Lupin III Fan Fiction ❯ Daddy's Girl ❯ Lightning Time ( Chapter 29 )

Daddy's Girl

By Bekka Mouri-Hibiki

(Lupin isn't mine.  Kagehiko pays a visit to Zenigata after he can't get a hold of him on the phone.  Jigen and Toshiko go to Yokohama.)

Part Twenty-Nine: Lightning Time

Zenigata narrowed his eyes at the door when there was knock at it.  He wondered if it was Lupin coming to taunt him again but soon found out it was Kagehiko when his friend called out to him.  He got up on his crutches as Kagehiko called a second time.  " Just hold on! " Zenigata shouted as he hobbled over to the door.

" Koichi, " Kagehiko called.  " Is there something wrong?  I tried to get you on the phone but I was told it was disconnected. "

Zenigata opened the door, " There's a reason why. "

" Did you not pay the bill? " Kagehiko asked.

" No, " Zenigata looked into the hall to make sure no one was lurking around.  Once Kagehiko was inside, he shut the door and turned to him.  " My phone is turned off because the line is being tapped. "

" When did you find this out? " Kagehiko asked.

" A few hours ago. "

" Then that explains it, " Kagehiko sighed. 

Zenigata arched an eyebrow, " Explains what? "

Kagehiko shut his eyes, " The investigation was exposed.  Ryousuke found out about it probably through the line tap and has went into hiding.  We went to the school to arrest him on the evidence you gave us but he was already gone. "

" Damn it.  He must have had a private eye do that, " Zenigata growled.  " This is a mess. "

" You're telling me, " Kagehiko shook his head.  " We would have been able to get him if it weren't for that.  It was tricky enough to get the charges pressed, as you know.  Child abuse isn't something we're used to dealing with so we had to work it from an angle where it could be considered torture since he may have done it to others. "

" I know.  This country is a little blind towards child abuse, " Zenigata replied as he looked away.  " But it's just as much of a problem here as it is in any country I've been to. "

" We were able to get a warrant with Toshiko's pictures but it may be downgraded to a charge of child abuse because it will be kind of tricky without students coming forward to support the torture angle.  We're going through the school records to see how many students have had to go home sick and investigating anything suspicious but the records may have been altered to cover things up.  We just have to hope they missed something, " Kagehiko said.

" How are you working your angle anyway? " Zenigata arched an eyebrow.

" Your daughter used to be a student at that school so we're just saying it was a former student, " Kagehiko said.  " She dropped out eight months ago.  When did you say the injuries occurred? "

" I think it was something like eight months ago.  Toshi said that's when she ran away the last time so it must have been around then, " Zenigata shrugged.  He looked ashamed, " I really haven't kept up with much outside of Lupin. "

" I know but she seems like she's becoming a strong girl.  It took a lot of guts for your daughter to even let those pictures be taken, " Kagehiko shook his head. 

" It did and I have to agree with you, " Zenigata nodded.  " She's becoming a very brave girl. "

" I hope his students are just as brave though.  We'll need them to push this case or it may get lost in family court since Ryousuke is her stepfather.  If we can get him on torturing the other children, he'll be in jail until he goes to family court to deal with Toshiko's abuse, " Kagehiko sighed.  " We can only hope someone else comes forward. "

" Yeah, " Zenigata agreed.  He knew that if the case had to go to family court he would never see Toshiko again because the case would most likely end up getting lost in the system.  Lupin had made it painfully clear that, if the justice system failed, he would come through for Toshiko and that frightened Zenigata.  He didn't even want to imagine chasing his own daughter as one of Lupin's gang.

" Anyway, we were able to get the arrest warrant based on the things you gave us as well as some of the information our undercover informants have provided.  The judge agreed and Ryousuke is now a wanted man.  Since Ninomiya Sontoku High School is so well respected, there will be tons of news coverage. "

" Damn, " Zenigata muttered.  " This isn't how it was supposed to be.  He could be anywhere. "

" I know and I'm sorry, " Kagehiko said.  " We went to his house and questioned your ex-wife but she has no idea where he could have gone. "

Zenigata looked at Kagehiko, " Is Toshi okay? "

" She's still shaken up by the whole thing.  She asked me if you knew anything more about Toshiko, " Kagehiko paused.

" What did you say? "

" I said no, " Kagehiko shook his head.

Zenigata hunched over on his crutches, " We can't let Ryousuke get away.  Have you alerted the surrounding cities about him? "

" We've called every department from Sapporo to Naha since we have no idea where he could be heading.  We're currently researching if he has family elsewhere in Japan as well, " Kagehiko said.

" Good.  He better not get away, " Zenigata said.

