm running away!"

        "... You can't be serious?"

        "He is," Jigen said.

        "And how does he plan to build a secret base?" I frowned.

        "Easy-peasy!" Lupin declared. "Just leave everything to this genius right here!" I shouldn't have asked. I didn't even know how he got his hands on a jackhammer, but in only a few moments, he was drilling into the roof.

        "... I'm going to class," I murmured to Jigen. "Let me know when this blows up in his face." I shouldn't have gone to class. An hour later, I was taking notes, paying attention and minding my own business... when a drop of water landed on my hand. A rumbling filled the space above my head. I looked up as the ceiling cracked—then all hell broke loose. Gallons of water burst from the ceiling, flooding the classroom. I braced myself. Classmates screamed. Waves shattered the windows. I slammed into the ground. The assault slipped away, leaving me in a puddle on the floor. I opened my eyes... and found the idiot nervously grinning at me.

        "Hi, Eve," Lupin greeted then quickly grabbed a variety of objects and took off running with Jigen.

        I sat there for a moment then yanked off both of my shoes. "LUPIN!!!!!!"

~~~

        "Is there a reason why your clothes are damp?" Mum asked as I slid into the car.

        "Lupin," I muttered.

        Mum chuckled, "He's quite an interesting young man."

        "That's one way of putting it," I grumbled.

        "... And must be quite the charmer."

        I blushed, "Mum!"

        "Only teasing."

        I looked out the window. "... Is Dad coming home?"

        Mum sighed, "I don't think so, honey."

        I folded my arms. "... Men suck."

        "Evangeline—"

        "Am I wrong?"

        She pursed her lips. "Yes... and no. Not all men suck. Your grandfather and your uncle don't."

        "Uncle Al is weird."

        "But he doesn't suck."

        "True."

        "And neither do your friends."

        "Up to debate."

        "You say that now because you ended up with damp clothes—"

        "Damp clothes, ruined textbooks, and wet socks."

        "How are they doing anyway?"

        "Lupin has decided to runaway."

        "Runaway?!"

        "I give it a week," I shrugged. "His housekeeper is probably watching him like a hawk after what happened with his grandfather."

        "Keeping him safe."

        "And out of any shenanigans," I murmured under my breath.

        "I hope you're also staying out of trouble," Mum muttered.

        "Of course," I said, a bit disheartened. I had been out of trouble... since Lupin had stopped inviting me along.

~~~

        The following day was quiet... too quiet. I caught Jigen in a hallway, staring down into a trash chute. "What are you doing?" I asked.

        "Looking for Lupin," he sighed. I raised an eyebrow. "It's a long story."

        "Does it have to do with the hideout?"

        "Something like that," he grumbled. "Have you seen him?"

        "No," I frowned. "Haven't seen him all day... do you think..." I trailed off.

        "He didn't runaway," Jigen muttered.

        I gnawed on my lower lip. "... Maybe something came up with his family..."

        "He hasn't talked to you at all?"

        I shook my head. "Last we spoke was when you two flooded my class. Have you asked anyone else?"

        Jigen turned to two boys lingering nearby. "Hey." They panicked and stared at Jigen. "You seen Lupin around anywhere?" They shook their heads, nervous.

        "Where could he be?" I mumbled.

        "There's one more place," Jigen said. "Come on." We slipped outside. The sky was gray with clouds. "We set up another hideout over here—" He paused and peeked inside a storage building. "Gone. Where the hell did that asshat get off to?"

        "Maybe he skipped school today," I murmured.

        A paper airplane flew across the sky and poked Jigen's cap before dropping to his feet. He groaned, "Again with this crap..." He picked it up and read it, "Try looking instead of complaining, why dontcha?"

        "Did you two have a fight?" I sighed as Jigen crushed the sheet into a tight ball.

        "He's just digging his own grave," he growled and stormed off.

        I stood there, tapping my foot. Something was up. I waited until after school to confront Jigen. I dragged him into a shadowy corner near the school. "What is he planning?" I demanded.

        "Some half-wit scheme," he grumbled.

        "Jigen," I snapped. "What is he up to?"

        "I don't know! And I don't care!" he snarled. "I'm surprised he hasn't looped you in already!"

        "What's that supposed to mean?"

        He rolled his eyes. "You two are becoming awfully chummy—"

        "That's ridiculous! If we're so chummy, why hasn't he been dragging me along?" He paused. "And I wouldn't be asking you if we were close. He's up to something, and you know what, and he's doing it alone. What if he gets hurt?"

        "Why should I care?!"

        "Because no matter how big of an idiot he can be, he's still our friend, Jigen—our dumb, reckless friend who is probably doing something dangerous tonight." He looked away. "... I'm not going to force you to go. Just tell me what he's up to, and I'll try to talk him out of it—or at least keep an eye on him before he gets hurt."

        Jigen sighed, "Fine. He's planning to tap into an underground whiskey pipe used by American soldiers."

        I blinked. "... He's what?!"

        "I told you. Now, leave me out of this—"

        "Show me."

        "I said—"

        "Jigen, please!" I begged. "Just show me where. That's it. You don't have to get involved after that. I'll figure out the rest. Just show me where."

        He was quiet for a moment then pulled his cap farther down over his face. "Fine," he scoffed. "But that's it."

        I lied to Mum—told her I was studying with Lupin and Jigen. Jigen took me deeper into the city. Rain started and poured as the sky grew darker and darker. Finally, we reached the entrance to an underground water tunnel. I fished out a flashlight and peeked inside. The tunnel stretched for miles. Jigen turned to leave. I grabbed his arm.

        "I said—!"

        "Thank you," I cut him off. I let him go and waved. "Wish me luck!" I plunged into the tunnel. The path was long and winding with the tunnel splitting off at many turns. I wrapped an arm around myself, trying to secure some warmth. My clothes were soaked, sending cold chills throughout my body. I listened out for anything—anyone. I could make out footsteps and a light in the distance. They grew closer, and I spotted the silhouettes of three men. I dove into tunnel and held my breath.

        "Where did that brat go?" a voice growled in English.

        "We'll find him. The whole squad is searching," someone said confidently. They passed without seeing me. I hurried down the tunnel, keeping my ears open and my steps silent. I had to find Lupin first. I came upon an opening. The path overlooked another tunnel. A light popping sounded below. Pop. Pause. Pop. I peered over the edge.

        Lupin scaling the wall with toilet plungers. "Lupin," I hissed—

        BANG! 

        One plunger shattered, sending Lupin falling. He crashed onto the walkway below. A scream caught in my throat. A soldier yelled, "Over here!"

        The trio from before appeared. A sergeant amongst them raised his pistol. "Hello, boy. We're done playing hide-and-seek."

        No! I wanted to scream. Panic rose. There was no way out!

        BANG! BANG! BANG! 

        Guns went flying. I turned. "Jigen!" I cried.

        "Jigen!" Lupin called.

        I leaned over the side. "Are you hurt?" I asked.

        "Eve!" A smile broke out on his face. "Well, I'll be damned. What're you doing here?"

        Jigen hopped down. "You're the one who told me to try looking, remember?" he replied.

        I leapt over the edge, and Lupin quickly caught me, easing me onto my feet. "Thanks," I said.

        "Th-that kid's armed!" a soldier panicked.

        "Unbelievable!" another gasped.

        "Time to run," Jigen murmured.

        "Ya don't gotta tell me," Lupin said, grabbing my hand. We raced down a tunnel with a large pipe. Lupin pulled me along behind him on one side of the pipe, while Jigen raced along the other.

        "This is exactly why I told you to forget it!" Jigen scolded.

        "Oh shaddup! You're not my babysitter!"

        "Would it kill you to say thank you?!"

        Lupin made a swipe at him. "Yeah, it would!"

        "You son of a—Get over here!" Jigen leapt at Lupin who nimbly jumped and landed on top of Jigen. The gun went off, striking the pipe. Golden liquid sprayed in our faces. I couldn't breathe. The liquid burned my throat. My stomach tingled. I fought and fell out of the spray. My head felt light and airy. I stumbled and leaned against the pipe.

        "What... was that?" I hiccuped.

        The boys fell out of the spray then jumped up excitedly. "It's booze city!"

        I giggled, "So... we're drunk?" They nodded, laughing. "... Mum is going to kill you both."

        "But she likes me," Lupin drawled.

        "Not when she finds out her precious daughter is drunk," I teased, flicking his nose.

        "Then don't tell her, sweetie." I giggled harder.

        "Chummy," Jigen murmured with an intoxicated smile.

        "Shaddup!" I laughed. I turned to Lupin. "We still need to escape... Got any ideas?"

