TCB Part 6: Chapter 2 (cont.)

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Chapter 2: Tuesday. (Cont.)

Higgs and Phineas sat in a lush booth at the edge of a very well appointed dining room in the finest restaurant in the city. Higgs considered this a business expense, so the bill would be paid from the bag of cash the stranger had left with him.

Phineas started off the conversation, “We should get in touch with Dr. Montebanque.”

“Do we have to? I’m not sure I can stand his constant twittering about his ‘marvelous creations.’”

Phineas smiled. “No, we don’t have to talk to him. But then, we don’t have to pull this thing off. If we’re going to do it, I can assure you that we need Everton. There’s nobody better.”

“Alright, I’ll give you that. We’ll talk to Montebanque, but don’t expect me to enjoy it.”

“I’d never ask you to enjoy anything, Higgs. Why start now? Loosen up, will ya? Try to have some fun with this one. This is retirement money; you can afford to relax a bit.”

“That is precisely why I cannot relax. I’ve walked away from too many sweet takes. I’d rather not have to walk away from this one. We’re going to need a locksmith.” Higgs said between sips of the finest wine he’d ever tasted. The food was predictably delicious, and the wine was perfectly paired.

“Okay, what about Grigsby?”

“No, Grigsby’s no good. He’s way too clever for his own good. Usually gets himself in trouble trying to pick a lock that he should’ve just blasted. What else you got?”

Phineas chewed a roll while his eyes stared into some infinite distance. “Porter? He was always good.”

“Lockup. He got caught breaking into some mucky-muck’s house. They sent him up for a few years. I heard there’s a Greek that’s been making some waves in the business.”

Phineas made a face, “Ehh, Greeks. I hate working with Greeks.”

“Phineas, I refuse to let your prejudice get in the way of hiring a good safecracker. Besides, I’m pretty sure he’s the best in the business. I heard about a job he did a few months ago, double combination locked safe I think. He got in and out in a few minutes, closed the thing back up and locked it on his way out. They didn’t know he’d been in it for weeks when the owner finally opened it to find his entire life’s savings gone. I’ve heard he’s not very dependable, but—” Higgs looked across the table, and could tell that Phineas wasn’t listening. He kept looking over Higgs’s shoulder. “Just last week, he stole five hundred coconuts using nothing but a team of monkeys.”

“Hmm, sounds good. Wait. What?”

“Nothing. What’s over my shoulder?”

“Oh, nothing.”

Higgs turned around. “Her? She’s distracting you? I thought you were above that sort of woman.”

“Well…She’s very pretty.”

“She’s a beautiful shark, Phineas. You think you’ve lost money on the races? She’ll make that look like pocket change.” Higgs chewed a bite of his lunch, a grin creeping in at the corner of his mouth. “Although, I suppose…”

“What?”

“Well, it’s just that she might be of use.”

“Don’t do it, Higgs. You said it yourself, she’s no good.”

“That’s just it, Phineas. She’s just too good. Very good indeed.”

Phineas shook his head. “I dunno. But, this is your thing. You’re about to get your chance. She’s on her way over.”

Higgs turned to see the tall bombshell making her way over to their table. Every head in the room turned as she passed. A flip of her deep auburn hair was enough to send most men into convulsions. Her dress was just revealing enough to get your attention, but not so much as to give the wrong impression. She was tall, with curves in all the right places. Her smile was generously given and seemed to light up the room with some kind of other-worldly radiance. Higgs found it entertaining to watch the other men in the dining room gawk. He could see that there would soon be more than a few husbands explaining themselves to unhappy wives.

“Hi Phineas. Who’s your friend?” Her voice was sultry, pitched just right to make her easy to listen to while still conveying some kind of flirtatiousness that Higgs couldn’t put his finger on.

“Anabelle Devereaux, this is Thurmond Higgs, an old friend from a past life.”

“Not completely past, I hope.” Anabelle put out a gloved hand, which Higgs took with a smile. He gave the customary kiss on the hand. She gave what Higgs was sure was an affected blush. “Charming. It’s wonderful to meet you, Mr. Higgs.”

Phineas laughed, almost sending expensive wine out his nose. “Don’t waste your time Ana. He’s not really your type. This meal is paid for by his employer.”

Anabelle demurred, “I’m sure I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Higgs jumped in. “Don’t worry, whatever you do to get by is not my business. And you can just call me Higgs. I’m not much of a mister.”

Anabelled smirked knowingly at Higgs. “Fair enough, Higgs. Well, I wanted to say hello, but I fear I’ve kept my date waiting long enough, I should be going back to him.”

Higgs reached out and put a hand on her arm. “One minute, Miss Devereaux, if you don’t mind. I’d like to make you a proposal.”

“Higgs, I’m not that type of girl.” She winked at him. “If I give away the ending, nobody would come to see the show.”

Higgs returned a grin. “It’s not that kind of proposal, but I’m flattered. Phineas and I have the opportunity to make enough money that we never have to work again. Now, I’m sure getting rich men to pay for all your food, clothes, house, and who-knows-what is a fun sport. I’m offering you a way that you won’t have to spend another day pretending to be interested in some dull guy with a big wallet.”

“You’ve piqued my interest, Thurmond. Continue.”

“Well, there is a train arriving in the city in a few days’ time. It is carrying a great number of valuable things. We intend to steal them. We could use someone with your charms to pull this off. If you help us, I can assure you that you’ll never want for money again.”

“It sounds dishonest, even illegal. Phineas, are you ok with this?”

Phineas laughed and didn’t respond, choosing instead to take another drink of wine. Anabelle pursed her lips, making a show of thinking about it. “I will have to give this some thought. You will be in touch?”

Higgs smiled, “Sure. We’ll be in touch. See you soon.”

Despite his best effort, Higgs couldn’t resist watching her walk away. He was convinced that she would be a very useful addition to the team. Just a few more commitments would be all they’d need.

Part 7 >