Valeria found it difficult shopping with Jada; her taste completely differed from her own. She agreed to some of the old fashioned dresses, but made sure to pick out some torn jeans, T-shirts and tank tops. They shopped for cosmetics, underwear, jackets, and a purse. She had asked if they should save money by stealing, but Jada did not approve.

"Most of these businesses are family run. They make their living with these stores, and we do not harm the innocent," she had scolded.

After a long morning of shopping, they stopped at an eatery with a bar and ordered their lunch. While they ate, two men at the bar stared at them with eager grins. One flagged the bartender and whispered in his ear. The waiter disappeared and returned with two glasses of wine. Both men picked up the glasses, walked over to their table, and presented them with the drinks.

"Hello ladies," one said, holding the drink out to Jada, "we figured you could use some company."

Jada smiled and took the glass as the other man placed his glass in front of Valeria. Without saying a word, she saluted them with the glass and turned it upside down, spilling its contents at their feet.

The man jumped back and glared at her. "What are you doing, lady?"

"Wasting your money," Jada said with little concern, "cause you're wasting my time."

"That glass cost me fifteen bucks you crazy –"

Jada grabbed a knife from the table and held it menacingly close to his midsection. "That's a lot less than the surgery to reattach your boys if you don't back off," she hissed.

Both men looked at each other with bewildered expressions before scampering away. She flipped them the bird, readjusted her napkin, and assumed a normal posture.

"You really are a piece of work," Valeria said, her mouth curled into a grin. "But I'll admit it. That was great."

"That wasn't great," Jada replied, pouring Valeria's wine glass on the floor. "That was an important lesson. Never accept a drink from a stranger, especially a man. You never know what they could have done to it. You must be on your guard at all times."

"Is that some expert advice, Rogue to Rogue?" Valeria asked with a hint of sarcasm.

"No," Jada replied, shaking her head. "That's expert advice, woman to woman."

From a young age, Valeria knew this statement was true. Whether it was at the orphanage, her abusive foster parents, living on the streets, or avoiding harassment from male guards at the detention center, she was always on the defensive. "So I'm a woman now?"

"You are just a girl to me," Jada replied with a sigh. "But others will see you as an attractive young woman. Unfortunately you will need to be on your guard all the time, as a Rogue, and as a woman. You can choose to remain a silent victim, or you can speak up and defend yourself. Understood?"

"Got it." Valeria met her eyes, trying to act disinterested. She had never seen such a strong female figure before, but she still didn't want Jada to know just how much she admired her. Jada was right; Valeria had always been a silent victim. She had always played defense, and maybe that was the problem. Maybe it was time to start playing offense.

"Alright," Jada said, removing the napkin from her lap and placing it on the table. "If you're finished, I've got a surprise for you."

"Oh yeah, like what?"

Jada paid their lunch bill, and said, "You'll see." She stood and motioned for Valeria to follow. They left the eatery and continued along the shopping district until Jada stopped in front of a familiar store with an apple logo.

Valeria turned to her with a wide grin. "So, I get an iPhone after all?"

"Yeah right," Jada replied, her tone sarcastic. "I already told you: no Smartphone. But," she continued, taking Valeria's arm in her own, "A high school student, and Rogue in the modern age, both need a computer. So go try them out. Pick one, and it's yours."

Valeria embraced her in a tight hug. "Thank you so much Jada!"

She looked uncomfortable and gently pushed her away. "Go on now, girl. Go pick out a computer so we can go home."

Valeria beamed at her before walking into the store and examining the different laptops around the room. She settled for a slim white laptop near the back, and Jada discussed the terms with a sales representative. Later, they exited the shop with their bags in tow. As they passed through the bustling crowds in the streets, she took a moment to stare at the skyscrapers all around her.

Maybe Frank was right; this city really is full of possibilities.

                                     #

After lunch, they returned home and found Frank watching television. Jada announced she needed to leave and attend to Sovereign business.

"Want to watch a movie?" Frank asked from the couch. "Ocean's Eleven is on right now – might be a good learning experience."

Valeria crossed her arms. "I was hoping to do something more productive on a Saturday night."

Frank massaged his chin. "Like what?"

"Like learning how to be a Rogue."