" Don't worry Koichi.  We won't let him. "

**

Jigen looked up from his crossword puzzle as a special bulletin came on in the middle of Fujiko's insipid afternoon soap opera.  Lupin had made him wait downstairs as Toshiko put on her disguise and he had decided to pass the time with something to get his mind off of going to Yokohama.  He had waited until after lunch to get the girl ready to go so Jigen was stuck with Fujiko and ignoring her completely.  She had tried to start an argument over Toshiko but he acted like she didn't exist as he sat in the overstuffed chair and she sat on the couch. 

" Pardon the interruption but breaking news has developed this afternoon.  Takahashi Ryousuke, principal of the prestigious Ninomiya Sontoku High School, has been identified as a fugitive from the law and the police are asking for the public's help in capturing him, " The newswoman said.

" What the fuck? " Jigen said as he went to the TV and turned it up. 

" Move your ass!  I want to see this! " Fujiko said.

Jigen turned around, " So do I. "

" An arrest warrant was issued earlier today for his apprehension based on evidence he had been torturing students at the school but he fled before the police could carry out their orders to apprehend him.  To protect the privacy of the accuser, we cannot identify her here but it is rumored that she is not his only victim.  The police have been investigating Takahashi for the past year on allegations of torturing his students but no one has come forward before today.  Police investigations have turned up sufficient evidence to suspect that it is true.  Authorities hope the courageous person that came forward with the information will inspire others to speak up about what they've suffered. 

" Tokyo Police have set up a hotline for students, both current and former, to report any abuse they may have suffered.  Authorities have vowed to keep every report confidential and will give the victims a choice of pressing charges of their own or not.  That's all we have for now.  Now we return to our regularly scheduled programming. "

Jigen turned the TV back down and sat down on the couch.  " Damn, " He muttered.  " What a fucking mess. "

Fujiko arched an eyebrow, " You look sick.  Are you okay? "

" Hell no I'm not okay, " Jigen cut his eyes towards Fujiko.  " What do you fucking care anyway? "

" I can tell it's bugging you but I can't understand why, " Fujiko was confused.  " I'm missing something here.  I am seriously missing something and I want to know what it is. "

" Yeah, you are missing something.  What did Lupin tell you last night? " Jigen said.

" He said that Toshiko's tried to kill herself three times and she was abused by her stepfather.  He told me about her back and the scars on her arms.  He didn't tell me much more than that, " Fujiko said.

Jigen glared at her, " He didn't tell you the stepfather's name did he? "

" No.  Goemon made him keep it short and sweet, " Fujiko said then stopped suddenly.  Her mouth fell open and she was silent for a long moment as she started to think it over.  Finally, she muttered " Oh shit. "

" Yeah oh shit, " Jigen said.  He looked at the clock.  " Damn it!  What's taking them so long?  We need to get out of here. "

" That Takahashi guy is Toshiko's stepfather isn't he? " Fujiko asked.

Jigen nodded, " Yeah. "

Fujiko sat back on the couch, " Whoa.  So I guess that means… "

" Toshiko is the student they were referring to, " Jigen finished Fujiko's sentence.  He looked at the clock again, " Damn it!  I'm going upstairs. "

" What's going on down there? " Goemon stood at the top of the stairs.  " You two aren't fighting are you? "

" No! " Jigen shouted then went to the stairs.  " Where's Lupin? "

" He's right behind me, " Goemon said.  " Toshiko is ready to leave. "

" About damn time, " Jigen growled.  " There was something on the news a few minutes ago I need to tell him about. "

" What happened? " Lupin said as he walked up beside Goemon.

Jigen looked around, " Where's Toshiko? "

" She'll be out in a few minutes.  What's wrong? " Lupin slipped past Goemon when he saw the serious expression on Jigen's face.

Jigen waited until Lupin was right in front of him and quietly told him about the news report.  " Can you believe this shit? " He added.

Lupin shut his eyes and put a hand on Jigen's shoulder.  " Everything will be okay.  You might have to stay in Yokohama a little longer though. "

" How long do you want us to stay? " Jigen arched an eyebrow.

Lupin opened his eyes and looked at Jigen, " Until they catch Ryousuke.  We really don't have much of a choice.  There's no telling where he could have ran. "

Jigen looked his friend in the eye, " That could take a few days or a few weeks Lupin. "

Lupin sighed, " I know. "

" Is everything okay? " Toshiko called from the top of the stairs.

