Hook spotted the nobleman the minute he walked onto the docks. His clothes were nicer and he held himself with more dignity than the locals. Yes, that was someone of noble birth. That was someone Hook needed to get to know better. He would fit perfectly into his plans.
Hook found a local boy and waved him over. Bending down, he spoke quietly to the boy and pointed at the new arrival. The captain handed the boy a silver coin and sent him on his way. Hook then waited, trying to look like everyone else milling about the docks. This had to work as perfectly as he planned or he would be discovered too soon.
The boy was perfect. He ran up to the nobleman, produced small knife and cut the man’s purse from his belt. It was obviously not his first time. Hook let the boy get right next to him before he reached out and snagged the boy’s shirt with his hook. He took the money purse with his good hand and gave the boy a wink. As they had arranged, the boy wiggled his shirt free from the hook and kicked the captain in his shin. Hard. That took him a bit by surprise. He had not expected the little tyke to be quite so strong.
He put the money pouch on his hook so he could massage some of the pain out of his leg. He limped slightly as he walked over to the nobleman.
“Excuse me, sir,” he said, holding out the purse. “I believe that this belongs to you. I’m sorry to say the wharf rat that robbed you escaped. I fear I could only hold one thing at a time.”