Frank considered this a moment. "We're supposed to start next week. Jada would be pissed."

"Not if she doesn't find out."

He laughed. "Fair enough. Get some dark colored clothes on, and meet me back down here."

Her lips pulled back into a mischievous grin. Her new father figure wasn't just a decent guy; he was easy to manipulate. She ran upstairs and changed into a pair of black leggings, a white t-shirt, and a black hooded sweatshirt. A pair of tennis shoes finished off the ensemble. She made sure to tie her hair back in a ponytail before returning downstairs.

Frank stood in the foyer. He had already changed his outfit; he wore a black suit and tie with pristine black shoes. Valeria whistled as she approached. "Well, you sure clean up nice."

"Thanks," Frank said, a look of disapproval across his face. "I guess the disheveled teenager look will do for now. That look will work in the streets, but not for higher end gigs."

"Which are we doing?" she asked.

"Hitting the streets. But let's see what you've got first."

"Excuse me?"

"I've got a watch, a wallet, and a phone on me," he replied. "Pretend I'm a target on the street. Take them without me noticing."

"But you can see me coming," Valeria protested. "I always pick-pocketed people from behind."

"Sometimes you won't be able to sneak up on people. You need to learn distraction and misdirection. Go on, give it a shot."

Valeria studied him for a moment, trying to think of an angle. Her lips curled into a smile as she thought of an idea. "Excuse me sir, do you know what time it is?" Frank held up his watch, and she huddled beside his arm.

"Whoa! Is that a Rolex?!" she asked, feigning excitement as she stepped beside him. She studied the watch with her left hand, while gently checking his breast pocket with her right. "I've always wanted one of these!"

"Nope!" Frank exclaimed, spinning away before she could snatch his phone. "Do not talk about a person's possessions; this will arouse suspicion. Try again."

Her second attempt involved asking for directions to the nearest pharmacy.

"Nope," Frank corrected again. "People may temporarily stop to give directions, but you will not hold their attention with that tactic."

"Hold their attention?"

"Yes. Do you see this picture over here?" He asked while walking over to the fireplace. "Take a look at this picture. It's me with President Obama."

She walked over beside him, her mouth ajar. She already found Frank impressive, but this new revelation was incredible and unbelievable. "You knew Obama? No way!" Preoccupied with his story and examining the photo, she didn't even flinch when he gently placed an arm around her shoulder.

She normally would have been uncomfortable with a gesture like that. But the way he did it was subtle, gentle, and didn't raise any red flags. There, in that moment, she felt like a daughter listening to one of her dad's annoying stories.

"Of course I knew Obama," Frank continued, a goofy grin across his face. "Do you want to know what he taught me?"

She didn't really care about the story. She cared about the feeling. A sense of belonging to a family again. To having a Dad again, and feeling safe. But she had been deceived before, and vowed to never let it happen again. She shrugged him off and looked closer at the picture, eyes narrowing. 

"Wait a minute. That's just you with Dontrell." She turned toward Frank, who held up her necklace with a devilish grin.

"Gotcha! But here's my lesson for you. The best way to misdirect anyone is with an interesting narrative. Tell people a story they want to hear, and you can both misdirect, and direct them in any way you see fit."

Valeria ripped the necklace from his hands, trying to conceal her anger. Part of it was directed at his deception, part of it at her stupidity for falling for his trick. But most of all, she was angry at herself for lowering her guard around him. She needed to be more careful. 

"Okay Frank," she said, trying to mask her anger with sarcasm, "You got me on that one. Can you show me some more tricks?"

He spent the next thirty minutes showing her different pick-pocketing techniques including handshakes, shoulder taps, and accidental collisions. All the techniques relied on misdirection, where Valeria would need to divert someone's attention with movement or a narrative. She found these skills easy to learn; they were only slightly more complicated than those she used as a thief on the streets.

After an hour of practice, Frank beamed at her and said, "It's only ten o'clock and you have an hour till curfew. Wanna go practice in the real world?"

Valeria nodded with an eager grin. "Of course."

Twenty minutes later, they stood near a busy intersection within downtown Brooklyn. Bars, shops, and street vendors were bustling with patrons everywhere.

"Alright, kiddo. Bring me a wallet. Remember the person you steal it from."

