A Thief's Honor [Book 2]

Ch.3 The Don

"Murray refuses to join us until the commitment to his Guru has been fulfilled. Whether we like it or not, we've got to deal with Venice's tar problem in order to, as Murray puts it, "make the black water run pure." Thanks to Inspector Fox's fine detective work, we already know that Don Octavio is somehow connected. As non-law operatives, we'll be able to tackle this situation in a more...head-on fashion." Bentley explained. "First, we break into Octavio's opera house -- if he's hiding anything, we'll find it. We should also keep a close eye on the Don; some photographic evidence connecting him to the tar might be enough to get the old mobster put away. Of course, meanwhile, I'll monitor local communication frequencies. With some luck, we might pick up some quality intel."

"So what are we waiting for? Let's get this show on the road." Rae said.

"Rae, I'll need for you to go and get me some photos of Octavio and the tar. Think you can handle that?" The turtle said.

"Yeah, easy enough."

"You sure you don't need some help?" Sly cracked a grin.

Rae returned it with a smirk of her own. "I think I can handle taking a few photos of an old guy playing with tar, but thanks for the offer." She then exited the Safe House.

"Hmm..." Bentley hummed.

"Something wrong, pal?" Sly asked, leaning back in his chair.

"I'm not sure what it is, but something is most definitely different between the two of you."

"Where are you going with this?" Sly raised an eyebrow.

"I mean, you two are a lot more, how should I put it...snarky or flirtatious with one another?"

"Is that a crime?" Sly then chuckled.

"No, it's just...different. I'm not used to seeing this side of you, or her for that matter."

"I used to do it all the time with Carmelita."

"The difference with that is she's an officer, Rae kinda lives with us, and she's also a thief, in case you've forgotten."

"Oh, no, I'm aware."

"Then you understand that the principle is different, right?"

"She's starting to trust us, so is that really such a bad thing?"

"When you say trust, why do I feel like you mean something entirely different?"

"Think what you will."

With that kind of response, Bentley sighed, realizing the general idea of what Sly meant, but didn't want to continue this conversation as he merely started typing on his computer. "Speaking of which, how's that new wheelchair treating you?"

"Very well, actually. With all the modifications I've done, I can do just about anything, even pick pockets."

"That right?"

"I thought I could use this chair to my utmost advantage, so I added the pickpocketing tool in as a little added bonus."

"That's handy. At least you're getting used to moving around again." Sly said, but there was a hint of sadness in his voice.

Bentley sighed. "Not you too, Sly..."

"What?"

"Don't think I didn't notice that tone in your voice."

"What tone?"

"It's been a year, yet you're still getting all busted up over what happened."

"No, I'm not." He tried to wave it off, but that obviously wasn't fooling Bentley.