Get another Jacket!

“In that case, and as you are a part of this potential illegal activity, you will get another jacket from your father this afternoon, and you will show up here first thing at opening hours tomorrow with the jacket.” Anne paused. She couldn’t accept this fate. Who knew who this Sapphire person was. Would they arrest her or press charges when she got there in the morning? Anne tried her best to think of an alternative. “Is there any other way?” Asked Anne finally.

“It’s either you do what I’m asking, or your friend gets much more than either of you intended.” Said Sapphire not giving an inch.

“Ok! Ok ok I’ll do it. The Bluetooth code to her jacket is Pufferlock. I’m sorry about the store getting messed up. This wasn’t supposed to happen.” Sapphire pulled out her phone, selected the Bluetooth selection where the list of available devices showed on the screen. PL1 was the obvious choice and when she pressed it, a blank space for a password appeared. Sapphire entered the word pufferlock and after a few seconds of connecting, a faint click could be heard from Tanya’s jacket. The coat was now unlocked. Sapphire walked over and unzipped the zipper which now easily slid down. Tanya sighed visibly. Anne was still on the phone.

“Anne, listen closely, you will not put on the new coat until you arrive and I am ready. Be here at 8AM sharp carrying your new coat. Do you understand?”

“Yes.” Came the defeated reply.

Sapphire hung up Tanya’s phone and placed it in her own pants pocket. Seeing this, Tanya stood up,

“Can I have my phone back please?”

Sapphire handed her the new empty phone case intended for Anne.

“No.” She stated simply.

“I am keeping it for tonight to ensure that you come back in the morning, and that you do exactly what I am asking you to do. There will be no exceptions or deviations. You and Anne will be here exactly at 8AM tomorrow, and you will both be carrying your coats with you. Understood?”

Sapphire was completely in control which was exactly where she wanted to be. There was nothing either of the women could do to change the situation. Sapphire was counting on the best friend not being heartless and allowing Tanya to be arrested. Now it was just a simple matter of convincing her manager of her plan. But Mike had never questioned anything Sapphire had done, and Sapphire had proven to be trustworthy throughout her employment.

Sapphire excused herself from the office and left the handcuffed girl standing with her jacket unzipped. Outside she saw Mike and Carson impatiently waiting the outcome.

“I have a solution which will teach this young lady a lesson as well as her friend that put her up to this.” Sapphire went on. “These aren’t criminals and it was a dumb prank. Any action taken to arrest these girls and get a felony on their records would undoubtably do more harm than good. I will have them unofficially work for me tomorrow. Trust me there will be no more pranking after this.” Mike was about to reply, but Sapphire interrupted.

“Carson, escort her out of the building, then take her handcuffs off and let her go.”

“Yes Ma’am.” Said Carson who marched into the office, and led the girl with the orange jacket out the door.

“Thank you,” whispered Tanya, as she walked past Sapphire.

“See you tomorrow Tanya. Don’t forget.”

Carson led the girl by the arm through the store as a few customers stared in disgust at the strangely dressed thief. A fresh cloud of embarrassment hit Tanya as she tried not to look at the stares. Luckily Carson was marching quickly in a proud attempt to show off his skills. Soon, Tanya was outside again and Carson removed the cuffs. Tanya shrugged off the huge jacket, held it over her arm and sighed. Tomorrow was going to be an interesting day!