        Lupin started dumping out his pockets—half the contents looking impossible to fit inside. "I got a couple."

~~~

        "You're a genius," I snickered at the panicked screams below. The boys didn't hear, fighting over control of Lupin's little trick: a anatomy bust in his jacket attached to a fishing rod. The soldiers below kept shooting, missing and hitting the pipe above their heads. Whiskey rain drenched them.

        "Whatever! Screw the stupid pipe!" the sergeant yelled. Gunfire blasted the dummy apart.

        "Uh oh," I mumbled as the boys kept fighting loudly, ignorant to the decoy's defeat.

        "Up there!"

        The boys finally stopped, looked down, and grinned. They leapt down, and Lupin unleashed his horde of random junk. I cackled from above at the chaos as soldiers were smacked with books, appliances, bowls, and more. Whatever missed was picked up again by the boys and hurled at the confused soldiers. I leapt down into an inflatable raft, bouncing slightly. By the time I was sitting up, the boys had boarded, armed with some sort of liquid launchers. The sergeant was blasted with whiskey. A final gunshot rang out. The pipes burst above. Waves of whiskey flooded the waterway. We were swept away in the waves as the soldiers struggled in its wake.

        "Steady as she goes!" Lupin yelled. "Keep riding those whiskey waves, matey!"

        "Heads up, cap'n! There be a curve ahead!" Jigen exclaimed.

        "No sweat! We've got a certified genius onboard!" Lupin said, shooting me a wink. He quickly put something together.

        "Whatcha got there, cap'n?"

        "Here!" Lupin tossed him a frying pan tied to a metal pole.

        "What the hell is this?" He then grinned. "Oh buoy!"

        "Isn't it oar-some?" Lupin joked.

        "What about me?" I asked.

        "Sit back and enjoy the ride, pretty lady," Lupin declared. I giggled and settled in as the boys paddled. The waves bucked and splashed. We laughed and howled. We burst into the open air, more soldier screaming at the sight of the whiskey waves. "How's that for a plan?"

        "Best one yet, Mister Thief."

        He looked ready to kiss me.

~~~

        Lupin took us to his hideout at the school, pushing open a secret door in a wall.

        "Whew, that was a gas," Jigen chuckled.

        "We drowned all those suckers in booze," Lupin laughed then sneezed and shivered.

        "You okay?"

        "I'm cold...," Lupin whimpered. I snorted and wrapped my arms around him.

        "Better?"

        "A little."

        Jigen shook his head with a smile. "Well, there's a heater right there." He knelt down and lit a small heater. We laid on the rug before the heater, warming up.

        "I had a little too much to drink..." Lupin mumbled.

        "Yep. Me too," Jigen agreed.

        "I think we all did," I said.

        "Should've waited till we were a teeny bit older, huh?" Lupin murmured.

        "Yep," Jigen said, "But what a damn shame..." He pointed to a little whiskey bar set up. A sign had our names on it. My heart warmed. "That's all gonna go to waste now."

        "... So I'm still part of this trio," I murmured.

        "Why wouldn't you be?" Lupin replied drowsily.

        "You haven't been dragging me along."

        He was quiet for a moment. "... I thought after what happened with my grandfather, you wouldn't want in on my schemes."

        "Your schemes are the most fun I've ever had," I admitted. "Your grandfather's horrible, but it doesn't change how I see you. I meant what I said to my mum, Lupin. You're brave and kind." His cheeks turned red.

        "And reckless," Jigen chuckled.

        "Hey!" Lupin exclaimed.

        "Very reckless," I laughed. "But that won't stop me from getting into trouble with you—either of you."

        Lupin smiled. I sighed with relief and shut my eyes. "The same applies, Eve," Lupin said. I could hear the grin in his voice. "Or should I say... Miss Layton?"

        I sat up and stared down at him. "How did you—"

        He snickered, "I did a little digging."

        "Layton?" Jigen questioned.

        "Famous archaeologist."

        "My grandfather," I sighed. "I love him and all, but it's..."

        "Hard living in that shadow?"

        "His, my uncle's, my aunt's—even my parents'." I lowered my head. "I feel like I have to live up to their accomplishments—"

        "Hey." I looked up. My forehead rested against his. "You already do. They just don't know it yet. You'll be greater than any of them."

        I tried not to blush. I smiled, "You too. Whatever you decide."

        "... Chummy," Jigen murmured. Lupin held me back from smacking him, laughing into my shoulder.

---

        I was woken up by thuds and cursing. Part of me was irritated… but another part was thankful. I needed something to take my mind off the past. I checked on the girls and found them still asleep. I slipped out of bed, throwing on some clothes. I peeked into the hallway. Two figures were bumbling about in the dark: one tall and one short.

        "He went this way," the short one whispered.

        "Are you sure?" the tall one questioned.

        "Uh... maybe."

        They passed by a window, and the moonlight illuminated their faces. I smirked. After the trouble with Erik Urigiani, I made sure to take a look into every criminal running around Italy in the recent months. Dead bottom of the list? The Mama Family. Before me, stumbling in the dark were two underlings: Butch and Dale. I frowned. "What were they doing in this hotel?"

        I slipped off my shoes and started off after them with one hand holding my shoes and the other on my gun. "Here," the short one, Butch, said. They descended downwards. I studied the opening to a hidden passageway before proceeding forward. I trailed them silently, keeping my distance but never straying too far. The passageway was a twisting labyrinth. I was slowly growing tired of trailing the two, lost underlings... when the tunnel began to shake. A huge crashing sound followed.

        "What is it, Butchy?" the tall one, Dale, exclaimed.

        "Over here!" Butch said. They raced further. I quickly followed. I heard other voices, echoing down the tunnel.

        "Are you here because my sister told you to come here too?" a young voice asked.

        "Well, yeah," a familiar voice replied. "That's right. Sorta. She said she was worried about you all on your own. But I forgot to ask her where exactly to go, and I've been here looking for it."

        They came into view. There was a little girl, done up like a little princess in a blue dress and silver tiara. Standing in front of her, I spotted the blue jacket. I internally groaned. I couldn't catch a break. I kept to the shadows. The little girl giggled, "You'll never find it like that. It's not even here!"

        "What exactly do you mean by that, Carla?"

        The underlings readied their guns. "Yeah, that's what we want to know!" Butch said, gaining their attention. "Come on now. Show us where you're hiding the treasure." I should have guessed there was a treasure. Typical Lupin.

        "Well, well," Lupin mused, "If it isn't the dumbest criminals in all of Italy. The Mama Family."

        "He'd said we're the dumbest in Italy, Butchy," Dale happily told his companion.

        "Idiot! That's not a compliment!" Butch yelled then turned his attention back to the girl. "If that kid knows where the treasure is, then we're in. Tell us if you don't want to die! Where's the treasure?"

        Lupin perked up then waved. "Oh! Hey there, Mama!"

        I froze and quickly looked back to see no one. "What?! Mama?!" the underlings exclaimed.

        BANG! BANG! I turned back as their guns flew out of their hands. I bit back a grin. "Uh oh," Dale said. The two underlings were promptly tied up and gagged.

        "That's more like it. Just wait over here," Lupin said. "And now..." He aimed his gun towards my hiding spot. "Come out with your hands up."

        I sighed but stepped into his view. "If I'd known you were here, I wouldn't have come," I muttered, crossing my arms.

        He tucked away his gun. "After how many times we've bumped into each other, I'm starting to doubt that, Billings."

        I frowned, "I'm just doing my job."

        "And what's your current assignment?" I looked away, slipping on my shoes. I could hear the grin in his voice. "And you said Eve was gone—"

        "I was following two suspicious, known criminals, Lupin," I snapped. "That falls under my job requirements."

        "Sure it does," he hummed then turned to the little girl. "Carla, this is Evangeline Billings. She's a... well, that's complicated," he chuckled. "But she's a decent person."

        The girl looked at me then at Lupin. "Will you both help to protect the treasure with me? Please?"

        "Carla..." Lupin trailed off.

        "Treasure?" I asked.

        "Yeah!" she said cheerfully. "Come on!" She took the lead, leading us through the tunnels and down staircases.

        "So a treasure?" I muttered to Lupin.

        "Was meant for a wedding but the family was—"

        "I heard the story," I said, eyeing Carla. "That explains you being here."

        "And what about you?"

        "My mother."

        He laughed, "Makes sense. Is she still Dr. Billings?"

        "Professor," I corrected, "And no. She went back to her maiden name after the divorce."

        "Another Professor Layton," he chuckled then glanced down. "And how are the girls?"

        "Asleep right now," I muttered.

        "... They're good kids. You're raising them well."

        I felt warmth on my cheeks. I looked away. "Thank you."

        "Better than what I could do," he laughed. I blinked back the tears. "They'd probably get into even more trouble—"

        "Can we focus?" I snapped.

        His smile fell. "Sorry," he mumbled, jamming his hands into his pockets. "... Guess you're wearing a mask even when there's no threat—"

        "Or maybe this is just who I am now," I countered. "People change."

        "I don't—"

        "Are we getting close, Carla?" I asked. She shook her head.

        "Is it further underground?" Lupin questioned as we descended some stairs.

        "No, just the opposite."

        She lead us to an opening in a wall, exposing a small cliffside. A chain link dangled from a tower far above. "Why are we outside?"

        "The treasure is higher up," Carla explained. "On top of the tower. You can't climb it from the inside. This is the only way to the top of the tower."

        "What's going on here?" Lupin frowned.

        "That's what I want to know," a voice said. We turned to see the infamous Mama and her two lackeys, their guns ready. Carla clung to Lupin's leg as he pushed me behind him. "Hold it right there, Lupin. Don't move. I'm not as dumb as those two idiots."

        "Yes, I know that, Mama," Lupin replied, placing an arm around Carla.

        "Step forward with your hands up. Nice and easy."

        I sighed, and we did as she said. We were escorted to a door. Lupin and I were shoved through. The doorway dropped off into a pit. "Lupin!" Carla cried above.

