Page 30A small step

The obvious thing he wanted me to do, probably, was to climb up to the roof. But there had to be a catch. The rain-pipe was the easiest route but there had to be something wrong with it. I looked very carefully at it, walked a step closer and smiled.

Aha.

The stack of pallets would be the other obvious choice, as it went fairly high and it would shave a lot of time off the climb. But, I soon saw what was wrong with them as well. The gate was closed, and could be used, but I'd already seen the perfect alternative.

I turned around and went to the corner next to the door. The wall was fairly old and with the bricks sticking out of the mortar most of the time. It was enough to climb on. So, using the corner for easy grip, I slowly climbed my way up to the roof. I only hesitated half-way when I realized that my behind was kind of in his face.

Not a good time to be blushing.

I continued, very silently, and paid extra attention when I actually came to the roof.

Low spikes on the edge. A very simple method to avoid most people trying to climb up, either by the rain-pipe or any other way. So, using my fingertips to raise myself above the roof level, I avoided that simple hazard easily. I hadn't made a sound in the whole climb, but I had been slower than I was really able. At least this should have looked realistic.

I stood up on the roof and looked down at the owner. He smiled at me.

"Come back down."

And this was the hard part. Climbing down was always harder than up. Why? Because you couldn't see where you were going as easily. And when you're climbing up, you can easily look at your goal without any vertigo or fear. And, I wasn't able to cheat. This height was easy for me to jump down off with no sound, but that wasn't allowed.

Or rather, it would rouse suspicion.

Now, climbing back down the same way would be possible, but was perhaps too easy. It would also mean I wouldn't see anything for a while. The rain-pipe was still no option and neither was the stack. There was one other, more dangerous option; going down face away from the wall, but that was stupid.

So, same way it was.

This time, I climbed a lot faster though. I wanted to make it look like it was really, really easy for me now that I'd climbed there once and that I was not afraid to climb down. I made sure to keep looking around me though. He, however, didn't move. He waited patiently until I was down again before he spoke.

"So, you can climb well on buildings. But tell me, why didn't you use the rain-pipe or the stack?"

I smiled knowingly. "The rain-pipe is made of metal and, as such, strong enough. But it's not fixed properly to the wall. It would make a lot of noise climbing up there, not to mention leave easy fingerprints." I took a small breath. "The stack was rejected for two reasons, it's not very stable, even though it should easily be climbable, but it's also fully lit here. That corner is dark and, with my clothing, would hide me well."

He nodded. "Well done, just one other thing."

He suddenly stepped forward and made a fist, while moving to punch me in my side. It was a very nasty attack. The step forward was both for the needed distance but also to frighten, so you wouldn't see the punch coming. And, in all honesty, it did surprise me.

I stepped back slightly and pulled his fist forward in the same momentum while putting my foot in front of his. If he'd really followed through with his punch, he'd have fallen over, but now he just stood slightly awkwardly with his fist in my hand.

I released him.

"I'll teach you. You handle yourself well and you don't fight like someone who's trained like a cop. Besides you're too young for that." He walked back to the door and held it open for me.

"What times will you be able to work?"

"For now I suppose after ten. It's complicated, but I can't help during the day."

He nodded as we headed inside. "That's fine, the store's open till one and we will have plenty to do for a few hours after. If you're up to it."

Well, he couldn't know how much of a night person I really was. "It won't be a problem."

He smiled. "Oh, one other thing. I will not pay you for working in the store, but we might come to some arrangements later on, depending on your performance."

It was to be expected, but it might prove to be troublesome if it took very long to learn. I could always try and seduce other rich men and take their money. But I wasn't sure if I could really do it on purpose. Plus I assumed most guys in a suit wouldn't have much, or any, cash on them. It was an unsafe thing to do. A worry for later.

"I understand."

"Then welcome new employee, let's get you worked in."

I smiled. "Three questions. Do you have anywhere I can put my bag, do I need to wear any special clothes and what's your name?"

He laughed a little. "I suppose it's only fair if you'll be working with me. I'm Tyler. There's lockers in the back and you won't have to wear anything else but what you're already wearing. If you can climb in that, it'll be fine."

"I'm Amy."

"Pleasure to meet you. Now, put your bag away and get back here, there's some stuff that needs unpacking."

"Yes, sir."

"Just say yes. And I'd prefer it if you didn't call me by my name with customers. Neither will I use yours."

"Okay."

And with that, my training began...

Amy left two pages blank after this before she started writing again. Perhaps she considered it an end. Or a beginning.