Lupin III Fan Fiction ❯ Daddy's Girl ❯ Family Ties ( Chapter 31 )

Daddy's Girl

By Bekka Mouri-Hibiki

(Lupin isn't mine.  As Jigen kicks himself for messing up with Toshiko, Lupin calls him with information that changes everything.)

Part Thirty-One: Family Ties

Jigen sat in the darkness of the living room, smoking as he went over the situation in his mind.  He had put his pants back on and left Toshiko once he was certain she was asleep.  ~Should I have sent her away when she asked me to unzip her dress?  Should have I told her to do it herself? ~

He picked up the scotch bottle he had been drinking out of for several hours, finding it was empty.  He looked over at the liquor cabinet, wondering if there was anything in there to numb his agony.  He stood up to walk over to it but the telephone rang.  He narrowed his eyes, knowing only four people had the number for it and he was one of them.

He walked to it as it rang again and picked it up, " Yeah? "

" Jigen, I know it's kind of late and I'm sorry.  I didn't wake you up, did I? " It was Lupin.  He sounded wound-up.

" No, " Jigen muttered.  He didn't know if he'd be able to sleep actually.  " What's wrong? "

" I went out with Kaoruko.  She told me something really important.  Are you sitting down? " Lupin asked hurriedly.

" Holy shit.  You went out with Miss Grabby Hands? " Jigen tried to act surprised.

" Yeah but that's not important.  Are you sitting down? " Lupin repeated.

" No.  Should I? " Jigen arched an eyebrow. 

Lupin stopped, realizing Jigen sounded like his mind was somewhere else.  His tone shifted, " Are you okay?  You sound like something's wrong. "

" Don't worry about it, " Jigen said sharply.  " I'll deal with it myself. "

" Did something happen? " Lupin said.  " Is Toshiko okay? "

Jigen growled, " Of course she is.  Why wouldn't she be? "

" Settle down, " Lupin sounded defensive.  " I'm on your side.  You do remember that right?  I'm not the one that thinks you're going to…"

Jigen growled but didn't reply, unable to say anything.  He knew that Lupin had trusted him with the girl and he had fucked it up royally.  He sighed heavily then muttered, " Damn it. "

" Jigen, " Lupin said quietly.  " Something happened didn't it? "

Jigen sighed, " Yeah.  It just… happened.  I don't know how but things got way out of hand way too fast.  It was like trying to stop a train with a smile. "

" Damn… " Lupin muttered.  " And here I thought… "

" I know what you were thinking, " Jigen replied.  " You thought she would be safe with me.  I thought she'd be safe with me but she got to me.  That complex little girl got to me and I let it happen. "

" Jigen, she got to all of us. "

" Not like she got to me, Lupin.  Damn it.  I should have been stronger. "

Lupin was quiet for a long moment.  He then sighed, " You're only human.  Don't beat yourself up over it. "

" I will.  This wasn't how it was supposed to be.  I screwed up, " Jigen ran a hand through his hair.  " Damn.  This is mostly your fault. "

" How do you figure that? " Lupin sounded shocked by Jigen's accusation.

" Why did you have to put her in a dress that zipped up the back? " Jigen asked harshly.

" Because she picked it, " Lupin countered.  " Her face lit up when she saw it.  I couldn't tell her 'no'. "

" You could have thought about me, " Jigen retorted.  " Did you have your head up your ass and not notice the effect she's had on me? "

" I didn't notice anything.  I've been a little busy here if you haven't noticed " Lupin started sounding hostile.  " Did you want me to agree with Goemon and Fujiko? "

" Hell no, " Jigen snapped then thought about it for a second.  " Maybe you should have listened to them. "

" Well excuse the hell out of me for defending you, " Lupin growled.  " Can I at least ask you a few things? "

" What? " Jigen snapped.

" Was she willing? " He already knew that Toshiko had asked Jigen to sleep with her but he wasn't about to tell Jigen Goemon had overheard the conversation.

" Of course she was! " Jigen hissed through clenched teeth.  " She asked me to. "

Lupin sighed, " Did you tell her no? "

" Yes… but I obviously gave in.  Lupin, you understand, don't you? " Jigen said.

" Yeah.  It's a little hard to say 'no' when they're clinging to you like that and so cute but damn, Jigen.  I mean I can understand.  If I were faced with those cute tits and that hot tight body… "

" Lupin! " Jigen said sharply.  Lupin sounded like he was seriously thinking about what he would have done in the same situation.

" Sorry.  I got carried away.  I guess this all would be a whole lot easier if she weren't… "

" Zenigata's sixteen year old daughter, " Jigen shut his eyes.  " Yeah.  It would be. "

" Were you at least responsible about it? " Lupin asked.

Jigen growled, " Yes.  I had that much sense at least. "

" Then there's nothing to worry about, " Lupin replied.

" That's easy for you to say, " Jigen muttered.  " Anyway, why did you call? "

Lupin took a sharp breath, " Oh yeah… I almost forgot.  Kaoruko had to tell me something really interesting but she was afraid to tell it to me over the phone so that's why I went out with her.  My ass is sore from her grabbing it so damn much but the info was worth it. "

" So why are you telling me it over the phone? " Jigen asked.

