Chapter Two

Unexpected Meeting

"Come on, Cat!" Gio stage whispered from behind the bushes. "The fucking guard is going to come back around soon. Come ON!" Cat was hesitating again. She seriously doubted that they could break into an effing Palace without being caught. Stealing wallets and purses from the tourists was one thing; breaking and entering was a whole different story all together, and her heart had never been fully into it from the start of planning a week ago.

She said a silent good bye to the bushes she had hid behind and sprinted over the grounds to where the others were in.

"What took you so long?" Annette said, smiling nervously.

"Alright, so from here, we can go to..." Gio said, taking out the floor plan to the Palace. Cat duly listened to everything he said, lost in her memories of what happened the last time she had tried to break into a house. She felt as if something magical was in the air today, like everything they do was a dream, or maybe...

:Scipio slammed his fist down on the table, hard enough to make a resounding thud in the metal.

"What do you mean 'You're going in with minimal equipment?'" He shouted angrily at the calm figure, slowly sipping hot coffee, a large monitor throwing everything into harsh lighting. "I'll need at least a few more things than..." He sputtered to a stop, looking down with disgust at the few items on the table. A lock pick, suction gloves and shoe coverings, hydrogen balloon that provides temporary floating, it's not nearly enough to breal into a Palace! What's the boss thinking?

"The boss wants to test you, I believe." The young woman said, turning to look at the monitor and the continually incoming information from other agents. Satisfied, she swiveled back around in her chair to examine Scipio over her wire-rimmed glasses. "You once said you were known as the Thief Lord back in your day. I believe he wants to see how much you can actually do, by yourself."

"That's stupid," Scipio said bluntly, "He doesn't need talent when he's got equipment."

"Well, whatever. No one will say anything against him but you, and he trumps your position everytime. As soon as you complete this mission, without being caught, I think the higher-ups will promote you from field agent. Then," she smiled at this point, "You'll be able to match the boss's positon. Hey," she said, turning around because the computer beeped, "it's time for you to go. So long, Fortunato. Don't forget to take your gear." She said, almost as an afterthought, beginning to type something hurriedly into the computer.

Scipio sighed. This was going to be a long night.

Author Notes: Gomennasai, it's so short, but this computer has been having a hard time with loading fics for some reason. I will update shortly.