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GRAMPS

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

“Now listen up, Pumpkin, and don’t turn around. As far as you’re concerned, I’m not here and we’re definitely not together.

We’ve been over and over this scenario two dozen times and I know you know it by heart, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned over a lifetime of grifting is if something can go wrong, it will. Best to be prepared for anything so let’s go over it one more time. Just give Gramps a yawn if you’re with me.“

*Yawn*

“That’s my girl. If there’s anything you don’t understand, give me a little cough. Now there’s a couple of good marks coming our way. They’re completely oblivious. I’m telling you, Pumpkin; people like this make my job easy as pie!

Ok, here’s the plan. I’m gonna start acting like I’m not feeling too good – chest pains or trouble breathing. I’ll probably slump over onto the bench; that’s always very effective. Don’t turn around if I do that, ok Pumpkin? I’m alright and it’s all for show, got it?”

*Yawn*

“Good girl! So once people notice I’m in distress, they’re gonna come over to see if they can help. They’re gonna be concentrating on me – not their stuff and definitely not you. When everyone is distracted, that’s your cue to act. Just slip your little hand into their pockets, their purses, their shopping bags. Do it smooth, feather-light and quick. Whatever you snatch, drop it into your shopping bag. Don’t be greedy and don’t stay too long. And don’t look at me, you hear?”

*Yawn*

“When you’re done, turn around and walk away – not too fast and not too slow. Just amble into the department store and go to our designated spot. Once I’ve reassured everyone that I’m ok – just a little asthma attack – and I don’t need an ambulance, I’ll come meet you. If anything, anything at all doesn’t feel right or things go wrong, ditch the plan. Forget about me. Just take your bag and walk away, got it?”

*Yawn*

“And one last thing, Pumpkin. Remember our pinky swear. Not one word of this to your mom and dad.”

*Yawn”

NAR © 2023

Fandango’s Flash Fiction Challenge #229

20 thoughts on “GRAMPS”

    1. Well, I’ve gotten a bit sloppy lately, missing some of these comments.
      I apologize for that, Keith. No excuse for letting your very lovely comment slip through the cracks. You took the time to write something and I should have been more careful. Mea culpa. Thanks for taking the time to read and leave a nice comment. I’m most appreciative!

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  3. Great storytelling! When we were on the Metro in Milan, a woman stuck her hand into John’s pocket (my youngest, 42-year old son), and he grabbed her hand and said, That’s naughty. Apparently, pickpockets target people carrying children because their attention is elsewhere.

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    1. Thanks, darlin’! ❤︎
      Either your son is very aware or she’s a lousy pickpocket! 😂 Now I’m curious – what did the woman do after she was nabbed?

      Oh, this should come as no surprise: my youngest son is also 42. 🤦🏼‍♀️

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        1. Now that’s an unusual place to live! Business I presume. Have you been? There are a couple of Colombian girls who work in the hair salon I go to; they pop over occasionally for a bit of lipo! I’ll keep my pooch, thanks! 😂

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          1. John’s married to a Colombian girl, Gabi. She was doing her Masters at Kings College London (she’s a lawyer) when they met. John read Archaeology, and has a teachering degree, which he put to use teaching in Bogotá: English; History, Geography, Science and Maths at a private bilingual school. Their children, Luisa and Nico, both attend the same school. We visit them ever year, although not this year so far which is why we all met up in Milan this month. They whole family is meeting up in Orlando this year (both sons with their families).

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