Cerdic looked at the boys as they lined up in front of him, each one wondering who was in for it this time. He moved his eyes slowly down the row, taking in the six faces one by one. At fourteen, Jakie was the youngest of the group and the slickest when it came to lifting something from a mark. Manny was the oldest at eighteen. His specialty was getting in and out of places with no one being any the wiser. The other four ran the gamut when it came to their jobs, but each was a specialist in his own area.
Cerdic had collected them one by one off the streets of the city, offering them a place to live, three squares a day, and the security of knowing that if they did as he ordered they’d be safe from the human predators that targeted the young and homeless.
He didn’t do this out of the kindness of his heart. Over the last thirteen centuries he had honed his skills and learned through trial and error how best to do what he had to, to please his masters and remain on this side of the veil.
Finally, he pointed to Jakie. “In my office, now. The rest of you, eat and then get on to your homework. I expect to hear from Mr. Shadrick that you’ve completed his assignments perfectly.”
The rest of the boys heaved quiet sighs of relief as they watched Jakie with pity when he marched slowly out of the room. Noting that, Cerdic smiled to himself. The boys were a good team, made better by the fact that they really did care about each other. He was quite certain they’d be relieved when Jakie returned to tell them he’d only gotten a reprimand and nothing more.
“So,” Cerdic said sternly as he walked into the office to find Jakie standing at attention in the center of the room, “exactly what happened?”
“I was good, I got what you wanted. The chump didn’t even know. But there was this dude,” Jakie looked down at the carpet. “I shoulda been paying more attention.”
“Indeed you should have. I’m very disappointed in you. Did this man see your face?”
Jakie shook his head hard. “No, Mr. Wyndham. Least I don’t think so. He shouted and I took off. The cop, well he was at the hotdog cart on the corner so I’m real sure he didn’t either.”
Crossing to his desk, Cerdic picked up the wallet that Jakie had lifted along with a set of keys. Flipping the wallet open, Cerdic rifled through it, smiling when he saw it contained what he’d thought it would. Then he turned back to Jakie.
“You will spend two hours in the gym with Gebhard. I’ll let him know that he’s to work you until you drop. After he’s finished with you, you’ll do your homework. Understood?”
Jakie nodded. “Yes sir, Mr. Wyndham.”
“Very good. Now go eat supper before there’s nothing left.” Cerdic ruffled his hair. “You screwed up, but you did well despite that.”
“Thank you, sir.”
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