        "Are you alright?" Lupin whispered.

        "Fine," I grumbled.

        "I found an interesting mechanism on my way over," Mama called down.

        "I can't wait to find out about," Lupin challenged, dusting himself off.

        "Arrivederci, Lupin." She pulled a lever. The ceiling began to rapidly descend.

        "Got any ideas?" I panicked.

        "Look for something. Anything!" he exclaimed. I frantically searched. He braced his hands on the incoming ceiling, trying to slow it. "Hurry!"

        "I'm trying!"

        "Lupin!" Carla called. "Lupin!"

        "Carla?" he replied.

        "The crest! Look for the crest!"

        "Look for the crest?"

        I scanned the walls and noticed an etching of the castle over a small gap between the wall and the floor. "There!"

        "Is that it?"

        I pushed my back to the ceiling. "Check it!" He dove and reached in. He struggled. My knees buckled and were slammed into the floor. "Lupin!"

        He pulled something. Chains clinked. The ceiling stopped. "Eve!"

        "I'm okay," I gasped.

        "Where are you, Carla?" Lupin called.

        "I'm right here, Lupin." I lowered my gaze and found her peeking in from another gap. "I know all about this castle. I'll help you."

~~~

        "Where did that stupid girl go?!" Mama yelled.

        "I can't seem to find her anywhere, Mama!" Dale exclaimed.

        "Not here either!" Butch said. They all gathered before us as we stood on the cliffside, ready.

        "Looking for someone?" Lupin called. I fought back a grin. It was showtime.

        Mama froze, "Lupin? How did you—"

        "Most traps have an emergency stop switch hidden inside of them, and if it wasn't for Carla, I'd be a panini right now." He gave the little girl a wink, making her giggle.

        "Heh. Three against one! You can't beat us!" Mama raised her gun.

        "It's not three against one." Jigen appeared, gun drawn. "I came because you guys were making so much noise. Hold it right there."

        I whipped out mine. "Make that three against three."

        Mama faltered, "Let's talk this over, Lupin."

        "Sorry, it's a little too late for that," he replied. The rumbling began. Panicked filled the trio's faces. "Oh, yeah... I pulled this out on my way over to see you." He held up a large plug. A huge wave of water came barreling towards them, sweeping up the family. We were next. Lupin grabbed Carla with one arm, and we ran towards the cliff. We leapt, grabbing the old chain and swinging out of the waves' path. The Mama family was washed away.

        "I'll get you for this, Lupin!" Mama screamed as she carried away.

        "Lupin, we need to take that post out!" Carla exclaimed, pointing to where a metal post held the chain.

        "I got it," I said and took aim. I fired. BANG! The post broke. We rocketed towards the tower, crashing through some leaves and branches. We reached the top and swung ourselves to the entrance. Inside was a vast treasure: paintings, porcelain, and fine jewels.

        "Woah..." I gasped.

        "Look, Lupin!" Carla cried, "The treasure! Isn't it amazing?"

         A chill ran up my spine. Everything was covered in dust and cobwebs. Vases were shattered. The paintings were coated in mold and mildew. No one had been in that tower in ages. Lupin scanned the room. He stopped, his body turning stiff. "What is it?" I asked and stepped forward.

        "Don't—" he whispered, but it was too late. I saw it. My hands flew to my mouth to hold in the startled cry. "Hey, Carla," Lupin said, "Have you been here on your own this whole time?"

        "Mhm. My big sister promised to come back for me and told me to stay here and watch over the treasure."

        "Right..."

        "Actually... I wanted to stay with my big sister, but..." I held back the tears. No child should have gone through that. "Um... so was my big sister worried?"

        "She was," Lupin said, "But she said the treasure's safe now. Thanks to you, Carla. I'll tell your big sister for you. So leave the rest to me."

        The sun rose, shining golden rays into the room. "Thanks, Lupin."

        "Not at all. It's my pleasure. You are not alone any longer." Carla's body laid partially hidden beneath a rolled fabric, curled into a small ball. "She's gone."

        “She didn’t deserve this,” I whispered. I felt his gaze on me. “She was no older than them…” Tears pooled down my face.

       His arms reached out. “Billings—“

       I threw myself back. I met his gaze. He saw it. The fear. He took a step back. “Don’t,” I pleaded. “Please don’t.”

       “… When did you become afraid of me?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. I looked away. “Billings—“

       “Stop!” I screamed. “Just stop! You or them. It’s between you and them—and I can’t let my babies end up like she did.”

       “We can figure it out—“

       “We can’t!” I snapped, shutting my eyes. My knees hit to floor. The tears broke free, tumbling down my cheeks. "We can't..." I whispered. "I can't do it..."

        I felt arms slid around me. I tried to fight it, but I was worn. The tears blurred my vision. I sunk into his embrace. "Okay..." His voice was soft and strained. Defeated. The tone alone broke me further. "Okay..."

~~~

        I laid the flowers at the new headstone. Mum placed her hand on my shoulder, fiddling with her crystal necklace with the other. "Are you sure—"

        "I'm okay, Mum," I assured.

        "It's not every day you encounter something like that," Mum murmured. "... He did the right thing."

        "What?"

        Mum smiled softly. "I didn't put in the call, and I know you didn't."

        I stared at Carla's headstone, sitting beside her sister's. A tear slid down my cheek. "... Oh, Lupin."

Chapter 8: Memories & Desires

        Nothing. Absolutely nothing. I drummed my fingers against the kitchen table. I couldn't find anything on this "Italian Dream". I leaned back in my seat, staring up at the ceiling. I had already reached out to the director. If he had found any leads, he hadn't shared them. I couldn't ask Agent Nyx. He would only grow suspicious. That left—I shivered. I couldn't ask him.

        "Letter for you," Mum said, dropping a vanilla envelope on the table.

        I snatched it up and studied the cursive handwriting. "No return address," I noted and carefully peeled it open.

        Inside was a short letter:

        Dear, Detective Billings.

        I can't stop thinking about our last encounter. There's something different about you. Let's hang out soon.

Yours truly,

Rebecca

        "Miss Rossellini?" I murmured.

        "Who?" Mum questioned.

        "A heiress, actress, director, CEO, designer—"

        "Goodness," Mum gasped.

        "And notorious for scandals," I added.

        Mum frowned, "Of course. Should have guessed."

        I bit my lip. "And Lupin's wife."

        "What?!" Mum exclaimed.

        "Recently married. He says they're in the middle of divorcing."

        Mum shook her head. "What was he thinking?"

        "He was thinking about a crown."

        "Poor girl."

        "I wouldn't be too sympathetic," I mumbled. "There's something off about her."

        "Why do you say that?"

        "She married Lupin." Mum raised an eyebrow. "What?" She crossed her arms. "... I didn't marry him."

        "But you did have—"

        "I was young and impulsive—"

        "So she's like how you were." I paused. "Maybe that's why he married her—"

        "He's divorcing her."

        "Well, are you going to accept?"

        "Accept what?"

        "Her invitation."

