Devonheart, In fact, I’m certain she will visit the shop on Thursday.” Lamia said.
“Well, then let her come and take whatever things she usually takes, we’ll nab her when she leaves, I will get a couple of police women to act as sales girls so that she can be caught red handed.” The boss lady said.
“It sounds like a brilliant idea, ma’am.” Dave confirmed. “But from all what I heard from Laila, she seems to be a very hard not to crack.”
The Trap
As planned the trap was laid and just as Lamia had predicted the hard nut girl walked into the boutique, and with a pre-planned signal Lamia informed the two plain clothed police women of the shoplifter’s presence.
In fifteen minutes the girl walked all over the shop and collected a whole heap of things and got them to be wrapped by one of the police women, acting as a sales girl. “You are not the girl who usually serves me, where is she then? Off ill?.... hand me those packages, I’m in a hurry, you can tell your girl, Laila to settle this bill for me.” She said and walked out.
The two plain clothed police women waited till the girl had stepped out of the boutique so that they could nab her outside on a charge of stealing goods from the store.
One of the police women approached her and addressed. “I’d like a word with you, if you don’t mind. In fact. I think there are a lot of people here who would like a word with you, step this way to the office please.” She said leading hard nut Tracy to the office.
“Why should I? And who the hell are you to ask me to step into your blessed office?” the girl asked.
For an answer the plain clothed police woman dipped her hand into her pocket and came up with her police badge. “I’m a police woman and I am arresting you for shop lifting. If you want you will be given the privilege of retaining a lawyer to defend you, but for the moment I would strongly advise you to come with me without causing any trouble.”
Tracy was arrested and taken to the police station and was sure to be prosecuted and sentenced. Miss. Devonheart and Lamia were very pleased with the proceedings. Miss. Devonheart called Dave and asked him to inform Laila that she could resume work as usual the next day.
“I’m sure she will be thrilled with the good news.” Dave informed the boss lady.
“I hope she does not do any more stupid things like this.” Miss. Devonheart said.
“You’ll have to excuse her ma’am; she is a good girl but a scared one, scared because she feels that the whole world is prejudiced against colored girls.”
“That’s a very silly thought, well, what has happened has happened let us look at the bright side of things and work sensibly in future.” The boss lady said.
Dave went to see Laila that evening and…. “Dave, I think I must tell you that I’m a no good girl for you. You know, I have a police record….” She was not able to continue.
“Will you please shut up and let me come in, I have a message for you from Miss. Devonheart, she wants you to report to work as usual…. And as for me I don’t care if you are the worst criminal in this world, whether you are black, white or yellow. I still love you. Please get that into your thick head.” Dave told her.
“Oh, Dave, how could I ever thank you for all what you have done for me.” Laila said throwing her arms round Dave and kissing him all over his face.
“Well! For a starter you could let me continue with what I started a couple of nights before.” He told her and led her towards the bedroom and Laila followed him docilely.
The Romantic Celebration
“Dave, Dave. I’m so confused,” Laila moaned. Her legs were trembling with shock, and she sank to the bed. Dave sprawled beside her. He knew the worst was over, and if he didn’t succeed in what he was trying to do, at least he’d managed to get her past the worst of her
Richard Ellis Preston Jr.