BLACK INK SOCIETY {Sci-Fi Thriller} #Wattys2016

Part 1,4: We've got company

Lupin liked his car. Although the tiny Fiat was well advanced in years, it had never let him down in all this time. Plus, it was fairly different from the vehicle of the drug dealers, whom he had just left behind in their brick-lined habitat. Not even in a negative way. He appreciated the practicality of a functioning coupler. Lupin parked the Fiat in front of the police station, switched on the audioplayer and waited for his passengers to arrive. All in all, he recapitulated, the results of the operation were satisfying. There had been losses - namely, his dignity - but there always were. Occupational hazard.

He could hear the dull sound shoe soles make on an asphalt street. Lupin determined that no honest citizen would ever be around at this time of night. He activated the bolting device, whereupon his loyal Fiat unlocked the doors with an inviting click.

The two obviously dishonest citizens, who were still around at this time of night, took their seats in the back. "Mission accomplished" Lupin reported.

"Lupin?"

"Yes?"

"You look a little rough."

"Oh, I'm fine. I just got into a little disagreement with the local syndicate, and these gentlemen unfortunately seemed to have the more, well... punchy arguments. But, fortune smiled upon me and a night patrol came by, it was enough to make them run."

His friends from the backyard had indeed been getting a little too clingy for his taste, but he refused to let the matter dampen his spirits. His only concern was that he might have underestimated his enemy - and that the chunky car-owner might have discovered the little surprise Lupin had left under the instrument panel. After all, Lupin hadn't been honouring them with his presence because he was some kind of good samaritan. He had bugged the drug dealer's vehicle.

Lupin set his car in motion. The next few minutes passed in silent anticipation, the city was eerily empty at night. Only a few scattered neon signs illuminated the pavement. Then, suddenly - the well-accustomed sound of the interception transmitter.

"Yeah?"

"It's Cole."

"I'm busy."

"Oh yeah? Listen to me, or stick our cooperation up your arse. My boss doesn't like you and you should damn well make sure he doesn't start to hate you."

"Cole, I'm a police officer. There are rules I gotta follow."

"I don't give a fuck, you owe me. Some little shit just got away with two kilos of coke. Called himself Arsène Lupin. The Bolivians are extremely pissed, and if we don't serve them his head on a silver platter by the next twenty-four hours you better forget about your promotion, officer."

The policeman laughed dryly.

"Arsène Lupin, you say? Sorry to break this to you, but you've been taken for a ride, my friend. Dante Alighieri, Irene Adler... this one seems to complete the trio."

"You know the bastard?! Find him, and I swear I'll gut him like a fuckin' fish!"

"Alright, fine. Let's meet at the... what the hell is that...?"

Static noise, hissing. Then silence.

"My friends, enjoy the sweet taste of victory." Dante triumphed from the backseat, "This will be easily enough for a newspaper scandal."

"So the police really are collaborating with the South-Edge Cartel. I would've thought the law enforcers of this city were encouraged to read their job description." said Lupin with a mocking smile. "To another brilliant coup of the Black Ink Society. I bet the BBC will pay a pretty penny for this masterpiece."

Irene pushed back her glasses and clicked her tongue in disapprovement.

"Two kilogram, Lupin. Have you no shame? You'll drive the poor South Edge boys into bankruptcy!"

"I had to make them angry." he defended himself. "After all, nothing upsets a businessman more than the loss of his trusted goods."

"Is that so?" - "Mark my words."

Lupin turned left and took the slip road to the motorway. His associates spent the next minute in silence,  collectively thinking about the generous wage they would recieve for this job, and what they would do with it.

"Irene?" Dante suddenly started from the backseat.

"Yes?"

"I'm afraid two thousands weren't quite enough."

"What makes you assume that?"

He pointed to the window. "We've got company."

The belling motors of three black SUV shattered the silence of the otherwise completely deserted motorway. Dante grinned. "I've always wanted to say that."

"I later expect a detailed explanation on this matter." Lupin said, sighing, "Will it be enough to increase the speed for now?"

"An excellent idea. Now stop talking and drive!"