Despite another busy month, the moment I pulled the results of the poll, my mind began churning at potential stories. While I had a couple thoughts for the final two stories, I couldn’t think of a single storyline for my master thief. In the past, I’ve focused on individual jobs, highlighting aspects of her character and skill. In fact, those are reasons I continue to delve into her mysterious past. However, up to now, I’ve avoided exploring those in her immediate orbit. So after a lot of debate and back and forth, I leaned into an episode of White Collar for some inspiration for this tale.
Find a comfortable chair and curl up with your tablet as we follow an up-and-coming thief who’s seeking to impress Jessica, hoping she’ll teach him everything that she knows.
As Jessica continues to grow older, newer thieves test themselves against her, hoping their skill will catch her eye…
As a heavy door swung open, a set of deft fingers wrapped about its edge, silently easing its journey into the room. When the intruder’s fingertips bumped against the wall, the boy released his grasp and crept into the darkened office. His head whirled around as he hooked a finger around his ear. After several frantic heartbeats, he drew in a long breath as he sealed himself in the darkness.
A muffled click thundered through the room as he withdrew a small flashlight. When he flicked the switch, a soft glow illuminated the cramped office. His chest rose and fell in an irregular pattern as the beam slid across the ladened walls. Tipping the light toward the ground, he avoided the cluttered floor as he inched along the unsteady piles. When he reached the desk, the intruder slipped into its ornately carved wooden chair.
The soft swath of illumination crept about the decor, revealing several interesting and valuable trinkets. Despite the baubles, the boy’s lips curled into a deep grin when the light fell upon a series of thick green leather-bound books. As his smirk stretched across his face, the boy removed the top of the flashlight, dismissing the surrounding darkness. With a glance toward the door, he placed the electronic candle beside the tomes and touched the one closest to him. Instantly, he pulled it off the shelf, exposing a steel lining.
A chuckle tumbled past his lips as he laid the thick book down and tugged the extraneous metallic liner. A soft creak rang out as the thief teased another secret from the room. As he inched closer to the hidden compartment, the dim light glittered off the chrome sections of the safe. Without waiting, he leaned over and traced the edge of the dial. When a fingertip found the slight divot, he withdrew his lock picks from the small bag strapped to his chest. He selected a thin piece of metal from within and worked it into the gap. With a deft motion, the panel popped off the tiny vault.
.
.
.
To continue reading head over to my Patreon page and become a patron, $2 a month will give you access to this and other flash fiction stories.