Tainted Time

Lupin yawned, scratching at his 3-day beard. Late afternoon light filtered into his holding cell. "Eeennn" He eeennned as his stomach gave off another series of cramps. Damn, but he was hungry. And thirsty. But last night it rained and he had held one sock out the barred window, soaking right through. Not very tasty, in fact it was way gross, but it was water. Sock flavored water.

Staring at the door, he picked absent minded like at a few healing scabs. They hadn't been too friendly when he refused to tell them where the statue was. But Lupin held out. The longer he did, the more healing time Pops had. The last 72 hours alone had given him far too much time to think, to think about things he would of rather not of. But an idle mind does what it wants.

So far, he had decided he wasn't mad at Pops. Confused, a little freaked out and amazed, yes. But not mad. As hard as he tried, and he did try, Lupin couldn’t bring himself to be angry with the Inspector. During the night, his dreams had played out "encounters" between him and his nemesis much to Lupin’s lack of delight.

It wasn't pleasant waking up alone and horny. Or then recalling what it was that had made him that way.

In fact, just trying to sort out his mind was.. "Damn it." He muttered, adjusting his seated position into something a little more comfortable for his current state. He stopped his failed shifting at the sound of footsteps outside his hut like prison

She shouldn’t be here... He would kill her if he knew. Marge shuddered, the forest seeming chill even in the late day sun. Joe would make her suffer before hand though. But she wanted out. More then anything she wanted out of this life she had stumbled into.

Her plan had started from the moment she realized who the man was that had stolen their idol. The Legendary Master Thief Lupin the 3rd. If anyone could free her from this hellish life, it was him. Shivering again with the cold that was only in her mind, the woman looked about before unlocking and opening the door to what was with hope her way out.

Lupin watched with interest as the door opened a decidedly female form backing in, head still outside, as if she wasn't sure she was meant to be here. Carefully, she shut the door and turned about.

"Well, I must say they are running out of ways to make me talk if they have started sending pretty little things like you." Lupin laughed, toying with a small stray leaf. She was pretty, older then him, yes, but still nice looking. And she looked scared shitless. He followed her movements as she tucked a tendril of brown hair behind her ear with a trembling hand.

"Lupin, I can help you. I want out of this...hell. If you promise to take me with, I can help you get out."

So she was offering him an escape. Normally, the thief would of jumped at the chance. Help out a hottie? Get free from a smelly little prison? Hell yes! But things were different now *Damn you Pops... you have totally screwed with my ways*

Standing, he brushed dirt from his filthy pant leg and walked over towards her. She stepped back, but was only allowed a few moves before the wall prevented her from going any farther. "I will help you get out of this. I promise. But I can’t leave yet. I could of left at almost any time." He chuckled, waving a hand about the room.

He could of what? "I have my reasons for staying." The thief continued on, pacing the dirt floor in front of her. "They have some one I care about far more then I should. I can’t leave until I know he is safe. And I won’t leave without him."

She knew whom Lupin was speaking of. That older man whom they had taken out of her truck stop with him. Marge nodded. "I know who you are talking about." Was he Lupin’s Dad? No, the larger man didn't seem that older, nor did he look anything like the thief. Must just be a friend, or maybe he was that gunman whom hung around the thief. She knew that man was older then Lupin

Lupin sighed, a weary smile crossing his face. She knew whom he was talking about. "If you can find him, and tell me how he is doing, I will get you out of here. Even if I have to dig my way out with this sock!" he laughed, holding up the soggy slightly smelly clothing item.

He laughed louder when Marge backed a way. "Don’t worry, I'm just relived that I'm gonna get some news on Pops!" She still looked a little freaked, but Lupin didn't care. Hell! He was too friggin happy!

Praying he was just gleeful and not insane, Marge put her trust in him. "Okay. I will do that for you if you can get me out." Not feeling right about being there any longer then needed, the truck stop owner left without another work, locking up behind her. And walked the short distance to a larger building. How would the thief react to know the man he was so worried about was no more then 20ft away?

Lupin sighed and leaned back against the dirty wall. He had hope now. Hope and a plan. The day was looking better already. Attempting to cuddle with a few rocks, he laid down. "Good night Pops, whereever ya are." he smiled, full knowing what sort of dreams he was about to slip into. Oh well.. there was worse things to dream of.