Casey Noose, her parents and little brother Sol were at the Chinese New Year Festival in London. While her parents enjoyed the music, Casey practiced what her father had taught her. Soon her pockets were bulging.
When her parents were ready to move on, her mother Frieda realized what Casey had done. Frieda bit on her lip. She was angry with her husband, proud of Casey and amused. "Coldham Fintan Noose III, I suggest you get rid of Casey's bounty. Discreet, of course, but I'm sure you'll manage. When we're back at the hotel we are going to have a little chat. Casey, please give Daddy what you have "found"." Frieda's tone was stern. Casey didn't know what she had done wrong. Fin was surprised, when Casey gave him two purses, a ring and a bracelet. He disposed of the jewelry immediately, checked what was in the purses, removed the cash, but didn't touch the credit cards, and discarded the purses unnoticed.
Casey was relieved, because they didn't return to the hotel just yet. The tensions were gone for the moment.
The family spent the rest of the day watching other performances and stuffing themselves with a wide variety of Chinese and Taiwanese cuisine.
When they were back at the hotel, Casey, who was four, and Sol, who was one, were sound asleep. The day had been long and adventurous for them.
Fin and Frieda settled in the living room of the suite. "Fin," Frieda sighed, "I don't mind you taught Casey pick pocketing. It's just very important she doesn't use her skills. It's dangerous. What if she would have been caught? She looks up to you and doesn't understand yet what your job is and what it entails. Talk to Casey tomorrow and explain, why she shouldn't steal." Fin smiled. He was proud of Casey, who looked very much like her mother in miniature. Both were black haired, had a heart shaped face and brown eyes. Casey's character was like Fin's, while Sol started to look like Fin with blond hair and blue grey eyes. He was a happy and contended baby, so Fin guessed he was going to be more like Frieda, but only time would tell.
Fin and Casey were eating Cheerios. "Darling, I need to talk to you about yesterday." Casey nodded. Her mouth was full with cereals. "I'm proud of you. You have shown great skill, but remember what I told you, when I taught you." Casey replied: "Yes, it's our secret." "That's right. It can stay our secret. The best way is, if you only practice at home. I promise, you can pick pocket Mommy and me to your hearts contend, if you don't do it when we're out. Other people don't like it, when you take away their stuff, and it could get us both into a difficult situation, when you're caught." "Okay, Daddy, I promise, I won't nab other people's things." "Great. Thanks a lot, Casey." Fin gave the cash, Casey had stolen, to her.
Casey kept to her promise - most of the time. The temptation was there, and sometimes she gave in, but she was much more careful not drawing the attention of her parents or the people she pick pocketed and was never caught.
©2012
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