The Perk, late Sunday afternoon

[magdaofslovenia.livejournal.com]

So far, today had started with a burglary, progressed to shopping and a Talk, and now, there was coffee. Sophie really felt in need of it at this point.

[expecting abetterthief, but open for all your coffee needs]

Comments

[abetterthief.livejournal.com]

Parker came into the Perk with a napsack slung over one shoulder. She went and ordered a hot chocolate with whipped cream then brought it over to the table where Sophie was sitting.

"I told them you were paying," she said as she sat down.

[magdaofslovenia.livejournal.com]

Sophie sipped her own coffee and shot the counter-person an amused eyebrow, then focused back on Parker. "As I would expect." She tapped her fingers on her cup. "I trust you're prepared for any negotiations you would make with the owners?"

[abetterthief.livejournal.com]

"I do my homework," Parker said, taking a big drink of the hot chocolate, getting whipped cream on her lip.

[magdaofslovenia.livejournal.com]

"So. The insurance company offers one-twentieth the value of the objects stolen as a reward, and your response would be...?"

[abetterthief.livejournal.com]

Parker snorted. "Try again. Less insulting."

[magdaofslovenia.livejournal.com]

The whipped cream plus the snark was rather alarmingly adorable. "One-tenth, with no mention of it made to the authorities."

[abetterthief.livejournal.com]

"And they say I'm a thief. Double that and we'll talk."

[magdaofslovenia.livejournal.com]

"Excellent." Sophie smiled and sat back, sipping her coffee. "I didn't find any traces that would lead to any particular person in the gallery. You did a good job of covering your tracks."

[abetterthief.livejournal.com]

Parker smiled and took another drink of her hot chocolate. "I'm good at what I do."

[magdaofslovenia.livejournal.com]

"You are indeed," Sophie said, nodding. "I'll change the code again. And I'll have to upgrade, now that I know the number-pad is too easy." She smiled and toasted Parker with her drink. "By Friday it should be re-set. Your next foray can be at your leisure, of course."

[abetterthief.livejournal.com]

"You won't be able to keep me out," Parker said with the smirk that Sophie was well familiar with.

[magdaofslovenia.livejournal.com]

Sophie had to smirk back, failing to feel any guilt in encouraging her. "I look forward to the continued attempts. On both sides." She reached into her purse and took out an envelope. "Your fee, Parker."

[abetterthief.livejournal.com]

Parker took the envelope and made it seemingly disappear. "I like this arrangement a lot better than being a TA."

[magdaofslovenia.livejournal.com]

"I thought you might." Sophie smirked and nodded to the bag. "All intact?" Another sip of her coffee. "And your classes are going well this semester?"

Parker seemed now much less likely to bolt than she had four months ago, but it was always good to check in and make sure.

[abetterthief.livejournal.com]

Parker shrugged. "They could be worse. Art's kind of fun."

[magdaofslovenia.livejournal.com]

"Mr. Roger's class, or Mr. Chevalier's?" Sophie asked, looking only mildly interested. If it were Steve, she was going to poke him for details the next time she saw him.