Prologue
I'll turn a leaf over
And who can tell what I may find…
--
Fagin straightened the collar of his coat and adjusted his hat atop his head. Yes, he thought, this is what I shall do. I can't go back, not now the traps are knocking at my door. I'm resolved; I know what I must do.
I'll turn a leaf over, start a new life.
That's all I can do.
He began to walk along the narrow cobbled street, the noise of his shuffling feet echoing eerily about the walls. Ahead of him, he could see the sunrise. This terrible night was over. He was going to start again, start anew.
He was.
Until the Artful Dodger stepped out from behind the bollard where he'd been hiding, leaning up against it without a care in the world.
Fagin blanched. How had Dodger found him?
"Y-yes, young man?" he said, trying and failing to assume a new voice to suit his new self. "Do I have the honour of your acquaintance?"
Dodger was perplexed; what was Fagin playing at, of course he knew him! Maybe he'd finally gone mad; he wouldn't be surprised after all that had happened tonight.
Wordlessly, Dodger pulled the wallet from inside his waistcoat, holding it out to Fagin with a small smile of encouragement. This would refresh the old 'un's memory, surely!
"Lined?" Fagin asked, in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Only the best!" came Dodger's firm reply. "Lovely workmanship, ain't it?"
Fagin's eyes darted nervously about; no-one was around to witness the exchange…He reached out his gloved hand and plucked the wallet from Dodger's fingers, opening it to examine its contents.
Well lined indeed.
He chuckled, hurriedly stuffing the wallet into his pocket.
Dodger grinned.
--
I'm reviewing the situation
Once the villain you're a villain to the end