" That lad's always dashing about town, picking pockets. One moment you see him. The very next, he's gone… with the wind. That's why he's nicknamed Dash. Just like you are Dodger."
Location: London
Setting: Early 19th Century
Dodger spun around and to his surprise, he saw no one.
Dodger yelled once more " Charley! C'mon out! We're safe here!"
But his voice just bounced off the walls of the alley. When there was no reply, Dodger yelled in desperation " Charley! This isn't funny!" But all he heard was the echo of his voice. His worse fears had been confirmed. The Traps had caught Charley. Dodger began to feel his stomach churning. How was he going to face Fagin? After all, he was responsible for Charley's safety. He stood all alone in that dark, danky alley. Dodger felt his heart palpitating against his chest as he guilt consumed him wholly. All Dodger could do now was to return back home.
He retraced his steps the same way he had entered into the maze of alleys. He crept out into the light of the London streets. The moment he had walked out into the streets, he saw a mob of people rush past him. Then, he caught a glimpse of Charley. The people held him down forcefully as he tried to struggle free. Instinctively, Dodger ducked back into the alley, away from the people. He was afraid that he would be recognised by some of the civilians.
" Let me go!" Dodger heard Charley yell defensively. " It wasn't me! Look, check my pockets! I didn't take anything!" Charley kicked the men that were bringing him to the police. Then one of the man replied, sarcasm evident in his voice" Tell that to the police and see if they'll let you off." In exasperation, Charley stopped struggling, for he got tired trying to break free from their forceful grip.
A slender middle-aged woman amidst the crowd said to a gentleman " There were two of 'em pickpockets. That lad's not the only one."
The gentleman replied, " I saw the other. Too bad he got away before we got him." Dodger gulped fearfully when he heard the contents of their conversation as they rushed past the alley. He felt his heart beating violently against is chest as he thought of the consequences he would have to face should he get caught.
As soon as the crowd passed the alley opening, Dodger crept out and slipped into the throngs of people in the bustling streets of London. He blended in perfectly with the people, holding his head high as he usually did, going about London picking as many pockets as he could. He stopped his bundle of nerves from acting, as if nothing had happened. He walked quickly that day, careful not to avoid eye contact with anyone for fear that he would be recognised and swiftly made his way back home.
He walked through yet another alley, but a familiar one leading to the door-step. He passed by the row of smokers. But Dodger was used to these men smoking opium. Dodger was even offered a pipe once, which he gladly accepted. He walked up the steps, preparing himself mentally for the wrath he would receive from Fagin. News in London spread wilder than fire. Fagin would have probably heard the news already. Gingerly, he grabbed the door knob and turned it slowly. Then he entered into the house. The moment Dodger had stepped into the house, he felt someone yank his trench-coat and slam him against a wall.
" Where is he? What have you done!" Fagin spat in Dodger's face as he held him up by his collar.
Dodger yelled back defensively " The Traps have got 'im! I have nothing to do with it! Let me go!" He yelled as he slipped out of his trench coat with skilful agility. He retreated to a corner of the room away from Fagin, who looked at him menacingly with anger burning in his eyes.
Fagin looked oddly at Dodger before he burst out " Traps? The Traps have got him? You were supposed to protect him! That's why you're the Artful Dodger!"
Dodger snapped back at Fagin " It wasn't my fault! There was another pickpocket there! He got to the beak before we could! Then we ran as fast as we could, but Charley couldn't keep up with me! It wasn't my fault!" Dodger ran out of breath trying to justify himself.
Fagin walked with gout towards Dodger and said coldly " Another pickpocket, you say?" Dodger never let his eyes off Fagin as he nodded his head. " Aye… looks like you've met your match long last, Dodger." Fagin said meditatively as he walked towards Dodger.
" Met my match? Impossible." Dodger replied confidently.
" Keep this up, Dodger, and you'll not be able to maintain your status as the best pickpocket in town." Fagin said, " That pickpocket- folks in town call him Dash."
" Dash? Sir?" Dodger asked confused." That lad's always dashing about town, picking pockets. One moment you see him. The very next, he's gone… with the wind. That's why he's nicknamed Dash. Just like you are Dodger." Fagin replied.
" Dash…" Dodger muttered to himself before he straightened up and said, " Then what's going to happen to Charley? The Traps will send him to a home."
Just at that precise moment, the door swung open and a lady stepped in.
" Have you heard the news? Charley was caught by the Traps!" The lady said excitedly. She looked no older than 18 years. Beautiful almond-shaped eyes and full lips- features of a matured woman. Her brown locks fell gently around her rounded face. She was wearing a floral dress, accentuating her curves in the right places. She was known as Nancy.
As she barged in, Dodger and Fagin turned to look at the intruder. Immediately, Fagin and Dodger thought of a plan as they had seen Nancy. Fagin looked at Dodger and grinned as Dodger looked back, probably having the same thoughts as Fagin.
Nancy's shrill voice broke the silence " Why are you both looking at me like that?" Nancy said bewildered as she took off her hat and hung it on the hat rack on the door. " I'm not liking the look on your faces one bit." She said as she turned back to face them. Fagin moved over to Nancy as he said " Good to see you, Nancy." " What's going on, Fagin? It's almost like you want me to do something for you again." Nancy said apprehensively. She had grown up in Fagin's care, occasionally picking pockets for Fagin.
" Oh no. No, no, no, Nancy. I just need a little favour from you." Fagin smiled as he talked to Nancy. " No no, Fagin. I ain't doing none of that for you anymore. You know I'm too old to be going around picking pockets." Nancy said as she shook her head and waved her hands.
" Nonsense, Nancy. None of that sort. I just need you to troop down to that police station and…" Fagin was cut off by Nancy.
" Police station!" Nancy yelled, shocked. " I ain't going near no police station." Nancy said.
" Oh please, Nancy. We need your help." Dodger chimed in. " Think 'bout poor old Charley. He'll be sent away."
" That may actually be better for that lad. Let 'im do something productive with his life." Nancy replied to Dodger's pleas.
" You don't mean that, do you Nancy?" Fagin asked, seemingly disturbed. " Charley may peach on us."
" Please Nancy? Just this once…" Dodger pleaded with her.
" Oh… I don't know…" Nancy said exasperated.
(Hey guys. Hope you liked this chapter. Please Review! Thanks lots.)
Cheero
