Deception of the Unwise

The Deciption of the Unwise

"Thank you" a young lady said as I held the door open for her. She was in her mid 20's and had a cerulean blue dress on that just touched her knees. She had checked out of the Hotel Kayne just outside of New York City.
As she was walking out the door, she tripped over my shoes and feel to her knees. Her brown bag with her belongings fell on the cement and spread all over the sidewalk. I quickly rushed to pick up her things and put them in her bag. I helped her up and handed her her bag. "I'm sorry about that ma'am" I said as I gave her a small smile.
"No worries" she replied. she quickly grabbed her bag and left. I won't hold much against her though. If I was her, I would be embarrassed by the whole ordeal too.
People that came in and out of here were either genuinely wealthy, or wanted to flaunt money they didn't actually have. They would just stay for just one night only to tell their friends that they stayed.In reality, I think they just came for the free breakfast and complementary coffee.
It was always fairly busy here, especially at this time of day. 7 pm. People getting off of work to come back to their rooms, people leaving, and the overall chaos displaying as the night rolls in. The club across the street opens at 11 pm and we would sure get a few drunks here at about 3 am looking for a place to stay for the night. They will make a huge ruckus and probably wake all the people up to the third floor. We will then get complaints and two star reviews until we bribe the rich snobs with half of their money back. This is what we call business.
The overworked and underpaid staff can't handle it, and most if them quit. But I, have found out my own little sly method. To cheat everybody and get what I need.
As you see, I am a bellhop. I get people the things they need, get paid less then I should, and hardly get anything. So, I have decided to do a "side job", if you will.
As we saw just a few minutes ago when the clumsy madam tripped, it wasn't just a trip. I extended my foot just far enough while it wasn't noticeable, but still enough to trip her. As she was on the ground, I picked up her things, and handed it to her, right? Wrong. I had been keeping an eye on this lady for a while as she spent two weeks at this hotel. Her mother was a successful lawyer and earned quite the living for herself.
That blue dressed girl, was none other than the lawyers daughter. A spoiled brat with no responsibility. She carried stacks of money on her and always had valuables in her bag, as I observed over the weeks.
As the valuables went flying out of her bag as she fell, I snatched them up and quickly shoved them into my pockets.
Now you might be asking, "won't someone see?" Ah, but my plan is flawless. As I mentioned before, it is a busy time of day at 7 pm. No one will see me, no one will suspect me. The girl rushes away without a care in the world. She will only notice somethings missing as she gets home. You cannot trace something with no evidence.
Through my four and a half years of doing this, I haven't failed or gotten caught. Not once.
I get farther away from the door and peak at the various items I stole from her. A grin spreads across my face. My earnings are one hundred twenty dollars, in cash, a pearl necklace, and a small watch that looks to be plated with gold. I can sell this necklace but I will most likely keep the watch. Its a nice fit, don't you think?
I quickly put away the items as I see someone start to approach me. "Excuse me, sir?" He says. He's a little taller then me with a suit on and a small brown leather briefcase. His face is kind and welcoming.
"Yes? How may I help you?" I ask.

"I was wondering if you could point me to the front desk. I am in a hurry and must check out so I can get to my meeting"

"Of course I can. Its right over there" I say pointing to a small desk area where a plump women is sitting at. I glance down at his pocket. "Say, be careful with your wallet just in your pocket like that. Someone could easily steal it"

"Oh, yes I know but I do keep good track of it. The wallet itself was actually a gift from my wife. I carry all the money I have on me right in here"

He looks like he has great financial income based on his outfit. Dressed admirable, maybe not the smart type though. All looks and no brains. I smile at that. "Ah, well have a good rest of your day. Make sure to keep that wallet safe"

He gives a silent nod and walks away. The wallet itself doesn't look all that nice but the money in it is what counts. I would bet on there being several hundred dollars in it. It must be mine. Call it taxation fee for the wonderful hotel stay you have been having.
If I can get this, it would add up to way more then that pesky women had. I watch the business man walk up to the lady at the desk and I give a tiny chuckle to myself while cracking my index finger with my thumb. I slowly position myself and get ready to receive my winnings.
Its not quite stealing. I'm taking money from the rich and giving it to-me-of course. Its not like i'm taking it from the poor, so its ok.
The business man starts to walk away from the desk and I begin in something between a jog and a speed-walk. I make sure i'm headed straight for him and my head is in the opposite direction, facing away from him.
We collide and he lets out an ugh before falling to the floor as he dropped his briefcase. When we collided, I snuck my hand into his pocket and with one slick motion, pulled the wallet out and shoved it in my own pocket. "Oh my! I am so sorry!" I shriek. I help him and his briefcase up and brush him off. "My deepest apologies! I wasn't aware of where I was going and crashed into you. "

"No need to apologize" he says, "We all make mistakes"

"Must I make it up to you?"

"There is simply to reason to. You have already done enough for me." We shake hands for a brief moment and I watch him collect himself and walk out of the building.
It is seemingly hard to contain my excitement. See! I told you! I told you I was the best there ever was! Look at me! So sly, so quick, so profound.
I rush to the bathroom to see how much I had earned. One hundred? Three hundred? Six hundred dollars? Possibilities are endless.
I sit on the toilet seat and dig around in my pocket for the wallet. I feel it and pull it out. There it will be. Money. Lots of money. I urgently open it. FOR THERE IT IS. I glance down at the wallet as a smile creeps on my face. The smile gets bigger and wider with every passing second. "Ha...ha...ha ha ha hahahahahaHAHAHAHAHAHA." My body goes into a laughing fit. I can't stop, for I collapse onto the floor.
For there is not one hundred, three hundred, or six hundred dollars. Nor diamonds, pearls, or riches. There is not a single dime or penny in this, its empty. A bare depth of nothing.
"At least, at least I have the things I stole from the women" I whisper, as I shake in humiliation. I feel around for the money, pearl necklace, and watch, but none are to be found. I reach for the other pocket, nothing.
I'm trembling and I search all my pockets. Its not there, its just not there.

The business man is walking down the street as he disembarked from the Hotel Kayne. His pace fast for a bit but as soon as he gets farther away, he starts to slow down. He stops clenching his hand to reveal a dainty, pearl necklace pressed up in his skin. His hands find their way to his pocket as he looks down and glances at the cash and watch.
"Why must people steal?" He says to himself quietly. "I just don't understand. Don't they know its not nice to take whats not theirs?"