The tranquility of the scene shatters with the sombre thought. Fighting back a shiver, I turn from the graveyard and face the youngest member of my crew.
“I’ve stolen from worse.”
A wry grin accompanies my confession and it works to break the tension.
“So have I.”
Finley Reef grins back at me, his eyebrows uneven thanks to the notch hooked through the left one. Clapping him on the back, I leave the rookie to go help the men struggling to tie their ropes.
A simple eight knot does the trick and pretty soon we’re ready to get this show on the road.
“Alright, let’s go over this one more time.” Making eye contact with each member, I speak slowly so nothing gets missed, “Finley and I are going up and entering through the upper balcony located on the second floor. We’ll sweep for alarms and traps before unlocking the main door and letting you handsome fellas inside.”
“The objective is to breach the chamber located beneath the aquarium. Get in and get out with as many shiny things as you can find. We are making the journey back on foot, so don’t get greedy.”
“Hold on.”
The fisherman steps forward, looking ridiculous with a harpoon slung over his shoulder.
“We’re supposed totrustyou to let us in. Who’s to say you young’uns don’t go stealing the loot for yourselves?”
Murmurs of agreement echo from the older men in attendance.
“The only reason Finley and I are going up is because of the physical demand.” I gesture towards the columns looming above us, “It’s not easy climbing up those things, and with some extra weight on the ground, it will help to balance everything out.”
“You saying we’re not capable?”
Another one pipes up, his miserable face looking about ready for a sucker punch.
“That’s not what I’m saying.” Breathing through my nose, I remind myself to be patient, “There are certain benefits to having the bigger guys on the ground-
“Now you’re calling us fat?”
“Itoldyou this fool was just trying to play us.”
Grumbles and accusations fester and grow as my crew of the last two hours starts to crumble.
“How do we even know he’s a real thief?”
Bloodshot eyes look me up and down as the old man gives me a sneer, “He doesn’t look like he made it far off the street.”
“Hell, he’s not even armed.” The fisherman wobbles slightly, his pudgy feet ambling towards me, “So why the fuck would we letyougo in first?”
My hands twitch with the need to pull out my gun and open fire.
“If I’m down here, I won’t be able to help if something goes wrong.”
“If something goes wrong, I’ve got Fiona here to take care of it.” Stroking the tip of his spear, the man just about moans in ecstasy, “This ol’ gal has never let me down before.”
“Let Fiona go in first!”
A battle cry comes from the eldest of the bunch, his missing teeth sending spittle spraying in every direction.
“Guys, I don’t think-
Finley gets cut off when another man shoves him.
“Nobody asked what you thought, pretty boy.”
