Growing up a Thief

Chapter 4: Tip of the Hat

     It's getting cold, too cold. Luckily the building my office is in turns the heat on for six hours at night. At first I thought it was just random, but then I decided to stay up one day and time it. From midnight to six am, I'm warm. But the rest of the time is rough; that leaves eighteen hours of shivering. You see now that the weather is so bad I can't go out for my walks anymore. Which also means I can't make money. 

     Over the last few weeks I have been fine tuning my new skill set. But with the weather these last few days, even if I was to go out, everyone has big ol' furry coats on. This means wallets and pocket books are a no go, it's too hard to get under the jacket. The only times I have managed to get out of the office this week has been to get new books from the library. It's almost a waste, though, since it's hard to read when you're shaking from the cold. This week, the librarian, Mrs. Riddle, saved me a special series she thought I would like that just came out. "A Series of Unfortunate Events" by this guy named Lemony Snicket. It's about a group of orphans that lost their parents like me. Mrs. Riddle told me that it was to remind me that no matter how bad your life gets, enjoy it, because it could always get worse. Kinda dark, I know, but in some strange way it does make me feel better. Although at least in the story the three children have each other. I'm on my own.

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     I've finally made it out of the office, thanks to a short break in this crappy weather. It's strange; as soon as there is any break in the weather, this city comes to life once again. I made my way down to the subway, which is starting to turn into my favorite little hangout. Mostly because it's the place I always end up running into Joey, Taylor and Pauly. No such luck today, though; it seems like they are still burrowed away in what every spot they deemed home for the winter. Joey doesn't really like me hanging out with Pauly and Taylor, he says they are a bad influence. Which honestly is true, but I can't help but to be drawn to them. Brothers in thievery! 

     "Well hello, sir, would you like to play a game?" I hear from behind me, sounds like a kid about my age. "Come, gather around everyone and pay close attention. Don't be shy, I don't bite," the kid says, waving his dark grey fedora around to grab everyone's eye. The boy is all dressed up, in an old, beat up grey vest and dress pants that look like they may have once been black. Topped off with an old pair of leather loafers that seem to be a bit big on him. "My name is Richie Valentine and I am your subway entertainment for tonight. Sir, may I see your hand for a moment?" he says, sticking his hand out, with his dirty palm up. "What is your name, sir?"

     "Samuel," the man answers, placing his hand over of the boy's. 

     "Alright, now this one." The boy reaches out his other hand. When the man puts his over the top, he tickles the man's palms and smacks the top of his hand, getting a big laugh. "Too slow! Okay, just messing with you, big guy. Now listen carefully, on the count of three you are going to bring your hands together and close them tightly. Got it?" the tiny magician asks, and gets an affirmative nod. "Okay now, pay close attention. One, look closer. Two, you're not going to want to miss this. Three!" The man closes his hands together tightly. "Now sir, let me ask you. Do you remember how much money was in your wallet?" the boy asks with a sinister look, that I feel only I see.

     "Uhh, twenty-five, twenty-six maybe, I don't know." he says, releasing his hands to go feel for his wallet, when he realizes there is a small wad of cash in his hands. This gets a big reaction from the crowd as the man starts counting the money, which in fact comes out to twenty-six. Then the man reaches back for his wallet and gladly finds that the only thing missing is the money now in his hand. A sigh of relief triggers an eruption of applause, warranting a bow from the boy. 

     As the boy holds out his hat for the people to fill with money, which they do, the boy continues to bow and wave his hands, and that's when I see it. In the opening of his vest I see the unmistakable shine of gold; looks to be a watch. The boy gives a few more waves and one last bow, then makes his way into the train. As you can probably guess, I of course followed him. I need to meet this kid.

     As the train starts moving, all of a sudden a banging on the glass makes me jump out of my skin. I hear the magician's volunteer's mumbled yelling: "He's got my watch!! You little thief." I look over and see the boy smiling as he waves his hat goodbye.  

     "That was pretty slick, where'd you learn magic?" I ask, getting no response. "My name's James, I saw the watch in your vest."

     "What you gonna do, snitch on me?" the boy asks, defensively.

     "No... no man, that's not it. I prefer wallets myself, which is why it hurt to see you give his back," I say with a smile. 

     "Well, I have been following that guy for a while; the Rolex is what caught my eye. The only reason I even took the wallet was to set up the trick. I could get two-fifty on the street easy for this watch," the kid explains while patting his vest over the pocket the watch is in. "New, this thing sells for five grand easy. Richie Valentine at your service," he says, reaching his hand out for a shake.

     "James, James Thompson. Pleased to meet you." I shake his hand. "I think you and I would make a great team."

     He answers with a smile and a tip of the hat.