"Why?"

"I want to see if you can steal, and replace a wallet undetected."

She frowned, placing both hands on her hips. "You want me to steal a wallet and replace it?! Why do that?"

"Well," Frank said with a sigh, "number one: we don't steal from the innocent. Number two: I want you to be skilled at taking and planting things without being detected. I'll give you five minutes for your first one. Go!"

Valeria took off and searched for a target. Her eyes narrowed on a businessman talking loudly on his cellphone nearby. Smiling, she walked up behind him, happy to start off with an easy target.

She waited until he stopped at a crosswalk and stood beside him. His wallet bulged from his front pocket, and was easily removed without any form of distraction. She sprinted back to Frank and showed him the wallet.

"Alright. I'm going to follow you. Let's see if you can return it."

She ran back to the same street and caught up with the same businessman. He was still yelling into his phone, and with him distracted, she crashed into him. The blow caught him off guard, and he dropped his cellphone to the ground.

"What the hell, lady?!" the businessman barked, bending over to grab his phone.

As he stood, she swatted the phone away. "Throw away your phone, mister! It's just another tool the aliens use to spy on us!"

The man's brow furrowed; he looked confused and annoyed. "What the hell...?"

She grabbed his suit jacket with both hands and stared at him wild eyed. "The aliens are here! I'm telling you we're all doomed!"

He struggled to release her grip. "Let go of me!"

Valeria let one hand go, the other held his coat. She placed the wallet back in his pocket just as he pushed her away.

"You touch me again, and I'll call the cops you nut job!"

"Run away! Save yourself!" she yelled before running off in the opposite direction. She stopped in front of Frank, who was trying to refrain from bursting into laughter.

He regained his composure, looked at her with a smile and said, "Well, that was definitely entertaining."

She shrugged her shoulders. "It worked didn't it?"

"I guess so," he said, unable to conceal a laugh this time. "Ready for another one, kiddo?"

"Yeah, bring it on."

Valeria successfully pick-pocketed and returned: three wallets, two phones, and one necklace over the next thirty minutes. With each attempt, her confidence grew.Even Frank admitted improvement after the fifth attempt. She had spotted a woman dressed in a fur coat and hurled different animal friendly protests. When the woman's husband tried to push her away, she stole his wallet, held it behind her back for Frank to see, and returned it all in one continuous motion.

"I have to admit, I liked that one," he said, clearly impressed. "Even I thought you were a real PETA protester."

"Who said I wasn't?" she replied, a subtle smirk crossing her lips.

"Well, I'm really impressed. Follow me."

She followed him down the corner to a bar, where she saw several people smoking outside. A sign outside read: The Crazy Mare.

"This bar is a notorious hangout for thugs, criminals, and dangerous alcoholics," he said. "You won't find any innocent people coming out of here."

"Okay, so you want me to pickpocket one?"

Frank nodded. "It might be a little more challenging, but if you succeed, you can keep whatever you steal on this attempt. Hold on just a sec," he checked his phone, and his carefree smile disappeared after reading a message.

"Change of plans," he said, his tone serious, "Jada just texted. She needs help with faction business."

"Can I help?"

"No, this sounds serious. Think you can find your way home, or should I hail a cab?"

Valeria crossed her arms. "I can walk home."

"You've got your key?" Frank asked while texting.

"Yeah I got it."

He pointed a finger at her. "Seriously, kiddo. Go straight home, okay?"

Valeria groaned and rolled her eyes. "Fine, I will. Bye, Frank." She waved goodbye, and when he turned, a subtle smile crossed her face. She started walking back home, but stopped after a few blocks and checked to make sure he was gone. Confident that the coast was clear, she retraced her steps back to the Crazy Mare.

Alright, let's see if I can do this.

She studied the people exiting the bar. One was a large man in a silk shirt and jacket, and from across the street, she could see he had a poorly concealed pistol within his jacket. He certainly didn't look innocent.

As Valeria followed him, she planned her strategy and noticed he was about to pass by a group of people smoking beside a lamp post. She reached down for a rock, made sure to remain hidden within the shadows, and waited. Once he passed by the group, she threw the rock and hit him in the back. She slipped back into the shadows before he turned around.

