Worth More Than a Sapphire

Chapter 5: Important Discussions To Be Had

"Hello?" a gruff voice answered.

"Hey, so..." You started, staring at the sapphire on the seat. "You told me to call you if I needed anything, right?"

"Oh hey, it's you! Is something wrong?"

You grimaced. "Yes and no. I'm fine, but I really need to talk to you."

"I've got time."

"Oh, no, like in person."

"In person? Why?" he quickly scrambled to clarify himself. "Not that I'm opposed!"

"I just really have to see you for this. It wouldn't be right telling you over the phone," you explained.

"Mhmm," he said quietly. "I see. Is it urgent?"

Was it? You thought about what Lupin had said, about the gem being safest with you. It was a bad time to walk outside toting it around to meet Zenigata. "Yes, but it can wait."

The other end went quiet.

"You know what urgent means, right?"

You laughed a little. "It's serious enough I need to see you soon, but not tonight. Are you busy tomorrow afternoon?"

"No," he answered without hesitation.

"Good!" you smiled. "Do you think we can meet at the jewelry store?"

"The one Lupin stole from?"

"Well, there's only one in town," you replied flatly.

"Look, I didn't exactly read the travel brochures on the way here! I'll be there."

"Phew, thank you! See you then."

Beep.

You sat on a bench by the door, hoping the jewelers wouldn't scoff at you for loitering. You had a purpose, you just had to wait. And thanks to you giving Zenigata a non-specific time, you could be waiting here for a long while. Maybe a little more planning would've helped you out.

The straps of your backpack dug into your arms, serving as a constant reminder of exactly what was happening. You tried to more discreetly fit the object into a purse, but after the zipper made a horrible rip noise, you decided to just forgo subtlety altogether. You just really, really hoped nobody asked to inspect your bag. At least if they did, you could ward them off with your umbrella.

The jewelry store had no windows, only a heavy door out, and a heavy door that led further into the store. You remembered how Lupin had taken the jewel in the first place, and looked around for air vents. It made sense, given that no windows would make a room stuffy, but there were vents every few feet apart on the ceiling. In all honesty, you thought it seemed TOO easy to take something from here, knowing about the secret maze above connecting the buildings. No wonder they just took it for fun.

A tiny ding rose from the bell above the door, and you turned to face the door. You were met with a completely soaked detective.

"Um," was all you said.

He looked less than thrilled about the harsh precipitation. "I think I have a different definition of 'light drizzle' than the weatherman does."

"You look like a wet trash bag."

"You're too kind."

You stood up beside him, already tense from what was ahead of you. "Inspector," you began, but you had trouble finishing the sentence. Luckily, he had no trouble keeping the conversation going.