An amateur's guide to conning a conman

Chapter 9

Eventually, we found a curtain in the back of the auction, again guarded by more men who very much looked like they could dispose of us in two seconds.

" I'm here in place of Miss Hile serial number 836211," Titus said, his tone almost bored.

" This is Hile's new assistant. She's here to oversight and authenticate the items."

The men on the left checked the list and nodded to the other who then pulled the curtain aside for us.

I didn't even attempt to ask how he knew.

Titus grabbed my arm and we quickly entered. The music was cut off by the curtain settling into place.

There were rows of chairs lined up neatly, gift bags placed on the soft cushion. This looked like a real auction.

We faced the stage, a wooden podium was set up in the middle of the stage. There were tables behind it, sparkling with arrays of stolen goods. I could see bags and jewelry, paintings, and books.

Judging by the lack of attendance. We had arrived too early.

A tall man appeared on stage, he had been so engrossed with the journal in his hands, he didn't notice us. He walked to the podium, set down the book, and adjusted his glasses.

By the time I turned to Titus he was already halfway to the stage, I hurried up to catch him.

The man noticed us and turned to greet us.

" Sorry folks, the auction doesn't start for another two hours."

" We're not here for the auction, we're here for the queen's necklace."

The man took off his glasses and crossed his arms, an amused look in his eyes.

" Oh I see, you're Titus Gales and I'm assuming you're the unknown female. And I'm also assuming that you're looking for the real culprit to clear your names.

Titus ignored him. " Did he come here looking to sell the necklace?"

" Yes, I talked to him last night. He sent a message that he had to pull out of the auction because he found something better."

" Well did he say who he was selling to?"

" I didn't ask, he did say he was selling in a few days."

A few days, that could be tomorrow or next week. I snuck a glance at Titus but he didn't let his mask of indifference drop.

" Did you ever meet in person?"

The man smiled, it wasn't kind.

" Oh, I don't know, dark-haired, or was it blond?"

Titus's jaw clenched and he reached into his pocket to pull out a handful of chips.

" He had dark hair, brown eyes, and brown skin. Maybe five-ten. He was an odd man, spoke very politely, and always had a red scarf pulled up to his mouth."

I spoke up, " You didn't ask for a name?"

" I don't ask and I don't tell. It's easier that way for everyone."

Titus thanked the man and he nodded back before returning back to reading his journal.

" And we're still falsely accused for gods know how long," I said.

" Well good news is that you still get to see me." His tone was cheeky but I saw how tight his hand was at his sides.

As soon as Titus pushed open the curtain, I was tempted to stay behind. Somehow it was even louder than we had left.

The crowds had also thickened and it was getting harder to pass without brushing up against someone.

I felt someone's fingers touch the side of my dress. It wasn't accidental, someone was trying to pickpocket me.

I reacted so fast, my fingers grasping the hand of the culprit.

It was a boy, at least five years younger than me, not even tall enough to reach my chin.

" What do you think you're doing?" I narrowed my eyes and if I had my wooden stick with me, I probably would have hit him.

He struggled in my grasps but kept his head bowed. For a young boy, he was dressed rather well. An ironed button-up, silk embroidery running up and down the soft fabric, fitted trousers, and shiny shoes. Not to mention his mess of dark hair tied back carefully.

He didn't answer me, instead, he sounded like he was on the edge of tears from the way his shoulders were shaking.

I dropped my hand, " Just go."

Titus noticed and quickly came back just in time to see the young boy scramble away. I watched him leave and felt a sense of nostalgia almost.

He held out his hand, " It'll be safer this way."

I took his hand and we moved quickly past auction tables, the sounds of laughter, and the smell of sweet liquor.

The door opened and we slipped outside. I took a breath in relief but quickly regretted it as the strong stench of sewage attacked my senses.

When we finally reached the ferry, I dropped down to an open seat. My body aching from the long trek.

" I can't believe we didn't find him."

The wind picked up and I wipe my face as a sea breeze blew a spritz of water into the air.

" At least we know what the guy looks like, so we can identify him in a few days."

I didn't know how Titus was so cheery, so confident that we could find the man. Because doubt was beginning to set in and my mind whirled with different scenarios of the guards catching us, or our mystery man eluding us over and over, or that possibly that we were too late and the necklace was halfway across the ocean to a rich buyer.

I tried to push the thoughts out of my head and focused on the water. It was a rather average day. Warm but not too warm, windy but not too terribly windy. I should be back at the market, living my insignificant life. Not here, with a sweetliar. It brought back too many memories.

" Wouldn't it be fun? In a few years, you'll be going on jobs with me." His eyes twinkled with the same playfully I had seen many times before.

I turned my head away from the man and looked at the boy beside me.

He was also smiling, " We'll make a great team."