Foxes

Chapter 1

Sweat forms on my neck as I jump down from the skylight of the museum. I land on my feet with a soft thump. I take a look around the room I'm in. I take in every security measure that they have in place, including, the trip lasers that alert the police of a break-in if touched. I start to pray that my six years of gymnastics don't fail me now.

I back up a few feet and run forward tucking into a somersault and then a cartwheel. Soon, a couple more complicated twists and turns to get to the prize in the middle. A beautiful four-carrot diamond that I've been hired to steal, 'cause that's what I do. I, Sylvia Conway, am a thief.

I cut the glass surrounding the diamond. I'm careful to take out the hole slowly. I then reach in and touch the diamond. It feels nice. If I wasn't paid to steal it I probably would just admire it instead. But that's not what I came here for.

I slowly take the diamond from its holder in the display case. All seems to be going well until...

Shit.

The security alarm goes off. The loud ringing fills my entire body with panic. I almost drop the diamond from surprise. I need to pull myself together. I can't risk getting caught otherwise... no, it won't happen. I won't let it.

My body finally catches up to my brain and I break into a run. Actually, it's more like a sprint for my life. Which, if my gym teacher could see how fast I was going she would be floored.

***

I made it out of the museum in one piece. But, I doubt that I was stealthy in my getaway. Though, that's the least of my problems. I just want to get my money and go home. Is that so much to ask for?

Apparently, it is. I should've known. It's stupid of me to assume that the cops wouldn't check the alleyway outside the museum. But, worst of all would be if it was Batman. I've managed to stay out of his way for most of my time as a thief. Let's just hope that I can stay that way for a little longer.

I can feel my feet get stuck to the concrete. I don't know why at all times my nerves decide to get the best of me. But, I do know that I need to get out of here now. I look around at my surroundings.

I notice a fire escape. It's above the ground but not too high for me to jump on. So, I put the diamond in a bag that I brought and take a few steps back. With my running start, I leap onto the fire escape and begin to climb up. Once, I'm on the roof I know that I'm safe.

I look down to see a whole bunch of cops. They all have their weapons drawn. I can't help but laugh in disbelief that they would do all that for me. Though, I won't stick around for them to discover that no one is there.

With that said I make my way to my employer. I have no clue as to who they are. Then again it doesn't matter as long as I get paid. Hopefully, the negotiations go well, otherwise, a certain someone will be peeved.

***

I made it to the abandoned warehouse where I was supposed to meet my employer. As soon as I enter the place I'm greeted by the clicks of guns. I put my hands up in an attempt to appear friendly.

"Hello?" I asked. 

I was met with silence. 

"It's me, Silver Fox, with the diamond you wanted me to steal, " I squeaked out. 

I immediately feel stupid afterward. That's like practically giving away the fact that I'm a  thirteen-year-old. Not a professional thief.

I still keep my hands up just in case. That was until I heard a snap. All the men with guns put them away. Then walked a man known widely across Gotham.

Oswald Cobblepot. The Penguin. A very rich and dangerous criminal. So, why in the world would he have hired a small-time thief like me? He could've gotten someone like Catwoman. Now she's definitely a professional.

I snapped out of my thoughts when Penguin came up to me. I could feel my heart start to beat a bit faster. Sure, I've stolen for some shady people but never as dangerous as the Penguin. Though, I probably shouldn't show how uncomfortable I am.

"So, you're the infamous Silver Fox? A little young aren't you?" Penguin asked me.

"I guess, but I get the job done," I said.

"Speaking of which, do you have my diamond?" Penguin asks.

I check my bag to see if it's still there. Luckily for me, it is. I'd hate to know what would happen if it weren't.

I take out the diamond and hand it over to Penguin. I see him inspect it as I stand kind of awkwardly. I don't exactly know what to do with myself right now. I've never done business with supervillains such as him. Sure there are criminals, but he's no petty thief. He's a ruthless mobster and rich. He's also gone head-on against Batman which is something none of my usual employers have done.

"You did good work for a child," Penguin told me.

"All in a day's work," I replied.

"Now, how should I pay you? I would assume that fifty thousand would work, right?" Penguin asked.

I can feel my face form a frown. He knows that's half of what he said it was worth. I wouldn't have stolen it if he hadn't priced it at a hundred thousand. I really need this money.

Katya has a dentist's appointment and Aunt Sheilah forgot to pay the electric bill again. We don't have any power, again. I kind of need that hundred thousand.

"That wasn't the deal we had," I said sharply.

"It wasn't?" Penguin asked. 

"Our deal was a hundred thousand. This is half of that and I don't appreciate being cheated out of money. Especially, considering the work that I put into it. I did my job and I expect to be compensated for it," I told him.

I can see Penguin assessing me. He looks me up and down. I can see his eyes narrow and his face morph into annoyance. I guess my tone was offputting. I would care but I really don't.

 "Fine, you'll get your money, girl. Just be thankful that I'm so generous. Others might not be just as generous as me. You might want to work on controlling that tongue before you lose it," Penguin said.

Penguin hands over to me a wad of cash. I quickly put it into my bag. Then I look at Penguin and said, "Pleasure doing business with you."

I then take that as my cue to leave. 

***

When I make it outside I can finally breathe. I'm glad that my facade worked. I was sure that Penguin would be able to see me sweat. That would've been like bleeding in front of a shark.

I start on foot on my way home. I hate so much how so many criminals always are so far away. Like at least be close to my house. I literally don't want to walk an hour to get home.