" Kaoruko said our lines were safe.  She checked them before she left work but after she called me.  She just wanted to get a date I guess. "

" It sounds like something she'd do, " Jigen muttered.  " You've kept me in suspense long enough.  Tell me what Big Bottom told you. "

Lupin let out a low growl, " Kaoruko told me that she's been tracking and recording all of the phone calls Chamberlain made since we had her trace that first one.  He made a couple of calls to a house in suburban Tokyo.  Do you want to know whom he was calling? "

" Who was it? "

" The line is belongs to one Mister and Missus Takahashi.  Ryousuke and Toshi Takahashi to be exact, " Lupin said.

Jigen furrowed his brow, " Why the hell would he be calling Toshiko's house? "

" This is the part you need to sit down for, " Lupin warned.  I nearly fell in the floor when I heard it on the tape Kaoruko gave me. "

Jigen rolled his eyes and sat down on the floor.  " I'm sitting.  Tell me. "

" Ryousuke and Chamberlain were connected, " Lupin said.

" How? " Jigen didn't have to fake being surprised for he genuinely was at Lupin's words.

" Jigen, " Lupin lowered his voice.  " Ryousuke was Chamberlain's boss. "

Jigen growled, " What?  Was he the Home Economics teacher at that high school or something? "

" No, " Lupin sighed.  " Just listen to the tape.  I'll play the important part for you. "

" The important part? " Jigen asked.

" It's the part about Toshiko.  Hold on, I'm starting it. "

Jigen clutched the phone tightly as Lupin switched to speakerphone:

Chamberlain: Boss, we've got a problem.

Ryousuke: What is it now you blundering idiot?  How else have you fucked up?

Chamberlain: I lost Fujiko.  I can't explain it.  I told Hideki to keep an eye on the crate but he screwed up.  The cops found her at the warehouse and they've been coming by all night to ask me questions.  This one cop had a sketch he wanted me to hang up at the water cooler.

Ryousuke: Oh?  He didn't arrest you on the spot?

Chamberlain: I shaved and cut my hair.  I don't look anything like that picture now.

Ryousuke: Smart move.  You amaze me.  Now, what did you do to Hideki?

Chamberlain: I tried to kill him with a crowbar because the police were still too close by for me to shoot him but he jumped out a window.

Ryousuke: Remind me why I haven't killed you yet?  First, you were almost caught trying to kill that diplomat and now you've lost our key to trapping Lupin The Third and the rest of his gang.  You had best have something good to redeem yourself with or you will be the next to die.

Chamberlain: I do.  I did hear something I got on the tape from Fujiko's wire that might make you happy.

Ryousuke: It had best be vital or I will come over there and kill you myself.

Chamberlain: Are you still looking for that little bitch stepdaughter of yours that overheard you talking to me on the phone?

Ryousuke: Yes.  Why do you ask?

Chamberlain: What was her name again?

Ryousuke: Toshiko.  She's the daughter of that idiot Inspector Zenigata.  Toshi was married to him for about six years before she divorced him because he was chasing Lupin so much.

Chamberlain: (singing) It's a small world after all.

Ryousuke: Get to the point!

Chamberlain: Lupin has the girl.  That's my point.  I listened to the tape all the way through and one of the guys was talking to her.  They're all concerned about her from what I can tell.  She wants to get back to her daddy and it's so sad I nearly puked.

Ryousuke: We can't let that happen.  Her father is an officer for ICPO and will be able to chase me all over the world if that kind of information gets to him.  That little brat cannot be allowed to tell her father about me.  That is probably why she wants to get back to him.

Chamberlain: It took her long enough to find him.

Ryousuke: He's been out of town for a long time.  I've been looking for that brat for eight months now.

Chamberlain: I know.  She's been a pain in the ass to track down right?

Ryousuke: Yes.  I figured the wounds would keep her from getting too far but she made it to a friend's house and had them tended to obviously.  Her mother wouldn't tell me her location so I could do nothing about her.  It would have rose suspicions in too many people and I thought I could catch her before now.  We need to get her before she can see Zenigata.

Chamberlain: Chill out.  I've got it covered.  I know where Lupin lives remember?  I was banging that Fujiko bitch on his property.

Ryousuke: Are you using The Golden Gun to get pussy again?  I didn't let you have that weapon to use like that.

Chamberlain: Thanks to James Bond and that ridiculous movie, I've been getting more than my share.  It's amazing how stupid some women are.

Ryousuke: Indeed.  I will go over there tonight and kill the lot of them, including Toshiko.  Give me the directions.

Chamberlain: Sure… hold on.  I'll have to call you back.  That new girl is at the door again.

Ryousuke: Make it quick!  I don't have all night.

Chamberlain: Gotcha.  Bye.

Lupin stopped the tape and put the phone back into regular mode.  " It's very interesting to say the least. "

Jigen shut his eyes, " Great. "

" What's wrong? " Lupin detected a desperate tone in Jigen's comment.

" It just makes things more complicated, " Jigen muttered.

" Not really.  We can work around it, " Lupin said.  " Anyway, it makes sense why she would want to get back to Zenigata.  Do you know what is so interesting? "

" What? " Jigen asked.

" Toshiko's injuries were inflicted eight months ago.  Do you know when the diplomat's first assistant was assassinated? " Lupin said.

