An amateur's guide to conning a conman

Chapter 12

The next day, I was perched outside of the hotel, sitting behind a bush.

Jack had woken me up at five am and marched me over to stay watch.

So I did. For six hours, I stayed watching the lobby doors, my hopes rising every time someone walked outside. But Grace never showed up.

When it became clear that Grace had no intention of ever leaving, I left.

The streets were as busy as ever and I was careful to blend in as much as possible. What I didn't expect was there to be some form of the crowd forming in front of me.

My eyes widened once I got close enough to see what the commotion was about. Guards were screening everyone that passes through the street.

I instinctively got into the line, a man coughed next to me but I didn't care enough to move. I pat the bag that was tucked into my waistline, feeling the pines press against my skin.

I didn't have enough to bribe the guards.

As the line inch closer and closer, I felt my heart pick up in speed. The guards were dressed up in long cloaks, that parted every time they moved to reveal white uniforms, tall boots crunched under them as they moved.

Finally, I was next, I smoothed down my hair and smiled politely as one motioned for me to come forward.

They didn't recognize me.

He patted me down, his fingers lingering at my waist.

" What's that?"

I quickly pulled out my pouch, " It's just some pines, I'm a merchant sir."

The guard eyed me for a quick second and my heart dropped. He turned away and pulled out a poster.

" Have you seen this man?"

I struggled to keep my face as emotionless as possible. It was Titus smiling wickedly and the words wanted below.

" No, I don't know who that is. What did he do?" My voice is even.

" He stole the queen's necklace from the vault."

" Gods, that's terrible. I hope you find him. I can't believe it, a kid like him. Maybe he had some help?"

The guard nodded, relaxing slightly at my concern.

" There was a girl with him, but the guards in the night shift lost them." He laughed humorlessly, " Can you believe that?"

I laughed with him, feeling sick. " Do you have a picture of her, maybe I can recognize her?"

He shook his head, " No, they never thought to process her before putting her into custody."

I made a disapproving sound, " Wow. The nerve of some guards."

The guard nodded with me and handed me back my pouch, the weight had become noticeable lighter. I bit my tongue to refrain from asking.

" Stay safe miss."

He let me go and I rushed back home, not daring to breathe until the front door was closed behind me.

There was giggling coming from the kitchen and I could hear the siblings' voices and another. Titus's.

He looked almost cute in the tiny apron that Jack bought for Harley.

" Hi." Gilda turned to greet me.

She and Lin were sprawled out on stools, plates of what looked like dinner in front of them. Harley and Titus were standing behind the counter, Titus was stirring something.