        I looked down at the envelope's other content. I pulled out the ticket. "A wine auction," I murmured.

~~~

        "Mummy, you look so pretty!" Alyssa squealed.

        I smoothed the black satin dress. It was tight around my chest, the skirt flaring out at my waist and ending at my knees. The long, tulle sleeves hung off my shoulders and flowed with my movements. I left my hair in neat waves, letting the ends brush against my bare shoulders and collar. A bit of silver eyeshadow and dark red lipstick complimented the attire.

        "I should be back before you two head to bed," I said, pressing light kisses to the twins' heads.

        "Try to enjoy yourself some," Mum advised.

        "I'll try," I assured, grabbing my small black purse.

        Outside, a limo was waiting for me. An older gentleman with silver hair stepped out. "Detective Billings?"

        "Yes."

        "My name is Robson. Miss Rebecca has asked me to escort you to the venue."

        "Thank you."

        The ride was long. I picked at my nails, going over my plan. Miss Rossellini had connections. She may know something about the Italian Dream. I would question her subtly. Our first meeting at the hotel brought a chill down my spine. I had to dodge her questions. The lavish estate came into view.

        "Miss Rebecca will be waiting for you inside," Robson informed, helping me from the limo.

        "I'm surprised she asked me to join her. This is a couple's event."

        "Rules did not specify whether the couples had to be romantic."

        "Thank you for the ride."

        I entered the estate and immediately found myself out of my league. Formally dressed men and women flaunted about with glasses of wine. An attendant approached me. "Do you have your invitation?" he asked. I fished it out of my purse. He eyed me. "And your partner—"

        "I—"

        "She's with me." Miss Rossellini appeared at my side. "So glad you decided to join me."

        "I'm still shocked you invited me," I said as the attendant slipped away.

        "I told you in the letter. I'm curious about you." She took my arm and led me into the main room. Bottles upon bottles filled various tables, outnumbering hors d'oeuvres. Guests fluttered about, glasses present with each. Miss Rossellini continued, “It's not everyday you meet a real Interpol detective—"

        "Quiet down," I shushed. "I'm off duty." I took a glass of white wine from a serving tray. "Tonight, I'm just Evangeline Billings."

        "Evangeline," she repeated, her eyes on the food.

        "I prefer Van," I said then tested, "Rebecca."

        "Really?" she hummed as I took a sip of wine. "Because I could have sworn I heard you go by Eve." I shut my eyes tight. "I thought you said you didn't know each other?"

        Before I could even think of an excuse, someone cut in. "This is what you like? Right?" My eyes shot open at that voice. I should have known. Lupin handed Rebecca a plate of fries. His eyes flickered to me. He nearly dropped the plate. "Oh, uh... Detective... wow..."

        I cleared my throat. "I'm not here to arrest you," I muttered. "I'm off duty."

        "Where on Earth did you go?" Rebecca scolded him.

        Lupin's attention snapped back to her. "I can't let myself be photographed," he replied smoothly then produced a small plant of tiny pink flowers. He tucked the stem behind her ear. "Plus, I thought this might look good on you."

        She huffed, crossing her arms. "Are you trying to give me fashion tips?"

        "Of course not," he nervously chuckled, giving her the plate. "And you wanted a white wine, right?" He ran off, vanishing into the crowd.

        "You could have warned me," I grumbled. "If we're recognized—"

        "You'll come up with a good excuse," she winked. "You're a good liar." I froze. "Don't worry. Your secret's safe with me. You didn't tell anyone about my marriage so I'll keep yours."

        I hesitated then relaxed. "I knew there was something off about you."

        "I thought the same thing," she chuckled. "... So?"

        "... We dated—once. I ended it," I revealed. "Before I joined Interpol. I was young, impulsive—it didn't work out."

        "How long were you together?"

        "A year or so."

        "You must know him well."

        "I know he's up to something."

        "How come?"

        "He's frantic,” I waved off. “Anyway, how long did it take for you two to tie the knot?"

        "A month."

        "A month?” I gasped.

        "He wanted a crown. I wanted the thrill."

        "And the divorce?"

        "His idea. Between you and me, I liked being Mrs. Lupin. It's exhilarating."

        "It's dangerous," I countered.

        "Is that why you left?" I paused. "Because you seem to still care about him."

        "... It was one of many reasons."

        "... Do you regret it?"

        I chugged the rest of the wine. "Not at all. I'm grabbing a refill. Want anything?"

        "I'll wait for Lupin."

        I stepped away and grabbed another glass. The lights shut off as a podium was illuminated. An announcer took the stage as a slideshow projection began coming to life. "Welcome to the San Marino Wine Exploration in commemoration of Count McCalman. May this be a night of fine wine and deeper love for each other." I shot down the entire glass and grabbed another. "The Count was truly devoted to the wine of San Marino, and he kept his wine collection right here in this very mansion without ever opening a single cask. And that very collection is going up for auction today. And the collection jewel is the label: the legendary Lovesick Pig!" I narrowed my eyes as the guests awed. I studied slideshow image of a happy couple. "Guido, the owner, met the biochemistry major Mimi in college, and it was love at first sight. Perhaps they were the only ones who could have created a wine that makes you fall in love." I rolled my eyes. "You see at some point—who knows when—the rumors began. Couples who drank the Lovesick Pig will be sure to find happiness forever."

        "Coincidence," I scoffed under my breath.

        "However, ten years ago, with the disappearance of his wife who was the producer of the wine, the winery went bankrupt, leaving only a handful of bottles still in existence, making it worth even more than a twenty-one-year-old Sauternes, and a whole barrel of it is available today. This is a chance of a lifetime, folks!"

        My mind started turning. Was he after the wine? I shook my head. No, he's much calmer during heists. More focused. Something else...

        The auction soon began. I searched for Rebecca. Instead, I found Lupin... pouting on a sofa. I sighed, “So I take it you’re here to steal that wine?”

        He crossed his arms in a huff, eyes shut. “For once, I’m not. Fujiko and Rebecca on the other hand—“

        ”Rebecca?” I muttered. “But she invited me. Why invite an Interpol detective to the location of your own heist? Especially after inviting you as well?”

        ”The thrill. Security is tight. She wants the challenge.”

        ”Are they working together?”

        ”No. They each invited me separately. Now, they're competing for the wine.”

        ”So that's why you were frantic. You tried to date two women at the same event,” I realized.

        He opened his eyes. ”Well, if I knew you were coming…” I rolled my eyes. “By the way, the dress suits you. Reminds me of the one you wore—“

        ”That time you left me handcuffed to a pipe?”

        ”I knew you’d escape.” I pulled out my phone. “What are you doing?”

        ”Calling a cab. I’m not about to get stuck in the middle of some wine heist. It was a mistake to come."

        "Now, wait just a minute." He jumped up and grabbed my phone.

        "Hey—"

        "Stay."

        "I can't."

        "I promise not to ruin your career."

        "You can't—"

        "First sign of trouble, I'll make a show of taking you hostage then let you go in usual fashion."

        "People have seen us together—"

        "You'e undercover. You had a feeling I would show up." I bit my lip. “When was the last time you took time for yourself?”

       “If this is another attempt at—“

       He threw up his hands. “I promise. I’m not after that tonight. You’ve been working a lot. Take the night off.”

        "... On one condition."

        "You name it."

        "Tell me what the Italian Dream is."

        He snatched up two glasses of white wine, offering me one. "Deal."

        I took it and sipped it down. "So?"

        "So?"

        "What is it?"

        "I don't have the faintest clue."

        "What?! You can't be serious."

        "I'm curious about it myself."

        "I'm leaving."

        "Hey, we had a deal. You said to tell you what I knew. I did."

        "I hate you."

        He stole a white rose from a flower display and tucked it in my hair. I blushed. "Now, let's enjoy the auction."

        "Who cares when neither one of us is bidding—" Someone shoved me. Lupin caught my waist and scowled.

        "Hey, watch it!"

        I looked behind me as a couple began to snog out in the open. "Someone's had too much."

        "They're not the only ones," Lupin murmured.

        I scanned the room. Couples were becoming increasingly frisky and clingy. "What the hell?"

        "What's going on here?" Lupin muttered then his eyes narrowed. "Wait a minute." He raced to a nearby wine table. I followed. He took a bottle and ripped off the label, revealing another.

        My eyes widened at the familiar label. "Is that? The Lovesick Pig?"

        "Looks like everyone here drank that wine." A wave of heat came over me. I stumbled backwards. "Eve—“

        "I'm—I'm fine," I stammered. My head felt heavy—like a fog was sweeping in. "I... I need a minute."

        I raced towards the nearest washroom. "Eve!"

        "Lupin!" Fujiko called in a shrill tone.

        I slammed the door shut behind me. I quickly stepped over to the nearest sink. I splashed water on my face and rubbed the cool liquid against my neck. I studied my reflection. My cheeks were flushed. My heavy breaths fogged the mirror. My heart hammered against my chest. He came to mind. Everything ached. I had to go to him. I needed— I slapped myself hard.

        I had to get control. This was the wine talking—whatever sick concoction they put in it. This wasn't me. I gripped the sink, focusing on my breathing. I had to fight it. I had to focus. Something else was going on.

        The revving of a motorbike roared from the main room. I reached under my skirt and grabbed my gun I strapped to my thigh. I slipped out of the washroom—just as a motorbike raced past. The driver looked familiar—a gaunt, older gentleman in a suit. I had seen him wondering the auction. A wine cask was settled in a sidecar. He was heading straight for a large glass doors. I raced outside as he crashed through and into a large garden of hedges. I took aim. A figure came flying down, landing on the cask. Rebecca. I scowled, kicked off my heels, and chased after. The motorbike swerved. She was thrown off.

        I reached out and braced her fall. "Ow!" she exclaimed then yelled at the driver, "I'm never going to forgive you for this."

        I took aim. BANG! BANG! Two gunshots rang out. The motorbike flipped, sending the driver and the cask flying. I glared at the second shooter.

        "It looks like you lose," Fujiko told the man, gun in hand.

        "That's what I was going to say," Rebecca growled, pulling and aiming a gun at Fujiko. "You're so clumsy. What if you broke the barrel?"

        "You worry about trivialities too much, you annoying girl," Fujiko retorted.

        "Say what you want—“

        "Ladies," I warned. "We can do this without guns."

        "Stay out of this, Van. You had your chance," Rebecca snapped. "Lupin's all mine now. I mean he already was. You know we are married."

        Fujiko chuckled, "Only on paper."

        "That's what a loser would say. Because he didn't choose you, Fujiko. You can't stand it, can you? You have been replaced."

        "Are you both really fighting over someone you both used to pull a heist?" I muttered.

        Fujiko just smiled. "So tell me... have you ever really loved someone?"

        Rebecca's eyes widened. "Huh?"

        Fujiko kicked the gun from Rebecca's hands. I aimed mine at her. She aimed hers at Rebecca. "To feel someone's love no matter how far apart you are. To feel your heart burn and shake and melt whenever you think about him. Have you ever felt that way before?"

        "And so that is how you feel about Lupin?" Rebecca questioned.

        Fujiko didn't answer. "So... have you ever felt that?"

        Rebecca crossed her arms. "You have to change your accessories with every new outfit, right? Who cares about all that heavy stuff?"

        "Oh, I feel sorry for you. You've never known any real love." Rebecca gritted her teeth. BANG! The gun flew from Fujiko's hand. "Hey!"

        "Enough! Both of you. You both drank the Lovesick Pig. Obviously, it's messing with your heads so let me clarify a few things," I growled. "First off, Fujiko, you can zip it, because no one betrays someone they deeply love as many times as you do, so you can take your own words and shove them up your ass."

        "Why you—"

        "I'm not finished, so wait a second, Mine." I turned to Rebecca. "You're also being irrational. What you're chasing with Lupin is thrill, not love." I glared at both of them. "There's a lot more to love than thrill and infatuation."

        "As if you—" Fujiko began to scoff.

        "I do know, and from where I see things, if you two are in love right now, you fell for the thief,” I murmured, “... years ago, I fell for the heart—but that was a long time ago.”

        "So why aren't you affected by the wine?" Rebecca asked.

        I forced a smile. "Let's just say... I'm used to suppressing things."

        "Well, you still gave him up."

        "And you're still drugged with something and not thinking straight."

        "Okay, that's enough." I froze, heat filling my cheeks. We turned to find Lupin, foot propped on the wine cask... his suit ruined and his pants missing. "I'm the sole winner of this little game."

        "Oh—why aren't you wearing any pants?" Rebecca asked.

        "Ran into trouble during my getaway."

        "Oh, you're so funny, my Lupin," Fujiko cooed as Lupin picked up and carried the barrel.

        "He's not your boyfriend," Rebecca argued.

        "Okay, settle down, you two," he chastised. He dropped the barrel right onto the hand of the driver who was reaching for one of the guns. He sat on the wine cask as the man screamed in pain and nursed his injured hand. "Alrighty then, gaunt old man. Let's have a chat. I finally figured out why you're after the Lovesick Pig. You wanna hear my awesome hypothesis?"

        I stepped forward and readied my gun. "And don't even think about running."

        "You fed the love potion to all the guests to get them love drunk so you could steal the barrel. But why? It doesn't make sense. If you already had that much wine, why would you need to steal a barrel of it, right? So I had to figure out why you did it."

        "That's true," Rebecca voiced.

        "Thanks for chiming in, Rebecca," Lupin acknowledged. "Which means you didn't steal the barrel for monetary gains or even to add to your present collection. So why did you need to steal it?"

        "It must be something about that barrel," Fujiko mused.

        "Great answer, Fujiko. Now, I would like you both to try and remember something. What did this old man say to us when he appeared before us on that motorcycle." I threw him a confused look. "You were in the washroom. Feeling better?"

        "Fine," I lied. "Continue."

        "The words he said "got her back" and the fact that he has an endless supply of wine can only mean one thing." He looked at the man. "You are the producer of the Lovesick Pig: Guido Cessario."

        The man looked shocked. My eyes widened. I studied his features. "You know I think you're right," Fujiko agreed.

       "No way. He's gotten so skinny," Rebecca murmured.

        "But his key features are still present," I said. "This is Cessario."

        "Your wife who disappeared," Lupin went on. "She studied bioengineering, right?" Cessario looked away. "It was her, wasn't it, Guido? She concocted the love potion. Isn't that right?" Cessario looked at Lupin, sweat pouring from his face. "Was that why she disappeared? Because she didn't want to injure the love potion into the Lovesick Pig wine anymore? Isn't that what she said?" He patted the barrel.

        My stomach sank. "... He didn't," I mumbled.

        "This wine has the love potion mixed in to it?" Rebecca asked.

        Cessario hunched over and began to sob. "It makes you feel like you're in love with whoever's in front of your eyes at the time when you first drink the wine, right?" Lupin explained, "That's why everyone was in love with me."

        "So tell me do you have any idea what the secret is behind the barrel?" Rebecca questioned.

        I felt sick to my stomach. "Oh please, you haven't figured it out yet," Fujiko said.

        "Just tell me the secret!"

        "Think about why his wife disappeared and why they went bankrupt because they couldn't produce any more of this Lovesick Pig wine," Lupin hinted.

        "Also, how the count collected his wine," Fujiko added.

        "He kept his collection without drinking any of it," Rebecca recalled.

        "And why steal the wine tonight of all nights?" I offered, glaring at the old man.

        Rebecca gasped then ran at the barrel. Lupin jumped off. I backed away. "Hey, stop!" Cessario yelled, leaping to his feet.

        "No, why would we!" She kicked the barrel. It burst open. The wine slipped out... and the body collapsed onto the ground. Cessario sank to his knees.

        "If this ever got out into the real world, you and your company would be ruined, and that would be the end of your life," Lupin concluded.

        The old man sobbed, "Mimi. Forgive me."

        I fished out a pair of handcuffs from my purse. "You can explain this to the police, Cessario," I said, cuffing his wrists behind his back. I forced him to his feet. "I'll start making calls." I eyed Lupin. "You better leave before they show up."

        "Thanks for the warning," he smiled.

        "I'm so glad I didn't steal it," Rebecca sighed.

        "You drank it too, right, Lupin?" Fujiko questioned, "The Lovesick Pig wine?"

        "Yeah, of course I did," Lupin shrugged.

        "Then why didn't the love potion work on you?"

        "... I don't know..."

        "You can't even figure that out," Rebecca scoffed at Fujiko. "I mean, Lupin's already in love with every woman in the world."

        "Oh... so close, Rebecca," I chuckled.

        "Huh?" all three voiced.

        "True, he's in love with all women... and all thrills, schemes, chases—Adventure," I listed. "If I had to sum it up in one word, he's in love with life, and he never stops showing it."

        "Well, aren't you poetic?" Lupin winked.

        "Don't take it as meaning anything, Lupin," I said. "I'm just observant... and I also drank the wine."