Jigen's eyes got wide, " It was eight months ago.  We read that back when we were going to try to get to the plans before Chamberlain. "

" Yeah.  Exactly, " Lupin said.  " She's been withholding a lot of information from us and I think there's a lot of stuff she hasn't told us. "

Jigen shook his head, " Lupin.  She was probably too scared to tell the truth. "

" Probably.  I could tell she was afraid of something. "

" Fucking shit, " Jigen muttered.  " I never saw this one coming. "

" Neither did I. "

" Oh damn, " Jigen muttered.  He slammed a fist into the wall next to him.  " Damn.  Damn.  Damn! "

" I'll keep you posted though, " Lupin sighed.  " It looks like this may take a while. "

" What do you want me to do? " Jigen asked.

" You're going to have to watch your back and Toshiko can't go anywhere.  She can't even step outside to fart, got that? " Lupin was deadly serious.

" Got it, " Jigen sighed as he ran a hand through his hair.  He felt a headache coming on and hoped there was some more liquor in the cabinet he was looking right at.

Lupin's tone softened, " And buddy? "

" Yeah? " Jigen murmured.

" Be careful. "

Jigen sighed, " I'll try but I can't make any promises. "

" Try your best, " Lupin said sharply.  " I got to go.  I still have to tell Goemon and Fujiko. "

" Later then, " Jigen said then hung up the phone.  He put his hands over his face, wondering how he was going get the truth out of Toshiko.  He let his hands fall away and got up, walking to the liquor cabinet.  He opened it and found there were a couple of bottles of scotch.

He grabbed one and opened it, taking a long drink from it.  He then glanced at the stairs that led to the bedrooms.  He was surprised to see Toshiko standing there, the blanket he had gotten wrapped around her.  " How long have you been standing there, babe? " He asked.

" Not long.  I woke up and you were gone.  Is everything okay? " She asked sleepily.

" Yeah, " Jigen nodded and waved his hand.  " Don't worry about it. "

" Oh, " Toshiko muttered.  " Are you coming back to bed? "

Jigen shut his eyes, " I guess.  Give me a little bit and I'll be there.  I need a drink. "

Toshiko nodded, " Okay. "

Jigen watched as she retreated down the hallway.  She got to the door to his room and glanced at him before going inside.  He took a long drink of scotch then went back to the couch.  ~How am I going to get her to tell me the truth?  More importantly, how can I stay here with her for six more days without fucking up again? ~

**

" Do you have the Six Of Diamonds? " Fujiko glanced at Goemon over her cards.  They had gotten restless as they waited for Lupin to come back.  They hadn't made plans so they were stuck with only each other for company.

There was nothing on TV that interested Fujiko and Goemon was worried about Toshiko although he wouldn't admit it openly.  He had grown fond of the girl in spite of himself.  He tried to treat her like a little sister but he was starting to think of her as more than that.  He wondered how she felt about him but could barely speak to her after she had seen him in his loincloth the night she showed her scars.

" Goemon? " Fujiko waved a hand in his face.

" Oh.  Go fish, " Goemon muttered.  " Do you have the Queen Of Spades? "

Fujiko frowned, handing the card to Goemon.  So far, he was winning and it was irking her to no end.  She chewed her lip as she looked at the two decks of cards and at the cards in her hand then at the ones Goemon had.  She then looked at the pairs he had made in front of him, counting five while she only had two pairs.

" Do you have the King Of Hearts? " Fujiko asked.

Goemon nodded and handed her the card.  " Do you have the Seven Of Spades? "

Fujiko growled, " Are you going to stay three steps ahead of me for this damn game? "

" You'll catch up eventually.  What card do you want now? " Goemon said.

Fujiko arched an eyebrow, " Where is your head tonight anyway?  You've been playing like a zombie for the last half hour. "

" My head is nowhere but here, " Goemon glared at Fujiko.  " I can't help it.  It was your idea to stay up until Lupin came home no matter how late it was. "

Fujiko smiled, " I think you've got someone on your mind.  Could it be someone who's initials are 'T.T.'? "

" I am only worried about her safety, " Goemon countered.

" Sure you are, " Fujiko smirked.  " Do you have the Eight Of Spades? "

Goemon growled and handed her the ace, " Here. "

" I said 'eight'.  Were you listening to me? " Fujiko shoved the card back at him.  " So, how long have you had a crush on her? "

" Shut your mouth insolent woman, " Goemon snatched the card back.  " I do not have a 'crush' on Toshiko. "

Fujiko nodded and smirked, " Uh-huh. "

Goemon narrowed his eyes as he handed her the card she asked for, " Then I am to assume you have a crush on Jigen.  Why else would you be behaving like you are? "

Fujiko puffed up in disgust, " How could you suggest such a thing? "

" How can you suggest I have lust in my heart for a sixteen year old girl? " Goemon replied.  " She is still a child. "

" Because of how jealous you get when she's around Jigen, " Fujiko said.

" Then why do you get jealous when you think about Jigen being with her? " Goemon pointed out.

Fujiko growled, " I am not jealous.  I'm looking out for her. "

" That is, " Goemon started then stopped.  He cleared his throat, " Was my job. "

Fujiko rolled her eyes, " And you did such a great job too.  She's all safe and secure in your protection as we speak, " She said sarcastically.

" If I had known she had climbed that tree I would have been there first, " Goemon hissed.

