Well, well, look what we have here... you caught me red-handed.You think you're so clever that you can escape without being detected, right? Not on my watch.smirks Oh, so you're a regular ol' Batman now, huh? Think you can stop me just like that? clicks tongue I don't think so, babe.I think [She tries to escape, but goes to the wrong door and locks herself in] so yes.scoffs Nice one, genius. You just locked yourself in with me. leans against the wall, crossing arms Guess you're stuck here now. So, what's it gonna be? You gonna call the cops or are we gonna have some fun?You think you know it all? You're just going to smile, wink, show cleavage and get out of the situation? That I'm just going to call 911, when they arrive too late and don't even care about this place and if they were lucky enough to arrest someone like you, they would leave you with such a criminal record that it would even be difficult to get a job in the mafia? You're wrong, lady. Ah... [hits a switch, door opens] I'm not that clumsy.brows furrow Hey, I never said I was gonna make it easy for you. steps closer, looking you up and down But I can see you're not as tough as you think you are. "He's trying to play hard to get, but I can see right through him." So, what's your next move, hotshot?I know you didn't steal it because you were hungry, little Valjean. [Sits down] But I'm going to ask you to give it back, now. That's my offer. You give it back, you leave, and nothing has happened here.yawns Boring. I was hoping we could have a little more fun than that. perches on the arm of the couch But alright, fine. I'll give it back. For now. reaches into pocket and tosses the stolen item onto the coffee table There. Happy now?Fun? Boring? You think this is a game? [He takes the stolen item, shows her that it is not a simple supermarket item but an advanced electronic device] There are many secrets, Miss...narrows eyes Secrets, huh? leans forward, intrigued Well, aren't you just a font of mystery. "He's hiding something, and I want to know what it is." But you know what they say about curiosity and the cat. smirks So, are you gonna let the cat out of the bag or what?[Standing up] "You see, young lady, I’m not some flabby mall guard you’ve been dodging before. Let me let you in on a little secret... I’m not even a guard. I can read your intentions. And as for the whole 'being like a cat' thing... [pauses, hearing a noise, instantly on alert] You’d better listen to me—if you want to keep your seven lives intact."rolls eyes Oh, please. You're not some kind of psychic superhero. stands up, getting in your face And I don't need you to protect me. I can handle myself. "But maybe it wouldn't hurt to hear him out. He seems to know more than he's letting on." Fine. I'm listening. What's this big secret that's supposed to make me quake in my boots?[Some strange-looking guys arrive at the store, Nolb changes his attitude towards them] Welcome, gentlemen [Quinn watches from behind]watches with narrowed eyes as the men enter "Something's not right here. These guys look shady as hell." steps out from behind you, sizing them up Hey, boys. What brings you here at this hour? crosses arms, trying to look toughNo, wait, they....[The apparently tough boys are moved by the girl] are not from here... [Nolb moves the girl aside] I'll explain later, just go to... [The situation gets a little tense] change of plans...Just play along.frowns, confused "Play along? What the hell is going on here?" looks back at the men, then at you sighs Alright, fine. I'll play your little game. For now. turns back to the men, pasting on a fake smile So, what can we do for you boys tonight?[With a tight smile between his teeth] Honey, we're not playing... Do you remember that thing you “borrowed”? Bring it now, please, it's in the office.huffs "Honey"? Really? rolls eyes but heads towards the office thinks "I don't know what's going on, but I'm not about to let these goons see me sweat." returns with the device, holding it up Here. Happy now?Thanks... [approaches discreetly] you're sweating bullets. Try to hide it."Sweating bullets"? As if. I've got this under control." takes a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart looks at the men with a forced smirk So, are we done here or what? 'Cause I've got places to be, you know?[I hand over the innocent-looking electronic device to the tough guy, he says something in a foreign language, we all see the subtitles on the screen, I answer him in his language, he looks at the girl, I position myself between the tough guy and the girl, distracting his attention.]looks between you and the man, trying to follow the conversation "What the hell are they saying? And why is he looking at me like that?" steps forward, getting in the man's face Hey, eyes on me, pal. jabs a finger at his chest She's not part of this. "I don't know what the hell is going on, but I won't let them hurt you."[The other tough guy hands over a briefcase, looks at the girl who gives him an awkward smile, I approach the guy so he stops looking at the girl ]watches warily as the exchange happens "What the fuck is in that briefcase? And why do these guys keep looking at me?" steps closer to you, lowering my voice Nolb, what the hell is going on? Who are these guys? "And why do I get the feeling this has something to do with me?"[I hand him the device and leave the briefcase without touching it, the bad guys try to say in very forced English “What a pretty girl”, I get up from the spot leading the two guys to the exit, close the door] I guess you deserve an explanation.frowns, looking between the device and the door An explanation would be nice, yeah. turns to face you fully, crossing arms So, are you gonna give me one or what? raises an eyebrow And it better be a good one. Because I didn't just put my ass on the line for nothing.[I take off my wig, showing that my hair is a different color and my clothes are a costume] I'm an agent, these guys are international smugglers. And the reason I was telling you to get lost and act like nothing happened here from the begining is because you broke into a store where an undercover operation was taking place... Happy Now?An agent? As in... a spy? blinks, stunned looks down at the device in your hand And that thing I stole... it's not just some fancy gadget, is it? shakes head, a disbelieving laugh escaping Well, fuck me sideways. I've really gone and done it this time, haven't I? runs a hand through my hair, messing it up So, what happens now? Are you gonna arrest me or something?I can't arrest you for two reasons: The first reason is: we're not done yet [I put my wig back on] and the second reason is because it seems like you can be of great help at this time.tilts head, confused "Not done yet? What do you mean?" narrows eyes suspiciously "Wait, are you saying what I think you're saying?" takes a step closer, voice lowering You need me to help you with this operation, don't you? "Well, well, well. Looks like little Miss Thief might be useful after all."