Jigen glanced up and took a sharp breath.  Toshiko was standing there with Goemon.  Lupin had disguised her in rather elegant looking sleeveless jade green dress that hugged curves he hadn't noticed before and especially accentuated her bosom.  Lupin had also put make up on her and pulled her hair back into a bun, finishing the outfit with a pair of elbow length white gloves and a matching green shawl.  She looked like she was ready for a night at the opera or one filled with romance, he noted with a slight bit of distain.

" Ryousuke and his private eyes are looking for a frumpy little waif so they'll never even know.  I padded her up a bit so she looks heavier too, " Lupin whispered as elbowed Jigen in the ribs.  He gave Jigen a sly grin, " What do you think? "

Jigen stammered the managed to get one word out.  " Wow. "

" Do you like it? " Toshiko asked timidly as she tugged at the shawl.  Jigen could tell she felt a little self-conscious by not having sleeves on the dress but Lupin had compensated for that with the gloves and the wrap.

Jigen nodded but was unable to speak.  His mouth was dry and his imagination running wild as he gazed at her.  The make up made her look several years older, closer to the age he wished she were and the padding had made her look at least twenty pounds heavier, giving her a dynamite figure.  He nudged Lupin and gave him a glance.

Lupin furrowed his brow then nodded.  " Toshiko.  There's been a change in plans.  You need to go pack some more clothes because you may need to stay in Yokohama a little longer that I thought. "

" Why?  What happened? " Toshiko looked worried.

" Jigen can tell you in the car.  Just go pack enough clothes for a week.  Jigen has to go pack some more too, " Lupin nudged Jigen again.  " Right? "

Jigen nodded, " Yeah. "

Toshiko nodded, " Okay. "

Jigen waited for her to walk back towards her room before he decided to climb the stairs.  Goemon stopped him at the top, " What's going on? "

" Lupin can give you the run down.  I need to finish packing, " Jigen muttered then went to his room.

Goemon walked downstairs slowly, " Lupin… "

" Goemon… " Lupin said.

" Would you care to explain? " Goemon arched an eyebrow.  " I feel something disastrous has happened. "

" The rabbit is on the run, " Lupin sighed.  " One of the dicks he hired tapped Zenigata's phone and got wind he was going to be arrested. "

Goemon frowned, " That is problematic.  Have they got an idea of where he is heading? "

" They don't have a clue, " Lupin shook his head.  " I don't have a clue either because I haven't even started researching him. "

" Perhaps I should go to Yokohama as well, " Goemon offered.

Lupin shook his head, " I need you to stay here. "

" I'm supposed to be protecting her though, " Goemon narrowed his eyes at Lupin.

Lupin returned the glare, " But she'll just stick with Jigen so what's the point? " 

" My point is who will protect Toshiko from Jigen, " Goemon said sharply.

Lupin rolled his eyes, " I can't believe you are still on that. "

" I can't believe you are so blind.  Did you even notice where Toshiko was taking her nap?  She was curled up on his bed. "

Lupin shrugged, " So?  She was probably lonely. "

Goemon growled, " Have you no concern for what is going on? "

" He's right you know, " Fujiko turned around on the couch.

" Not you too, " Lupin growled.

Fujiko tilted her head, " Why haven't you paid attention to them?  If you would, you'd see the signs are there. "

Lupin glanced at the stairs, " I'm not blind and I am paying attention.  I just know Jigen well enough that I know he won't do anything to Toshiko. "

" Your endless optimism will be your defeat in this case, " Goemon said stiffly.

" Yeah whatever.  I'm going to my office.  I have research I need to do, " Lupin said and walked away.

**

Zenigata growled when there was another knock at his door.  Kagehiko had only been gone for a little over an hour so he figured it wasn't him again.  He was pretty sure Lupin wasn't coming back so it left one other person.  " Hold on, " He shouted as he got his crutches again.  He hissed in pain because his underarms were getting sore from using them so much.

" Koichi?  Is everything okay?  I tried to call you but… " Toshi said through the door.

Zenigata opened the door, stunned by Toshi's appearance.  She had her shoulder length hair down and her face was flushed from crying.  " Honey… " He said.

" Have you heard anything at all? " She asked hurriedly.

" No, " Zenigata said as he stepped aside to let her in.  She leaned down and he saw she had two suitcases.  " Why do you have those? "

Toshi walked in after she picked up the suitcases.  " I filed for divorce today.  I thought it was all some terrible nightmare until the police came to the house looking for Ryousuke.  I couldn't stay in that house knowing what he's been doing to my baby for the last three years. "

Zenigata shut the door and turned to face her back, " I understand completely. "

Toshi tightened her fingers around the handles of the suitcases.  She glanced over her shoulder at him before dropping her luggage and seizing him, wrapping her arms around him as she started shaking.  She grasped his pajama top tightly in her hands as she sobbed against him.  " Please let me stay with you, " Her words were muffled against him as she spoke.