" Would have been there when that guy tried to shoot her? " Fujiko said.

Goemon frowned, " You have a point. "

Fujiko put her cards down, " Look.  I can tell you like the girl.  There's no use in hiding it. "

" I can tell you like Jigen then, " Goemon laid his cards down.

" What proof do you have? " Fujiko crossed her arms over her chest.

Goemon reached for his bottle of sake, " Let me see.  The way you antagonize him constantly speaks volumes.  You get upset when he is not paying attention to you and your fights usually disintegrate into hurling sexual innuendos at one another. "

" It only goes that way because he's a pervert, " Fujiko rolled her eyes.  " I would never sleep with that disgusting creep. "

Goemon poured himself a drink and arched an eyebrow; " I suppose that is why you offered yourself to him this morning after he fondled you? "

The color drained from Fujiko's face, " You heard that? "

" You were right in front of the kitchen doorway, " Goemon pointed out then took a drink.  " I heard all of it.  When I turned around to see what was going on, I saw him fondling you. "

" Why didn't you stop him? " Fujiko asked sharply.  " Aren't you supposed to rescue women in distress? "

" I did not want to interrupt.  You looked like you were enjoying it, " Goemon muttered and took another drink.

Fujiko made an affronted gasp, " How could you say that?  I wasn't enjoying it! "

Goemon nodded, " That is why you offered yourself to him then?  I believe I did not understand the situation enough to see your distress and mistook it for enjoyment. "

Fujiko stuck her nose in the air, " If he had said 'yes' I would have said 'no'. "

" Presumptuous tormenter, " Goemon muttered.

" What was that? " Fujiko arched an eyebrow.

" I said you were an insolent tease! " Goemon glared at her.

There was a knock on Fujiko's door, " Fujiko!  Is Goemon with you? " It was Lupin.

" Yes, " Fujiko called out.

" Hey!  You said I'd be the first guy you called! " Lupin sounded wounded.

" We are only playing cards! " Goemon shouted.

The door swung open, " Strip poker I hope… " Lupin said then frowned.  " Damn. "

" We're playing a variation on 'go fish' if you must know, " Goemon glared at Lupin.  " She would cheat at poker and have me naked by her fifth hand and you know it. "

Fujiko smirked, " At least you know not play with me. "

Lupin walked into the room, " Never mind.  I have some really important news.  It's about Ryousuke. "

" Did they catch him? " Fujiko stood up along with Goemon.

Lupin shook his head, " No.  It's big news all the same. "

" How's that? " Fujiko arched an eyebrow.

Lupin looked at her, " Do you want the short version? "

" Sure, " Fujiko shrugged.

" He was Chamberlain's boss.  He was the guy that wanted to get the secrets for the artificial metals, " Lupin said.

Goemon stepped forward, " Come again? "

" No joke? " Fujiko said.

" Yeah.  Kaoruko gave me a tape that has conversations between the two of them.  She listened in on his line after she traced the call so she could collect information.  She recorded everything after he called that first time, " Lupin said.  " I have the tape player set up in the office if you want to hear it. "

" Yes.  That sounds good, " Goemon nodded.

Lupin looked at Fujiko, " They discussed a lot of the stuff Chamberlain recorded from that bug he put on you.  Ryousuke knows that we have Toshiko. "

Fujiko gasped, " Oh no. "

" Settle down.  He never told him how to get here, " Lupin said.

" Oh, " Fujiko sighed in relief.

" Have you told Jigen about this? " Goemon asked.

Lupin nodded, " He was the first person I called because I couldn't find you two. "

" How many rings did he answer in? " Fujiko arched an eyebrow.

Lupin held up two fingers, " Why do you ask? "

" I was just wondering, " Fujiko waved her hand.

" That was not enough time for him to come from his bedroom.  He must have been in the living room, " Goemon commented.

Lupin nodded, " Yes.  He was in the living room.  Don't tell me you two are still thinking that Jigen's going to do something to Toshiko. "

" If what Goemon said earlier was true then he may have already done something to her, " Fujiko said.

Lupin rolled his eyes, " Could you two just drop it? "

" She asked him to sleep with her, Lupin.  I don't think he would pass up the chance, " Fujiko pointed at Lupin.  " Tell me.  If a pretty girl like that asked you to screw her, would you? "

Lupin lunged forward and grabbed Fujiko, " Only if you mean yourself then I'd say 'yes' a million times. "

Fujiko pushed Lupin away, " I'm serious.  Would you? "

Lupin thought about it.  He had been asked by a few women to sleep with them but never by a sixteen year old.  He admitted to himself that he thought Toshiko was cute but he had decided to adopt a strict 'hands-off' policy when it came to her since she was Zenigata's daughter.  He respected the old man enough to leave his immediate family alone.  He thought Jigen had shared the same respect since he had been berating anyone who did anything questionable.

" I don't think I want to hear you answer since you're thinking about it for so long, " Fujiko said.

" It depends, " Lupin shrugged.  " What if she looks older then tells me her age after we've slept together. "

Fujiko huffed, " You're impossible. "

" Look.  Sometimes things just happen, " Lupin started.

