1st Dec Prompt 2024
From trustingHim17 - Include the Irregulars somehow
An Irregular Encounter
Boots and hooves and wheels strike cobbles,
cabbies bellow, traders yell;
describe their wares above the racket.
Mouths to feed and goods to sell.
~0~
Coins change hands; the flash of silver
arcs from pocket; there, then gone,
a figure watches from the shadows;
still, unseen by all, but one.
~0~
The sharp-eyed youth steps out from shadows,
lifts a hand to scratch his face;
a gesture seen by several urchins
scattered round the market place.
~0~
His target, clad in cashmere top coat,
strolls with friends from stall to stall;
a group of laughing boys distract him,
block his progress, tease and brawl.
~0~
The sharp-eyed lad moves in, indignant,
brushes past the well-dressed man,
berates his 'younger brothers' loudly,
and shoos them off, they know the plan.
~0~
He follows slowly, quells suspicion,
cap in hand, till out of sight,
his fingers grip his prize of silver.
(Inside pocket, upper right).
~0~
A hand clamps firmly to his shoulder,
"No tricks now." A quiet voice.
Someone's crept up close behind him;
he stays quite still, he has no choice.
~0~
"The silver, please." A firm instruction.
Fingers open, coins drop out,
are deftly caught and swiftly counted.
"Now, let's turn this task about."
~0~
"Return them to that right hand pocket,
Wiggins…yes, I know your name.
Theft is easy, here's the challenge;
return those coins from whence they came."
~0~
"Agree, and I'll replace that silver,
offer you a great deal more.
Turn me down, and you'll be free to
keep on stealing as before."
~0~
The weighing up of worth is mutual;
minds made up, a bargain struck.
For Sherlock Holmes…unique assistance.
Wiggins can't believe his luck.
~0~