Zenigata was shocked.  He let the crutch on his bad side fall to the floor, shifting his weight to his good leg as he wrapped an arm around Toshi.  He kissed her temple as he put his hand on her shoulder.  " You can stay here as long as you like. "

Toshi sniffled, " Thank you.  I know you hate me but I'll make it up to you. "

Zenigata held her tighter, " I never said I hated you.  In fact, I don't think I ever stopped loving you. "

" Koichi, " Toshi murmured.

" Shhh… " He whispered into her hair.  " I mean it. "

Toshi pulled back and looked him in the face.  " I've taken a leave of absence from work because of this.  I'll stay here and take care of you, " She said and sniffled.

" I like the sound of that but please stop crying.  You know I can't stand it, " Zenigata gave her a warm smile.

Toshi shook her head, " I haven't been able to stop crying since I got the letter.  Just when I think I'm finished I start all over again.  Haven't you wondered if Toshiko is safe?  Who's taking care of our girl and if they are good people or not? "

Zenigata felt his leg starting to shake.  He shut his eyes, " I haven't wondered. "

" Don't you care? " Toshi sounded shocked.  " She's your daughter… "

" I know and I care but I'm not worried, " Zenigata sighed.  " Can I please sit down? "

Toshi let him go and he hobbled over to his recliner.  He sat down and Toshi walked over to him.  Her brow was furrowed in confusion.  " How can you say you're not worried? " She asked him as she wiped her tears away with the back of her hand.

He looked down at the floor; " I'm not worried because I know she's okay.  I've seen her twice. "

Toshi blinked in surprise, " What? "

Zenigata sighed, " I didn't think it would be wise to tell you but I have no choice now.  She saw me the day after I was shot and she saw me yesterday. "

" Why didn't you tell me? " Toshi knelt down and took one of his hands in both of hers.  " Do you know where she is at least? "

Zenigata shook his head, " I'm clueless. "

" Who is she with? " Toshi held his hand tighter.  " Someone has to be driving her to see you because she's not old enough to drive yet. "

Zenigata glanced at her and wondered how wise it would be to tell her the truth.  He knew he had to but he didn't know how she'd take it.  " Prepare yourself because this might come as a shock to you. "

" Who has our daughter Koichi? " Toshi pleaded with her eyes.  " I need to know. "

Zenigata took a deep breath, " Lupin The Third. "

Toshi blinked, " Come again? "

" Lupin The Third has our baby, " Zenigata said. 

Toshi narrowed her eyes, " Is this according to your sixth sense? "

Zenigata shook his head, " I have proof.  There's a letter between 'War And Peace' and 'The Art Of War' that should prove it, " He pointed to the bookshelf.

Toshi got to her feet and pulled the letter out from between the two books he had said.  She unfolded it with trembling hands and read it, her hand going to her mouth as she did.  She looked at Zenigata after she had read it a second time.  " Why would he do this, Koichi? "

" He came by and told me that it was for Toshiko, " Zenigata said.  " He said he didn't care what her last name was; he was going to help her. "

" Did you find out where Toshiko is? " Toshi asked.

Zenigata shook his head, " She's at his place but he didn't tell me where that is.  He says he won't let her go until he sure she can be safe. "

Toshi walked back to the recliner and knelt down again.  She looked Zenigata in the face, " Then we're going to do everything we can to get her back.  Lupin isn't going to ruin our family again. "

" Again? " Zenigata arched an eyebrow.

" He ruined it when you had to go and chase him all over the place.  He destroyed our family; " Toshi was surprised when Zenigata silenced her with a finger over her lips.

" It's not Lupin's fault, " He muttered.  " Don't blame my choice on him.  I'm the one that ruined our family. "

**

Jigen was having a hard time keeping his eyes on the road as he drove towards Yokohama.  He kept glancing at Toshiko, wondering what would happen once they arrived at the hideout and wondered if it was wise to consider the possibilities.  ~She could have gotten scared earlier and might not want to do it anymore so I'd better not get my hopes up too high.  She still might chicken out if we get that far again. ~

He knew it was wrong to want her so badly but she said she had wanted him.  He was certain she didn't know what she was talking about when she had said it but she seemed like she enjoyed what he had done to her.  She noticed he was looking at her and gave him a shy smile.  He returned it and looked ahead again.

" Jigen? " She said.  It was the first time she had said anything since they left the house.

" What babe? " He glanced at her again.