Goemon arched an eyebrow, " Oh? "

Lupin looked at Goemon, " Yeah.  Come on, you're a guy.  You know that. "

Goemon frowned, " 'Things' happen to those who do not have control of their carnal desires.  Since I follow stricter principles than you or Jigen, 'things' do not just happen to me. "

Lupin raised his eyebrows, " Really?  So you're saying you're a virgin? "

Goemon's eyes went wide.  " I… I… " He sputtered.

" Goemon?  Is that true? " Fujiko looked at him in disbelief.  " You've never been with a woman and you're how old? "

Goemon blushed then cleared his throat, " Neither matter is your business. "

Lupin chuckled, " I smell blackmail material. "

Goemon narrowed his eyes, " Bite your tongue.  I neither admitted nor denied being a virgin so you have nothing. "

" True, " Lupin shrugged.  " Anyway, I'm going downstairs.  I'll be waiting for you. "

Goemon and Fujiko watched as Lupin walked out of the room.  After a long silence, Fujiko glanced at Goemon.  " So? "

Goemon furrowed his brow, " So what? "

" Are you? " Fujiko asked.

Goemon growled and looked at the floor, " No.  I am not. "

Fujiko ran to the door and shut it, " Oh my God!  Tell me! "

Goemon glared at her, " No. "

" Spill!  Come on! " Fujiko walked back over to him.  " I promise I won't tell. "

" On your honor? " Goemon asked then scoffed.  " I forgot.  You have no honor. "

Fujiko frowned, " Goemon!  Please! "

Goemon backed up as Fujiko advanced on him, pleading.  " I said no woman! " He shouted as he moved away from her.  He let out a surprised yelp as he fell backwards onto her bed.

Fujiko pounced on him, holding him down.  The position he had fallen in made it impossible to get up unless he moved up on the bed more before making an attempt.  Fujiko pinned his arms to the bed with her hands and straddled his chest.  " You can't get away without throwing me in the floor and I know you can't do that because it'll hurt me.  Now, tell me and I'll let you up. "

" Never! " Goemon ground out through clenched teeth.  " Get off! "

Fujiko smirked wickedly, " Don't make me have to pull out the big guns. "

Goemon took a sharp breath, knowing what she meant.  " You do not fight fairly! "

" Tell me, " Fujiko leaned over a little bit.  " Tell me now or I'll do it. "

" Never! " Goemon said.  His eyes grew wide in horror as Fujiko leaned all the way forward, shoving her breasts into his face.  His protests were muffled against the generous amount of flesh in his face.

" Tell me or else, " Fujiko said.  She moved back, restraining the urge to laugh at Goemon's mortified expression.

" No! " Goemon tried to get her off of him but he couldn't.  She leaned forward again, rubbing her chest in his face.  When she moved back, he glared at her and growled.

" Goemon!  You're blushing! " Fujiko said.  " Did I excite you? "

" Stop it this instant or I will make you very sorry once I am free! " Goemon hissed.

Fujiko arched an eyebrow, " What are you going to do?  Spank me? "

" If you continue to act immaturely, I shall strike you until you are unable to walk! " Goemon thought of a way to get out from under Fujiko without having to hurt her though it would hurt him a little bit.  He started moving off the bed so he would fall in the floor.

Fujiko's eyes went wide, " What are you doing?  If you do that, we're going to… " She screamed as they both fell in the floor.  Before she knew what was going on, Goemon had her under him and pinned to the floor.

" What do you have to say now, brazen wench? " Goemon said with a cold smirk.

Fujiko returned the smirk, " Only that you're sitting on my knees and that is a very bad spot for you. "

" You wouldn't dare, " Goemon hissed.

" Tell me or I'll do it! " Fujiko said.

Goemon narrowed his eyes, " I shall not. "

" Then you shall be in pain, " Fujiko replied.  She went to lift her knees but Goemon moved before she accomplished her goal.  In the blink of an eye, he had her flipped over across his lap and was preparing to strike her partly exposed rump.  In all of their struggling, her mini-skirt had ridden up and her halter-top was a bit askew, her breasts threatening to fall out of the neckline.

" No!  No! " She writhed to get loose.

" Then quit pestering me! " Goemon hissed.

" I'll find out one way or another! " Fujiko said.  " It would be better if you told me now! "

Goemon growled, " You leave me no choice. "

Fujiko shut her eyes, bracing herself for what she knew would probably be a hard slap when the sound of someone clearing their throat reached her ears.  She looked up and over her shoulder to find Goemon had frozen with his hand in mid-air and he was staring at the doorway, a scarlet blush on his cheeks.  Fujiko then looked at the doorway just in time to catch Lupin snapping a picture with the instant camera.  " Oh this is great, " He said gleefully as the picture popped out.

" Lupin! " Fujiko screeched as Goemon dumped her in the floor and snatched up Zantetsuken.  In an instant, Goemon had sliced the camera in half but Lupin managed to snatch the picture away.

" Hand that photograph over this instant! " Goemon held Zantetsuken threateningly aimed at Lupin.

" You'll have to catch me first! " Lupin said and bolted for the stairs as he waved the photo in the air.  " I knew I smelled blackmail material! "

Goemon dashed out the doorway but stopped in the hall.  He frowned deeply, " Insolent bastard… " He muttered as he re-sheathed Zantetsuken and walked back into the room.

