Jewel Most Priceless

By Lady Tempest

Jaret smirked. So far the evening had unfolded smoothly. But then again, he was the best thief in all Europe. Or so every major police force and museum seemed to believe. Still, first rule in his profession: ‘don’t let overconfidence lull you into false security’. If a job is too easy, it may be too easy for a reason. Wait until it was over to revel in its simplicity and one’s masterful skill.

But that didn’t mean he couldn’t enjoy the rush of pitting his mastery against a new challenge; the exhilarating thump of his heart as he scurried through the moonlit night, past roving guards; timing each silent step to theirs to creep where they attempted to protect; sometimes a carefully unlatched window gained him entrance. However, tonight amazing luck was with him and the most secure route had led through the front door.

...Which raised every thief’s instinct and suspicion he possessed. Never glory in the too easy while it’s too easy. But don’t turn down the opportunity either. Tomorrow, the Richtlau Museum of Antiquities opened its newest exhibit, the “Antouran Royal Jewels: A Millennia of Wonder”.

Jaret chuckled inwardly. He had practically memorized the brochure, his mind nearly rattling off the summarized history. It was to be a high-profile show, expected to attract visitors from all over the continent. A show that only a fool would attempt to work. Security would be at its most alert and most organized the night before and on the first day.

But Jaret was no fool. He hadn’t become one of the best by being stupid. And stealing anything from the Antouran exhibit tonight was a risk he had no intention of taking. No, he had another prize in mind. A prize nearly ignored in all the excitement.

He smiled as he peered through the simple wood slats of the stairs leading to the museum’s basement. Just as he had anticipated, diverting too many guards to the newest showcase had thinned security throughout the museum. Not daring to breathe, he slowly eased down the steps, careful that every fall of his soft boots met quiet wood.

The stairs landed three strides from the wooden double-doors of the storage room. He darted his hazel eyes up the staircase then flattening himself against the wall, peered around the corner to the only hallway, a wide corridor which led to a loading ramp and large cellar doors. Empty. Perfect.

He strode to the door, slipping a leather case from his belt. He knelt, leaning his ear against the dark wood, listening. Nothing. Another quick glance to the staircase as tried the levered handle to the door. Locked. His shoulders lifted in an unconscious shrug. It never hurt to try. He slid two thin metal lockpicks from his case and he proceeded to work his magic. Within moments, a faint click reached his fingers and his ear, and he eased the door open.

(end teaser)

(tbc)