The puppy wriggled a little tucked against Alex's side, and she nuzzled its head with her chin talking too softly for Billy to hear as she moved to stand in the mouth of the alley, but where she could keep an eye for any belated pursuit coming their way.

"People steal for three reasons," she told Billy as though the conversation was as innocent as talking about the weather. "Compulsion. Thrills. Or need. Grab and dash can work for any of them, but with the latter, it's usually better to go with a more subtle approach, because you might be in a similar situation in the future."