Fujiko got to her feet and straightened her clothes as she met him in the middle of the room.  " We'll have to get that picture away from him or the taunting will be merciless. "

" Indeed, " Goemon glanced at her.  " We shall go downstairs now.  We need to hear that tape. "

Fujiko scoffed, " If he'll even let us in the door to the office after that. "

" I have a key if it is locked, " Goemon stated.

Fujiko arched an eyebrow, " You do? "

Goemon held up Zantetsuken, " Yes. "

" Ah, " Fujiko nodded.  She furrowed her brow, " Were you really going to spank me just then? "

Goemon glanced away, " I was thinking about not doing it after all otherwise that would be a much more embarrassing picture. "

" Oh, " Fujiko nodded.  She looked at the floor, " Do you ever wonder? "

" Wonder about what? " Goemon arched an eyebrow.

" What exactly would you call what we have? " Fujiko smoothed her hair down with a hand.  She glanced at Goemon, " Your hair is a mess. "

Goemon growled and smoothed his hair down.  " What we have is a juvenile relationship that borders somewhere between siblings, friends and worst enemies. "

Fujiko laughed, " You've thought about this a lot then? "

" I meditated on it for a long time after you disgraced me in the kitchen, " Goemon muttered.

Fujiko put an arm around him and leaned onto his shoulder, " You ever wonder what we could have been if we had stayed together? "

Goemon glared at her, " I would probably be dead.  Get your head off of my shoulder. "

Fujiko sighed and moved away, " To quote you, you have a point.  So, how would you describe me? "

Goemon narrowed his eyes; " You are like an annoying destructive little sister sometimes and a rather poor friend at other times.  Then there are the times I wish to wring your little neck but I soon transcend those urges and allow you to live. "

" You don't kill women so I bet you could never do it, " Fujiko poked him in the chest.  " Let's just say we're partners in crime and leave it at that.  That about covers everything you've said. "

Goemon hesitantly put a hand on her shoulder, his warmth sending a slight shiver through her.  " That sounds very non-committal and I approve.  We are indeed cohorts in corruption. "

Fujiko rolled her eyes, " Were the only books you had in your little mountain shack a thesaurus and book of etiquette from the Edo period? "

Goemon glanced at her, " We had more books than that.  Now, let's go downstairs. "

" Agreed, " Fujiko said, moving away from Goemon.  She took a few steps then looked slyly over her shoulder at him, " I'm still going to find out. "

" Woman! " He shouted and took off after her as she ran out of the room and towards the stairs.

**

Jigen took a deep breath and opened the bedroom door.  Toshiko was curled up on her side facing away from the wall.  He felt his heart sink a little when he realized she had fallen asleep waiting for him to return.  She still looked like an innocent as she slept, making him feel worse than he already did.

He stared at her for a long time, wondering how wise it would be for them to share the bed.  He knew it would only lead to disaster but he didn't want to hurt her feelings or make her think he had simply used her and cast her aside by sleeping somewhere else.  He glanced at the bedside table and knew he had some salvation within easy reach if things snowballed again.  He sighed, taking off his pants and getting his nightshirt from the dresser.

He pulled it on but decided not to wear his nightcap.  He moved to the bed, slowly crawling under the covers since Toshiko was wrapped up in the blanket like a cocoon.  He looked at her again, wondering if she really would be able to handle the emotions their tryst would bring about in her.  He was far from being an unsullied person himself but he felt a little guilty for not resisting her.

He leaned over and gently kissed her brow.  She twitched, opening her eyes slowly.  She gave him a sleepy smile, " You're back. "

" Yeah.  I am, " Jigen murmured.  " How do you feel? "

Toshiko shut her eyes, " Different. "

Jigen sighed, " I told it would be strange. "

" But it feels good, " Toshiko offered.

Jigen smiled halfway, " That's good.  I thought you'd be mad at me for hurting you at first. "

" You warned me, " Toshiko wiggled one of her arms loose from the keep of the blanket and placed a hand on his cheek.  " It's okay. "

Jigen kissed the heel of her hand, " Let's get some sleep.  I'm tired. "

" Yeah.  I am too, " Toshiko muttered.  " Goodnight. "

" Goodnight babe. "

**

Lupin looked at the picture of Goemon and Fujiko, chuckling.  " Damn.  Jigen's going to love this one. "

" Lupin! " Goemon was at the door and pounding on it.  " Open the door! "

" One second, " Lupin called as he stashed the picture under the blotter on his desk.  " Okay.  It's unlocked you know. "

The door swung open and Goemon walked in, Fujiko following him.  They looked like they hadn't settled down from their scuffle but seemed like they were ready to behave.  Goemon walked to the desk, " Where is that picture? "

" I hid it in a very safe place, " Lupin smiled.  " That may be useful to me in case you press the issue about Toshiko and Jigen again. "

Goemon narrowed his eyes, " You would not dare! "

" Jigen will love it, " Lupin smirked.  " I can hear him now.  What was it called it?  'Dry humping'? "

Fujiko stepped up to the desk and leaned over it, grabbing Lupin by the tie.  " If you show that to him I will fucking kill you. "

" Is that 'fucking' kill me or 'fuck and kill' me? " Lupin replied with a wicked grin.  " If it the latter, I'll gladly die happy. "

" You're insufferable! " Fujiko rolled her eyes and let go of his tie.

