Chapter Text
“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."