Page 122 of The Protégé

Then I realized what was happening. “I can’t believe this.”

“You wanted to be my protégé. I’m showing you how it’s done. This is the beginner’s level.”

My heart raced, knowing I was about to commit a crime. It seemed wrong, and yet I couldn’t stop myself.

“Whose house is this?” I whispered. “Are there any cameras around? Have you checked out the area already?”

“You make an exceptional thief. You’re asking all the right questions.” He smiled at me. “We’re at Chantel’s second house.”

“What?” I gasped.

Chantel had created a horrific workplace for me and others.

“She’s behind all the rumors about you.”

I’d had a feeling, but I didn’t have any proof.

He headed to the back deck. “I hacked into her security alarm this morning, so we’re good.”

These criminal confessions had become the norm to my ears. I should’ve been surprised, but I asked, “How do I manipulate this lock?”

He arched an eyebrow. “That kind of question tells me you’ve been researching techniques?”

I twisted my lips. “I had to get a head start somewhere.”

The smirk grew into a grin. “Show me what you learned.”

I glanced around. “We have to be fast. What if she comes home?”

“She’s on a flight to California this morning.”

“Take your time,” he said casually, as though he were breaking into his own home. There was no sense of urgency.

However, I was trying my best to tame the nerves wreaking havoc in my body. Fear slid down my spine like an icy finger. I was out of my comfort zone. But this experience would allow me to see and feel all the things Orion had undergone. It was one way of getting to know my thief better.

The heightened excitement and fear overwhelmed me. I could see how they numbed other sensations—numbed his anxiety—bringing the mind to focus on the pivotal moment.

Orion opened his backpack and pulled out a box of tools. “Help yourself.”

I opened the plastic box and found a razor, various knives, scissors, pliers, wires, a container of bobby pins, paperclips, and other lock-picking tools.

“I heard a bra wire can pick a lock too.”

“Anything that can be bent into a tension lever will work.” He gestured to the lock on the door. “That’s a pin tumbler lock, which is common in most houses.”

“How long did it take you to pick your first lock?”

“Two minutes. The second time was faster.”

I gaped at him. “They need to make better locks.”

“A lock only provides an illusion of security, Sunshine. If someone really wants to get into your house, they can easily do it. You always need extra security.”

“So I’m going to need a security system for my house now?”

“I’ve already got that covered. Your new system arrives next week.”

I scrunched up my face. “Were you going to ask me?”

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