" Don't worry.  I won't show it to him unless you keep hounding him about Toshiko, " Lupin said smoothly.  " I think it's a fair trade. "

Goemon and Fujiko looked at each other.  " Does that sound fair to you? " Fujiko asked him.

" Not very, " Goemon replied.

Lupin slammed his fist down on the desk, " It does to me so shut up.  I'm tired of hearing it.  Besides, we're not here to discuss that! "

Fujiko and Goemon growled then glared at each other.  Goemon took a step forward and motioned to the tape player on the desk.  " We are here for this.  Now, let's get on with it. "

" Yeah, " Fujiko added.

Lupin pressed play, Fujiko and Goemon hanging over the tape machine so they wouldn't miss anything.  Fujiko looked a little uncomfortable hearing Chamberlain's voice again and she grabbed Goemon's empty hand.  He glanced at her then held it, knowing she was trying not to be upset.  She had not said what the man had done to her but Goemon had a good idea from what he had heard on the phone.

Lupin noticed the contact but knew it was more of a comforting gesture than one of affection.  Although Goemon considered Fujiko a major pain in the ass he knew the samurai had been disturbed by the way Chamberlain had treated her.  He knew somewhere beneath it all, Goemon and Fujiko were friends in some strange way no mortal man could understand.  He could almost say it was the perfect picture of when love and hate collide but Fujiko's bizarre relationship with Jigen was a much better example.

" So that's how he got around Ranma, " Fujiko whispered when Chamberlain admitted to cutting his hair and shaving.

" Shhh, " Lupin waved his hand.

Goemon took a sharp breath.  " Toshiko is not a little bitch.  She is a sweet girl.  I should slit his throat for that comment. "

Lupin glared at Goemon, " Hush. "

Fujiko groaned when Chamberlain broke into song, " And Ryousuke says Zenigata's an idiot. "

Lupin stopped the tape, " Are you going to listen or not? "

" We'll listen, " Fujiko said.

" Good, " Lupin restarted the tape.

Fujiko and Goemon listened as Ryousuke said the real reason why Toshiko had been looking for her father.  " Oh my God, " Fujiko whispered.  Her mood quickly changed to anger when she heard Chamberlain call her a bitch and imply she was stupid.  " I am not stupid! "

" Then why did you fall for The Golden Gun story? " Goemon arched an eyebrow.

Fujiko growled and stomped her foot but said nothing in her defense.  The line disconnected and Lupin stopped the tape, " Kaoruko said that was recorded no too long before the bomb went off. "

Goemon looked at Lupin, " Then you were wise to have everyone move to my house for the night.  If Hideki's bomb had malfunctioned, Ryousuke would have tried to kill us here. "

" I decided not to take that chance.  I figured it was possible Chamberlain's boss would try to step in eventually and didn't want to risk it.  That's why I veered from my usual course of thinking and went with my plan 'B' first when Chamberlain thought I'd be there with bells on for Fujiko, " Lupin looked at her.  " I'm sorry if I disappointed you by not showing up with all guns blazing. "

Fujiko sighed, " No.  It's okay.  You know I love being seen naked by a dozen cops then poked in both arms with a needle before the nurse decides to put the IV in my hand when she could have started there to begin with. "

" Ouch.  That was brutal, " Lupin said.  " I was wondering how you got those bruises on your arms and your hand. "

" I was severely dehydrated and they said drinking a lot of water wouldn't have helped.  They said I needed it intravenously to do any good.  At least Ranma did his best to comfort me, " Fujiko gazed out the window.  " I wonder if he's single… he seemed interested in me. "

" He's a cop Fujiko, " Lupin reminded her.  " He knows you aren't Lucy Demeanor now and he might arrest you. "

Fujiko gave Lupin a wicked grin, " I wouldn't mind it if he slapped the cuffs on me. "

" Disgusting, " Goemon muttered.

" The rest of the tape is them talking about the diplomat's suicide but that's nothing important.  I felt the part about Toshiko was the most important, " Lupin attempted to get Fujiko and Goemon back on the subject at hand.  " As far as I know, Ryousuke doesn't know where we are. "

" Apparently not, " Goemon intoned.  " He would have been here by now. "

" Probably.  Anyway, Kaoruko did give me directions to his house though.  I'm worried about the safety of Toshiko's mother and we may have to bring her here in case Ryousuke tries to do something to her. "

" That won't be necessary, " Goemon said.

Lupin arched an eyebrow, " Why not? "

" It seems that Mrs. Takahashi has moved in with Zenigata, " Goemon closed his eyes.  " She was at his apartment when I went to inform the inspector of the end of our contract. "

Lupin laughed, " Well, well, well.  Isn't that something?  Maybe this whole mess will end up getting the family back together. "

Goemon shrugged, " Your guess is as good as mine.  It did seem like they still held a little affection for each other though. "

" That would be good for Toshiko.  If that happened, I'd let her go home with them.  If it's what she wants then she might be happy, " Lupin smiled.

" I feel it would be for the best as well, " Goemon nodded.  " She would feel much better with her own family. "

Fujiko huffed, " But what if she's gets attached to Jigen.  What then? "

Lupin rolled his eyes, " You're obsessed. "

" It is a valid concern, " Goemon chimed in.  " She already seems to be attached as it is.  She already follows him around like a dejected lost puppy. "

Lupin growled, " We'll deal with it if it happens. "

" I think it will happen, " Goemon said. 