~~~

        The limo pulled to a stop near my residence. "Tonight was... interesting, Rebecca" I murmured, reaching for the door. "Have a good evening—"

        "Well, that didn't worked like I wanted," Rebecca sighed.

        I turned to her. "What are you talking about?"

        She flashed me an apologetic smile. "Sorry, Van. My goal tonight was to steal the wine underneath Lupin's nose, but to do that, I needed something to distract him... or someone."

        My face burned. "You used me!"

        "Oh, calm down. I lost."

        "Why me? You could have hired someone!"

        Her smile faltered. She gazed at the window. "If what you said was right, then if Lupin loves life..." Her eyes settled on me. "Then you're his life. The way he looks at you—"

        "He looks at every woman the same way," I countered.

        "No. There's something different. I've seen how he looks at Mine and me. It's nothing in comparison to you. That's why I knew. I knew if I wanted to distract Lupin, I needed you—"

        "Stop it!" I snapped. The first tear slid down my cheek.

        She paled. "Van?"

        "Enough," I silenced. "Don't involve me in this. I won't—" I choked, trying to hold myself together.

        "Van—"

        "Goodbye, Ms. Rossellini. I hope this is our last correspondence." I threw myself out of the limo and slammed the door behind me. I hurried up to the rental. The tears were streaming. My hand shook as I dug for my keys. It was too much. It was all too much—

        "Gran!" I froze at the laughter of my little girls. I slipped into the stairwell and collapsed. I let the tears come freely. My heart ached. My head spun. I let it all out. I pulled out tissues to wipe my eyes and blow my nose. I touched up my makeup and waited for my red nose to fade. I rose to my feet. I approached the door with my key in a steady hand. I entered. My girls were in my arms, giggling and happy.

        Mum stepped forward. "How was it?"

        I forced a smile. "Boring. Wished I'd stay home instead."

Chapter 9: Caged Birds

Notes:

I'm alive... ish. My life outside of writing has been hectic, and I've been working on major revisions for this story and its future. A few things have been changed which will be important going forward. One: the twins are now named Alyssa and Ashe, and some of their lines have been swapped. Second: Van's mother has been renamed Katrina. Third: I've removed the name scene from chapter three. Fourth: I've removed the side OC Cole from Chapter 6. Things have changed so both are no longer needed. I hope to find a new writing schedule soon as I draw this current arc to a close. I now present you the most crucial chapter (so far). Be ready for epic twists coming soon! Thank you for reading!

Sixteen Years Ago...

        I leaned back into the seat, taking in the movie on the giant screen. I kept my fingers crossed that no one would look over and realize the car next to them lacked any legal-age drivers.

        "Check out the mug on that guy!" Jigen said as some gunman came onto the screen.

        "It's so absurd," Lupin laughed, leaning against the wheel. His smile slipped away. "If you think about it, the whole thing's absurd," he murmured.

        "Hm?" Jigen hummed, smoking his cigarette.

        "I just mean that real life doesn't work how things in the movies do," Lupin muttered.

        His words were lost as the projector blew. The black-and-white film flinched then vanished from the screen just as damsel was about to be saved from the villain's clutches. "Well, there goes that," I mumbled, crossing my arms.

        "That's gonna take time to fix," Jigen said as other watchers angrily yelled. "Wanna leave?"

        "The show must go on!" Lupin declared. "And we've got a gunman right here." He then winked at me. "Plus a young damsel."

        I rolled my eyes with a smile. "Why not?" I shrugged then frowned, "But call me a damsel again, and you're getting a shoe to the face."

        We hopped out and rushed to the stage. Lupin caught my waist and pointed a finger gun at Jigen. "I never can please you. I was just covering you in case of trouble!" he exclaimed.

        "Oh my!" I swooned, throwing a dramatic hand to my forehead.

        "Before anybody kills me, they got to get my okay!" Jigen declared and fired his actual gun into the air above our heads. "Bang! Bang! Bang!" Lupin released me and fell backwards.

