After shaking hands, he slumped back into his seat, thinking the deal over again but still feeling unsure about it.

"Is this really fair?"

"Do you want more?"

"I mean to you. I'm not…great at riddles and I don't think I'll help you much."

"That's not entirely true." At that Law flipped a black card onto the desk. "Seems our clues have some reference to one another, so having you on my side will help me find the rest." He picked up the card, flipping it over and reading it slowly.

This guide needs help and you're on a mission.

Follow carefully, make sure to listen.

"Wait is this me? So you would have contacted me at some point!"

"I would have, just not have gotten around to it."

"So this whole deal was going to happen anyway."

"Yes, most likely." He sat back, staring at the dark man who had turned to the computer on the desk, typing away something. "You're sneaky."

"I prefer prepared."

"So what do I do now?" Law did not look up from the screen.

When that didn't get a response he dug in his pocket pulling his second card out and placing it on the desk. The man looked surprised at seeing the second card but slowly picked it up. He hoped it would serve a good enough peace offering. After a moment Law pushed the card back, no longer looking guarded as before.

"What is it?"

"I'm pretty sure it's a locket. I think maybe it's in it or something."

"Maybe?"

"I don't know. I don't know any rich men personally and I don't know anyone wearing lockets." He leaned back in his chair, rubbing at his face. "I don't get it."

"Try to think back. Maybe it was someone in passing. Anyone wearing a necklace." He sighed and looked at Law.

"I don't know! I tried to remember, but all I know is that one guy wearing a cross, that jerk with a gold necklace and I guess you, are you wearing anything?"

"What guy with a gold necklace?"

"I dunno, big guy, really nasty and rude he was there at the reading way in the back?"

"Bad hairstyle and rich clothes?"

"Yes."

"That was Charloss Saint. Comes from one of the richest and biggest families."

"Sounds about right." Law turned back to the computer typing in something now. He sighed and leaned back in his chair more, glancing around the office once more. It was rather bare now that he looked at it, no personal pictures, no idea of interests or sports. He wondered about earlier too, about showing up here and being interrogated like that. Law stopped typing and turned the screen toward him.

"This man?" He looked back. It was the same angry and dumpy looking man before but with a different suit and awful hair. He glanced down at where the man's neck was and noticed right away the same gold necklace, though this one had a small gold locket on it with a bit of green on the front.

"That's him! Holy shit he's wearing a locket."

"He wears it all the time it seems, it's in all of his photos."

"You found it, perfect oh wait…" He sat back down, now that he knew where it was he hadn't thought of how to get to it. Law clicked through a few more photos and he noticed the man's odd family in some of them. He'd heard of some of these, his grandpa always complained about how horrible they were and now he suddenly felt like it was going to be impossible to even see it. The family didn't look the type to be kind and helpful.

"You're aware that the only way you can even get that is by stealing right?" He wasn't surprised at that, figured it was going to most likely happen that way. At least he'd have help with it; it was easier to steal with help rather than alone.

"Yeah their family looks nasty and mean." A hint of a smirk appeared on the other man's face before it disappeared.

"That's putting it lightly."

"I know I gotta steal it. I just need help with it." Law nodded, pulling out some paper and scribbling something down and passing it back over to him. He looked at it, three names were written on them, Ocean's Bay, Seagull's Rest and Orange Sunset Hotel.

"They own these three hotels, and it seems they stay there in them when they come to Raftel. They are in town right now actually it seems, business trips."

"So then we'll go."

"Not yet." He looked up at that.

"They might not be here again-"

"It's too soon right now. We need him to be alone not with family and besides even though you know where they are, how exactly do you plan to steal it off him?" He grew quiet, frowning.

"I- I just only have the rest of today I won't be off again for a while."

"Then you'll have to just act when its best." At that Law pushed the paper back along with a pen. "Put your number down, I'll keep an eye on Charloss."

"But I won't-"

"If I call you then he's here again." They stared at each but he scribbled down his number and passed it back. Law had slipped him another paper; this one with what he assumed was the doctor's number.

"I'll try to get back. If not I-"

"You'll come up with some excuse for your boss; you got this far doing so right?" He didn't reply to that, just sighed and Law gave him an odd look. "Are you really that busy?"

"You know I don't even have money to get back home." He joked and he stood, going for his backpack. "I'm going to have to walk back or hitchhike at least I'll have plenty of time to get back if I leave now." Law had stood up, removing the white coat and hanging it up.

"I'll take you back."

"It's a two hour drive."

"And a five hour walk."

"Do you normally drive strangers places you don't know about?" Law smirked at him.

"You're not a stranger now."

