Lucy stole a glance over his shoulder and wrinkled her nose. “I’m not mugging an old lady. What if I accidentally hurt her? Besides, she doesn’t look rich enough anyway.”
“Cyan, she’s dripping in diamonds and pearls. She’s doesn’t even look that old. You just don’t want to do it.”
“Of course I don’t want to do it. I pick pockets, not mug people.”
“You’re not mugging her.” Marlin looked to the sky with a huff. “It’s a simple con.”
“One we’ve never tried before.”
Grabbing her shoulder, Marlin gave it a gentle squeeze. “I know we can pull it off. When you managed to talk your way out of shoplifting the other day, I knew you had the talent. Come on, let’s not waste it.”
Lucy tutted and leaned back against the brick building, folding her arms tightly over her chest. She wanted to shake her head and refuse, but knew she couldn’t. If she hadn’t been caught stealing that food they’d still have something to munch on, but they were out of money.
“We shouldn’t have splashed out last week. We should have rationed our money better.”
“A two-course dinner at Chilies is hardly splashing out,” Marlin mumbled. “Geez, Cyan, we shared the frickin’ meal!”
Lucy swallowed and looked down, remembering how delicious those nachos had been…and the chocolate brownie for dessert…it was the best thing she’d ever tasted.
“We need money. It’s getting colder, picking pockets isn’t going to cut it anymore. We need to up our game. I want one night’s sleep in a bed not made from concrete or dirt. Please, Cy.” Marlin squeezed her shoulder again.
Lucy looked out of the alley to spy the street again.
“Why don’t we go for that black guy instead. He looks like he’s doing okay for himself.”
Marlin flicked a glance past her shoulder.
“Do you honestly think we can persuade him? The lady’s a safer bet.”
Lucy swore under her breath, resisting the urge to stamp her foot.
“Okay, fine.” She snatched the beanie and put it over her head, rolling it down so it covered her face. Marlin had cut eye holes out for her the night before. It felt scratchy and horrible against her skin. She tucked her scraggy hair down the back of her jacket and sniffed.
“Let’s get this over with.”
Marlin peeked out from the alley to make sure the lady was still there.
“As soon as she gets up and starts walking, we’ll make our move. I think she’s paying now. After you’ve got it, make sure you run around the tree, it’ll be too easy for you to get grabbed by people if you stay on the sidewalk.”
Lucy attempted to regulate her breathing as she waited. Trying to convince herself this was a good idea would never work, so she just had to shut her brain off and do it. Closing her eyes, she visualized how the scene would play out.
“Time to move.” Marlin slapped her back before pushing her out onto the street and running in the opposite direction. She stayed against the wall hoping no one would notice her. As soon as the lady separated from the crowd, Lucy dashed towards her. Snatching the purse, she kept running, hoping the lady would be too shocked to hang on and fight back.
“Help! Stop! My purse!” She sounded so distressed, making Lucy cringe.
Following Marlin’s instructions, she jumped down onto the street and raced around the tree. Dodging a kid on a skateboard, she leapt to the side and crashed straight into a body. Tight arms wrapped around her as she fell back to the ground.
“Give me that, you little thief.”
The bag was wrenched from her grasp by an angry looking Marlin. She scrambled out of his clutches and ran into the first alley. Whipping off the beanie, she threw it into the dumpster along with her brown jacket. She pulled her hair free, flicking it out as she ran down the alley and around the back of the building the way they’d planned.
Pulling in a calming breath, she walked speedily through the shop, acting as though coming through the private back entrance was something she did every day. Thankfully the shopkeeper was busy and didn’t notice as she slipped out the front door and ran towards Marlin.
“Are you okay?” She touched his arm, cutting his conversation with the old lady short.
“Yeah, someone just tried to steal this lady’s purse.”
“I saw you run from the shop and had no idea what was going on.” Lucy touched her chest, looking worried as she slipped her hand within the crook of Marlin’s arm.
“This kind boy just saved me from a mugger.” The lady smiled.
Lucy rested her head against Marlin’s shoulder. “That’s my bro, always thinking of others first.” She smiled lovingly at him before touching the lady’s shoulder. “Are you alright? That must have given you such a fright.”
“Well yes, it did.” Her ringed fingers fluttered through the air. “You don’t expect some masked robber to snatch your things when you’re innocently walking along the street.”
Giving her a sweet smile, Lucy wondered how they were going to lead the conversation in the right direction. A few people were watching them, including the black man she’d suggested they rob. She was suddenly glad Marlin had insisted on this lady. She seemed sweet.