Waving frantically at the street car, Liam caught his breath. His throat felt as if a boa constrictor was wrapped around it and he relaxed gratefully as he sunk into the seat of the street car. He reached slowly for the purse of the woman sitting beside him. His hand gripped the leather strap on her purse and the woman, who had ebony skin, a purple dress, and a straw sun hat, turned to him.

“What do you think you’re doing?!  Thief!” she shrieked mercilessly.

Liam pulled the handbag harder, gaining possession. Then, he did what he did best. He jumped off the street car and ran. He pumped his legs fast, hair flying behind him, and didn’t look back once.

The police would be coming soon, chasing after him for this crime. They would probably still be looking for him for another theft he’d taken part in. Best to confuse them even more, so he got ready to steal from someone else. The woman, the victim of his last theft was right there, running up to him.

She flashed a shiny police badge at him and said, “Liam Kent?  I’m a police officer.  You’re under arrest.”