His eyebrows shot up. He glanced back at the others, still focused on the thief, then walked casually toward my hiding spot as if just checking the perimeter.
When he was close enough, I whispered, "Computer."
He startled, clearly not expecting me to speak. "What?"
"He was at the computer." I pointed toward the clubhouse.
Rooster looked from me to the building, then back again. "You saw what he was doing?"
I nodded.
"Can you show me?"
I weighed my options. Going inside meant being trapped, cornered. But staying outside meant others might notice our conversation. I pointed to the side door—not the main entrance where everyone was gathered.
"Okay," he said, seeming to understand my caution. "I'll meet you there."
I circled wide around the yard, keeping to the shadows while Rooster approached the others. He spoke briefly to Butch, who nodded, before heading toward the side door.
I reached it first, slipping inside and immediately locating all possible exits in the room. Always know your escape routes—first rule of survival.
Rooster entered a moment later, moving slowly as if trying not to startle a wild animal. Smart man. "I'm Rooster," he said, his voice surprisingly gentle for such a large person.
I nodded. I knew.
"You've been the one taking the food I leave out."
Another nod.
"And you stopped that guy from... what? Stealing data?"
I pulled the small USB device from my pocket and held it out. Rooster took it, examining the blinking light with a frown.
"Can you show me where he was?"
I gestured for him to follow but maintained distance between us as I led him through the clubhouse to the office. Every few steps, I glanced back, making sure he wasn't too close and that no one else had joined us. The whole time, I kept track of windows, doorways, alternate paths—anything that could become an escape route if needed.
In the office, I pointed to the computer, then mimed typing. I pointed to the USB port, then to the device in his hand.
"He was downloading files?" Rooster asked.
I shrugged. Maybe. I hadn't exactly understood what the man was doing, just that it involved the computer and that suspicious device.
I set the silver motorcycle statue on the desk and pointed to the broken wheel.
"You broke it?" His tone wasn't accusatory, just curious.
I nodded, then mimed hitting the thief with it.
His eyes widened slightly. "You knocked him out with this? Then tied him up outside?"
I nodded again, then reached into my pocket. I pulled out my meager treasures—three quarters, two dimes, a nickel, and a half-eaten cherry lollipop I'd been saving for a special occasion. I arranged them carefully beside the broken statue.
"What's this?" Rooster asked.
I pointed to the broken wheel, then to my small pile of possessions. Payment for damages.
Understanding dawned on his face, followed by something that looked strangely like sadness. "Kid, you don't need to pay for anything. You did us a favor."
