#joyau

A Lucky Luke Modern!AU fanfiction

Chapter I - Thief in the night

-I don't think I quite understand...- Joe Dalton ran a hand over his face, trying to keep calm at the sight of his three younger brothers hanging upside down by a rope from the spot where a precious Egyptian artefact, a necklace of gold and emeralds, had previously been kept. -We caught him red-handed, Joe!- exclaimed William, closely followed by his twin brother, Jack: -We had him, but then he pulled out a smoke bomb and...- -We were salamis a moment later!- complained the younger, Averell. Joe growled to the other officers who had arrived on the scene: -Get these wimps down and find me the director of the Louvre; I want all the details on that necklace! If it ends up on the black market, we can at least try to get it back!- -Yes sir!- three men answered him in chorus. The Dalton brothers were released, and fell abruptly to the ground; the elder blurted out: -Get up, you lot! We must devise a new strategy!- -Still? We're tired, Joe!- protested Averell, catching a dirty look from his brother:

-I'm not giving up, you know that!- he continued, muttering to himself: -I'll find you, Lucky Luke, I'll find you if I have to blow up Paris!-

For a year now, articles had been appearing in the newspapers about the sensational thefts of antique jewellery and gems, which occurred at regular intervals in Paris and other French cities, by a mysterious thief. At first, the media had nicknamed him “Lupin” in honour of the character created by Leblanc, but brazenly the thief himself had sent a letter to the police signed Lucky Luke. A name that seemed absurd, but Lucky proved to be so: when he found himself in a corner, by chance or by his own hand something happened to turn the situation around, as when a silo of water on a roof fell down, overwhelming the officers in pursuit of the thief. Charged with his capture, Detective Joe Dalton and his three brothers, all policemen, had repeatedly put him on the spot, but the man seemed elusive. They had too little information, and these they had gathered themselves in the field: the subject had probably received special military training, as he shot, just to disarm, faster than his shadow, something they had never seen. He had never said a word, and always wore a balaclava to cover his face, so his identity remained a mystery which made the brothers job even more difficult. Joe, frustrated, had tried everything, organising carefully calculated stakeouts and participating in them himself, but the outcome was always the same: Lucky Luke vanished into the night with the loot, having led his pursuers into some trap. One thing, however, became clear to Detective Dalton from the outset: his thief mainly struck museums that stored antique jewellery or rare gems without, however, reselling them in the known channels of the black market. The question then was: if not for money, because the loot was valued at several million, why was Lucky Luke committing his crimes?

Dalton, in the tactical room at the police station, slammed a hand down on the map behind him (after standing up on a chair, due to his small stature) indicating the robbed locations, and turning to his brothers and the officers, he altered:

-Listen up, you bunch of wimps! I am tired of this slimy snake slipping through our hands, and of the ridicule it is casting on our police force!- William raised his hand: -But Joe, snakes are not slimy...- -Spare me your nerdy comments!- It almost looked as if his older brother was about to have smoke coming out of his ears, so the other shushed. -We need bad manners, gentlemen; at the cost of overtime we must catch him! Jack! - -Yes?- -Get the best men you can find. I have a plan, but I need more officers to carry it out, officers who are ready for anything! William!- -I'm coming!- -Do a search, and find out which of the museums not yet hit has the kind of "merchandise" that might appeal to Lucky Luke. We'll reconvene at seven o'clock tomorrow morning. Snap!- Everyone stood up except Averell: -What about me, Joe? What do I do?- -You... Uh... You set up a canine unit, we might need it.- Pleased with the task entrusted to him, the younger man left the room with his head held high: -See you at home!- Ah, yes. The four of them lived together; Joe hadn't considered it when he had broken ranks. He went to sit at the nearest desk and rested his head on the piano. He felt nervous exhaustion at the door. He pulled himself up, retrieving a folder of documents and newspaper articles about Lucky Luke from a small table to his left. He stared insistently at a photograph, depicting a dark figure caught as he leapt nimbly from one rooftop to another, silhouetted against the moon. Very poetic, had it not been a criminal.

At first it was just another assignment for Dalton and family, but as time went by it became an obsession for Joe. He couldn't fit Lucky Luke into any outlaw category: he shot without killing, stole one item at a time and even sent one back because he discovered it was a fake! And right back to his office as its destination! "Who are you, damn you?" He picked up the photograph and frowned, smoothing a moustache: he didn't hate Lucky, not strictly speaking at least, because he was too curious. Yes, curious about what he looked like, what motive drove him to steal... If he had put a bullet in him, he would never have known.

