Treasure Protectors

Chapter 7

There was a lot of planning involved, most of which Alex had no part in preparing for. She offered to help. She could do research, help scout security. She even offered to steal  keys, which she was happy when Ben rejected that idea.

Her job was simple, she knew a friend who worked for the national archives and all she needed to do was get herself invited to the gala and act as a watchman for Ben. It wasn't entirely necessary as Alex wasn't the most subtle, but, it gave her some,thing to do. Alex had that handled in about two minutes when she called up her friend Eileen, who had always known of Alex's interest in history and promptly invited her to be a plus one. Eileen had told Alex that she had been just about ready to call her and had invited her to pre-party drinks at a local restaurant by the museum.

So, while Ben looked over schematics and looked for a very special gift for his new friend and Riley had tapped into the security of the building, Alex looked for a dress. She had offered to help Ben, who had firmly told her "no" and asked to go with Riley to the museum to check out the Declaration, where Riley would set off the alarm that called Ms. Chase to the secure part of the building to type in the code. Alex wished she could take credit for any part of that connection but all she had suggested was breaking in with stealth suits and espionage. 

The night of the heist she had gotten ready about 2 hours before her friend was planning to pick her up. She had looked over Ben's shoulder, making a mental note of the route he would take.

"You'll meet us right here," He pointed to a spot on the map. "  assuming that we'll leave unnoticed we'll come back to the apartment and get to work."

"Right across from the museum?"

"We're going to be in and out before anyone notices."

Alex nodded. "Out of curiosity, how are we going to return the declaration without anyone noticing?" Ben gave her a blank stare. She turned her head at him, "hmm."

"I think our contribution to US history is enough to warrant immunity from the disappearance of a historical artifact."

"Better pray forgiveness than ask permission." She muttered before giving him a smile.

Ben looked slightly offended at that comment but ignored her in favor of diving into his research.

Riley had called a little while later to tell them that the heat sensor had gone off and the Declaration was being moved. Alex saw the small fist bump her brother made as he replied. "Good. You all set up?"

Alex left as Riley continued to explain what he had set up, but not before Ben stashed a hearing device in her purse. She gave him an unamused look but wished him a goodbye and see you soon.

Going out was fun. Alex hadn't seen Eileen in a couple months and they had no trouble catching up. She met some of Eileen's coworkers, who were also going to the gala.

"I guess I've always been interested in history." Alex explained when one guy, Aaron, asked why Eileen had so adamantly defended Alex tagging along.

"But you never pursued it?" He questioned. Alex gave him a testing smile in return, laughing.

"Not much money in it." She explained before turning away to include herself in another conversation. No need to explain the intricacies of her mind and her sole motivation to steal a document pertaining to history and finding a treasure that has yet to be believed.

After filling up on food and drink the group made their way to the Archives. Alex had no trouble convincing the guard that her earpiece was a hearing aid. All it took was her shushing him and pointing to her friends, in a desperate display of seeming embarrassed to need help hearing. It was offensive but she had forgot to put in the piece before leaving the restaurant and had to think quick.