I hold my breath, though as I do so it catches in my throat and stop breathing a second too long, making me sputter. Rule number one of the E.O.W is to never get caught. Of course Roan, the impulsive rebel that she is, became the first one of us to break it. If it had been anyone else, I would act calmly. Right now I was terrified, not that I would ever let on to that. I take Tess by the shoulders again, she was beginning to cry. "Let's move." I say gruffly and we all scramble off of the roof, running down the stairs. My ears fill with the thunderous pounding of our feet on the vibrating metal stairs. When I get to the last flight I give up running and slide down the banister, anything to make myself get to her faster. I hit the ground running and go along the back wall to the loading dock. No one tells a soul where we were going or what we are planning on doing, we follow our hearts and keep up the ridiculous pace until we get to Tess's car. Since we didn't take the time to announce our plans so if we needed back up, none would come. The car isn't far and as the first one there I open the passenger door, stand and wait. For a few painful seconds I wait for Tess, the only one of us known to have a license, I didn't realize how fast I had been running until I saw the gap I made between my friends and I. A winded pair or young adults come around the corner, Noah then little Tess. In a matter of seconds we pile into the car, the tires letting out an echoing screech as Tess speeds out of the parking lot.
The liquor store is only three blocks away, we could have walked but bring the car to provide a quick escape. As we approach she switches the headlights off, making the dull grey Saturn less visible in the dim evening light. I watch as she spins the steering wheel violently, backing into the alley for a quick get away. Luckily no one in the apartments above had their car parked in the wide alley. Most knew better to leave their car in the path of the city's weekly trash service or whoever decides to walk past with pockets lined with spray paint and stickers. Tess knew how to make a quick exit but I think we are all unsure if she can do that with Roan in tow. I Guess that's where Noah and I come in. Tess stays in the car, leaving the rescuing up to me an my sober student. I really wish I hadn't been drinking, thank god I didn't have time to get drunk. We wait at the edge of the alley under the cover of shadows. I pull my black hood up to cover my hair, taking note of the situation. The two officers are standing away from the car, filling out their report and other paperwork. Both men are facing the building and seem fully distracted.
"I know to undo a car lock, Aiden taught me." Whispers Noah. I didn't know Aiden could do that.
"Alright, what do you need?"
"Wire the thicker the better." For almost a minute we scramble in the dark until I see a wire coat hanger dangling from the fire escape. It must have fallen from the clothes line of a higher floor. I get up on my toes and stretch as far as I can to reach it without jumping or using the noisy metal ladder. Once it is in my grasp I toss it to Noah and he works as fast as he can, untangling one end into a long crooked strand. As he works his way to the car I watch his back from the alley, he begins to feed the wire into the lock on the back door. I roll my eyes and go to his side.
"Dummy, it's a squad car do you really think they would have left a normal lock on the back door so people can let themselves out?" The only sign that he heard me was an audible chuff and a seamless transition to the drivers door lock, Noah never once breaking his focus. "Hey man, don't touch the car, if you still have that bandana you got for Killian, wipe off the door." He leaves the wire in place and does as directed. I don't know about Noah, but the state of Pennsylvania has my prints on file.
I peer over the top of the car to make sure the officers are still distracted. I know these two, their names are Jake and Larry. I've spied on them at least a million times. They almost always work nights and they aren't the type to fall for simple misdirection. If they see us it is pretty much over for the three of us.
YOU ARE READING
Shoplifter: E.O.W Series, Book 1
AksiyonGuns, gangs, thieves, junkyards. This life isn't what Kaius had in mind when he left behind his small town home. He finds himself living in an abandoned factory on the edge of Philadelphia with a gang of lovable yet reclusive miscreants. These trai...