A thud outside followed by a chorus of laughter distracted Joe from his thoughts. He went to look, finding a man in a beige suit frantically searching for something on the ground, surrounded by printed papers. -Hey, Pierre, what did you trip over this time?- an office agent teased him. Joe guessed that his colleague was looking for his glasses; he spotted them next to a plant: -Hold on, I'll hand them to you.- 

At that sentence everyone stopped laughing. The detective looked at those thick lenses for a moment. How short-sighted was their owner? 

Finally!! It’s been such a long time... A lot of things happened, and I was unable to finish this chapter properly. But at last here we are, hope you’ll enjoy :)

Link to the previous chapters:

Prologue: https://funnywiccan.tumblr.com/post/169363096019/prologue-le-joyau-le-plus-precieux

First chapter: https://funnywiccan.tumblr.com/post/171248331504/chapter-one-thief-in-the-night-le-joyau-le-plus

First part of the second chapter: https://funnywiccan.tumblr.com/post/173125792479/chapter-two-the-black-rabbit-le-joyau-le-plus

Second part of the second chapter (third chapter): https://funnywiccan.tumblr.com/post/175488888629/chapter-two-part-ii-the-black-rabbit-le-joyau

Fourth chapter: https://funnywiccan.tumblr.com/post/182990718414/chapter-four-family-le-joyau-le-plus-precieux

Fifth chapter: https://funnywiccan.tumblr.com/post/184256208749/chapter-five-the-encounter-le-joyau-le-plus

L: “There was a time when I was on the side of the law, too. I was an FBI agent, in the section for the recover of cultural heritage, and my brother was also my partner. We had arrested a lot of criminals together, and soon we became famous for our very correct policy: never killed someone. Our nicknames were “Lucky Luke”, precisely, and “Jolly Jumper”. They became like code names for us.”

L: One day we followed a clue about the illegal trade of a stock of rare paintings. Have you ever heard about the fire of the Flakturm Friedrichshain?

J: No, never.

L: It was the greatest artistic disaster of modern history. It happened in May 1945, right after the World War II. There were three towers defending the city of Berlin, made to stand any kind of attack. One of them was builtede in the district of Friedrichshain. The towers were used later as warehouses to protect from the shellfire objects, sculptures and paintings from the museums all around the capital and more others. Unexpectedly, in the Friedrichshain a fire burst out for five days and destroyed most of the artistic pieces. And here we come back to our story.

L: It seems that who attended to stop the flames never stated, if not in secreted documents as diaries and letters, that they kept for themselves about ten paintings. We’re talking of Caravaggio, Rubens, Goya: paintings that those men had sold underground in years. You can imagine how much those paintings worth: they are the few survivors of 417.

J: Let’s see... Usually the prices in the auctions are around some millions...

L: Oh no, here we talk about billions, Joe.

J: ... Damn!

L: Me and Jolly, against the opinion of our chief, accepted to take care of that case: the artworks would have been solded in great secret from an art dealer to a mysterious purchaser.

L: “One of the dealer’s man was very happy to blurt out everything after two or three glasses of whisky. When we discovered the place of the negotiation we organized a team, and in a few minutes of action the participants to it were in handcuffs.”

L: All went as planned and we recovered the paintings, but... Something strange happened: Jolly disappeared into thin air some hours later. I looked for him everywhere, for days; his cellular was dead. Then I’ve received a phonecall.

L: The boss of the art dealer hadn’t liked our intervention, so he had kidnapped my brother. He said that he wanted the paintings back, or else I would never see Jolly again. I told my boss about it, and you know what he answered?

J: Let me guess: “It’s not my problem”? I bet he repaired himself behind thousand of runarounds.

L: Then I took the initiative: I picked up the artworks from the depot and went where agreed with the kidnappers. In my naivety I believed that they would respect our deal, but they don’t. Rather, I got stuck by their boss. Maybe his name will sound familiar to you: Arthus Mason.

J: Wait: that Arthur Mason? The illegal dealer of artworks never arrested?

L: “Precisely. He said that he had noticed my talent and appreciate my method. And he proposed me a new deal: he would have freed my brother in exchange of some commission thefts, not to resell again the objects but for personal collecting. I had no choice; I resigned and I followed him here in Paris. I have to admit that he was a criminal but a gentleman.”

