Narrative: Maya learns the fine art of mugging. Characters: Maya Lopez NPCs: random Fisk enforcer named Hayk, a random mugger named Jack Location: Hell's Kitchen Timeline: Sunday 6 Jan 2013 Description: Maya learns the fine art of mugging. Rating: G
"I want to learn how to mug people."
The enforcer looked up from his byorek—which Maya noticed smelled really good—and gave her a look. "You want what?"
"Mugging. I want to learn that."
He held her gaze for another moment, then chuckled a little, going back to his meal. "Who put you up to this?"
"No one. It's not a joke. I want to learn."
"What makes you think I know a kid's game like that?"
"I don't, but I bet good money you can find someone who does."
That got a grin. "No deal. But Maya Jan, why do you want to know? Are you in trouble? Just say the word, and Uncle Hayk will settle it." He grinned a toothy grin and cracked his knuckles for emphasis. "The boys at school giving you trouble? Or maybe not giving you enough trouble?" He laughed at his own joke.
Maya gave him a look. "They're a bunch of soft rich white boys. No. I just—" This was the hard part. "I just think I should know more about how the world really works."
His smile never wavered, but something shifted all the same that reminded Maya there was a reason this man as high as he was in the hierarchy. "Maybe you should. Maybe you should. I have to ask your papa, Maya Jan, you know this. He won't like his princess in with the riff raff, but maybe there is something Uncle Hayk can do." He gestured to the seat across from him, and business was over. "But now, you tell me about the fighting. I saw your last one, you fight well for such a twig! Not quite ready, but soon I'll make money betting for you instead of against you. Garin! Bring pastries for the girl!"
He said his name was Jack, but Maya didn't believe it. She told him her name was Jill, just to make her point, and he'd glared at her something awful but didn't do anything. The fact was Hayk had been right. Muggers were pretty far down in the food chain in Hell's Kitchen, and to get called up for a favor was significant. Don't screw it up, Jack.
And he didn't. Jack was smart enough to know mugging wasn't a long-term career path, and catching the attention of Hayk was a lucky break for him. If Hayk wanted him to tell some random girl how to be a mugger, that's what he'd do. But only tell. That had been clear. Not only Hayk's rule, but Jack's. Mugging was all about intimidation, that one moment of terror where your mark decides to do what you want, then you get the hell out. Maya might be able to take Jack with one arm tied behind her back, but she didn't look it, and that made all the difference.
He got pretty talkative, once he warmed to his subject. Good clothes to wear, how to pick a mark, good set-up locations, exit strategies, and finally how to do the deed. She hid nearby on a balcony with good sightlines and watched him work. Three over the course of the night. One that went well, one that went a little sketchier—she thought he was getting cocky over having an audience—and then a new location for the third. She had to admit, Jack knew his business. Two wallets and a purse. He'd cut the clothes on the second mark, drawn a little blood, but the other two where bloodless.
"How'd it go, Maya Jan? Are you an expert mugger now?"