Perception

Chapter I: The First Encounter

The high end restaurant was packed that evening. The air filled with the sound of clinking glasses and low murmurs of various conversations. Anthony sat at a corner table, calmly observing the room through the rim of his whiskey glass. Beside him, his partner Danny was scanning the crowd as well, his sharp eyes darting between the various patrons. They weren't here to eat; they never were.

"Table four," Danny muttered under his breath, nodding towards a young woman seated at a table near the center. She looked nervous, fidgeting with a silver bracelet as a well dressed businessman across from her chatted on his phone, completely oblivious.

Anthony followed Danny's gaze, his brow furrowing. The woman couldn't have been more than 24, her clothes a little too nice for someone her age, the kind of clothes that you rent ... or steal. Not buy. She was clearly out of her league, but something about her was oddly familiar. Anthony watched as she slipped a hand into the man's coat pocket, quick and discreet, pulling out his wallet in one fluid motion.

"She's good." Anthony noted.

"Not that good," Danny replied "Look at her hands. Shaky."

Sure enough, a few seconds later, the businessman turned his head, his conversation ending abruptly. His eyes fell on the empty space in his coat pocket. Confusion flashed across his face before his gaze snapped to the girl in front of him.

Anthony raised an eyebrow "ohh, she's blown."

The man's expression darkened and without warning, he grabbed her wrist.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" He snaps, causing the entire restaurant to turn to the commotion that's been caused.

The girl's face flushed, and for a moment, Anthony could see the panic setting in. She was about to run, to bolt and leave everything behind, but that would only make things worse.

Danny was already out of his seat before his partner could stop him. "Time to play hero" he muttered to himself

In a matter of seconds, Danny was by their table, all charm and confidence. Just as Anthony taught him years prior.

"Excuse me, is there a problem here?" He asked, his voice calm but commanding.

The businessman released the girl's wrist, his face twisted in annoyance.

"Yeah, there's a fuckin' problem!" He starts "This little thief just tried to lift my wallet" he explained

Danny smiled, disarming and smooth.

"A thief? I think you're mistaken sir, but this is my girlfriend." He turned to the girl, giving her a subtle nod "You were looking for me, right sweetheart?"

The girl's wide eyes flickered to Danny's, and she caught on quickly, nodding a little too eagerly. Meanwhile, Anthony sat at the table and chuckles at the scene.

"Y-yeah, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to grab your coat. I just ... Thought it was my boyfriend's." She lied

The businessman wasn't convinced, his eyes narrowing suspiciously.

"Yeah, well, maybe you should keep a better eye on her."

"Of course." Danny said, holding up his hands in a placating gesture "We're out of here, sorry for the mix up."

With that, Danny grabbed the girl's hand and led her toward the door, leaving the businessman grumbling at his table. Anthony finished his whiskey and gathered his belongings.

"Guess I'm payin' for the bill ... Again." He says to himself as he digs into a wallet and slaps a crisp $200 on the table and leaves.

Once they were outside, the girl snatched her hand back, glaring at Danny.

"Who the hell are you?" She snapped, her voice sharp

Anthony joined them, leaning casually against the wall, watching with mild amusement.

"You're welcome, by the way." He said coolly.

The girl crossed her arms, clearly unimpressed.

"I didn't ask for your help."

"No," Danny said, stepping in front of her, his tone calm, "But you were about five seconds away from being hauled off by security. So, yeah, you kind of needed it."

She hesitated, her defiant expression faltering as she realized he was right. "I had it under control."

Anthony smirked, shaking his head. "Sure, you did. But you're a little too green for this game. You're good, don't get me wrong, but not good enough to be pulling off stunts like that."

She squared her shoulders, refusing to be intimidated. "I've done just fine on my own."

"Okay, so where's the man's wallet?" Anthony sarcastically pointed at her left hand.

"It's right-" As soon as she lifts her hand up, it's gone. "I had it, just two seconds ago!" She says

Anthony digs in his pocket and holds up the wallet. "Lookin for this sugar tits?" He says and throws it at her.

"Jesus, how did you-?" She says catching the wallet.

"Look" Danny interjected "We're not here to bust you. We've been in your shoes, as you can see. But that was sloppy."

"Downright shitty, even." Anthony adds

"Are you finished?" Danny says to his partner and Anthony holds up his hands.

The girl looked between the two of them, suspicion and curiosity battling behind her eyes. "Who are you two?"

Anthony stepped forward, extending his hand. "Name's Anthony, this is my partner Danny. And you?"

She eyed him warily, but finally sighed and took his hand. "Kaylie."

"Kaylie," Danny repeated, testing the name. "Well, Kaylie, you've got potential. But like Ant said, you're a little green."

Kaylie's jaw clenched. "I don't need advice from you."

Anthony exchanged a glance with Danny before turning back to her. "Maybe not. But what you do need is a way out of whatever mess you've gotten yourself into."

She was silent for a moment, her posture stiff. Anthony could see the wheels turning in her head, weighing her options. She wasn't stupid, far from it. She just didn't have anyone looking out for her.

Finally, Kaylie spoke, her voice cautious. "Why would you help me?"

Anthony shrugged "Call it a gut feeling. You remind us of someone."

Danny nods in agreement. "Besides, you're in our world now. And trust me, you don't wanna be in it alone."

Kaylie hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Okay, I'm listening."

Anthony grinned, clapping Danny on the shoulder. "Good! Let's get a drink, and we'll talk business."

As they led her down the busy street, Anthony couldn't shake the feeling that taking Kaylie under their wing was going to complicate things. He glanced over at Danny, who was walking a little closer to her than usual. Anthony knew that look.

He sighed. Yeah, this was going to get complicated.