Chapter 6, The Rainy Day

I woke up a couple days after that strange meeting. While pulling on some clothes I turned on the T.V. and listened to the weather report.

"Today folks, it's going to be raining. Make sure you don't catch cold!"

Yippee.

Well, at least I don't have to water my seedlings, right?

Yippee for a second time.

I quickly made some dog food and placed it in Lulu's bowl. I then headed outside and across my farm to the barn. I gave my animals their fodder and took care of my chickens in the coup. With my chores done for this morning, I walked into the village.

I hurriedly walked into the bar; it was the closest building with a roof and I was already a bit wet. As I strolled inside I heard Muffy and Griffin talking.

"The nerve of him! Well, he's gonna get caught this time!" That was Griffin's voice.

"Griffin, I don't know; he's a really good one…besides, he's…ah…"

"What?" I saw Muffy shuffle her feat.

"Erm, look! It's Tessa!" The both of them just noticed me stroll in, wet.

"Here, let me get you a towel!" offered Muffy.

"Thanks, but I'll just get wet all over again!" I laughed.

"Hey Tessa," Griffin asked, "Can you do us a favor?"

"Um, I guess it depends, but I'm pretty sure I can help!"

"Good," Griffin said. "Muffy and I just found a note this morning. It was from Steiner, you know him?" I nodded. Do I know him or what!

"The note said this:

I'm coming tonight, but you'll never catch me. I'll even give you the time. 10PM to midnight or so.

-Steiner"

Wow, he even gave the time? Confidence.

"Back to the favor," Griffin said. "We were wondering if you could, ah, maybe help us catch this thief?"

"Sure," I agreed. "I'm not doing anything tonight, so why not?" It'll be another chance to see him!

"Alright!" Muffy exclaimed. "Come back a little before 10!" While Griffin went to the back to get something, Muffy giggled.

"Maybe we'll be able to see him! Like I said before, he is so hot! Too bad he's a thief…"

My thoughts exactly.

I came back at exactly 10 that night. I didn't want to miss anything!

"Good, you're here!" Griffin said. All of a sudden, I smelled something. Curry?
"Wow, that curry smells so good!" Muffy exclaimed. "It's coming from outside!"

"I'll be right back," Griffin said and went outside.

"Same here, Tessa," Muffy said and went outside as well. Dang, it sure does smell good! I was so tempted to walk outside too! But someone's gotta stay here, right? Too bad it's me…

Then, someone entered the bar. But it wasn't Muffy nor Griffin. Steiner? He looked over at me and was surprised.

"Is it fate that I keep seeing you whenever I steal something?" he asked.
"Fate? Maybe," I wondered partially to him and myself. Steiner chuckled. He seemed happy.

"I'm surprised I must admit. But, I'd rather be safe than sorry." He then looked at me in the eye and something strange happened. I felt all…weird. Then, I tried to move, but I couldn't!

"Don't worry, Tessa. It goes away after a while."

Flashback

Celia: "Some say he has a special power that can freeze others while he steals."
Vesta: "Personally, I think its hogwash."

Well, Celia was right…I then came to reality. I looked over and Steiner was rummaging through the bar.

"Why do you steal?' I asked.

"Why indeed?" he answered. I was getting annoyed.

"Is it just for pleasure?" I asked, angrily. He paused.

"I think so, but then again I don't think so." He looked up. "I can see that you wanna learn more about me. But where's the fun if I just told you? If you can figure me out and teach me-" He was interrupted by voices outside.

"My time has just run out." He jumped over some barrels and ran out the back door. He was really athletic! Muffy and Griffin ran in. I found that I was able to move again!

"Tessa, what happened?" I told them that Steiner came and how I wasn't able to move. I skipped the part about our conversation. Griffin checked around and found that some of their red wine was missing.

"I'm so sorry about this," Muffy apologizes.

"But thanks anyway," Griffin adds.