Timothy and Victor walked down one of the busier streets in the city where the majority of people around them were strictly focused on getting to their destination in mind. Several were dressed in navy colored uniforms as they approached the military base. However, they were only interested in the ones with an insignia of a sergeant or higher. 

  “I trust in your quick fingers, kid,” Timothy whispered, feeling the time to execute their plan was running out.

  “Don’t worry, I got this,” Victory said confidently. 

  Timothy patted the boy fatherly on the back in response. They continued forward while trying to discreetly look for the mark Gem had shown them earlier in the apartment, namely, three golden down-pointed chevrons. The ideal victim would be someone who walked alone and who wore their handheld computer in an easily accessible bag. They had seen a few sergeants already, but all had been walking together with a colleague or in a group of people. 

  “What about him?” Victor pointed towards a young man who indeed wore the insignia of a sergeant. 

  The man didn’t seem to be accompanied by anyone but he was currently in the midst of a conversation with a civilian. On his right shoulder was a black messenger bag which would be the perfect place to keep a handheld computer that was too big for the pockets of a jacket or regular pants. 

  “Ah, well spotted! He will do. But remember, this is a one time thing. We do not steal,” Timothy clarified.

  “I know, I know.” Victor sighed and rolled his eyes. 

  Timothy gave out a small chuckle as the boy reminded him of his dear friend Andrea every time he tried to lecture her about the dangers of smoking or anything else for that matter.

  As the young sergeant was done with his morning conversation and about to get going, Timothy took his position.

  “Excuse me,” Timothy called.

  The young sergeant who had started walking immediately stopped and turned around with a friendly expression on his face.

  “Please, how can I help you, sir?” 

  “Ehum, Sergeant, do you happen to know the way to St. Andrew’s? I got a referral there from our public hospital for my back the other day, but it’s my first time going there and I think I managed to get lost.”

  “Oh, St. Andrew’s, yes. It’s not far from here, just-“

  It was then a boy in a red hoodie, rushing  to catch a pigeon, crashed into the pair talking. Timothy and the sergeant lost their balance and Victor, who deliberately tripped, fell straight to the ground. However the sergeant was quick to regain his balance and gently helped Victor up on his feet.

  “Are you hurt?” the sergeant asked.

  “Nah,” Victor said with his bruise from the other day torn up from the fall.

  “Okay, good to hear. For the future, please avoid running in the street. You must be more careful so that you don’t hurt yourself or somebody else,” the sergeant said. 

  “Yes, sir.” Victor said with a small bow.

  The boy was just about to leave when he felt a strong hand on his shoulder.

  “I wouldn’t be so fast if I were you,” the sergeant said.