The ride was mostly silent; with him buckled into a sleek seat he had been kind of speechless since seeing the car. It wasn't anything fancy but it was worlds nicer than his own and any car he had seen and so he had buckled himself into the front seat and they had left the hospital.

He had stared out the window, occasionally listening to the radio that talked of the weather now and then and something that happened in the news. He pointed to the turn off they needed to take and once they approached his town noticed the look Law gave him.

"I see why you're schedule is so busy." He didn't answer that and ignored the second look he was given as they turned down his road. They pulled up at the end of his long drive way but he motioned for Law to stop there.

"I'm good here."

"Wait. What are your work hours exactly?" He hesitated, hand on the door handle.

"I work from six to five why?"

"I'll try to call you when you're not working. Just wait for it." He got out, only glancing back before heading down the driveway. He noticed the car not leaving till he got to his front door and he couldn't help but a smile a bit at that.

"So what do you think, should we get balloons or not?" Usopp asked, buckling up and starting the car. Luffy didn't respond, he was checking his phone once again and put it away. "Dude, balloons, tacky or classy?"

"I think they are fine." He said, wondering if he should change his phone from vibrate to ringing but Usopp frowned at him.

"I know this isn't important, but I think balloons might make or break this wedding."

"I think balloons are fine, you guys like balloons so go with them." He heard Usopp sigh and mutter about types and colors before giving up. The car pulled out and away from the ship yard and they were quickly on the main road, heading towards their local hospital.

"Well at least you're going to see Ace today." He didn't reply to that, just stared out the window, figting the knot in his stomach. Three days since he'd been dropped off by Law and not a phone call or anything. He hadn't told Garp or Chopper about it but they had noticed how impatient he'd been lately. Usopp pulled up at the entrance and gestured for him to get out. "I'll go park, go on in." He got out, knowing exactly what floor and room number. He had it memorized already and sighed when approaching the closed door. He gave a light knock.

"C'mon in, I'm decent." Ace called back and he opened the door giving his oldest brother a smile.

"Hey Ace."

"Look who decided to show up!" Ace joked and waved him over. He stepped in, noticing the new flowers and get well cards decorating the window and tables.

"Usopp came with-"

"That's even better!" He stepped closer to the bed and looked down at his brother. Ace was thinned considerably and paler than usual, his brother's tan skin having a sicker duller gleam to it. He took Ace's hand, feeling how much colder and smaller it was and he fought back the rush of pain that always accompanied him when he visited.

"You look great today." He lied, feeling guilt. Ace chuckled, grasped his hand back and squeezed.

"Soon I'll be strong enough to kick your butt back into gear." The squeeze felt much weaker and he let go, taking a step back and smiling.

"Maybe, I don't know I've gotten way stronger since you've last seen me."

"I can tell! But that won't help you when I get ahold of ya." They shared a grin and the door opened behind them as Usopp hurried in, carrying a small bag in with him.

"Ace! You looking good man brought you a little something, from Kya." He drifted over to the window, letting his brother marvel over something Kya had baked recently and stared out the window. It was the same old view of a dreary parking lot and dreary old crumbling buildings around it. Ace must have said something to him because he heard a louder shout and turned to see Ace smirking.

"What?"

"Are you even here today Luffy? I asked you a question like three times dude."

"Yeah sorry just thinking."

"Whoa should I be worried?" He lightly slapped his brother on the shoulder for that and Usopp grinned, taking the nearby chair to sit in.

"He's been thinking a lot lately, bout that game or something." Ace gave a nod but Luffy frowned at his friend.

"I haven't been thinking that much about it." He lied and then turned to look at Ace who was still grinning.

"Really then? So I guess you were just thinking about something else instead of your poor older brother." He rolled his eyes at that and Usopp started chuckling. A nurse came in, quietly checked the machine nearby and then left. Usopp got up then, looking significantly at Ace before heading to the door.

"Well I better call Kya really quick, let you two talk then." And his friend was gone, he looked at Ace then, curious but Ace didn't say anything just looked at him, smile gone.

"I've been calling for you; everyone's told me you've been busy for work."

"I have." He didn't like being alone now, wished Usopp hadn't purposely left but he stood there, crossing his arms from the cold of the hospital room and not looking at his brother.

"We need to talk about this soon Luffy."

"We already did."

"We need to talk about what we're going to do."

"There's nothing to talk about!" Ace looked at him wide-eyed and he lowered his voice. "We've already talked; everyone is fine with you staying here. We'll have the money soon." He remembered his deal with Law and felt the pain lessen somewhat. He couldn't tell him yet, not just yet.

"I don't want to do this anymore."

