Saturday Morning, 11:00 AM, Connecticut Avenue

Fritz

Ted and I get some coffee at this little place off Connecticut near Chevy Chase Circle. We wander down into the city walking and talking, when I see it. It looks like a horn of plenty. A phone company van, with its rear doors open, and no one in sight. This is the sort of situation that brings out the kleptomaniac in me.

Ted sees it too. He looks like he is salivating. We try to look inconspicuous as we walk over to it. If only it were someplace less obvious! We have to move quickly, because they can't have gone far. I climb up into the van, and start to rummage around, picking up a few handy looking electronic gizmos. I find a handset which I toss to Ted, who sticks it in his bag.

I jump out satisfied with my haul. We start to walk away, and I say, "I should grab that helmet," and turn around.
As I pick up the helmet, I hear a yell, and a few seconds later I am in a full nelson, complements of Bell Atlantic.

Follow Fritz

Ted

Fritz is in the back of this open phone company van we spotted, and I am getting nervous. I briefly imagine Lindsay's reaction if she found out we were doing this. Not a pleasant thought. He tosses me a handset, which I stick in my bag. Pedestrians walk by and don't even notice.

Stealing things is one thing, getting caught is quite another, at least in my mind. We start to leave and he goes back for a helmet. I mean, really, a helmet. I guess I could have shouted when I see the guy coming over, but I'm too scared to do anything. I'm surprised I have the presence of mind to maintain bladder control, and turn and flee.

I'm a wreck. I just left one of my best friends in a bad situation. I call Gil. I call Lindsay. Shit. Shit.

Follow Ted

Who's where

Leisl

Gil

Lindsay