Shadow Thief

Chapter 1

My nimble fingers sifted through the pocket in practised and precise movements. My hands slid in and out. Silent. Unseen. My eyes darted around desperately searching for my next target. I was a snake, slippery and self serving, which was ironic really considering my name is Alicia, the name is meant to represent a person of virtues. Honourable - a person that most definitely isn't me.

Most people call me Ali.

I drew my attention back to my current task. A simple job really, being a pickpocket. It really wasn't too difficult once you got the knack for it. Unfortunately for her, my current victim was the middle aged woman standing tall in the centre of the street.

She has golden hair swept back in perfect curls but that was about as far as her beauty went. Her face was caked in layers of makeup. To my dismay, her big brown eyes were coated in the most awful shade of blue eyeshadow that really did not go with the pink outfit - that showed far too much cleavage for a woman of her age. I mean she's fifty. Not eighteen.

Some people! However she didn't seem like the brightest leaf on the tree.

Merrily strolling down the street wearing a gold bracelet encrusted with some of the finest diamonds I had seen in a while, was never the best of ideas. Clearly too rich to care if it was lost.

So naturally I did what any decent pickpocket would do, I removed her of the burden and allowed her to complain to get the attention she so eagerly wanted. Plus she would no doubt get a new one - a more expensive one, soon enough.

I am actually doing her a favour. She just might not agree yet.

With the lavish piece of jewellery now in my possession I strolled down the streets of Paris, my steps slightly lighter than before.

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Definitely, living the dream in my exquisite top-floor flat - complete with leaks in every room to add a little touch of luxury. Soaked to the bone daily, thanks to the impeccable timing of winter. I had just two more days of this splendour before my grand return to the warmth of England. Wouldn't want to get spoiled now. Would I?

As you can probably tell my living conditions are less than suitable and I am not using it to justify my less than legal activities but what can a girl do?

Too many people look down on me. Always so quick to cast me aside as a criminal. "How many of them have a roof that lets in more water than it stops?" I muttered to myself. "They be me for a day and then they can judge me."

A sudden grumble startled me. I looked down at the culprit. My stomach. Sighing I let my hunger take control, it was a familiar sensation, the ache of no substantial food, and so it led me towards the singular cupboard in the cramped kitchen.

The flat was iced over enough for me to watch the warm air I breathed out materialise in front of my face.

Inside the cupboard I found a packet of pasta. After more searching, I found a bottle of pesto, which was to my complete and utter delight, it was a shame I had no cheese to go with it. I missed cheese. 'Stop complaining Ali. It's just two more days,' I snapped underneath my breath (I swear talking to myself is a problem.) 'It's not a big deal so suck it up. Cheese is just cheese.'

But it was more than just cheese.

Putting the water on to heat up I reached into my pocket examining the bracelet I had stolen earlier. Sadly it was only gold plated but the selection of diamonds were very much real.

Compared to the women itself it was a rather simple design. The openwork links are adorned with gorgeous diamonds. Personally the piece was fabulous, then again a blue Lopez would have suited the design better making it almost appear to have a floral look.