‘Chapter 3’ excerpt from A Spoiled Game: A Jack Swift Case by Carl Knauf
…
Swift had loosened the top of the famed gem’s display case and swiveled it open. The heavy base of the slab rested as a diamond on a square. The final security obstacle to overcome was the transfer of weight—any slight change would trigger the last alarm. He was aware he wasn’t alone in the building, but his exact spot was still undetermined by the pace of the search. Still hanging like a bat, he slid each arm through parallel triangular openings on the sides, holding an object in each that equaled the exact mass of the jewel. Swift eyed the radiant blue peaks and shimmering halo of gems that bordered the flawless stone. He was mesmerized, flirting with falling victim to the diamond’s enchanting curse.
“I sure hope this doesn’t lead to misfortune,” he whispered to steady his concentration. “Poverty and death don’t sound too appealing, neither does losing my head like Marie Antoinette.”
Swift then sang, “Near, far, wherever you are, I believe that the heart does go on, once more, you open the door—”
His rendition was interrupted by a team of agents entering the exhibit. Their pistols and rifles dotted Swift with red.
He announced, “Before you go into your little spiel, I see you, I’m moving my hands out of the case very slowly.”
“Hands where we can see them!” ordered an agent.
“Were you even listening? Also, can you guys put somewhere in my file that I just don’t like guns? I’ve felt like I’ve made that pretty clear.”
“It’s best you just do as we say and keep quiet, Swift. We don’t want anyone getting hurt.”
“I feel that’s rather impossible at the moment. I don’t intend to leave with you.”
The agent secured his gun’s aim, and the rest of the team adjusted accordingly. “Swift, get those hands where we can see them. Don’t do anything stupid.”
“Again, I feel that’s rather impossible at the moment.”
Swift crunched his core upward and reached for his pocket. The agents opened fire as he swung around his rope like a circus acrobat receiving awe and applause. The bullets chipped away at the pillars and pedestal and marked the bulletproof display glass. He then hurled a vial at the marbled tile and it shattered. A blue vapor filled the air and the agents’ sight was compromised, as well as their composure. Coughs accompanied each to their knees before they all fell flat.
Swift retracted his rope toward the hole in the ceiling, saying under his mask, “Hope you have a nice nap, fellas, thanks for ruining everything.” He scurried through the opening and back into the ducts.
…
Carl Lawrence Knauf 