Shards

Chapter 19 - Escapade Part 2

At the next stall, she did the same thing. Shuang wandered blithely away after taking some snacks and eating them without paying. Again, her maid was left to pay the disgruntled vendor before he raised a fuss.

Key shook his head. "I thought she was supposed to at least try to blend in with the crowd."

"This is not good. Shuang is acting like an entitled noble. She is going to get into trouble if she continues behaving that way."

Suddenly, Ghost touched Key's arm.

"Look, she is attracting too much attention," hissed Ghost.

Behind the two clueless girls, a few rough looking men were gesturing to each other. The exchanged a few words before following the women.

"I'll take the right, you take the left. Keep your ear out for me. Listen," instructed Ghost.

Listening was the art of targeting and enhancing a particular sound. In a crowded or noisy environment, a skilled listener can pin point a particular person's voice or sound. It was a skill taught to Level Threes. In a quiet house or room, listening had saved him many times and gave him ample time to hide during a heist or theft. In this case, picking up Ghost's voice was not a problem. He was familiar with his partner's low velvety voice.

Key nodded curtly before disappearing into the crowd. Once he maneuvered himself between Shuang and the ruffians, he slowed down.

"I'm in position."

"Don't make any moves unless necessary. It may be nothing," replied Ghost.

"O'kay."

Ghost had positioned himself quite near the four suspects. They were talking among themselves in low voices.

"I hate the rich. They are so arrogant. They think everything belongs to them."

"Yeah, did you see how she just took those bracelets without paying? Her companion paid for them."

"Her maid more likely. I think we should go for the maid. She is obviously holding the money pouch."

"We'll get them both. They may have some jewellery on them we can sell. Are they alone?"

"Yeah. I'm sure they are alone. I don't see any guards with them."

"That's so foolish of her, wandering around town unprotected. She can afford guards if she wants to have a taste of town."

"Never mind all that. Let's get them at the alley opposite the lantern peddler. They have to pass near it to avoid the jugglers on the street."

"O'kay. You three get in the alley. Be ready. I will herd them towards the alley."

"We are going to be rich."

"Hurry, they will reach there soon."

They grinned and parted ways clapping each other in anticipation. Ghost clenched his jaw. Not on my watch, scum.

"Key, I'm going into the second alleyway opposite the lantern peddler. You take care of the one following Shuang and LiQuin. He is going to usher them towards the alley where the others will be waiting to rob them. Don't let him."

"On it."

The two girls did not notice the Ghost passing them on the busy street. He slipped into the alley as they stopped to gawk and point at the comical jugglers.