Chapter Text
The night was still, the kind of stillness that only existed in the hours after midnight when the city held its breath. Jicho stood in the shadows, eyes locked on the grand estate across the street. The house was massive, a relic of old money and power, with high walls and security cameras that swept across the grounds in slow, predictable arcs. He’d been watching the place for weeks, learning its rhythms, its weaknesses. Tonight, everything was ready.
Jicho adjusted his gloves, feeling the familiar leather stretch over his fingers. He double-checked his tools—lockpicks, flashlight, and a small, black bag to hold whatever he could carry out. The whispers in the underworld spoke of treasures hidden within these walls, but Jicho was here for more than just valuables. He was here for something special, something rare.
Slipping across the street, Jicho moved like a shadow, silent and unseen. The gate was child’s play—an old lock that yielded quickly to his practiced hands. He was inside in seconds, ducking low as he made his way to the rear of the house. The back door was the weak point, just as he had suspected. A minute later, he was inside.
The house was dark, but Jicho’s eyes quickly adjusted. He crept through the kitchen, past marble countertops and stainless-steel appliances that gleamed even in the faint moonlight. His mind was sharp, every sense heightened. This was the thrill he lived for—the quiet, the precision, the knowledge that one wrong move could bring it all crashing down.
He paused at the entrance to the living room, his eyes scanning the shadows. This was the first place to check, the room where the wealthy displayed their most prized possessions. Paintings, sculptures, antiques—things that could fetch a high price if you knew the right buyers. But Jicho was looking for something more. He had heard rumours of a gem, a rare artifact that had been smuggled into the country years ago. It was said to be hidden somewhere in this house, but no one knew exactly where.
Jicho’s instincts told him the living room was worth a search, but there was also the study—a place where valuables were often kept hidden, away from prying eyes. Time was ticking, and he knew he couldn’t search the entire house without risking detection. He needed to decide quickly.
Would he search the living room, where the wealthy flaunted their wealth? Or should he head straight to the study, where secrets and treasures were often tucked away?
Jicho took a deep breath, the thrill of the heist surging through him. It was time to make his move.
Search the living room-chapter 2
Search the study-chapter 3