Lupin turned around. A tiny old man with a cane was standing there.
"Hello," said Lupin pleasantly as the old man hobbled towards him. "Are you the owner of this place?"
"Indeed I am," said the old man. "I am Old Man Fay, as I'm known in these parts. I founded this jewelry store so many years ago. I've kept it as a family business. We offer many fine things, as you can see."
"Yeah," said Lupin. "Quite a selection!"
"Are you looking for anything in particular? Something I can help you find?" said Old Man Fay, peering at Lupin.
"Well, actually, now that you mention it…" Lupin reached into his back pocket and unfolded the ad for Fay Jeweler's that he'd taken from the newspaper. "I'm interested in the 'World Famous 85 Carat Diamond' pictured here in this ad."
"Ahhh," said Old Man Fay. "Of course." He smiled. "Come to the back room with me, this way."
Lupin followed Old Man Fay into the back room. He turned on a light and shut the door behind him.
"It's here," said the old man, and pulled a velvet cover off of a case in the back of the room.
And there it was, all 85 sparkling carats of pure diamond. Lupin's eyes widened as he looked at it. This would be perfect for Fujiko!
Old Man Faye stood back and watched as Lupin admired the diamond. He was literally speechless. Of all the things he'd stolen, this would top them all. Fujiko would be thrilled.
Finally he spoke. "So, how much is it?"
Old Man Fay coughed a bit. "Excuse me?"
"How much does this diamond cost?" He was of course planning to steal it, but it never hurt to know how much something was worth.
"It is not for sale, I'm afraid. That diamond has been in our family for generations. To sell it would go against the very principles and foundings of this jewelry store." Old Man Fay stepped forward and lifted the velvet cloth back over the diamond's case. "I'm sure you understand."
"Oh, of course, of course," said Lupin, grinning. "Completely fine. I was only curious. I'm hoping to get a present that will really 'wow' my girlfriend this year, know what I mean?"
Old Man Faye's smile returned and he seemed to relax again. "Of course, yes, I remember those days…so long ago…" his eyes were distant for a moment, and then he seemed to come back to the present. "Let me show you our latest, just in a week ago, and a style that's all the rage this year…"
Lupin humored the old man by following him around his shop and looking at all the things for sale. All of the pieces were gorgeous, but nothing would top that diamond in the back room. He simply had to steal it. Fujiko would be thrilled.
He left the shop a half an hour later under the pretense of "Thinking about it and coming back later," and returned to the hotel room. He showed the ad to Jigen and Goemon and convinced them to help him steal it.
"Come on, guys, I can't do it alone. Please?" Lupin begged.
Jigen and Goemon looked at each other.
"Oh, all right," said Jigen finally. "When she rejects you at least we can sell it for a pretty penny."
"Yes!" cried Lupin happily, jumping into the air. "That's the spirit, guys! Woo-Hoo!"
