Lupin The Third: The Gunslinger's Lament

Chapter 19

Back at Izzy's Gym...

A quiet but tense exchange.

"The job went sideways. There's nothing more we can do here. The damn Riccis got away. And with them and Aderlass wise to our presence here... I don't want the kid anywhere near them."

Ruby lay unconscious on the bed. She still wore her leotard and Lupin's jacket, both of which, along with her hair, were damp. But as to why was anyone's guess. Her injury wasn't serious. Just a small cut at her temple. Superficial, though she'd knocked herself clean out when she fell. Possibly, she sustained a concussion. But they couldn't risk calling a doctor. Not after the events at Circus Maximus. Now, it was far too risky to advertise their presence to anyone, even Dr. Fiorello.

Jigen, Lupin, and Goemon were at her side, each man expressing his concern for the girl in their own way. Jigen's way was by taking charge and demanding that they leave the country at once, while Goemon sat closest by Ruby's bedside, his eyes closed, yet still keeping a constant vigil over the girl.

Lupin sat back in a chair, one leg crossed over the other, his hands behind his head. In that instant, Lupin's lackadaisical pose was more reminiscent of a typical Jigen pose. But instead, the gunslinger was pacing and ranting, albeit quietly, and smoking like a smoke stack, all while Lupin's eyes tracked his movements.

Lupin's casual posture certainly belied the rather tense situation they currently found themselves in. Jigen and Zenigata had barely escaped with their lives. Ruby's pendant and Goemon very well may have been the only factors which saved their skins. Once Goemon found Ruby, they all turned tail and ran. Not one of their finest moments, but with the Riccis, Aderlass, and the cops on the way, they were left with little choice.

Lupin tilted his head and sighed at the ceiling. "It's a shame, really. She did an amazing job during her performance. She was so nervous up until that point. But when the time came, she shined. And when it was over, it really seemed like we had an open door right into Aderlass' living room." His gaze moved pityingly to Ruby. "But with her sister there, I guess the pressure really was too much for her after all."

"We can't blame the kid entirely," said Jigen through clenched teeth. "Tottsan literally jumped the gun. If he hadn't tried to play hero with an entire swarm of mafiosos, our cover wouldn't have been blown so damn soon. Now let's put it to a vote... We leavin' Italy or not? Goemon?"

Goemon remained silent for a moment longer. He opened his eyes and looked at Ruby. He studied the unconscious girl for a long moment. Then, with a drawn breath, he nodded. "I vote yes for leaving Italy."

Jigen had suspected as much. Perhaps it was cheating, in a way. Jigen knew how Goemon felt about Ruby, and so he already knew, when he asked, what Goemon's answer would be. He would want to keep Ruby safe. Jigen also knew Lupin cared for Ruby, and while he didn't doubt Lupin wanted Ruby safe, Lupin took far more risks with the girl than Goemon did. So Jigen honestly wasn't sure where Lupin stood, but he also knew that Lupin wasn't typically one to turn away with his tail between his legs.

Admittedly, Lupin was disappointed by the whole thing. Was their chance completely blown? With Ruby's attempt to go after her sister, and Zenigata's foolhardy heroism, did that mean that their ticket into their enemy's domicile was truly lost to them? After all, 'Gabrielle Ishikawa' did earn that right, didn't she?

And yet...

Lupin agreed with Jigen.

He didn't want Ruby anywhere near these people anymore.

"Call Mendoza," he said. "Get us a flight outta here for tomorrow morning."

With the vote unanimous, Jigen left the room to make the call, leaving Lupin and Goemon alone with Ruby.