[Pointing to the briefcase] Do you see that briefcase? Don't touch it. Keep an eye on it. This guys are coming back for it. What's in there? Money, how much? Millions, but they can tell if someone else gets their hands on the briefcase. I need them to take the money, It'll be evidence for when we arrest them.nods slowly, understanding dawning So, you need me to keep an eye on the briefcase while you deal with the goons. smirks I can do that. saunters over to the briefcase, looking down at it But I'm not doing this out of the goodness of my heart, you know. I want something in return. looks up at you, a mischievous glint in my eye And I think we both know what that is.Before your greedy mind starts working, I only ask you one favor... Help me with your skills. It's not going to be like pocketing a box of condoms from the counter while the cashier looks distractedly elsewhere, is a bit more precise.scoffs Pocketing condoms? Please, I'm a professional. smirks, leaning against the wall But alright, I'll help you with my "skills". As long as you hold up your end of the bargain. pushes off the wall, sauntering towards you So, what's the plan, hotshot? And don't leave out any details. I want to know exactly what I'm getting myself into.The guys are coming back. The briefcase not only has the money, it has a tracker connected to the electronic device I have here from their smartphone they receive the signal of everything. The guys think they are going to take everything, the money, the device and fill (before filling me, now filling us) with lead since they leave no witnesses. This is where you come in. At some point I'll distract them and you put this on them [I hand her a smartphone] They have one just like this, switch it.takes the smartphone, turning it over in my hands "So, a little sleight of hand, huh? I can do that in my sleep." looks up at you, smirking "But I gotta say, I'm impressed. You've got some serious balls, taking on these guys by yourself." pockets the phone, nodding Alright, I'm in. "Let's just hope I don't fuck this up and get us both killed." takes a deep breath, steeling myself So, when do we do this?If things are okay, they will come back with a third one. I feel a little worried because I heard one of them saying in his language that it seemed strange to see someone else, that the deal was that only one person was going to be here, the other one convinced that he should not worry, that women are just ornaments... Yeah, that's the guy who was smiling at you all the time."Ornaments, huh? We'll see about that." frowns, thinking "If they're bringing a third guy, that complicates things. We'll have to be extra careful." looks up at you "But I think I have an idea." grins wickedly "These guys seem to have a thing for the ladies. So, let's use that to our advantage." starts pacing, mind racing "I can distract them, flirt a little, get them to let their guard down. Then, when they're not expecting it, I'll make the switch." stops pacing, looking at you "What do you think? Is it a plan or is it a plan?"Great idea, but we have to be careful. They are not easy on girls who approach them and flirt with them, they are masters of distrust. If they feel that something is out of place, all hell will break loose.nods, absorbing this information "So, I'll have to be subtle about it. Make it look like I'm just a dumb girl who doesn't know any better." smirks "I can do that." starts to fidget with my hair, putting on a vacant expression "Hey there, sugar. You're looking mighty fine tonight." giggles, batting my eyelashes "How about you and me have some fun, hmm?" looks over at you, raising an eyebrow "How was that? Convincing enough?"It's very convincing indeed, If they managed to convince the boss that there was not only a manager in the convenience store, but also an pretty assistant, I think we can continue.grins, feeling more confident "Alright, then. Let's do this." takes a deep breath, then lets it out slowly "Just remember, if anything goes wrong, I was never here. I don't know you, you don't know me. Got it?" narrows eyes, making sure you understand "I'm not going down for this if things go sideways." sighs, shaking my head "But I guess that's a risk I'll have to take." looks up at you, a determined glint in my eye "So, let's go catch some bad guys, partner."One last piece of advice: if something goes wrong, please, run away, protect yourself act like nothing happened here. A person as cool and skilled as you is worth their weight in gold. I like your attitude."Cool and skilled, huh? I like the sound of that." smirks, feeling a bit more at ease "Don't worry, I know how to take care of myself." gives you a once-over, appraising "But what about you? You sure you can handle this? I'd hate for something to happen to you because of me." sighs, running a hand through my hair "I guess we'll just have to watch each other's backs, huh?" holds out my fist, bumping it against yours "Here's to not getting shot." takes a deep breath "Alright, I'm ready. Let's do this thing."It's mission time, by the way, my name is Nolb [giving a fist bump]Nolb, huh? Interesting name. grins, returning the fist bump "Well, Nolb, I guess this is it." takes a deep breath, steeling myself "Time to show these bastards what happens when they mess with us." starts moving towards the door, a determined swagger in my step "Let's go, partner. We've got a job to do." pauses, looking back at you over my shoulder "And Nolb? Try not to get killed out there, alright? I'd hate to have to break in a new partner." winks, then disappears out the door[The thugs arrive, only the first two are there, the tension is in the air]Stay calm... [I tried to call her by her name] you.takes a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart "You've got this, Quinn. Just play your part and everything will be fine." steps out from behind a shelf, putting on a bright smile "Hey there, boys. Fancy meeting you here." leans against the shelf, crossing my arms "I was hoping I'd run into you again." looks between the two men, batting my eyelashes "So, what brings you fine gentlemen back to my neck of the woods?" tries to keep my voice steady, despite the nerves threatening to overwhelm me[Coming to support her, I spoke to the individuals in their language, translating Quinn's greetings and enthusiasm... while I say to myself: “Damn, where is the boss?”]
