The perfect crime

4

As the sun began to rise, casting a pale light over the city, Phuwin, Aou, and Joong found themselves huddled in an abandoned warehouse, far from the glittering jewelry store they had just robbed. The adrenaline from the heist still coursed through their veins, but it was now replaced by a creeping sense of urgency.

Phuwin: pacing back and forth, still in his mask "We need to get these jewels stashed and then lay low. The cops will be on high alert after last night."

Aou: tossing her bag onto a nearby crate, her expression focused "You think they'll trace it back to us? The patrol car almost caught us."

Joong: leaning against the wall, looking up at Phuwin with a grin "But we pulled it off, right? No one's gonna suspect us. We planned for everything."

Phuwin: stopping to lock eyes with Joong, his tone serious "We can't get cocky. The way they worked on the security system tells me they know what they're doing. If they figure out who we are, we'll be in deep trouble."

Aou crossed her arms, her brows furrowing in thought. "So what's the plan? Do we sit tight and wait for the heat to die down?"

Phuwin: shaking his head "No. We need to be proactive. Let's split up for a bit. Aou, you head back to your place and lay low. Joong and I will take the gems to a safe stash. We can meet later to regroup."

Aou nodded, understanding the urgency. "Fine, but keep your phones off. I'll let you know if I hear anything."

Phuwin watched as Aou disappeared into the shadows, then turned to Joong. "Ready?"

Joong: slinging his bag over his shoulder, his excitement palpable "Always. Let's get these jewels hidden."

As they moved through the back alleys, Phuwin's mind raced with thoughts of the heist. They had been flawless, but the nagging worry about being caught gnawed at him. They had to remain vigilant, especially with the detectives now aware of their presence.

Phuwin: quietly as they reached their stash location "Remember, if anything feels off, we bail. We can't afford any mistakes."

Joong: smirking "Don't worry, I've got your back. You're the brains, and I'm the muscle. That's how we roll."

Phuwin: allowing a faint smile "Yeah, but brains need muscle to keep them out of trouble."

They reached the hidden spot, a concealed compartment beneath a loose floorboard in a derelict building. Phuwin opened it carefully, and they began sliding the velvet trays into the space, the weight of their haul filling them with a heady thrill.

Joong: a little breathless "Can you believe we pulled it off? We're going to be rich!"

Phuwin: securing the last of the gems, then closing the compartment "Yeah, but it's not about the money. It's about being smart. This isn't over until we're completely clear."

They took a moment to catch their breath, the weight of their success sinking in. Phuwin couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched, that every move they made was under scrutiny.

Joong: breaking the silence, looking around "What now? We just wait?"

Phuwin: shaking his head, a determined glint in his eyes "No. We need to find out what the police are doing. I'll set up a few distractions to keep them busy. You keep an eye on the news and let me know if anything breaks."

Joong: nodding, his enthusiasm undiminished "Got it. Let's do this."

After securing their stash, Phuwin and Joong split up, each taking different routes through the city. Phuwin felt a surge of confidence as he moved—this was his world, and he knew it like the back of his hand. But the whispers of doubt lingered. The police would not give up easily, and he had to stay one step ahead.