A Disappointing Night

He looked at his prized possession which he had just taken. It was a large golden ladybug statue, with garnet-coloured gems representing the spots on its back. He was somewhat disappointed, as he had gone through much more difficulty in swiping other artifacts of much lower value. Then again, what is there to be expected from poorly secured areas?

He quickly pocketed the item, and then stood quietly behind the fence of the mansion which he had just exited. He took another look at the seemingly large mansion, noticing that its exterior looking much larger than its interior.

After taking a few quick looks around him he went home, taking the long route. This way he could avoid any potential eye contact. There weren’t that many people out at this time anyway, but the less suspicion, the better.

Before entering the front door of his house, he looked around again, making sure nobody was watching. He had to make sure not to look around too often, otherwise those who are watching will become suspicious. Particularly the neighbours; all they do is stick their noses into everything, wondering where he goes each and every night. Nothing of what happens at night ever concerns them, so why do they really care?

He placed the golden ladybug right next to his other ‘big captures.’ Standing on top of a bookshelf were a silver giraffe, a bronze seal along with two crystal earrings and now, the golden ladybug.

“This has been a disappointing night,” he said to himself. “I was hoping for security guards, or at least a few traps.” He sighed. As fun and exhilarating as the thought of getting caught each and every night seems, now he’s beginning to think that it will never occur.

He walked over to the liquor cabinet in the dining room and pulled out a few bottles at random. With them he pulled out a glass, threw in some ice cubes and then looked at what he had just taken. Some tequila, brandy, rum, and some imported wine. Mixing these items would surely cause a negative reaction to both his taste buds and his stomach. Reassuring himself that living life would be dull without any risk he started to pour a little bit of each bottle until the glass was completely full. He placed the caps and cork back onto their respective bottles, and put them back into the cabinet. He picked up the glass and took a sip; he shuddered for the first few moments, and then grinned.

“I thought I heard you come in, Sally,” he stated after putting down his glass. “You know, you really ought to learn how to knock.”

“Hypocrite,” Sally replied upon entering the dining room. “Come now, do you really think that you would have gotten so much here if you had politely knocked on each of your victims’ doors?”

“Funny,” he sarcastically muttered, taking another sip from his drink. “You know, you shouldn’t be visiting at this time of night.”

“Eventually, you’re going to get caught,” Sally stated, as if she ignored his last comment completely. “The police are always bothering me with their ridiculous questions about each crime you commit and each item you take.”

“There’s no reason for you to continue speaking with the police,” he replied, taking a rather large gulp of his drink. “Perhaps if I was to give you one or more of my current artifacts, you would leave me be?”

Sally frowned. “Why are you always so determined to get rid of me? Don’t you find me…attractive?”

“Sally, I’m in no mood for your sick and twisted games. Just take the golden ladybug statue and never speak to me again. I don’t want to keep something that was so easy to collect, anyway.”

A very stern and frustrated look appeared on Sally’s face. “I can’t believe you. All you’re concerned about are your damn treasures. For God’s sake, Lorne, listen to me. Your mother and your sister are scared for your life! Don’t you realize what happens if they catch you?”

A large grin appeared across his face. “Yes…I do. Now, then,” he replied, pointing to some other artifacts, “take that over there to my mother and…that’s charming for my sister, give her that.”

Sally in a moment of frustration took a few steps towards him and slapped him across the face. “You see, this is exactly what I’m talking about! Don’t you ever listen to a damn word I say?”

“There’s no need to get defensive,” he replied, taking another sip of his drink. “I’m aware that my mother sent you after me in a feeble attempt to stop my ways.” Finishing his drink, he placed his glass down heavily on the table. “Now please leave; if I catch you here again, I will be forced to kill you.”

Sally shook her head in disgust and disbelief. “Why do you have to be this way?” She quickly turned around and left the house, slamming the front door behind her.

He quickly locked the front door to be absolutely certain that she wouldn’t return. He locked the back door as well before returning into the dining room. He had decided to leave the empty glass, in case he would want something else tomorrow, to help him think about his plans for the next raid. He didn’t like upsetting his mother, or his sister, but he also doesn’t like Sally. Perhaps this empty threat will keep her away for good.

The next day could not come soon enough for him. He had difficulty sleeping, as moments after finishing his unique blend of drinks last night; his digestive system was starting to dislike it. Fortunately, he managed to overcome his nausea, and was able to sleep for eleven hours. The time was now two in the afternoon.

He had once again looked at all his prized possessions, particularly the ones taken with virtually little effort. The biggest capture of all, ironically with little security happened to be the golden ladybug statue. He continued to stare at it for the remainder of the day with a satisfied grin upon his face. Although he was disappointed about the lack of effort required in taking the item, he does admit that he enjoys looking at it.

After mixing and finishing yet another unique blend of liquor, he prepared himself for the evening, and upon leaving made sure that the front door was locked en route to prowling his next victim.