"Okay, which one of you kids was the wise guy?" Valeria's target asked, his tone and body language threatening. They laughed and ignored him. He must not have appreciated their response because he walked up to the group, pointed his gun and repeated the question. As the people around the lamp post panicked and tried to plead their innocence, Valeria stayed in the shadows. Without making a sound, she crept past them and found the perfect position as her target finished his verbal threats.

"That's what I thought," he barked, replacing his pistol. He turned and took a step forward, but crashed into Valeria, who was waiting for him. She pretended to grab his jacket to keep her balance.

"What the hell?!" he yelled.

She tried to appear innocent and terrified as she held his jacket. "Dios mio! You okay? Lo siento y perdoname por favor!"

The man wrestled with her and said, "Let go of me you stupid girl. If you don't let go, I'll call ICE and they'll send you back to Mexico where you belong."

Valeria grinned at him. "Gracias gilipollas, y buenas noches." Thanks douchebag, and good night.

He frowned as he adjusted his jacket and stormed off. "So many stupid beaners in this city now."

Valeria's goofy smile faded to a smirk as she walked the opposite direction. She stopped by a trash can, reached inside her sweatshirt, and dropped his pistol inside. Walking amongst the shadows, she removed his wallet next and counted the money inside.

Two hundred and fifty dollars. Not bad.

She pocketed the wallet and started walking home. Along the way, she noticed a group of homeless people begging for change, and two figures caught her attention. A young girl, maybe ten or eleven years old, sat cross-legged in front of her mother, who slept behind her. The girl had smooth tan skin and long dark hair not much different than her own. She walked over to her and noticed she was surrounded by cooking utensils and pans, a handmade sign, and a collection of plastic wrapped baked goods.

Valeria offered a weak smile as she approached. "Buenas noches. Que vendiendo?" Good evening, what are you selling?

The girl smiled back. "Igualmente, senora. Tengo quesadillas." Good evening, ma'am. I have quesadillas.

She eyed the baked goods and her mouth started to salivate, her stomach growled. The girl noticed and smiled as she unwrapped one of her goods, broke off a piece, and handed it to her. She smelled the baked bread, which had a similar consistency to American pound cake.

Valeria knew most Americans would recognize the Mexican version of the quesadilla - grilled tortillas filled with cheese. For natives of El Salvador, the quesadilla was completely different, and had more in common with American cornbread or coffee cake. She ate the piece of quesadilla slowly, its savory and sweet components overwhelming her senses.

This is so good and reminds me of home.

She closed her eyes and remembered her mother making this desert back in El Salvador. When she opened her eyes, they were moist with tears.

"Estas bien?" The girl asked with concern. Are you okay?

"Si," Valeria said with a weak smile. "Esto me recuerda a mi hogar. Voy aqui a la seis anos." Yeah, this just reminds me of home. I came here when I was six.

"El Salvador?" the girl asked.

"Si, San Salvador. Y tu?" Yeah, I'm from San Salvador, and you?

"Mismo," the girl replied, offering two wrapped baked goods. "Hice esto yo mismo. Aqui, toma uno gratis por favor." Same. I made these myself. Here, take this one for free please.

Declining, Valeria shook her head. She couldn't believe the homeless girl would offer her free food.

"Por favor, insisto," the girl pleaded. Please, I insist. In spanish, she explained how a local bakery allowed her to use their oven every morning before they opened. She used donations from a bin to acquire the inexpensive ingredients.

The girl finished her story and asked Valeria to take the food again. Having an idea, Valeria accepted the food and offered a hug. The girl smiled and embraced her.

"Gracias nina. Como se llama?" Valeria asked while they hugged. Thanks little one. What's your name?

"Alejandra. Y tu?"

"Valeria."

"Regresse para mas?" Alejandra asked. You'll come back for more?

Valeria smiled as they separated. "Si, me veras de nuevo." Yeah, you'll see me again.

She bid Alejandra farewell and started walking home. Smiling, she removed the wallet she stole earlier – which no longer held any cash – and casually tossed it into a nearby trash can. Maybe balancing the scales of financial opportunity was more important to her than she thought. She beamed with pride as she walked away, barely noticing the man watching her from around the corner.