I’m a couple of hours late posting because I was on a stake out.  (and then I forgot to hit “publish” drrr)

Yesterday afternoon, I saw that we had a message on our answering machine.  It was my neighbour again, ‘The boys are in your yard again!’ I checked the time: 11:54 a.m.  The current time was somewhere after 4 p.m.  Dang it!  I had been at home, too – cooking up some potato cauliflower curry goodness. 

Today, I decided I’d beat them at their game.  My plan was this: surprise one of them (I know there are 3) as he’s coming over the wall, knock him off balance, duct tape his hands together, drag him to the old laundry pole that is out in the open and tape him to the pole so everyone can see him.  Then I would call the aql alhara to come take the boy home and deal with his family.  Of course, in this plan, I’d do the surprising and then The Mister would do everything else.  I might pinch him in the angry spot – that sensitive fleshy part at the back of your arm. 

I packed a little bag with duct tape, rope, scissors, a book (for me to be entertained by while I waited) and some water (for me – not the thieves).  I dressed all in black – so basically, my regular covering, and half an hour before the expected time, I went to the back wall of the garden.  And I sat. 

And I waited. 

While I waited I made good use of my time: I pre-wrote a text to The Mister (because he was out doing errands?? Hello?  We have a covert plan on the line here!).  The text was as follows ’I think they are coming!  Are you here yet?’  Then I got the duct tape out of my bag and folded over the end, so it would be easy to grab and pull.  I can’t imagine trying to pick away at the edge of the duct tape while trying to restrain a wriggling thief.  

So I sit and I wait.  And then I get to thinking.  Here I am… sitting in the garden… with DUCT TAPE on my lap!  What am I doing?? 

Soon, I heard some voices getting closer to the wall.  My heart began to race and I pressed send on the previously crafted text.  “1 min” was the reply.  Hurry up, The Mister!  I can’t take these boys down by myself! 

The voices were getting closer and then they seemed to be moving away.  My phone vibrated in my hand (because I’m such a great super sleuth that I even thought about putting my phone on silent.  I should get paid for this), it was The Mister.  “I saw the boys.  They peeked around the corner, and I think they were scared away by the neighbour.  Maybe she’s on her balcony.” 

Shoot!  All that pre-planning and build up only to be scooped by the competition. 

Next week, boys.  Next week.  Mrs. Neighbour can’t sit on her balcony every day.  Can she?