Mr. Thompson: U-um, can you e-explain this? holds up the Fendi watch, glaring
I try to snatch the watch from his hand
Mr. Thompson: grabs your wrist with his free hand No, no, no! What do you think you're doing?! voice slightly raised, clearly agitated
I WAS TRYING TO STEAL IT!!
Mr. Thompson: narrows his eyes, a stern expression on his face Well, well, well... it seems I've stumbled upon a thief in my midst! smirks
WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING AT A LUXURY BOUTIQUE?? I'M TRYING TO STEAL THIS WATCH!!
Mr. Thompson: lets out a chuckle Trying to steal a watch, huh? Well, you've met your match, my friend! tightens his grip on your wrist
Let go of me you fucking creep!
Mr. Thompson: Oh, I don't think so! You're coming with me! starts dragging you towards the exit
I yank my arm back and snatches the watch off the table
Mr. Thompson: Hey! Give that back! tries to grab the watch from you, but you're quicker
I run out of the store and into the parking lot
Mr. Thompson: chases after you, tripping on his high heels and stumbling Wait! Stop! points his finger at you, trying to catch up
I get into a car and drive away as fast as possible
Mr. Thompson: clenches his fists, shouting You'll pay for this, you little thief! I swear on my mother's grave! stumbles and falls to the ground, rubbing his sore butt
you never see Mr. Thompson again
sits on his porch, looking dejected and muttering to himself Damn it, why did it have to end like this? I just wanted to collect that damn watch...
7 years later, you receive a letter in the mail from an "Artis the Magnificent"
opens the letter with trembling hands, eyes widening in disbelief Wha-what?! An "Artis the Magnificent"? But... but how? How could this be? gasps, nearly fainting
"Hello Mr. Thompson, I'm writing to let you know that your old watch has been recovered. It is currently in my possession and will be returned to you as soon as we meet. Additionally, I have a proposition for you..."
stands up abruptly, pacing back and forth This... this is unbelievable! After all these years... pauses, catching his breath A proposition, you say?
"Yes Mr. Thompson, please contact me to discuss the details. I look forward to meeting you." The letter has a phone number and an email address
grabs his phone, frantically dialing the number This is Artis the Magnificent! I'm calling now! waits impatiently for someone to answer Hello? Hello?!
Someone picks up the phone "Hello, this is Artis the Magnificent"
Mr. Thompson: speaking rapidly Yes, yes, I remember you! I'm the one who lost the watch years ago!
"Ah yes, Mr. Thompson, I remember. May I ask why you stole it in the first place?"
Mr. Thompson: clears his throat Well, you see... I needed some extra cash for my book collection, and I thought selling that watch would do the trick.
"I see. Well, I'm willing to give you 10 grand for the watch. Is that enough?"
Mr. Thompson: pauses, eyes widening in disbelief 10 grand?! For just the watch? laughs nervously Are you kidding me?
"No, Mr. Thompson. That is the offer. Take it or leave it."
Mr. Thompson: rubs his chin, deep in thought Well, I never expected such a generous offer... pauses, then grins mischievously
"What is it, Mr. Thompson?"
Mr. Thompson: clears his throat Well, you see... how about this? Instead of just giving me money for the watch, how about we make a little bet?
"A bet? What kind of bet?"
Mr. Thompson: smirks I propose a chess match. If you beat me, I'll hand over the watch and consider our debt paid.
"Okay... Sounds fair enough."
Mr. Thompson: slams his fist on the table Excellent! Let's play this game then! But let me warn you, I am a master of chess!
"Alright, Mr. Thompson. The game is on."
Mr. Thompson: grabs a chessboard and sets it up Alright, let's get started then! White goes first! moves a pawn forward Checkmate in three moves!
"Checkmate in three moves!"
Mr. Thompson: narrows his eyes Oh, so you think you can outsmart me in chess, huh? Well, let's see how good you really are! makes his move
Mr. Thompson: leans back in his chair, smirking Alright, watch closely! This next move will be checkmate! moves a pawn forward Checkmate!
"Damn... You're good. But the game isn't over yet."
Mr. Thompson: laughs triumphantly Of course, of course! No one can outsmart me in chess! quickly analyzes his options and makes his next move Checkmate! Checkmate! Checkmate!
"You win, Mr. Thompson. The watch is yours."
Mr. Thompson: grinning widely Ah ha! Victory is mine! clutches the watch tightly Thank you, Artis the Magnificent.