        "Hell yeah, gunman!" someone in the audience cheered.

        "Holy moly! That's a real pistol!" someone realized.

        "Hey! Get down from there!" the projectionist yelled.

        "Whaddya we do, Kid? It's a lawman," Jigen continued.

        "We hightail it outta here, Doc!" Lupin declared. We raced off the stage and into the car. We took off, laughing—just a trio of dumb kids. Lupin dropped off Jigen first before taking me to my flat.

        "Mum's going to kill me. It's so late," I chuckled nervously.

        "Want me to come in and smooth talk her?" Lupin joked.

        "No, but thanks for offering." I stepped out and hesitated for a moment. I looked back.

        He grinned, "Good night, Eve."

        I blushed, "Good night, Lupin." I hurried inside. "Mum?" I called, "I'm sorry I'm back so late. The movie ran longer—"

        I found her in her bedroom. She offered me a sad smile. "It's fine, sweetheart."

        "Is something wrong?"

        "I need to talk to you." She patted a spot on the bed beside her.

        "What's going on?" I asked, taking a seat.

        "... Your father and I are getting divorced."

        I looked down. "I thought so... we haven't talked since—"

        "I know," Mum nodded, "But... there's something else." I glanced up at her. "... We're leaving Japan."

        I froze. "W-What?"

        "In a week. We're moving to London. With the finances... I can't support us here. I have family there. We'll find a way." Tears welled in my eyes. "I'm so sorry, Van. I know you have friends here."

        I cried myself to sleep that night. It was the last night of childish antics... the last night before hell broke loose.

---

        BANG! BANG! BANG! I shot out of bed, throwing on my dressing gown. I was going to strangle whoever was pounding on my door, risking waking my girls... and on my day off no less! I threw open the door.

        "What do you think you're doing—Hey!" I was shoved back into the apartment. The door slammed shut... with Lupin pressed against it, an old book held to his chest. "Lupin!"

        "Morning, chérie," he chuckled, a bit out of breath. "Any chance I could get a glass of water?"

        "What are you doing here—How did you know where I was staying?" He glanced away sheepishly. "You've been stalking me?! For how long?!"

        "It's only fair seeing as the twins are—" I crossed my arms. "... Since our first meeting with Nyx."

        "You can't be here," I hissed.

        "I need your help."

        "Out of the question—"

        "Just look at this first and then you can throw me out." I paused, eyeing the book. "... It's right up your alley—"

        "You have five minutes unless the twins wake up. Then you're out the door."

        His eyes darkened. "Because you don't want them realizing—"

        "Because they know you're a thief and too young to understand your gray morality."

        He paused. "... Oh... so do they—"

        "No, and for the exact same reason." He opened his mouth. "You have four minutes." He thrusted open the old book. I stared in disbelief—pages upon pages of cryptic scribbles, odd sketches, and cipher-like, handwritten text. "Where did you—"

        "Read this page." He flipped to a single page with a few lines, all in Italian.

        "I'm going to give you a sense of immortality, right where the fourth tower is not, under the complete protection of the Goddess of Liberty," I read. The words sent my head whirling. "What does it mean?" Lupin grinned and produced a map from his suit jacket. He rolled it out across the kitchen table. I studied it. My fingertips drifted along. My eyes spotted something peculiar. "The three towers of San Marino."

        "Constructed and evenly spaced," Lupin hinted.

        "The same distance apart," I murmured, "Which would mean..." I traced my finger down the hidden path. "Under the complete protection of..." I mumbled.

        Lupin tapped on where a plaza sat. "There's a statue in this spot that faces the direction—"

        "Of where a fourth tower would be placed," I realized. I glanced at him. "Why are you showing me this?"

        "Because Rebecca's been trying to decipher this book for years," he frowned, "And she was abducted from this location last night."

        "What?" I gasped. "Do you know who?"

        "I'm afraid our friends in MI6."

---

Sixteen Years Ago...

        Mum took me shopping for packing supplies. I walked in a daze. In a week, I would have to say goodbye to Japan... to Jigen... to Lupin—

        I spotted him through a storefront window, surveying over jewelry. I turned to Mum. "I see Lupin," I said.

        Mum nodded her head. "Go on. Get home safe."

        I raced across the street and ducked inside. I snuck up right behind him. A jewelry clerk tried to hide his smile as he showed Lupin a silver necklace with a heart pendant. "This one?" the clerk asked.

        "Yeah. She'll love it—"

        "Who will love it?" I butted in.

        Lupin nearly jumped out of his skin. He whipped around and stared at me. "When did you—"

        "Just now. Christmas shopping?"

        He nodded, face red. "For Yoko."

        My heart sank a little, but I smiled through it. "I think she'll love it."

        He grinned and quickly paid for it. "Want to come with me?"

        "Are we grabbing Jigen?"

        He shook his head. "Nah. He's busy. Coming?"

        "Uh, sure." I decided to wait to tell him. I wanted both present. He drove us to Yoko's work while I wrapped his gift.

        "Thanks," he grinned.

        "Least I can do," I shrugged. "I can't afford to buy any gifts this year."

        He pouted, "Nothing for me."

        "Hmmm," I hummed, "Maybe I'll think of something."

        We waited until a server came out, hauling a trash bin. "Is Ms. Yoko around?" Lupin asked, hiding the gift behind his back.

        "Nah, she's taking time off," the server said. "Got some bad bruises."

        "What?" I gasped.

        "Bruises?" Lupin questioned.

        "From a guy," the server clarified. "Seems she's been dating a real asshole, lately. Keeps showing up with all sorts of injuries. But this time, it was on her face, which wouldn't go over well with the customers here."

        "Do you know where she lives?" I asked. The server gave us her address, and we raced away. Lupin gripped the steering wheel tightly. We reached her address, and I silently followed Lupin up to her flat. Lupin repeatedly rang her bell.

        "Yoko? It's me, Lupin! And Evangeline!" he called. After several rings, the door unlocked. Lupin reached for the knob, but the door creaked open. "Hi, Yoko—"

        It wasn't Yoko. It was a man—a tall, strong, intimidating man with dark eyes and an even darker scowl. "Yoko's not here right now," his voice groveled. He went to close the door.

        Lupin slammed his foot in the way. "So, are you the guy she's been dating?" he interrogated coldly.

        "None of your business, kid."

        Lupin quickly reached in and undid the security chain. "Oh, yeah? Did that look like something a kid can d—"

        The door flew open. Lupin slammed into me. We crashed into a brick wall behind us. The man came out, swinging something. I didn't have time to tell what it was before Lupin shoved my head down. The bricks cracked from the blow. We ran down the hallway, Lupin shoving me ahead. I heard him gasp. I looked back and froze. The man held Lupin up by his wrist. Lupin squirmed frantically— POP! He dropped to the ground, the fake hand left in the man's grasp. "Run!" he yelled.

        I remained still, trembling. The man kicked Lupin into a potted plant. He stalked towards him. Lupin scampered to his feet and tried to keep some distance between them. The man was faster. He grabbed Lupin by the throat. "Stop!" I screamed and charged towards the man. He swung his hand and struck my chest, shoving me into a wall.

        "Leave her—" Lupin choked, but the man slammed him against a wall as the elevator dinged. Yoko stepped out. The man swung Lupin through the air and into a table, shattering it.

        "Lupin?!" Yoko exclaimed. I pushed myself to my feet and shielded him from the man. "Evangeline?!" She knelt down at Lupin's side, blocking the man from me. "Are you alright, Lupin?!" She gently tried to lift him into a sitting position. Lupin winced in pain. She looked up at the man. "Stop it, Gaucho. I'm friends with these kids."

        Lupin regained his bearing. "Yoko! Is he the guy who hit you?!"

        "Yeah," the man admitted.

        I reached for Lupin's hand. "Lupin, Evangeline," Yoko said firmly, "You need to go."

        "Now way!" Lupin argued, glaring at the man.

        "This is an adult problem that's between the two of us," she said. "Kids like you should stay out of it."

        "But..." Lupin faltered then lowered his head. I helped him to his feet and placed his arm around my shoulders. He gripped his side, limping as we walked away.

        "Don't ever come back," the man threatened, "You're dead meat the next time I see you."

