Shoplifter: E.O.W Series, Book 1

Chapter 2: The Meeting

I opened the door to see Blind leaning against his desk, waiting for me. "Kaius, come in I need to talk to you"

     " Blind I don't know what Cameron told you but whatever it was I had nothing to do with it." He raised an eyebrow. Bind was only about five eight so I tried not to look down at him when I spoke.

    "Okay, I don't know what you're talking about."

     " Then never mind." If I'm not in trouble them why am I here? He offered me a seat but I didn't take it. He then offered me a cigarette which I gladly accepted. He shifted his weight between his feet nervously before closing the curtain on his office door. I turned on the lights. We had electricity thanks to one of our founders who wired our building into the city grid. Although we use it sparingly. It's my job to know when the matinence crew comes so we can send a team to unhook the power before the city does.

     "That won't be necessary Kaius." He said opening two large windows that I forgot he had. He pulled down a piece of plywood that acted as a shutter, the other window had real shutters. Once they were open the pre-sunset light flooded in. " Kaius do you know why you are here?" I shook my head. " I'm really quite impressed with your work as a scout, even more so as a thief. I remember when you came to us last year. You've improved a lot since then."

    " Thank you sir."

     " you don't have to call me. You've settled in well it seems....you and Roan seem very.... Close." He raised his eyebrow again. My jaw drops.

     "Oh no, not like that. "

      "Oh, sorry. I just thought you might....since she likes you." He danced around the subject. To be honest I have indeed thought about it, but those were nothing more than daydreams.

    " oh no she doesn't. " I laugh. Blind gives me a mischievous smile.

    " I'm like you Kaius, I notice things." He paused. Does Roan really like me? Blind is never wrong. The thought distracts me, it could change our friendship forever. Lost in thought, I almost miss his next sentence. "I know at least one dirty secret about every member. Except you, that is."

    " Sir?" I asked and he glared. "Blind?" I correct myself. He didn't like to think of himself of a sir, it made him feel disconnected from the group.

     "Secrets are tricky things Kai, they can be embarrassing or dangerous but we all have them, even you. I may not know it, but I get the feeling yours is something you want to forget." I don't answer this, I wouldn't know how. This whole conversation is making me uneasy. It feels like he has a lot to say but he can't find a way to bring of up. " I can tell you them if you are willing to be my student?"

    " huh. " I snap back to the real world. " Sorry just, what do you mean, teach me?"

     " Kaius how old do you think I am?"

      " Forty seven."

      " I'm fifty three. I was forty three when I founded The Eyes Of Wolves and to be honest I didn't plan ahead." He chuckled, then continued. "I'm slowing down, and you can't very well run from the cops with bad knees." We both laughed a little. "In a few months Joan and I are going to retire. We have enough money to get a small house outside of the city and she wants to take over her family's book store, from her older sister. As for me I think I'll become a writer, it doesn't matter if I'm ever published, money isn't an issue for two old geezers like us." He rambled on thoughtfully to himself. I could tell this idea enticed him. I looked him up and down. Maybe he was slowing down. He didn't hold his head and shoulders as high as he once did. His once nimble fingers were becoming stiff and round. The dramatic jagged scar on his chin and mouth was less visible with the wrinkles that have settled around it. Even though he had a buzz cut, I could tell his black hair was becoming a salt and pepper. Soon he would he would grow too old for his post and the where would we be? Where would I be? Blind returned from his deep thought as did I, he had a new air of seriousness about him. "Kaius when I retire you will become the leader of the E.O.W. " I cough in surprise, nearly dropping my cigarette.