"Don't say that." He wanted to say something but held back. His brother was a notorious worrier he didn't need to stress this out even more so.

"I don't want to Luffy. With Sabo gone-" He turned away, moving towards the door. "Luffy, wait! Please, look I'll stop okay? I won't talk about it just don't go yet okay? I haven't seen you in months." He sighed and turned back looking at Ace's clearly pained face. "Can we have dinner today? At least?"

"Only if you eat it this time." He said, bitter and angry and not wanting to be here anymore. Ace grew quiet and nodded and he stepped closer to the bed, unable to help it, he hugged his brother, held the weaker body closer and ignored the pain that swelled in his chest when doing so. Ace rubbed his back, soothingly like when they were children and he held tightly to his brother. For once things might just turn around; he just had to tell a few lies today.

His ride home had been silent and awkward. He hadn't spoken much with Garp when he got in, knew his grandpa never asked about his visits and quietly patted Chopper on the head but mainly went to his room to lie down and cry. With Sabo gone things were far harder than it needed to be, he was glad he wasn't alone but this got to be too much and on days like this he'd rather be alone then let the others see him. He hated being weak. There was a light knock on his door and heard Garp shuffling around outside it.

"Left ya some cake in the kitchen. It's your favorite."

"Thanks, I'll eat it later." He said dully, keeping his voice low enough so the old man couldn't tell he'd been crying. He heard some more awkward shuffling before Garp left and he rolled over and buried his face in his pillow, only raising up to check his phone. No calls, frustrated he tossed it aside and pulled up his blanket. Not looking forward to work tomorrow at all.

The next day he found he was busy stripping paint off some old life boats and he groaned before settling into it, his cry from the night before left his eyes sore and he rubbed at them often. Usopp hadn't spoken with him today, mainly left him alone and he appreciated it but wished he'd have the day off instead of work. The work was so boring he thought about the clues he had, about the rich man who probably had enough money to buy whole islands. He angrily scrapped at the paint, feeling tears prickling at the corners of his eyes again but ignored it, he was alone no one could see him.

A rich guy like that could buy islands and hospitals and even pay for simple surgeries, he thought bitterly, scrapping harder at a tough patch of paint. The idea of losing his one chance at earning some money burned him so much he hadn't watched what he was doing and the scraper slipped, sliding and slicing his other hand. He dropped it, swearing and carefully inspecting it when he felt a vibration in his pocket. He answered quickly, ignoring the bleeding.

"Hello?"

"It's me, where are you?" He gripped the phone tightly, his left hand bleeding and throbbing.

"It's three I'm at work what-"

"You got the day off. Come to the front and I'll get you."

"What-"He heard a dial tone and stared at his phone, lost. He replaced his phone in the pocket and the small intercom nearby crackled.

"D. Luffy to the front office please." He stared in shock before slowly getting up, only remembering to wipe his hand clean on one of the old rags before heading to the main office. He waited around, nodding now and then to others who passed through and stood near the window.

He looked on in surprise as Law's car did drive up and he went to ask but Law motioned for him to get in first and he did, slamming the door shut and then staring at the other man.

"How did-"

"I mentioned your brother was having trouble and they let you off." Stunned he slowly put on his seat belt, feeling them pull out of the shipyard. Law glanced at his bleeding hand didn't ask, just sped up and he was grateful the man didn't say anything. The radio station warned of a coming rainstorm but he paid no attention to it, now looking at his cut and still bleeding hand.

"There's a small first aid kit in the back." He reached behind the seat finding it and popping it open in his lap, sifting through the supplies.

"Did you find him?"

"Yeah he's alone too in one of them, the Ocean Bay Hotel. Seems he's the only one in his family in the game, he's been there for three days now and I've been told he leaves tomorrow."

"Why didn't you call me then?"

"He wasn't alone then, his family was with him. He'll be alone tonight." He finished wrapping his hand and replaced the kit.

"Okay so how're we gonna do it? We gonna rush him?"

"No, I paid a worker to get me a copy of his key card. We're just going to go in when he's left the room. We'll have to wait but I managed to get us a room the same floor."

"Really? But you said he wears it all the time."

"He wears it for pictures I said. Seems he takes it off otherwise."

"Okay. We just have to wait right?" Law nodded he sat back thinking hard on the plan. They stopped by his home where he rushed in and packed an overnight bag, leaving a note for Garp and ran back out, his hand still hurting from earlier.

They mainly listened to the news, normally he'd ask to hear music but he was busy thinking on getting the necklace. He didn't want to get in trouble, couldn't deal with police again not since the last time. He hoped as they approached the main highway to the city that things would work out for him, hoped they'd get his clue easily.