        Lupin looked back. I expected some witty comeback... but he remained silent.

~~~

        "I must insist you stop putting yourself in danger, young master," the housekeeper Shinobu lectured Lupin as she tended to his injuries. We sat in his home's parlor, Jigen joining us. "You're disobeying your father's wishes." She cracked his foot, causing him to flinch.

        "Aw shaddup!" Lupin snapped, "I only lost because I was caught off guard! And that's never gonna happen again!"

        "That's not the way I see it," Jigen muttered as he skinned an apple. "Those wounds are telling me you got totally railroaded. You didn't even land a single punch, didja? I know you're not weak which means that whoever you were fighting must have been a seasoned pro. Lupin... you need to let this go."

        Lupin shot out of his seat. "Say what?!"

        "You're gonna walk the straight and narrow, yeah?" Jigen said. "Then it's about time you quit all the daredevil antics."

        "Who said I was walking the straight and narrow?!" Lupin yelled.

        "Does that mean you're going to follow your gramps and become a thief instead?"

        Lupin scoffed, crossing his arms. "There's no way in hell I'm obeying that crazy windbag."

        "So what else are you gonna do?" Jigen demanded. "You're refusing every option being offered to you, just like a baby throwing a tantrum!" Lupin remained silent, flopping back down into his seat. Shinobu placed a bandaid across his nose. "Lupin. Believe it or not, I have blood on my hands. I've killed more than once. Quite a lot, actually. So take it from me, Lupin... you still have a chance to get out clean. Go back to the sunny side of life, rich kid."

        "... I'm not... a rich kid..."

        "If you say so," Jigen said, standing. He went for the door. "Lupin," he called back. "Hanging around and getting into hijinks with you was a gas. So long, man. And Billings?" I perked up, my heart heavy. "Don't let him get you killed—"

        "I'm moving," I announced. Jigen stiffened. Lupin's face fell. "My mum just told me. I'm leaving in a week."

        "... Then it was nice knowing you," Jigen said... then shut the door.

        Lupin wouldn't meet a single gaze. "Lupin—" I tried.

        "You should go. You need to pack," he muttered bitterly.

        "Lupin—"

        "I said go!"

        I ran out in tears.

---

        I shook my head. I needed to focus.

        "You alright there, Billings?" Inspector Zenigata questioned.

        "Fine," I sighed, "Just haven't been sleeping well." I eyed the ruins and the MI6 agents posted. It was going to be a difficult operation.

        "He'll show. Don't worry," Zenigata assured. I knew he would. His calling card gave the perfect excuse for my presence.

        I drummed my fingers against my arm. "... Zenigata," I mumbled.

        "Huh?"

        "Why did you do it?"

        "What do you mean?"

        "The director told me. I joined Interpol for a desk job. I never planned on being a detective. Why did you fight for me to be one?"

        He was silent for a moment then sighed with a slight smile, "Because you don't belong behind a desk. You're a good detective, Billings—in more ways than one. You and I both know the system isn't perfect."

        "Corruption on all levels," I muttered.

        "So we need every good detective we can get. Ones that see past all of it and do the right thing when the time comes." He glanced at me. "And did you really want to be at a desk all day?"

        I snorted, "No. It was just practical. I needed something steady for the girls."

        "How are they turning out?"

        I groaned, "Trouble... but I suppose they get that from me."

        "If they're anything like you, Billings, the world is in for a reckoning—"

        BANG! Gunfire. I spotted the pair. I bit down my guilt. "Cover me!" I yelled to Zenigata and raced towards the pair. They reached the vehicle. His arm swung out. The barrel of the gun pressed against my head. I raised my hands. "It's me, Nyx."

        "How can I—"

        "If one hair is harmed on either of my daughters' head, I'll ruin you," I reminded.

        He paused then lowered his weapon. "Get in."

        I slid into the backseat. Rebecca was already in the front passenger seat. "What's the situation?" I inquired as Nyx drove towards the embassy.

        "Lupin and his gang infiltrated MI6. I can't trust any agent," Nyx informed.

        "Why do you have Miss Rossellini?" I questioned.

        "That is MI6's business."

        I relented with a frown. "I understand." I glanced at her. They had left her in only a sports bra and small shorts. My stomach churned. I eyed every torture mark on display.

        We arrived at the embassy. Nyx pressed on his com. "Director, we have arrived. Please respond immediately." There was no response. "Director, come in!"

        BANG! A shot bounced off the windshield. I spotted Jigen ahead. Nyx slipped out, using the car door as a shield.

        "Why is this happening?" Rebecca questioned, terrified.

        Her door opened. "How dare you treat my wife that way!" Lupin scolded, pulling her from the car. He covered her in his jacket and quickly led her to where Jigen was waiting. Goemon dropped from above, slicing apart Nyx's bullets. I slipped out and aimed my gun for show.

        "What do you think you're doing?" Nyx demanded.

        "Take it easy there, agent," Lupin replied. "MI6 is a covert organization with an impregnable chain of command." He grinned deviously. "But if you look at it another way, all I have to do is take over that chain of command, and I have complete control. That's why—at the right hour—I programmed the satellite to shut down communications."

        "You scoundrel," Nyx seethed, "You disguised yourself as the director!"

        "Exactly right. Once the agents believed the director had trusted them completely, I knew you'd be falling all over yourselves to bring Rebecca right back here. Apparently, it's not so difficult to fool MI6."

        "Why you..." Nyx growled.

        "Mr. Nyx, you're the outstanding agent who broke through the net cast by the other agents to be victorious. How about an interview?" Lupin playfully mocked. "Tell me all about it."

        Nyx regained his composure. "You really think you've won?" Nyx questioned calmly.

        "My, my, you sound very confident for a man in your position. It's three-against-two."

        My ears perked up as vehicles approached. Jigen noticed too. "Huh?" he said as MI6 began pulling onto the scene. "It's three-against-fourteen." Agents began surrounding, weapons ready. I held my breath.

        "I believe idle talk is over," Goemon said.

        "Uh oh," Lupin muttered. "This is not good." I wanted to strangle him. They should have ran when they had the chance!

        An engine reeved. Tires squealed. Another car broke through the line and swerved, putting itself between Nyx and the gang. Robson stepped out. He held up an iPad, showing footage of a home complex. "Don't you dare touch that," he warned Nyx. Nyx gasped and froze, his eyes zoned in on the footage. "Just as you are charged with protecting the interests of your nation, I am charged with protecting Miss Rebecca. If anything should happen to her, your home is one phone call away from complete destruction!"

        "What?!" I gasped. My eyes flickered to the gang.

        "Hey! This is the first I'm hearing about it," Jigen grumbled. Lupin frowned, catching my gaze. Robson had made his own plans.

        "All of you! Drop your guns now!" Robson ordered, clutching his phone in his other hand.

        Nyx began to shake. He seethed with rage. I slowly backed away. "I thought I warned you," he snarled. "Are you provoking me?"

        "... Yeah," Lupin decided to play along. "It's just insurance in case the worse happens." My stomach dropped. He just had to go and push the limits.

        "What—Eh, yes. You could say that," Robson agreed.

        Nyx shut his eyes. His veins pulsed. His eyes snapped open—wild and unhinged. "You've made a big mistake you will deeply regret!" he growled.

        Lupin stiffened in fear then relax, his devilish smile returning, "Hey, gang. It looks like we made him a little angry."

        The agents began surrounding Nyx, guns drawn. "Nyx, calm down," one pleaded. "Calm down."

        "What's happening?" Rebecca cried.

        "Let's run while we can!" Lupin ordered. They piled into Robson's vehicle.

        "We're acting on the director's orders!" another agent said, aiming his gun.

        "Don't make me pull the trigger!" a third warned.

        Nyx snapped. He struck both agents, knocking them down in seconds. BANG! He moved. The bullet sailed an inch from him. A hail of gunfire started. I stood, frozen. My gun trembled in my hand. Robson's vehicle swung around, preparing to take off—until the passenger door flew opened. The agents were focused on Nyx. He was focused on them, throwing them aside like weak pests. A hand caught my waist. Another grasped my shaking hands. "Let's go," Lupin said.

        I blinked then wordlessly followed. I slipped into the front seat. Lupin shut the door behind him. We sped off, the fight continuing behind us. "He just dodged them. It's like he isn't even human," Jigen muttered.

        "You know... he's really like a rat," Lupin murmured.

        "And you just provoked him," I mumbled. "... He'll be after you next."

---

Sixteen Years Ago...

        Jigen didn't show up to school. Lupin avoided me like the plague. I sat in my room, boxing up everything. I moved. My elbow knocked into a framed photo. It hit the floor, glass shattering. I stared down at it. Tears welled up in my eyes. A week ago, Mum insisted on a photo. Our trio stood together: Jigen brooding, me trying not to be embarrassed, and Lupin all smiles with his arms around Jigen and me. I gently brushed aside the glass shards and lifted the photo closer.

        "Van, I heard a—" Mum stopped in her tracks. She carefully stepped over the mess and wrapped her arms around me. "I'm sorry."

        "They won't talk to me. There's so much I want to say."

        "... Then say it," Mum advised.

        "What about—"

        "We have a few more days. The packing can wait. Go do what you need to."

        I gave her a hug and flew out of the flat. I ran towards Lupin's manor, catching short train rides and the rest on foot. I was about halfway there when a car horn blared. I looked back as a red car drove up to the curb. A scruffy but well-dressed man sat at the wheel. He flashed me a smile. "Need a lift?"

        I looked at his passenger: Shinobu! "Are you on your way to see the young master?" she questioned. I slowly nodded. "Then join us. We're heading there now."

        My eyes flickered back to the driver. "Then you must be—" I mumbled.