J: “It’s strange to me that you haven’t finished yet. Didn’t Arthur Mason died six months ago?”

L: “His son Dorian took the charge. Unike his father, unfortunately, he have a more cruel personality: while Arthur was well disposed in accepting compromises in affairs and forgive the mistakes of his subjects, Dorian has no mercy for anyone. Since he is the boss... Well, let’s just say that a lot of art dealers employed by the family disappeared. Until some time ago he kept intact the deal I had with his father.”

J: “What changed?”

L: He... ordered me to eliminate someone. A rival in his business.

J: And you refused, right?

L: Of curse; he laughed at me, giving me an ultimatum of three weeks to complete the “job”, or Jolly would pay the consequences. It was before Versailles. there I’ve decided to cut this story for good.

J: And here we comes to the reason why I am bound on this chair, I presume.

L: I’ve observed you for a long time, Joe Dalton...

L: ... Since the day you have been assigned to my case. You can help me not only in saving my brother, but also to square things up with Dorian Mason.

J: Me? What are you talking about?

L: You can do what I can’t, since I have lost my authority: arrest Dorian Mason. And not only him, but consequently also all his collaborators in the circle of illegal art deals.

J: And you want me to believe that you need me only for that?!?

L: Don’t fuss, you’ll fall. And no, in fact it’s not only for that: of all the agents you immediately seemed to me the most tenacious and reliable. Also...

L: ,,, I know you can understand me. You have three brothers that you would protect at any cost. I saw how much close you all are.

L: If one of them was in trouble-

J: I would move heaven and earth to bring him out! Yes, I can understand.

L: Once saved Jolly there will be no more thefts; you’ll have a thief less to think about and one more criminal behind the bars.

J: I have one last question.

L: I’m listening.

J: Would you mind tell me how you were able to keep an eye on me?

J: Ah, thanks, my circulation was being blocked.

L: Sorry, I’m not practical of kidnappings but really more gentle when it comes to deactivate alarms! To answer your question, I’m sorry, but have to find it on your own.

L: Do you accept to embark in this venture with me? But I have to warn you: nor your brothers nor your coworkers have to know about all of this.

J: Why?

L: Less people know about this mess, less is the risk for them to end up in troubles too. It will be only the two of us, detective Dalton. Sure, you’re free to refuse, but in that case your thief will become a murderer and I don’t like that prospect too.

J: You know, usually anybody else would think twice before throwing hisself in what looks like the project of a lunatic...

J: ... I accept.

L: Really?

J: Let’s just say that I want to believe this whole story. If the real criminal is the one who holds prisoner your brother I’ll help you bring him behind the bars of a cell.

J: But I warn you, I don’t take orders from you!

L: No problem. Ah, Joe Dalton...

L: ... I couldn’t expected a better answer! Thank you so much!

J: Wwwwww-Wait to thanks me!! Oh dammit, again?!?

C: Luke? I have an unexpected replacement in ten minutes, Miranda doesn’t feel good; could you please go and pick up Amélie after you have finished with your boyfriend?

L: No problem, Cheyenne.

J: His- what?!? Hey!!!

C: You’re the best, thank you!

L: Duty calls.

L: What do you say, let’s go eat something together later?

J: What?

L: My niece will come out from school soon, And since it’s almost lunch time, I thought to invite you. After all in this neighborhood there are countless restaurants.

J: Oh... That’s fine, I think.

J: Wait!!! But where are we?!?

© Pierre Cressant

 Hi everybody and welcome to the new chapter of our story! Let’s begin then :)

Link to previous chapters:

Prologue: https://funnywiccan.tumblr.com/post/169363096019/prologue-le-joyau-le-plus-precieux

First chapter: https://funnywiccan.tumblr.com/post/171248331504/chapter-one-thief-in-the-night-le-joyau-le-plus

First part of the second chapter: https://funnywiccan.tumblr.com/post/173125792479/chapter-two-the-black-rabbit-le-joyau-le-plus

Second part of the second chapter (third chapter): https://funnywiccan.tumblr.com/post/175488888629/chapter-two-part-ii-the-black-rabbit-le-joyau

Fourth chapter: https://funnywiccan.tumblr.com/post/182990718414/chapter-four-family-le-joyau-le-plus-precieux

J: How did you get this number??

L: I have my resources. Though it was far from simple. How are you?