It was a long drive but they finally pulled up in view of the hotel. It was a beautiful, peachy orange color mimicking the sunset and so high he had to crane his neck to see the top. There was valet parking and numerous people milling in the lobby from what he could see through the front windows. Law drove them behind the building, parking in the back and turning the engine off.

"When we go in, act like you've been before. Don't stand out." He nodded climbing out and following Law. Once inside they felt the full blast of cool air and a few people made way for them. Law headed straight toward the counter, checked them in and they walked toward the elevator and waited until they were in before pressing for the twelfth floor. He wanted to ask but Law shot him a look and he stayed quiet. With a ding they arrived and stepped out, and Law motioned for him to follow heading down the hall.

"He's in room 1203 we're in 1205." Law whispered and he nodded following close behind. They entered room 1205, aware they were right across from 1203 and he walked in, gaping at the room. It was certainly one of the biggest and fanciest hotel rooms he'd ever been in. The walls were loaded with sunset styled decorations and large matching twin beds. He stopped just in front of the painting in between them. It was a painting of a ship, heading out in the dark of the night and sea. He felt something, old and fearful stir inside his mind and he looked away from the painting. The room, aside from that was otherwise beautiful and peaceful.

"So, are you going to tell me how you got this room?"

"Money." Law said dryly and he rolled his eyes.

"I mean, what, did you just wait around until an opening happened?"

"Yes." He shook his head.

"So how do we know when he leaves?" He stopped as they both heard a door open faintly down the hall. Law smirked.

"Despite how nice this is, they didn't invest in sound proof doors. We're right across we'll hear when he leaves." Luffy set his bags on one of the beds and stared at their door.

"Yeah but there was no need to rent a room, we'll be in and out yeah?"

"No, it's suspicious to just check out so soon we'll be staying the whole night and leaving in the morning."

"Wait, seriously?" He remembered what was so odd about the hall when they got off the elevator. "Is that why this floor doesn't have a camera on it?"

"It seems that this hotel's…nasty owners tend to do illegal business up on the top floors. Drugs, parties the usual. For now it'll serve us as no one will know we went into his room." He gave a grin.

"So basically we're set?"

"We just have to wait." He nodded pleased and fell back onto his bed, sighing as he sank into the plushness of the mattress. This would be the easiest thing he'd ever stolen and he was glad they wouldn't have to do anything to complex. However, he didn't relax to long as he suddenly remembered something he hadn't planned for.

"Oh shit, I have work tomorrow."

"Call in, ask for tomorrow off."

"I can't-it's not that easy."

"Luffy." He sighed already taking out his phone. He knew this was too important, didn't mean it would be pleasant having to beg for a day off.

"I know, I know, but you better let me into the mini bar later." He scrolled down to his boss's number, groaned and hit dial. Paulie picked up instantly.

"What the hell do you think you're doing calling me at this time?"

"Paulie I-"

"Don't you tell me you got some kinda excuse and can't come in tomorrow. The answer is no, be in at your time or you're fired!" He pulled the phone back a bit from his ear and saw Law clearly looking entertained at all this. He scowled at the taller man.

"Paulie it's important-"

"No it aint, I swear I'll give Garp a call and he'll-"

"It's about Ace's surgery." He said quickly and he heard Paulie cough in surprise on the other end, Law had moved over quickly, giving him a suspicious look. "Well it's about some paperwork involving it, if I, if this deal goes through then he'll get it." He said carefully aware Law was listening carefully.

"Deal? What kinda deal? Where are you?" Luffy hesitated; knowing Law heard that and Law motioned for him to continue.

"Well uh I've found a way to pay for it, don't worry I'm staying at a cool hotel!" He said cheerfully, trying to make it sound normal but he could hear Paulie mumbling. "Paulie?"

"Why at a hotel?"

"It's just uh convenient for the paperwork." At that Law took phone from him and he protested but Law held him back.

"Hello, this is Trafalgar Law. I will be the main surgeon for Ace's treatment." He heard Paulie making some kind of stumbling sound.

"Oh uh is that so?"

"Yes, we are finishing the paper up. I'm afraid however since your employee is a good deal away from work that he may need a day or two off."

"Uh yeah okay, that's I mean, for Ace sure. Wait; are you two in this hotel together?"

"Yes." And with that, he handed the phone back. Luffy quickly apologized but he could hear Paulie making odd confused sounds.

"Listen this is kind of um a surprise. For Ace. So please don't tell him Paulie." Paulie made some strange noise in agreement and the man grunted out that he had two days off but nothing more and hung up. As soon as he did he tossed his phone at Law who caught it easily. "The hell did you talk to him for!"

