AN: I'm super sorry for the long hiatus between updates, but we're back. Special thanks goes to Story's Shadow for writing the second half of this chapter.
-Two Weeks Later-
'Small robberies just can't provide the money I need anymore.' Angela mused to herself.
She could be found sitting in the shadow of a tree in Central Park, seemingly just enjoying the warm afternoon weather.
'I've got to up things. I don't want anyone to get hurt, at least not seriously.' Angela continued to muse as a small family walked past the tree she was sitting under.
A tear made it's way down Angela's face as she observed how happy the family looked, and wished for a moment that she could have been as happy as their small child was.
"You know, for someone on the run, you sure do choose the same location to hang out at." a very familiar male voice said as someone sat down beside her.
With a sigh Angela turned and found her friend, Avery sitting down next to her.
"Tell me Angela, why do you keep coming back here?" Avery asked in a curious tone as he made himself comfortable on the swaying grass.
"It's one of the few places I was every happy at," Angela muttered, which Avery could hear clearly.
"I'm assuming it was your aunt and uncle?" Avery asked.
To which Angela answered with a simple head nod. "Your aunt and uncle, good people as I recall–"
"You recall correctly." Angela said with a sigh.
Then she scowled.
"Unlike my parents!" Angela hissed the last part, her right hand balling into a fist.
She shook her head in anger but turned to her friend.
"Why you here, Avery?" Angela asked after she composed herself a little bit.
"Can't I just visit a friend?" Avery asked innocently, which did not fool Angela one bit.
"I've known you long enough to know you've got your own motivations and interests. I'll ask again, why are you here?" Angela asked again.
"Well now that you ask...I might have something in mind that could set you up for life," Avery answered.
"Are you kidding? There's no telling what my future holds...probably a cell, being put there by some self-righteous jerks," Angela scoffed.
"You don't know that. You could be sitting back in the Bahamas drinking whatever you want on a beach," Avery chuckled.
"Not with some of the jerks who run this city get their way," Angela grumbled.
"Well not everyone who runs this city is as righteous or as powerful as they claim," Avery suggested.
"You're forgetting the 'heroes' who protect those people," Angela informed.
"Maybe...but don't they usually have more to deal with than someone just trying to survive?" Avery asked.
"They don't give a damn," Angela scoffed.
"Maybe...but what I have in mind they won't notice a sudden theft at a rather questionable store," Avery suggested in a whisper.
Angela rolled her eyes, but he had caught her attention.
"What store?" she asked.
"A jewelry store. Word on the street is that it's front for stolen jewels across the board...take the money that's coming from those selling the stolen jewels and find a way to return them, you'll be set," Avery explained.
"Are you nuts? If that's the case, they'll have some considerable protection if they're smuggling and selling stolen jewels," Angela said.
"I thought you could handle yourself?" Avery asked.
Angela sneered at him.
"These are high quality diamonds that are worth a fortune each on their own. Imagine what you could get if you do this," Avery continued.
"I don't know...there's a lot of risk to this," Angela replied.
"High risk, high reward," Avery countered.
"You're not the one taking the risk," Angela said.
Avery sighed and ran his hair through his head.
"I know...I don't want you getting hurt...that's not what I mean...you've...struggled so much since...what happened with your parents...you deserve a good life, one that fulfills all your dreams..." Avery said, his voice sad.
Angela's sneer slowly disappeared and became a sad smile.
"Thanks, Avery," she said, hugging her friend.
Avery smiled, hugging her back.
"Alright Avery, let's do it," she whispered.
To Be Continued...