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The moment the shop was open, the leader and the backpack slipped inside. The other two lingered outside, eyes still tracking the street. Themba waited�just long enough for that bag to hit the floor�before stepping out of the Polo. He crossed the street with measured calm, his face unreadable, as though nothing about this morning was out of the ordinary. Themba stepped into the shop just as the contents of the backpack landed on the counter. The leader of the boys stiffened, his shoulders tensing at the sound of approaching footsteps. He glanced over his shoulder, eyes sharp with the silent question�trouble?�until he recognized the man. He was one of the men from the Polo parked outside. His posture eased, but not entirely; he threw Charles a look that all but asked, Are you sure we should be doing this in front of him? For a heartbeat, even Charles seemed to share the concern. The air in the shop shifted. �Let me finish up with this gentleman first, and I�ll come back to you just now,� Charles said to the boy, before turning to Themba�who had already taken in every detail on the counter. A pristine laptop, barely three months old at most, an iPhone, sleek and unmistakably the latest mode, Both far too valuable to have landed here by accident. Themba kept his expression neutral, masking any interest. �Morning, Chief,� Charles greeted; reaching under the counter for the laptop the operatives had left the previous day. �Morning,� Themba replied evenly, his mind running through options. If he simply announced he was there to withdraw the repairs, the boys would linger, and he�d lose the chance to observe. �Did the courier bring the hard drive?� Charles asked, clearly trying to get through Themba quickly so he could return to the boy. Themba�s answer came fast, almost instinctive. �No, chief�my story�s long. Why don�t you finish up with my brother here while I wait in the car?� Charles liked the idea; the less time these boys spent in his shop, the better. �Alright Sir, won�t be long.� Themba left with the same casual air he�d entered, crossing the street without haste and sliding into the Polo�s driver�s seat. �It�s definitely stolen stuff,� he said.
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