An amateur's guide to conning a conman

Chapter 33

Adan each threw us a small roll and instructed each of us into a different room. Me to the bathroom, Titus to the bedroom and Adan to the kitchen.

I grabbed bottles of lotions, skin care products, and even a hair brush and attempted to lift a fingerprint. I took five different samples and rushed back into the room.

Titus had almost returned, seven samples on the floor. We began looking through them to find the best prints.

Adan arrived a little later when Titus and I narrowed to three different prints. It took a long time to sort through all of them.

" I didn't think I was going to spend my day looking at smudged fingerprints.." Titus trailed off, crumpling up the tape and tossing it aside.

Adan snorted and let out a small chuckle.

Finally we had three prints.

" They look identical sweetheart, it's up to you." Titus carefully placed them in my palm.

" There's two tries left, what if I choose the wrong ones?"

He smiled, " Then we'll try again tomorrow."

I took a breath and turned to the safe, I chose a random one, carefully placed it on my thumb, and pressed my finger against the scanner.

Fingerprint unknown, one try left.

My heart sank and I turned back to look at Titus.

" It didn't work."

" Try again, you need to press the tape as close to your skin as possible." Adan stepped forward to press the tape tighter around my finger.

" Place your finger directly on the scanner, don't change the pressure when you place your thumb."

I nodded and followed his advice, there was a chime and my eyes widened as the first light turned green, then a panel opened and a camera slid out.

I placed my eye against the lens and attempted not to flinch as a red light scanned my eye.

The second light turned green and I back away, blinking quickly. It worked, it worked.

Titus reached forward wit a gloved hand and pulled open the safe.

It was empty, not even a single pines. All there was was a camera mounted to the middle level and it was on.

I froze. No, no. They couldn't have known, they couldn't have. I slammed the safe shut.

We tumbled out of the room, making sure not to leave any DNA or evidence behind.

" Leave it." Adan hissed when Titus reached for the discarded tape that had slipped through his hands.

" All our DNA is on it." Titus said.

We raced down the stairs and I tripped over the rug, falling to the ground with a thud, pain shot up my ribs and for a second I couldn't breathe.

Adan pulled me to my feet by my elbow and we all reached for the door.

I gasped, my legs crumbled under me and then I was on the ground. I could feel hands on me but I didn't stop, I kicked at the ground, trying to get as far away as possible.

I didn't stop struggling until Titus dropped down beside me.

" Sweetheart." His lips brushed against my hair.

My grandparents stood by the door. They had a lot more of white hairs and wrinkles around their eyes but it was them.

My grandmother stared at me with the same auburn eyes I had and smiled in a way I could describe as dangerous.

She had a sunhat on and a conservative green dress, she looked so innocent, like she could never hurt a fly. But I knew better.

My grandfather stood by her side, his expression unreadable. He had gotten bald since I left.

" Welcome home darling. I ran into your friends on my way to the market."

Jacy and Dante were standing in front if them, and by their way their hands were held in front of them. I knew my grandparents had a weapon on their back.

" Why don't you stay for a little bit longer? I made some grapefruit soda and lemon cookies. I know they were your favorite." She said.

I got to my feet and did as I was told.

My grandmother disappeared into the kitchen leaving us along with my grandfather.

We all sat on one couch. Titus was on one aide of my and Jacy on the other.

" I would love to meet Salina's friends." He folded his his hand into his lap and smiled like nothing was the matter.

Dante started and then Jacy and Titus.

" Oh I know who you are Adan, you expect me to forget my own future grandson in law."

Titus's hand found mine and he squeezed twice.

" Please, grandpa. Let them go." I said.

He rose an eyebrow, " Let them go? We're just having a conversation with your friends dear. I know it's normal for you to be embarrassed of us but gods. I didn't realize I was so frightening. Am I?"

He turned to Jacy who shook her head quickly.

My grandfather sent me a satisfied smile. He continued his questions and was pleasantly surprise to learn that everyone was a sweetliar.

My grandmother returned with a tray of cookies and a pitcher.

" Don't be shy, please have some treats." She smiled and sat next to her husband.

We all exchanged glances and I was the first one to pour myself a drink and a cookie. If anything was laced, I rather be the one to find it first.

" Grandma. Your issues are with me. They have not done anything wrong." I was pleading at this point.

She ignored me and turn to Adan.
" Haven't I taught you the best ways to break into a house? I expected this from Sia, she has been out of training but you?" She kissed her teeth. " Shame. I will have to put you down for another training session this week."

" Stop ignoring me." I raised my voice and both pairs of eyes snapped to mine.

" I'm punishing you dear. If you want to act like a child and run away, then I will treat you like one."

" Grandma please. Let them leave."

Once again she ignored my request,
"You're here for the necklace right? Well I have to say, I'm quite disappointed that it took you this long to find it."

She reached into her pocket and produce the dazzling piece. It was prettier than I thought. Now looking at it, I wondered how Cesar didn't notice that he received two fakes. The one my grandmother held was obviously ten times more dazzling.

She set it on the table and no one made a move to take until I heard Dante reach for it. But he wasn't fast enough, she grabbed him by the wrist and made a disapproving sound.

" Too slow."

I hated it. I hated everything that was going on. This was the same game she used to play with me and Adan. Set a prize on the table and make me work for it. She wanted to test my reflexes and train me for real heists and scams. I never won.

I never won at a single game she made me play.