I Know Lucy (A Fugitive #1)(24)

“Let’s get this over with.”

Marlin peeked out from the alley to make sure the lady was still there.

“As soon as she gets up and starts walking, we’ll make our move. I think she’s paying now. After you’ve got it, make sure you run around the tree, it’ll be too easy for you to get grabbed by people if you stay on the sidewalk.”

Lucy attempted to regulate her breathing as she waited. Trying to convince herself this was a good idea would never work, so she just had to shut her brain off and do it. Closing her eyes, she visualized how the scene would play out.

“Time to move.” Marlin slapped her back before pushing her out onto the street and running in the opposite direction. She stayed against the wall hoping no one would notice her. As soon as the lady separated from the crowd, Lucy dashed towards her. Snatching the purse, she kept running, hoping the lady would be too shocked to hang on and fight back.

“Help! Stop! My purse!” She sounded so distressed, making Lucy cringe.

Following Marlin’s instructions, she jumped down onto the street and raced around the tree. Dodging a kid on a skateboard, she leapt to the side and crashed straight into a body. Tight arms wrapped around her as she fell back to the ground.

“Give me that, you little thief.”

The bag was wrenched from her grasp by an angry looking Marlin. She scrambled out of his clutches and ran into the first alley. Whipping off the beanie, she threw it into the dumpster along with her brown jacket. She pulled her hair free, flicking it out as she ran down the alley and around the back of the building the way they’d planned.

Pulling in a calming breath, she walked speedily through the shop, acting as though coming through the private back entrance was something she did every day. Thankfully the shopkeeper was busy and didn’t notice as she slipped out the front door and ran towards Marlin.

“Are you okay?” She touched his arm, cutting his conversation with the old lady short.

“Yeah, someone just tried to steal this lady’s purse.”

“I saw you run from the shop and had no idea what was going on.” Lucy touched her chest, looking worried as she slipped her hand within the crook of Marlin’s arm.

“This kind boy just saved me from a mugger.” The lady smiled.

Lucy rested her head against Marlin’s shoulder. “That’s my bro, always thinking of others first.” She smiled lovingly at him before touching the lady’s shoulder. “Are you alright? That must have given you such a fright.”

“Well yes, it did.” Her ringed fingers fluttered through the air. “You don’t expect some masked robber to snatch your things when you’re innocently walking along the street.”

Giving her a sweet smile, Lucy wondered how they were going to lead the conversation in the right direction. A few people were watching them, including the black man she’d suggested they rob. She was suddenly glad Marlin had insisted on this lady. She seemed sweet.

Guilt assaulted Lucy as a man passed, patting Marlin on the back.

“Good job,” he murmured.

She noticed him look down the alley she’d disappeared into, maybe hoping to catch her. The idea made her feel tense and she squeezed Marlin’s arm without meaning to.

He glanced at her, kissing her forehead. “I’m okay, sis.”

“I know. I just want you to be careful.” She fiddled with the lapel of his collar, spotting an opening and taking it. “Your treatment starts again on Monday and you know you have to be healthy otherwise they’ll delay it.”

“Treatment?” The lady frowned.

Lucy waved her hand, trying to act as though it didn’t bother her, but her eyes sprouted with tears. “Chemo…again. We’ve enjoyed a healthy remission, but it’s back.”

“Helen, it’s going to be okay.” Marlin squeezed her hand.

Lucy wiped at a few tears that had started to fall. “Sorry,” she whispered, looking at the lady. “Mom passed away a few years ago from the same thing and it just gets me now and again.”

“Oh, my dear.” The lady squeezed her arm.

“We just came out for a final afternoon of fun before we go back to the sickness and the…” Lucy waved her hand and swallowed, sniffing a couple of times for good measure.

“Well, here let me help you enjoy it.” She opened up her purse, pulling her wallet free.

“Oh no, please ma’am, you don’t have to do that.” Marlin shook his head.

“I know I don’t,” she snapped. “But I want to.” She finished with a gorgeous smile.

Grabbing Marlin’s hand, she slapped some money into it and patted his arm. “You two take care of each other.”

Lucy let the tears keep flowing, feigning speechlessness as she touched her chest. “Thank you,” she mouthed. She swiped a few tears away. “That is so kind.”

“Hey now, your brother helped me today. I owe him a lot more than that.”

She opened her arms wide and Lucy fell into the hug. The woman’s arms were warm and motherly, squeezing Lucy tight before gently rubbing her back. It felt so good to be held that way again, it reminded her of home, which Lucy hadn’t thought of in a while.

Blinking at her tears, she pulled herself free and shut off thoughts of her mother before she turned into a genuine blubbering mess.