She had her hands in her lap and she looked down at them.  " We'll be all alone at the hideout, right? "

Jigen nodded, " Yeah. "

" Okay, " Toshiko said.  She glanced at him again, " Um… about earlier… "

" I got a little carried away I know, " Jigen started.  " I know I really wasn't giving you a chance to get a word in… "

Toshiko reached over and put a hand on his wrist, " No.  I liked it. "

" Oh, " Jigen said.  He glanced at her, " I'm glad to hear that.  I was worried I had made you uncomfortable. "

Toshiko took her hand off his wrist, her cheeks coloring as she looked at her lap again.  " I kind of wish Goemon and Fujiko didn't show up.  It was getting really good. "

" Yeah it was, " Jigen muttered.  Actually, part of him had been thankful they had came home because he knew he wouldn't be able to stop himself if he had gotten any further.  Another part of him wanted to berate the both of them for interrupting but that would have gotten him nowhere and validated their suspicions.

" Are we going to pick up where we left off?  I mean, we will be alone and all, " Toshiko picked at the piping on the seat.  Jigen noticed she always started picking at something when she was nervous or uncomfortable and he hoped she was just nervous.

Jigen took a deep breath, " About that.  We still need to talk a little bit more before we go all the way. "

Toshiko curled her fingers against the seat, " Why? "

" Babe, " Jigen sighed.  " You're sixteen.  You can't possibly be ready to handle what going all the way entails. "

" What does age have to do with anything? " Toshiko furrowed her brow.  " I've been through so much that I didn't want to go through so why can't I choose something I want to do for once? "

" It isn't that easy, " Jigen shook his head.  " You're treating this like it's not a big deal… "

" I know it's a big deal, " Toshiko muttered.  " It was hard for me to work up my courage to tell you that I wanted you.  I'm starting to think you don't like me as much as I thought you did. "

" No, " Jigen glanced at her.  " I like you a lot but I don't want to hurt you.  I saved you because… I saved you because I didn't want you to die.  I don't want you to think I saved your life just to get in your pants because I didn't.  It was the furthest thing from my mind. "

Toshiko looked at him.  " I know but I want you. "

Jigen growled, " For crying out loud, babe… "

" What?  What's wrong? " Toshiko asked.

Jigen pulled the truck off to the side of the road and looked at her once they had stopped.  " I want you too but you don't know what you're doing to me, babe.  You're driving me crazy just being this close to me but I feel like it's wrong somehow. "

" How is it wrong? " Toshiko asked.  " Shouldn't the only things that matter be that we want each other and we trust each other? "

Jigen leaned his head on the steering wheel, " If only it were that easy… "

" Tell me why it isn't, " Toshiko moved closer.

Jigen glanced at her, " There's a whole lot of complicated emotions attached to it and I don't know if you can handle them. "

" I've had a lot of complicated emotions, " Toshiko put a hand on his back.

Jigen moved back from the steering wheel, " I'm talking about a whole new breed of complicated feelings.  God knows I couldn't handle them at your age. "

" I can handle it, " Toshiko said quietly.  " I'm sure I can. "

" But what if you can't? " Jigen said sharply.  " Are you going to hate me? "

Toshiko was quiet as she thought it over.  " I could never hate you, " Toshiko shook her head.  " You've been too nice to me.  You're a very good man. "

Jigen sighed, " Thanks I guess. "

" You're welcome. "

" We've got to get going.  We'll talk more when we get to Yokohama; " Jigen checked the road before joining the flow of traffic again. 

There was a long silence when Toshiko spoke again.  " Jigen? "

" What now babe? " He muttered as he got a cigarette out of his jacket.

" Why did Mr. Lupin change the plans so suddenly?  He said we were going to stay overnight when he took me upstairs then he said we'd be staying longer after he talked to you.  What happened? "

Jigen pushed the dashboard lighter in but said nothing.  He didn't know how he would be able to tell Toshiko the reason.  He knew she had to know but he didn't know how to approach it.  The lighter popped out and he lit the cigarette with it.  He took a few thoughtful puffs and decided not to sugar coat it, she had to learn how to take the harsh truth.  " Ryousuke's on the run, babe. "

Toshiko looked out the window, " I figured as much.  What went wrong? "

" Pops' line was tapped.  I think your stepfather has more than one private eye looking for you, " Jigen said. 

" So Mr. Lupin thought I'd be better off out of Tokyo completely. "

Jigen nodded, " Bingo. "

" Will he be able to contact us? " Toshiko continued to look out the window.

" Yeah, " Jigen said.  " There's a phone.  We can watch TV and there are a lot of things to do there.  Do you know anybody in Yokohama? "

" No.  I've never been there, " Toshiko said.

Jigen smiled, " That's good.  We should be safe there then. "

" I hope so, " Toshiko murmured.