"He was going to pry. The less anyone knows about this deal the better."

"Well ask next time."

"Considering how you treat your phone, there may not be a next time if it breaks." He tossed a pillow this time which was caught and tossed back at his face. He groaned and fell back, not removing the pillow. Law walked away and he could hear the TV being turned on.

"That minibar better be worth it." He said, muffled under the pillow.

Hours passed, it had grown dark outside and bored he rolled around off his bed and moved into the small resting area where Law sat. He'd raided a good bit of the minibar, didn't touch the alcohol as he felt getting drunk now would be a bad idea and he wasn't much of a drinker anyway. He was told not to leave in case Charloss left so he didn't even get to really explore.

He was bored. He sat down on the couch beside Law, snickering when the man scooted further back from him.

"So do you think he'll leave tonight or…?" He trailed off, waiting. Law shrugged, stretching out long legs onto the foot rest in front of them.

"He'll leave. He's been going down to the bar every night he's been here. Since he usually has things delivered to him whatever he gets down there must be important for him to leave."

"How long's he usually gone?"

"Hours." He sat back, staring at the TV. Some weather man was droning on about a large storm coming up and he sighed again. Law got up, forfeiting the remote and he turned it quickly to cartoons, feeling somewhat less bored now. He heard the man digging in their bags and he looked over in time to see that Law had removed his leather gloves again, that odd ring sparkling under the light.

"Are you married or something?" Law's shoulders stiffened for a moment before relaxing, he couldn't help but feel that he may have touched a sore spot.

"I'm engaged." Law said quietly, Luffy raised a brow.

"Uh congrats to you and your um partner. Got a friend who's getting married soon too." Law didn't say anything and he awkwardly scratched his head, still looking at the ring. He was going to say something; the silence was starting to feel weird when they both heard it at once, the door opening across the way. They both looked at each other and waited until the heavy footsteps disappeared before they both moved to the door, Law quickly putting gloves back on and shoving Luffy a pair.

They stepped out into the hallway. The elevator was in use and Law quickly moved to Charloss's door.

They stopped in front of the door but Law froze and so did he, glancing around worriedly.

"What's wrong?" He whispered. Law didn't respond, just reached out and pushed the door open. He stared in shock as it easily swung open. He noticed Law looking worried and before he could ask, was grabbed and pulled in quickly and the door shut behind them. "What the hell-"

"Something's not right." They both stood in the small living room area. He moved so that he wasn't behind Law and noticed right away the trash and mess everywhere.

"Other than the mess what's not right?"

"The door was left open."

"You said he wouldn't be in, it's fine he might not have closed it all the way."

"Maybe. Start looking around."

He wanted to ask what else was off but Law was looking in one of the bedrooms and he did as he was told, peeking into the bathroom. The bathroom was a mess as well and he wrinkled his nose in disgust at the trash and smell before backing out. Law had moved past him to the back of the room and he stepped over some trash to a closed door in back. The layout of the room was identical save for the decorations which showed more nighttime views and the single bed in back and he stepped around trash to get at the door.

He opened in but found it to be a closet and shut it, stepping over used dishes and magazines before finding himself in the bedroom area where Law stood in front of one of the windows. Luffy glanced around the room, nothing gold or otherwise was seen.

He joined Law at the window and looked down. He couldn't see Law's car but he could see a small group of people smoking and milling about.

"Alright then I'll look in here, you can search the front." He said simply, turning to look at the room again. "He had to have taken it off or something, maybe it's in a hotel safe? They have that right?" Law did not answer him, looking lost in thought and he shook his head, leaving the surgeon to think. He turned to move from the window, stepped on something painful and tripped.

"Fuck!" He shouted, reaching for the window sill but grabbing Law's arm instead and they both toppled together onto the dirty floor, the air pushed out of him. "Sorry." He said, trying to get back up, pushing at the taller man's body. "Get off please you're heavy." Law didn't move and he looked up at the man's face. "What is it?" Law pointed, and he looked and nearly screamed in surprise at the person hidden under the bed.

They both moved then, backing away from each other and the bed. He held in the scream but stared back at the glassy eyes still staring at him.

"It's Charloss." Law said but Luffy felt sick and felt sicker still when Law reached out and touched Charloss's arm, checking his pulse. "He's dead." He got up then stumbling to the bathroom sink where he clung onto it until the nausea and dizziness passed.

Author's Note: Hey guys sorry for the very late update here. As you can tell I got tangled up but I hope to be updating all of these very soon. This one is a bit longer to make up for that wait, and thanks for the reviews so far! I read them all and its very encouraging.