Lupin laid a collection of papers on the table, a self-satisfied smirk on his face.
Peering quizzically at the pile, Jigen, Goemon and Fujiko then looked at Lupin to elaborate.
"Adrian Bellman, a multimillionaire who got his start as a jeweler, but switched to real estate and luxury resorts. He now owns seven of the 10 largest ski resorts in the world."
Jigen continued to stare at Lupin, not getting the answer to his question.
"Are you telling us about your next vacation?" He asked. Lupin continued.
"The thing is, I don't believe he ever stopped selling jewelry. His underground jewelry manufacturing and distribution has made him more money than it ever did when he was doing it legally."
"Do you know where he would be pulling this off?" Fujiko asked, taking a bit more interest now that Lupin mentioned the goods.
"Bellman travels often, but he's most frequently spotted at his largest ski resort in Norway," Lupin explained. "I suspect the resort is a front, and his underground work is nearby. The problem is, I've broken into his offices and don't see any records of a jewelry plant or blueprints, even illegal ones. I'll need to take a closer look at that resort."
Fujiko pulled back, a bit less interested now that it was clear Lupin didn't have a location for the underground plant. "You'll let us know when you find it, won't you?"
Lupin, sensing Fujiko's lack of interest, seemed to slump a bit at the edge of the couch where he sat. "Mmhmm. I'm telling you guys this because I'll be gone for a little while to pay this resort a visit."
Goemon looked at Lupin, one eyebrow arched slightly. "Pay is right. Visiting the resort will be expensive."
Lupin nodded, then grinned sheepishly. "Well, I won't exactly be going as a tourist." He gestured to another source of the gang's questions, a disguise on the other end of the couch that consisted of a dress and a gray, curly wig.
Lupin, disguised as a Caucasian elderly woman named Clara Rothwell, was instructed to meet his supervisor in a smaller building connected to the resort. Smaller being a matter of perspective as the building ran four stories, and while not as luxurious as the resort itself, was still showy.
Lupin opened the door and walked through the entrance, grateful to be out of the cold. He would have reconsidered his disguise and not worn a dress, though the multiple knitted sweaters, jacket, scarves and long johns were doing their job well enough.
The supervisor, named Gerald, was nice but seemed distracted. After Lupin filled out the paperwork, Gerald briskly gave Lupin a tour of the resort, showing him the main lobby, full-size gym, movie theater, dining areas, and a spa, including multiple outdoor hot tubs. The amenities were magnificent, but Gerald's voice was rote, as though he had described the rooms to busloads of employees before.
Gerald then led Lupin past the main amenities and down a flight of stairs to another connecting building, the cleaning crew's quarters. The quarters were dimmer and narrower than the main floor. Lumpy rugs lined the hallways, and the walls had chintzy paintings of landscapes and mounted deer heads.
"This is the resort's busy season," Gerald explained. "We hire dozens of maintenance specialists to cover all shifts. While this job is often temporary, we do keep some of our specialists who work full time, and many still live in the dormitories."
Lupin snorted inwardly at the pompous "maintenance specialist" title. With a job title like that, the resort could at least pay the employees more than pennies.
Gerald began to speak again, but Lupin's attention was diverted by a small girl who sat on a windowsill, peering through the window.
Gerald noticed the small girl as well. "That is Nonnika, our CEO's granddaughter, who is staying at the resort while her parents work out some personal matters." His voice, already low so the girl wouldn't overhear, lowered again. Lupin had to crane his neck to hear him.
"I wouldn't have said anything except that she can be a bit of a troublemaker. We're telling our staff that if they notice her getting in anyone's way, to let me or another supervisor know."
Troublemaker, huh? Lupin thought. The girl couldn't have been older than four. What would she be getting in trouble for? Crying when she needed a nap, by just being a toddler?
Lupin was good at sensing out peoples' true natures. Looking at Nonnika, with graham cracker crumbs on her cheeks, Lupin felt like the lumpy rugs would cause the crew more trouble. He felt badly sometimes for the children of wealthy or influential figures. They were expected to be responsible for keeping up their family's reputation at an absurdly young age, before they stopped sucking their thumbs even, chastised for just being children.
"Our two largest dormitories are full," Gerald said, once they had passed Nonnika. "For now, you will have a room to yourself. Do note that we have a few more specialists coming who will share the room with you."
Lupin nodded, astonished at his good luck. However, he wouldn't put it past Bellman to have installed security cameras in every room. He would need to be careful.
"You told me you traveled in your youth, is that right?" Gerald turned to look at Lupin.
"Yes sir." Lupin switched seamlessly to the effusive, raspy voice he developed for Clara Rothwell. "To many countries, doing odd jobs and staying in hostels. Once I married, I became a receptionist for many years. It is wonderful to travel and work again, though I do miss my dear husband."
Gerald gave Lupin the first hint of a smile. "Well, we are glad to help, and thank you for joining us." He turned a corner and led Lupin to a nondescript door. "Room 1967, this will be where you stay."
He moved to the side, allowing Lupin to enter. "Please take a look at our schedule, and be ready to meet your immediate supervisor, Sarina, tomorrow at 7 a.m."
"Thank you, sir. I greatly appreciate this," Lupin/Clara said, giving Gerald a warm and wrinkled smile.
"You are very welcome," Gerald replied. "Please use the phone at your bedside table if you have any questions." With that, he stepped out of the room and shut the door, leaving Lupin to himself.
Under the guise of unpacking his things, he surreptitiously scanned the room for any security cameras or microphones. Surprised to find none, he felt a bit better able to relax.
There was a small refrigerator, sink, and electric kettle at one end of the room. On the other end there were three beds. Lupin chose the bed closest to the window, would make crawling out the window at night that much easier. He didn't plan to start searching for the jewelry plant tonight, though. He'd get a good night rest and use his first shift tomorrow to scout out the security system and threats to watch for, both indoors and out.
Opening the refrigerator, he was surprised to see a few cup noodles, instant oatmeal, and apples. Unsure why those items would need to be in the refrigerator, though glad for the grub, he poured water into the electric kettle and waited for the water to boil.