J: Are you kidding me?

L: What do you mean?

J: “How are you” is a question you ask to a friend. We’re not friends.

L: It’s called education, and I don’t think is still dead.

J: Anyway... Let’s overlook for a moment the details of how you get my number; why you’re calling me at this hour?

L: Because I’m under your home and I really need to tell you something.

J: You’re- What???

J: You’re really incredible! This is called stalking!

L: Yes, I know it might look like that. But I’m just really out of time, so listen please.

L: Let’s meet tomorrow at Parc Monceau, you and me alone. You don’t have your turn, right?

J: Dammit, I can’t see him...! Right.

L: If you’ll come, I will give you some of the answers you are looking for. Don’t deny that your curiosity had grow, since that night at Versailles.

J: ... You want to meet alone face to face. Who tells you that I won’t bring my brothers with me to arrest you and question you easily at the central?

L: Oh, come on Joe. It’s not like this that you will make me stop to steal forever.

J: Well, I can come down and close it here and now, if you prefer.

L: Eh eh. If I had wanted to be handcuffed we wouldn’t have been here talking. Anyway, it’s better if you show up alone. What might happen in the future may be dangerous, and I don’t think you want that something bad could happen to your brothers. It’s not a threat, just an advice.

J: ... Tomorrow morning at eleven o’clock?

J: Hello? Hello?? ...

J: Dammit...

J: Why I have the sensation that I’m going to commit a mistake big as a house?

Next morning...

Jack: Hey, Joe, why so well-dressed?

J: I... have a date. A kind of.

Ja: Ooh, who’s the lucky girl?

J: It’s not a woman.

A: Gasp! Joe hafe a neu friend!

J: No, no, you’re completely out of track, it’s a work matter.

Ja: Aah! Come on, Joe, sooner or later you’ve got to find someone; we have always thought that you would have been the first of us to meet the right person!

W: But it was Averell!

Ja: You should think less to work.

J: Yeah, sure. See you later, ok?

Ja: What you say, William? I don’t believe the story of the work date.

W: Neither me. Also you saw him, he’s distracted, even on what concern Lucky Luke!

A: Who knows, maybe he fell in love and he don’t want to tell us nothing yet! Joe is sensible, deep inside!

A: What? What I said?

Parc Monceau is the perfect place to spend some time in the open air, maybe for a romantic walk. Inside it there are not only the marble sculptures of famous writers and musicians, like Chopin and Guy de Maupassant, but also artworks of high value: a bridge in Venetian style, a Roman columnate next to the lake, even a small pyramid! All presented to the public with armony and elegance.

J: It was a good idea get out a little sooner, I’m here thirty minutes earlier! It’s such a beautiful place, this. Very quiet.

J: Oh, the bridge!

J: It’s better to don’t get distracted too much. Even if this is a public park there are a lot of places where someone can prepare an ambush.

J: Thinking about that this looks like a fairytale places. Like Versailles that night... Speaking of fairytales, what Lucky Luke said to me? “I have to run away like the White Rabbit”. And who I am, Alice?

J: Pff, no, the azure dress don’t suit me! Eh eh!

J: What the hell???

J: No... This... is... chloroform... Help... I am...

?: You gone heavy with that thing. And why you tied him up?

?: Believe me, it’s just for our safety. I don’t know how he could react at his awakening.

?: For me you overdid it. You trust him or no?

?: It’s not for the trust.

J: Where... am I...?

?: Oh, he’s recovering!

?: Good morning detective Dalton!

J: Who... What...

?: Stay calm, it’s not a kidnapping; my cousin have his methods, that’s all!

J: Cousin? Methods?

?: Wow, he really overdid it...

?: Give it up, Cheyenne, he’s still too confused. Let me handle this.

J: Lucky Luke!!!

L: Detective... Finally face to face, without masks.

L: So, Joe? I am how did you imagined me or completely different?

J: I thought you had the beard, frankly.

C: Your new friend is funny, Luke!

C: Well, guys, have your fun! I have to run to the dressing room. See you, detective!

J: Dressing room? What the...

L: Let’s drop it for a moment. So... Now that you’re awake, we can talk.

J: I’d prefer do it without being tied up like a salami...

L: Oh, I will free you. But first I have to explain you everything from the beginning, so you could understand and, I hope, help me.

J: From stopping you to steal? You already told me.

Here's a little preview: