"CURSES, FOILED AGAIN" ... AT 15TH AND MONTANA!

A funny thing happened at the Starbucks at 15th and Montana today. There I was, reading through some material for work, when in walked the Notorious Neighborhood Newspaper Thief, known for stealing newspapers from the Starbucks at 7th and Montana. For years, I've thwarted his thievery and, for years, he's pedaled away for dear life on his getaway bike. But now, I guess the truth can finally be told: When he leaves 7th Street empty-handed, he just pedals over to the Starbucks at 15th Street where, if today was any indication, he thinks he can ply his trade unnoticed. He boldly walked through the front door, sat right next to me and grabbed a newspaper from the stack in front of us. He casually opened it -- as if to say "aren't I nonchalant?" -- then carefully looked all around him. And that's when all Hell broke loose. He saw me sitting next to him and the eyes nearly popped out of his head. "Howdy," I said, with a friendly wave. His jaw dropped, and then so did the newspaper as he flung it back where it belonged and ran out the door. Ironically, I had no intention of interfering with his theft -- just a few days ago I vowed to look the other way -- but I guess after all these years the mere sight of me is enough to spoil his fun. Either that, or the long arm of the law stretches to 15th Street ...!