Lupin The Third: The Gunslinger's Lament

Chapter 16

"Daisuke Jigen."

Jigen was within earshot of Aderlass' tent when he heard his name.

Right there, not far from him, was Herzog Von Aderlass and Andreo Ricci, two vicious devils that Jigen hoped would never cross paths. And yet there they were, acting as if they were best friends... and they were talking about him.

Andreo Ricci leaned on his cane as he hovered near Aderlass' chair, murmuring in the man's ear. "We have reason to suspect he may be here at today's event."

"And?" asked Aderlass with a lift of a bushy gray eyebrow. "Is that name supposed to mean something to me?"

"He is known amongst the mob world as something of a renegade; a defector. And... he's Lupin the Third's partner."

"I see," said Aderless, tonelessly. "And... you think he's here? Now?"

"I suspect. And if he's here, then Lupin the Third is here. And if Lupin is here... the girl you want must also be here somewhere. I only regret we did not understand the situation sooner, Herr Aderlass. We could have killed Daisuke Jigen when we got the chance and brought the girl to you..."

Aderlass held up a hand, silencing him. "You have more than accommodated me with your men, Mr. Ricci," he said gesturing to the black-suited thugs that surrounded him like his own personal body guards. "If they see this Daisuke Jigen, they will kill him, will they not?"

"Absolutely, Herr Aderlass. Without hesitation."

"And as for the girl," said Aderlass, a cruel smile crawling its way across his face. "The best way to snare a rabbit is to lay a trap, wouldn't you say?"

"Um... yes, Herr Aderlass."

Herzog Von Aderlass smirked wickedly as he glanced at the woman beside him. "Well, I do believe Mrs. Del Monte here will provide the perfect 'carrot,' if you will, to lure our little rabbit into my snare. Don't you agree... Diana?"

Diana!

Ruby's sister, Diana! She was right there! And Aderlass had brought her along like a pretty, sedated trophy. The poor woman sat beside him, wearing a vacant expression; though she trembled as Aderlass' gloved hand caressed along her jawline.

Jigen grit his teeth. A strong part of him was tempted to make a move; to try and grab Diana and make a run for it. But this was like trying to jump into the lion's den while covered in raw meat.

Aderlass tilted back his head and let out a spine-chilling laugh. "Now then, Mr. Ricci... Find someone to bring me more of that excellent Barbaresco and join me, won't you? I assure you there is nothing to worry about. Let the rabbit come to us."

"Keh!" Slowly, Jigen backed off, looking to put some room between himself and Aderlass' tent. He had to get a hold of Lupin and tell him what he'd seen.

~~~

"Ishikawa, Gabriella!"

Ruby gulped.

Shit.

It was time.

...

Elsewhere, the name 'Ishikawa' drew the attention of a few individuals. Jigen, turned his head in the direction of the event field.

"Ruby..." he murmured softly.

...

In a deep state of concentration, a pair of dark eyes opened. Goemon, from his discreet location, drew a deep breath.