The perfect crime

3

The night was silent, a thick blanket of darkness hanging over the empty streets as Phuwin led his crew through a back alleyway. They wore dark clothes, their faces concealed by masks, eyes gleaming with determination. The jewelry store they'd been studying for weeks was finally within reach, the back entrance just a few meters away. Phuwin, the mastermind, moved with precision, signaling his two trusted gang members, Aou and Joong, to take their positions.

Phuwin: whispering, barely audible "Alright, just like we planned. Aou, you're on watch. Joong, you're with me."

Aou gave a quick nod, settling near the corner of the alley where he had a clear view of the street. He pulled his black hoodie tighter, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of movement. Meanwhile, Phuwin and Joong approached the back door of the store. The lock was no ordinary lock—it was reinforced, modern, and high-tech. But Phuwin had come prepared. He slipped a set of specialized lock-picking tools from his pocket, his fingers moving with swift expertise.

Joong: leaning in, grinning under his mask "Still the best in the business, huh?"

Phuwin didn't respond, focused entirely on the task at hand. His steady fingers manipulated the tools with a practiced grace, feeling each tiny click until—

click

The door unlocked. He exchanged a quick glance with Joong, and together, they slipped inside. Joong held his breath, the thrill of the heist buzzing through him as he flicked on a small flashlight. The light cast eerie shadows across rows of glass display cases filled with expensive jewelry—diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, all glittering in the dark like stars in the night sky.

Phuwin: in a low voice "Alright, let's make it quick and clean. Joong, you know what to do. I'll get the cases on the left; you get the right."

Joong nodded, moving toward the first glass case and carefully using a slim crowbar to pry it open without setting off the alarm. He felt his heart race as he lifted out velvet trays filled with gold necklaces, diamond rings, and intricate bracelets, carefully sliding them into his bag one by one.

Suddenly, a crackle came through Phuwin's earpiece—it was Aou, his voice tense.

Aou: "Phuwin, listen up. We've got a problem. Patrol car just turned onto the street. You've got maybe... two minutes before they're close enough to notice anything."

Phuwin's eyes narrowed. Two minutes. They'd prepared for this, but it was a tight squeeze. He signaled to Joong, his pace doubling as he emptied the cases with swift, precise movements. Joong mirrored him, moving even faster, carefully pocketing the gemstones.

Joong: whispering, breathless "Almost done here. You good?"

Phuwin: nodding, checking his bag "Just about. Aou, how close is the patrol car now?"

There was a tense pause as Aou's voice came back, more urgent.

Aou: "Closer. I can see their headlights just down the street. You don't have long."

Phuwin took a final glance around the room, making sure they'd gotten what they came for. They couldn't risk staying any longer.

Phuwin: "Joong, let's move."

They turned toward the door, slipping silently back through the path they'd come. Phuwin gestured for Aou to fall back into the alley shadows as they reached the doorway, blending into the darkness just as the headlights of the patrol car swept the nearby street.

The car slowed down, its lights washing over the alley entrance, illuminating Phuwin, Aou, and Joong's hiding spot. The three of them pressed against the cold brick wall, muscles tense, barely breathing as the car paused. The faint sound of a radio buzzed from inside the patrol car as the officer glanced around, suspicion flickering across his face.