Chapter 5: Lobelia
"I know someone who can give you an excellent da Vinci imitation, cheap. I guarantee, she won't even know the difference."
They sat at the bar, Lobelia's eyes were focused on her drink and she failed to notice the disapproving look on Ogami's face.
"...You don't have to tell Sumire it's fake. Hell, she'll love you for it." Lobelia glanced in Ogami's direction and flashed him a knowing smirk.
"Lobelia, I'm serious. I don't know what to get for Sumire-kun and I'm down to my last hundred francs."
Lobelia choked at the amount mentioned. "Sheesh, there's nothing on the black market that is that cheap." She created a small ball of fire in her palm and watched the flame flicker. "What you need is more money. I know a couple of guys who are pulling a job tonight. Pretty simple -- in and out. Each one stands to make a tidy sum of money. What do you say, Ogami?"
Ogami sighed. "And to think you are going back to prison in a few days. Lobelia, I just can't believe you."
Lobelia Carlini laughed heartily, clutching her stomach with one hand and slapping her knee with the other. "You are so serious, Lieutenant Ogami Ichiro. I thought Paris would have loosened you up a bit."
She wiped the tears, which resulted from her laughing too hard, from the corners of her eyes. "If you were to stay longer, I'm sure we'd have you dancing the can-can or even my harem dance in no time."
"Heh, heh, heh--" Ogami scratched his head. "The can-can? Your harem dance?" Ogami loosened his collar, which suddenly felt a tad too tight. "You were planning on making me dance?"
Lobelia raised an eyebrow in mock challenge. "And if I said we were?"
Ogami groaned. "Please, Lobelia. You have to help me. I've gotten presents for everyone except Sumire-kun."
"How come you've never given me presents? I need a new pair of glasses -- or haven't you noticed this pair is cracked?"
Lobelia saw the impatience in Ogami's face and decided to be serious. "Why don't you go to Terutoru Public Square and get her a nice painting? She seems to love art and that is a good place to find really affordable paintings made by local artists."
Ogami grinned. "Thanks. If I have some money left, I'll buy you a new pair of glasses."
Lobelia laughed. "There's no need. I've got money to buy my own pair." Lobelia pulled out a thick wad of bills from her coat pocket. "See, I'm very good at managing my own funds."
"I see. Thanks, Lobelia."
"Um, Ogami..."
"What is it, Lobelia?"
"192455631."
"What?"
"192455631." Lobelia pulled up her sleeve to reveal the numbers tattooed on her wrist. "It's my prison number. If you ever plan to write to me...or something, you can address it to that number in Sante Prison."
"I'll make sure to address my letters to Lobelia Carlini." Ogami tipped his head to one side and gave her a sympathetic smile. "You'll be out before you know it, Lobelia. You've done a lot of good for the city of Paris and they've reduced your prison sentence down to two years with a possibility of early parole."
Ogami reached out and laid a hand on Lobelia's shoulder.
Lobelia smiled -- slightly embarrassed by her display of emotions. "It's thanks to you, Ogami. You took a risk and gave me a chance to be part of the Hanagumi."
"Erica-kun also sensed your good soul from the first moment we met you."
Lobelia snorted. "She did, didn't she? That pestering nun wouldn't leave me alone the first few days. She was always preaching about goodness and generosity. She can be very persuasive if you let her ... and she's not as klutzy as she seems to be."
"I know and you're not as bad as you seem to be, either."
Lobelia nodded. "You better go. Your ship leaves in two days, right? You better hurry and buy Sumire's painting."
"Will you see me off at the train station?"
Lobelia shrugged. "Of course! That's a great place to check if I still have fast hands. Places like that are haven for pickpockets like me."
Lobelia realized that Ogami was frowning in disapproval. "Hey, I'm kidding! I doubt that either Erica or Glycine would let me out of their sight." She sighed. "Those two could be so strict sometimes."
* * *
He grinned as he thought about the great deal he got for the original landscape done by one of Paris' well-known local artists. He surveyed the stack of brightly wrapped boxes and checked if they were all labeled properly.
I guess I'm all set to go.
He went out to his balcony and leaned over the railing. Even after six months, this city still hasn't lost her magic. He breathed in the cool autumn breeze as he listened to the hustle and bustle in the streets below.
It was evening -- and Paris was alive with activity. I will definitely come back here in the future.
He returned to his room and got ready for bed. I can't believe I'm leaving in a couple of days.
He lay down on his bed and stacked his hands behind his head as he stared at the ceiling. I wonder what they're doing now. Are they getting ready for the Christmas play? He chuckled as he remembered last year's preparation. I wonder if Sumire is finally going to play the lead role this time. He recalled that the last play the Hanagumi performed, Sumire was not the lead.
He remembered the letter she had written to him to tell him the outcome of the play. Even though I played a supporting role, the people recognized my talent and stood in ovation for me, the Teigeki Top Star.
He enjoyed reading Sumire's letters. She would tell him about what happened to the residents of the Great Imperial Theater and she would always add her own comment about the matter. Reading her letters, Ogami could always sense the underlying tone of concern which Sumire endeavored to hide from him. People immediately assume that Sumire-kun is a snob. They don't know how caring and devoted she can be to the people she loves.
He yawned and struggled to keep awake.
I'm seeing them in a month.
He yawned again and fell asleep with a smile on his face.
~ Next Chapter: Voyage Home/ Some Surprises