Hit the pawn shops first

Jamie decided to check out the local pawn shops first to see what they might have in stock. Someone was always selling off high end fashions they'd taken from rich people's houses, or straight off the bodies of rich people they just happened to rob of more than just money and jewelry. The first shop she visited was run by an old friend she had known for many years. His name was Thomas Marshall, and Thomas always had the best merchandise at pretty reasonable prices. Since she was a friend, she often got below reasonable prices on items.

Thomas looked up from behind the counter as the door bell rang, and she walked in. "Well, hello there sunshine! What brings you my way today?" he smiled.

"I'm looking for some fancy expensive looking clothes" she smiled back. "Got anything good for me?"

"Well it just so happens two complete outfits came in this morning, fresh off of two debutantes who had their car break down on the wrong side of town. And I do mean they're complete outfits, right down to the fancy matching undies that goes with them" Thomas chuckled. "One's red, like a fancy ballroom dress with a ruffled skirt. The other one is black. It's strapless, made out of see through black lace with a strapless satin bodice you wear underneath. I can give you a great deal on one or both of them, if you have any trouble deciding. They also come with jewelry and shoes."

"That sounds like Mikah's work. He loves to strip women naked, just to humiliate them."

"You guessed it right. It was him. Word is he also kept these two ladies, and he's going to turn them into some high priced pussy" Thomas mused. "They must really be some kind of lookers."

"I don't envy them, whoever they are. Mikah has a nasty habit of getting them addicted to **** before he sells their asses. He says it makes them more compliant. And then he sits back and wonders why he goes through so many women" said Jamie, thoughtfully. "So where are these outfits? Are they on the rack?"

"No, they're in the back. I haven't had a chance to bring them out yet" he replied. 'It's probably a good thing, because everything is still right there with them. But tell me something Jamie, what are you planning that you need a fancy dress for?" Thomas and Jamie had always been close, and they always told each other everything. Today was no exception.

"Well, you know the old Forrester mansion?" Jamie began. "They're holding a gala and an exhibit, and I want to scope out the place. I figure if I can swipe the pieces I have in mind, I won't have to steal for a living any more. There's this eighteenth century necklace that's going to be on display the paper says is priceless. I was thinking of maybe grabbing that, or some other smaller pieces that would be just as valuable. It depends on how difficult it will be to grab them."

"Well kiddo, that necklace sounds to me like it's going to be more trouble than it's worth. It's probably encased in shatterproof glass, and the case is probably protected by motion sensors that'll trigger the alarm when you get close enough to it. I think I'd leave that one alone."

Jamie frowned at Thomas after hearing his take. But she knew deep down inside Thomas was probably right. "That's why I want to get a good look around the place. See how many cameras there are, what kind of alarm system they might have, and figure out alternatives for exits and entrances. If I have to take the whole week to look the place over first, I will. I want this to be my best job, and my last job, if I can help it."

"I wish you luck, kiddo. But I really think you might be over your head on this one. I just don't want to see anything bad happen to you. You're my best girl" said Thomas as he gave Jamie a concerned look. "I'd miss you if anything happened to you."

Jamie reached over the counter and gave him a hug. "I'd miss you too. I promise to be careful. That's why I'm going in to get a good look around first."

"Well, if you go back there more than once, you're going to need more than one outfit. That's why I'm going to give you those outfits, along with a couple of others. We can't have you appearing in the same outfit twice. That will look suspicious."

"You know, I never thought of that Tom. I'm glad I came here first. Your perspective on things is always welcome." She smiled and patted Tom's hand. "So how much for the two dresses, and three more to go with them?"

"How about we discuss that if you're successful?"

"Believe me, I plan on being successful" Jamie retorted. "But, if you're okay with it, we'll discuss it afterwards."

"That's fine with me, kiddo. We've always watched out for each other." Whatever Jamie got from her planned heist, Thomas knew he would be her first stop. He trusted her, like he could trust no one else. She also trusted him.

"That we have" smiled Jamie. "I'll probably need five different outfits in that case."

"Not a problem. The newer stuff is also in the back. You might want to look through those racks first. We don't want you wearing something that's twenty years out of fashion!"

In the end, Jamie left Thomas's shop with five complete outfits. Now all she had to do was wait for opening night.