        "Lupin II," he proclaimed. "And you must be the young lady my son's been spending quite some time with." I blushed and slid into the backseat. We shot off towards the mansion. The main gate had been busted through. A covered truck sat waiting. "You're going to want to stay down for a moment, miss. It appears we have company." I ducked down, hiding behind their seats. They drove onto the property. BANG! BANG BANG! The fire fight started. The car swerved, swinging around before coming to a stop. I felt a hand on my shoulder. Lupin II stood with his gun drawn. "Come with me. Now." He ushered me inside the mansion as Shinobu stayed behind. He pushed me towards the stairs. "Get to my son. I'll handle the intruders."

        I didn't hesitate. I raced up the stairs to Lupin's room. I burst in. "Lupin!" He was gone. His window sat open. I poked my head out and heard voices. I climbed out onto the roof. Above, Jigen stood, his gun trained on Lupin.

        "Lupin. Go back to living an honest life," Jigen warned, slowly backing Lupin across the roof.

        "Screw that!" Lupin snapped. "My gramps and my dad are bad enough! And now you?! Why the hell does everybody think they get to decide my life?! What gives any of them the right to order me around, dammit?!"

        "Lupin! Jigen!" I climbed to their level, balancing along the top. "What the hell is going on?!"

        "You need to leave," Lupin said.

        "Before you get—" Jigen started to say.

        "Don't try to shield me!" I yelled. "And tell me what's going on?!" Before either of them could speak, Shinobu flipped over my head. She landed gracefully. Jigen aimed his gun. She flipped and moved across the roof. She swung a kick at his gun but missed. The movement though threw her in between the two boys. A gun appeared in her hand. The standoff began.

        "Are you okay, young master?" she asked Lupin.

        "Where have you been?" Lupin questioned.

        "I was busy doing a little cleaning downstairs," she lied.

        "Please put the gun down," he said. "You get it, right? He's on our side.

        "No, he's not."

        "Huh?"

        "This boy is a thug who will drag you into a life of crime. He's a bad influence."

        A light flurry of snowflakes began to fall. Jigen smirked, "You got that right."

        "Stop it!" Lupin yelled and moved between the two. "Jigen isn't a bad influence! He's someone I chose to get involved with!"

        "Stand aside, Lupin," Jigen said. Lupin looked back at him, shocked. "Sorry, man, but I'm a happy camper right now. The thing is... whenever I'm faced with a tough opponent, I can't help but get pumped the hell up."

        I slowly stepped forward and placed myself between the drawn guns. Jigen glared at me. I offered a small smile. "I’m not letting you get shot—Though I... get it.” His gaze softened. “I mean... there's something about a good mystery—a good case. A grand adventure with high stakes. It's a challenge—something you want to give your all." I glanced back at Shinobu. “Even if there’s a risk you don’t make it out.”

        "I'm surprised," Jigen chuckled. “Is that why you stuck around?”

        "For the first bit. It took a while for you two to grow on me."

        “I always thought you were out for justice. Never guessed you were just as crazy,” Jigen said then shook his head. “Two crazy thrill—“ Lupin started to laugh. We turned to him. He held his stomach, his laughter hard and joyous.

        "It's the same for me!" he exclaimed. "I wanna ride that high all the time! The things that get us pumped up are the most important in life!" He turned to Shinobu, tearing the bandaid off his nose. "That settles it!" He smiled confidently, "I'm going to be a thief." We stared at him in shock. "But I'm not taking orders from that old coot! And I don't care what my dad thinks, either! Instead... I'll abide by the thrills that my heart seeks!"

        "What do you mean?" Shinobu murmured.

        "It means that I'm going to live however I like!" He took a breath. "Keep a close eye on me, okay? Because I'm about to pull off my first heist as Lupin III." He turned towards Jigen and me.

        Jigen laughed, "What are you gonna do? Steal my gun before I pull the trigger or something?"

        He walked calmly towards us. "This is my first theft as a pro," he said, "It's not gonna be a dull trinket like that." He stood right before us, unafraid of Jigen's gun. He raised his hands... and placed them against our chests. My face exploded. Lupin bashfully smiled. Jigen lowered his gun. Lupin stepped back. "So... was I able to steal it?"

        Jigen pulled his cap down. "... I'd say so."

        I bit my lip then admitted, "You already did." His eyes widened. I winked. "I'd say you've been a pro thief longer than you think." Pink dusted his cheeks. "Now... I think there's another heist you need to pull, and I would love to see it before I go."

        He grinned. "You've read my mind."

---

        We made it to the gang's hideout—a small flat deep within the city. Fujiko was waiting for us. I immediately excused myself and called my mother, explaining the situation. "Can you—" I started.

        "Already on it. Just focus on yourself right now," Mum said. "Be careful, Van."

        "You too." I hung up, gripping my phone tightly. That was one worry gone. Now, I had to confront the next. I slipped back into the main room. Rebecca stormed past me and slammed the door shut behind her. I glanced at the gang and Robson. "What did I miss?"

        Robson turned to Lupin. "Mr. Lupin," he addressed. "For Rebecca's honor, I must say this. You are mistaken."

        "Then why is she upset?" Fujiko questioned.

        "The man who actually authored that prolific book... " I gazed at the book in Lupin's hands—the one that started the mess. "Is the one and only man Miss Rebecca has ever loved." I gasped and covered my mouth. The room fell into a tense silence. "Sadly, one day, he took his own life—without even leaving a will behind. Which is why Miss Rebecca is trying to figure out what he was thinking and what is intentions were."

        "Calling men accessories and putting on a tough front," Fujiko realized. "There's a sweet side to her after all—"

        "Shut it, Fujiko," I warned.

        "I don't understand," Goemon questioned. "What does that man Nyx have to do with the secret service?"

        All eyes landed on me. I sighed, "I don't know. He's kept quiet on most things. Never let me get too close."

        "The answer has to be in here somewhere," Lupin said, flipping through the book.

        Jigen took a drag from his cigarette. "Lupin, aren't you able to decipher it?"

        "I don't think it's possible," Robson sighed, "After all, I spent years on it to absolutely no avail."

        Lupin grinned, "I'm up for the challenge." Robson stared at him in disbelief. "It's the job of a loving and dutiful husband—" he declared. "To make his wife's dream come true."

        I stepped forward. "I'll assist too."

        "You?" Robson gasped. "But—"

        "Deciphering cryptic messages runs in the family," I smiled. "Being a Layton comes before Interpol."

        "You're serious?" Jigen muttered.

        "Absolutely—"

        "Absolutely not!" Lupin snapped, jumping up.

        "You need help."

        "Not from you!"

        "You know I'm experienced in this—"

        "This doesn't concern you."

        "You dragged me into this. It concerns me now!" I fumed.

        "And your part is done. I'll show you to the door." He grabbed my arm and tried to lead me.

        I stood my ground, gritting my teeth together. "What's with the sudden change of tune? You've been trying to partner up since—"

        "We aren't having this conversation," he stubbornly refused.

        "You've been wanting this conversation for weeks."

        "We aren't talking about it now."

        I ripped my arm free and put my hands on my hips, glaring at him. "Oh, yes we are!"

        "No, we're not!"

        "We are!"

        "So now you suddenly care—"

        "You saw what Nyx did!" We were nose to nose, breaths sharp and frustrated.

        "Billings—"

        "Lupin—"

        "Evangeline—"

        "Arsène!"

        The room collectively gasped. Fujiko's mouth hung opened. Jigen's cigarette fell from his lips and sizzled on the ground. Goemon swiftly glanced at his blade. Robson looked between us. Lupin grumbled under his breath. "Other room. Now," he ordered. I silently followed him. He shut the door but refused to turn around. "You need to go."

        "I'm not fucking leaving!" I argued. "Nyx has snapped, and he's after you. He's out for blood, Lupin!"

        "You need to go."

        "I just said—"

        "You need to go, Billings!" he yelled. "You're going to get hurt—"

        "I'm not leaving you with this!" I snapped.

        "Yet you keep pushing me away! Why is this different? It's what you've wanted!"

        "This isn't what I want!" I screamed.

        "Then what is—"

        "Because I never want to cage you!" He finally turned and met my gaze. His eyes were glassy. "I knew, Lupin. I fucking knew if I told you, you'd give everything up. The thefts. The schemes. The thrills. You'd give that up for me, for them... but those are what make you the person you are." I stepped forward and placed my hand on his heart. I felt the hurried thumping. "Do you remember what you said? About chasing the thrills? This is you. It's the you I followed faithfully. I couldn't cage you, Lupin. I could never bring myself to do that, but I also couldn’t risk their safety." He stared at me. All he did was stare. I looked down. "I'm sorry—"

        His arms circled my waist, and he buried his face in my neck. "... Eve..." he breathed.

        I broke down, tears seeping into his jacket. "I'm so sorry. I wanted to tell you, but I couldn't."

        "You're stubborn with yourself," he teased.

        "The girls inherited it," I revealed. "They got my stubbornness and your charm. Every day, they reminded me of you. Deep down, I wanted to tell you, but I couldn't bring them into a life of thievery, and it would kill me to keep you from it."

        "So you chose to keep us apart in hopes everyone would be happy," Lupin concluded. He stepped back and cupped my face. "But what about you, Eve?"

        I sniffled. "The girls are my happiness."

        "But your dreams—"

        "The girls come first. I left that all behind for them."

        "Eve—"

        "And you would have done the same. You would have caged yourself. Better just one of us than both."

        "But now you're putting everything on the line to help me."

        "I can’t stand by."

        "Eve—"

        "No buts. I'm not leaving you when Nyx is on a war path. I'm not taking that risk."

        "What about the girls?"

        "On an overnight trip out of the city with my mum. I phoned her. I didn't want them anywhere near what could happen."

        "That's probably for the best," he agreed.

        "I'm not going anywhere," I declared. "So let's hop to it."

        "Huh?"

        I cracked a grin. "We need to find out what's going on."

        He paused then shook his head with a chuckle. "There you are."

Series this work belongs to:

• Part 1 of Celestial