Unexpected Visitor

Tommy sees a large black Cadillac XT5 pull up to the front of the house. Hitman drives those types of cars, he thinks. Opening the service door, he shoves his two friends inside. he figures he could explain my presents since I'm driving the cable truck and all, but would have a hard time explaining theirs, and hiding them isn't an easy feat considering their massive stature. Vinnie has a buff exterior from his daily workouts and Larry the Gourmand is all about his food. "Find somewhere to hide in case this goes sideways." 

Vinnie's mouth flies open in protest. 

Tommy looks towards their invader and then at my buddy. "I don't have time to argue about this." He closes the door before Vinnie says a word.

Tommy turns to see the car getting closer. I need to make sure my excuse sounds legit. He takes a few deep breaths hoping to steady his nerves as the car continues to approach him. Tommy tries to size up the meddler, but the windows are tinted so heavily that he can't see who's inside. This terrifies Tommy even more. After what seems like a lifetime, the SUV comes to a complete stop beside him. Here goes nothing. Tommy gulps. The glass barrier squeaks as it glides down.

He sees an older, distinguished gentleman alone in the back seat. His fancy wardrobe and an assortment of rings scream money. The way he holds himself gives off a sense of power and prestige.

"What are you doing loitering on my friend's property?" he asks. A fat Havana hangs from the corner of his mouth.

"Well, sir, I was...." Tommy watches him pull out what looks to be a small pistol from his pocket; Terrified, he hits the ground.

"Did you think I was going to shoot you or something?" He laughs, lighting his cigar with the small device.

Red-faced, Tommy pulls himself off the ground. "The lighter looks like an old gun, sir," Tommy sheepishly replies dusting himself off.

The man turns the item around in his hand. "I guess it does," he chuckles, pocketing the lighter. "You never did answer my question. Why are you here when they're not home?"

"They're not home, no wonder I couldn't get an answer."

"What are you doing here?" The man demands.

"I was told to check on their satellite service, and make sure they aren't having any issues." Realizing the stranger isn't convinced, Tommy decides to elaborate. "Tommy points toward his van. We've been having trouble with the satellites in this area, so the higher-ups want us to go house to house, make sure all the problems have been resolved." The company had equipment issues in this area a few weeks back. This allows Tommy to add a few more houses to his list. "Guess I'll have to come back another time."

"I guess you will."

Tommy heads towards his truck. He glances back and finds the man hasn't moved. He's probably waiting for me to pull away. I'll just leave and then circle back around. What if he checks the house instead of following me out? He glances back again. That's a chance I'll have to take. Climbing in his van, he slowly drives away. He looks back to see the man pull out behind him. Now to make my story seem legitimate. He makes a left at the end of the drive, the intruder does the same. Surely, he won't follow me onto this property. Guess I'll just tell them the same story if he does. He pulls into their neighbor's drive, the intruder slows down, stares a minute then drives away. I thought he was going to do something. Tommy breathes a sigh of relief.

Tommy waits until the busybody is down the road before he heads back to the house. It's probably not a good idea to carry out the heist now I've been seen. I was so looking forward to it too. He pulls his van to the other side of the shed so it can't be seen from the main entrance. It's better to be safe than sorry, he concludes as he hikes a short distance to the house.

Peeking around the corner, he finds the coast is still clear. So far so good. He hustles toward the back door. I need to grab the guys and go, he thinks as he nervously punches in the code; the door clicks open. Stepping inside, Tommy glances around. "Vinnie, Larry, where are you?" He continues through the house. " Vinnie, Larry." His voice echoes down the long dark corridor. It'll take forever to find them like this. He starts to pull his cell from his pocket when he hears heavy footsteps behind him. Tommy grabs for his gun as he spins around.

"It's me, it's me," Vinnie says, throwing his hands in the air.

Tommy lowers his weapon. "You shouldn't sneak up on someone. Especially when you know they're packing."

"Sorry, man."

"Where's Larry?"

"Right here," he says, walking down the hall. "You'll never believe all the goodies we found." Vinnie taps his backpack and then Larry's. "You're right, this is the best heist yet."

"Too bad we can't take this stuff."

"What do you mean we can't take it?" Vinnie tosses the luggage on the floor.

"Did you forget about our visitor?"

"You smoothed it over, right?"

"For now, but I'll be their main suspect when the owners report their stuff stolen."

"Not the way I've set it up."

"What did you do, Larry?"

According to their security footage, the robbery happened days ago by two men who don't look anything like us." Pulling out his phone, he shows Tommy a video clip. "Today's recording shows the place undisturbed."

"They can't tell that the video has been tampered with, right?"

"Not even the experts." He smiles smugly. Deep fake video's is Larry's expertise.

"Let's get out of here before the guy comes back."

The three start to head towards the service door when a light flips on in the entryway. High heels tap a rhythmic tune across the tile floor seconds later. Startled, the three glance towards the front. They see a breathtaking blonde wearing a chic red dress, and spiked heels gliding towards them. Her garment's snug fit, low cleavage, and side slit that starts at the top of her hips leave little to the imagination. The things I'd like to do to her. Larry thinks, drooling all over himself. Being single and not the most handsome gentleman in town, women are few and far between.

Tapping his friends on the shoulder, Tommy motions them to follow. The three move quietly across the darkened kitchen. They just make it to the back door when Larry clips a cat with his boot. The white ball of fluff yelps as it flies into the air. Landing with a thud, the feline lets out an evil hiss as it scampers away.

"Who's out there?" the young woman asks as she quickens her pace.

***

The small brass bell rings as Kirk steps through the pawn shop door. This place hasn't changed a bit. Kirk thinks, eyeing the huge selection of merchandise. He was told to check the pawnshops for the stolen merchandise. "I'll be right with you, the owner says as he finishes up the last customer "No hurry." Kirk continues to walk down the aisles as he waits for his turn. He'd just finished inspecting some decorative vases when the bell chimed; three questionable-looking gentlemen stepped inside. Kirk immediately recognizes them as the Salois brothers. The oldest brother, Andy had just been released from prison last week, Jack and Jeremy the week before. I wonder what they're up to probably no good.

"Have a nice day," the owner says as the first customer walks across his store. Seeing Kirk is shopping, he turns towards his new patrons. "How may I help you, gentleman?"

"How much we can get for these?" the man asks, laying some items on the counter. Kirk watches as the businessman inspects each piece closely.

"This is some nice stuff you have here, gentleman. May I ask where you got it?"

"It's from our Aunt's estate." Kirk realizes that most of the items on the counter resemble the ones on his stolen item list when he moves in closer.

Pulling his gun from his holster he heads towards the front. "Berryville PD, hands where I can see them." The thugs don't move. "Do it now." Glancing at each other, the three reach into their jacket and pull out their weapons.

"They have a gun." The owner yells, ducking behind the counter.

"Drop your weapon, now," Kirk demands. Gunfire erupts as the thugs spin around.