Fujiko shut her eyes, " Oh give up.  Let's just let Lupin live in his little la-la land.  I think it will take Jigen getting Toshiko knocked up for him to see the light on this one. "

" I hope he sees the truth before something like that occurs, " Goemon stated stiffly.  He narrowed his eyes as he thought of something.  " Perhaps it would be good for us to pay a visit to Inspector Zenigata. "

" Why do you say that? " Lupin looked at him.  He was surprised at the jump in subjects and had been preparing to defend Jigen against the accusations that were being made.

" You said his line was tapped, " Goemon glanced between Lupin and Fujiko.  " Wouldn't that mean Ryousuke has some idea where he lives. "

Lupin stood up, " Shit.  I didn't think of that.  Come on.  We're all going. "

Fujiko pulled her skirt up just a bit and sighed in relief when she saw the Browning was where it belonged.  " I was afraid it had fallen out in the scuffle, " She glared at Goemon.

" Well it didn't, " Goemon snapped.

Fujiko pulled the gun out and made sure it was loaded.  She then reached down into her top and pulled out the extra clip, Lupin watching intently as she put it back.  She noticed and growled, " Would you grow up? "

" I can grow out, " Lupin replied.

Fujiko growled, " Pervert. "

" We should leave, " Goemon interjected.  " I feel we may need to step in before something disastrous happens. "

Lupin looked at him, " You're right.  Let's go. "

**

Zenigata was watching a game show and listened to Toshi humming to herself as she cleaned up his apartment.  She had scolded him for being messy and disorganized but it made him feel nostalgic.  It reminded him of the two years they just had each other before Toshiko came along.  It had been while he was still on the Tokyo Police Force and Lupin wasn't quite as active or more elusive, he couldn't remember which.

He glanced towards the living room, wondering if his ex-wife still had feelings for him.  She had said she was scared of Ryousuke but he couldn't help but think there was more to it than that.  ~That may make Toshiko happy if we got back together, ~ He mused.  He had been worried about his daughter because she seemed rather skittish and introverted the two times he had seen her.

He had looked into her eyes both times and he could tell there was something she wanted to say but couldn't.  He speculated that it might have had something to do with Lupin or maybe something she didn't want to talk about in front of Goemon or Jigen.  He could see it just below the surface but she never let it out.  The poor child looked like she was trapped but could do nothing about it.

He heard a knock at the front door and Toshi let out a frustrated growl.  " If I get interrupted one more time, I'm going to strangle someone, " She said as he heard her walk to the door.  She opened it, " Yes? "

Zenigata nearly jumped out of bed when she let out a fearful cry.  " What are you doing here?  How did you find me? " Toshi asked.

" Now is that any way to greet your husband? " Ryousuke said smoothly.  " Let me in. "

" No, " Toshi said, her voice trembling.  " Haven't you done enough?  Can't you just leave me alone? "

" But it seems you don't want to be alone, " Ryousuke's tone was cold in it's flatness.  " I figured you would come running to your ex-husband and I was correct. "

" He's Toshiko's father!  Where else would I go? " Toshi was sounding more upset by the second.  " Please don't point that gun at me.  I haven't done anything to you. "

~A gun? ~ Zenigata went cold all over.  He had to do something but he couldn't.  He reached for the phone but remembered it had been disconnected.  He silently cursed Lupin as he reached into the bedside table, pulling out the revolver he kept there.

" I'm not going to shoot you yet, " Ryousuke said as the front door shut.  Zenigata could hear him locking the locks and putting the chain on.  " I'm going to find out where Toshiko is then I'll kill you and then I'll kill Koichi.  That way, when I kill Toshiko, all of you can be together again.  Isn't that why you want?  Isn't that what you've always wanted? "

" I don't know where she is though, " Toshi sounded like she was going to start crying.  " I haven't got the faintest clue where to find her. "

" Then maybe Koichi does, " Ryousuke hissed.  " Where is he? "

" You won't touch him, " Toshi said.  " He doesn't know either. "

Ryousuke snarled in anger.  " Then maybe I can hold you both hostage and your little bitch daughter will bring herself to me.  Perhaps Lupin will bring her to me in exchange for his life and the lives of his friends.  He will probably think it's a good deal since that will get Koichi out of his hair for good. "

" Lupin isn't that kind of person! " Zenigata shouted.

" So he's in the bedroom, " Ryousuke said.  It sounded like there was a brief struggle then the sound of a hard slap and a shout of pain from Toshi.  " Don't interfere with me, woman! "

Toshi sobbed, " Stay away from him.  He's injured damn it! "

" I know he is.  He shouldn't have gotten involved or we'd be rich by now, " Ryousuke snapped.  " We would have the world in the palms of our hands! "

Toshi became silent before whispering, " What do you mean? "

" Don't worry about it now.  It's all been ruined.  All I ever wanted to do was give you the world but the continual meddling of your daughter and your ex-husband prevented me from doing that, " Ryousuke intoned coldly.

" You aren't making sense! " Toshi cried sharply.  " What are you talking about? "

Ryousuke was silent for a long time before speaking again.  " I suppose I could tell you but I won't.  I'll save it until I've got the gun to your head and ready to pull the trigger.  That way, you can die knowing how much I loved you. "