A step to the right. A small slide forward. Another slide. It's just like a dance, the boy reminded himself. Onward he continued until he was within an arm's reach of the prize. The crowd in the market hid the boy's movement but only if he flowed with both the people and the target. Quickly and as smoothly as he could, the boy reached into the man's pocket and felt around for the coin purse. Uh oh. It wasn't there! I could've sworn I saw him put it in this pocket! Suddenly the man turned away - with the little boy's hand still in his pocket. The strong tug on his pocket made the man stop and look around. Thankfully, the boy was fast and light on his feet and he disappeared into the crowd around him just as the man started yelling. The young boy ran as fast as his legs would carry him. Finally reaching an alley he hid behind some barrels and listened. There were no sounds of pursuit. Thank the Guardians, he thought as he sat there trying to catch his breath.
That was cuttin' it close, Tav! I see ya got a lot more to learn, a voice laughed from above the young thief's hiding place. The 7-year old boy hung his head, admitting that his teacher was right. But I saw him put the purse in that pocket!! Tavon exclaimed as he pounded his small fist against the brick wall. Jayson laughed lightly at the boy's frustration. Don't worry! When I was your age I was always getting caught! At least no one sees you run away with nothin'! Tavon's face brightened. So when I'm old like you, I'll be rich like you? Jayson slugged the boy on the shoulder. Hey! I'm only 14! And no, you won't be like me. But you might come close.
Jayson hopped down from the window ledge where he had been crouching. Now, he said as he took the boy's hand, let's go find somethin' to eat. The two pickpockets blended once more into the crowd, weaving in and out among the shoppers. The Capital was a huge city, so they could easily find some food that wasn't being watched...
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