Midnight in Chino Hills meant that everyone stayed in their homes and practiced absolute silence. A tranquil nature settled in the suburbs. The heat from the afternoon still lingered, albeit toned down by the darkness. The middle of August had given the residents of Chino Hills (as well as everyone else in Southern California) a good reason to avoid strenuous activities. The heat provided by the late Summer would be difficult to ignore. Fortunately, the evenings still consisted of cooler temperatures. And that's what Jeff liked about the late night. Not only was it quiet and cool, but people were barely aware of what could unfold in a time like this.
Jeff had nothing else to do but to concentrate on the package that stood near the front door of a two-story house. This had been a quiet suburban neighborhood. The street lights were distant, so the house had only been partially illuminated. Jeff took his time walking around the neighborhood to prevent any unwanted spectators. The 18-year-old Korean pedestrian walked past the house at least three times now. The night had kept him cool. His black tank top and brown cargo shorts didn't do much to give him a cold feeling. He wasn't bothered by that. He was only bothered by the fact that someone could easily catch him as soon as he grabbed the package and walked away.
The package was probably delivered in the afternoon and stayed there ever since. It enticed Jeff. He usually didn't perform an act like this. But the package made him reconsider his original moral code. The package wasn't very big, probably the size of a college textbook. It wouldn't be heavy, anyway. So Jeff would take it and carry back to his own home, which was only a few blocks away. He couldn't wait. He had to do it. He wanted that package. He didn't care what lay inside the box. He just wanted to take it home with him.
Jeff didn't spot any other pedestrians on the sidewalk. He took a deep breath. He started to walk toward the house. He didn't know who lived inside, but he didn't care. He slid his fingers across his short black hair. He had to be ready to flee if the resident opened the door. The young Korean man had reached the front entrance. Without making a sound, he slowly crouched down and grabbed the package. He didn't find any surveillance cameras at the entrance. Even if they were hidden, he made sure that he kept his face lowered so the lens couldn't catch it in time.
Jeff now had the package in both hands. But as he stood back up, something grabbed his arm. All of a sudden, a hand had appeared in his line of vision and forced him to halt his movements. He almost gasped. His eyes widened. He turned his head and stared at the man that caught him in the act.
Jeff didn't recognize the man that caught him. He didn't know anything about Marlin, a 37-year-old white man who had long brown hair and broad shoulders. Jeff could only decipher the appearance. Marlin was indeed a tall man with an overall muscular physique. He seized his package and pulled it right out of Jeff's grip. Jeff couldn't do anything. He just stood still and awaited the consequences of his actions.
Marlin whispered, "You're in big trouble, boy."
Jeff tried to pull himself away, but Marlin kept a firm grip on the former's arm.
Jeff still made a desperate attempt to flee. "Please let me go."
Marlin wasn't amused. "I could take you to the cops."
"Please don't. I won't try to steal your package again. I promise."
"Nice try."
Marlin eyed the younger man from top to bottom. "You don't deserve to be set free until I'm satisfied."
Jeff was already frightened of his future. "What are you gonna do to me?"
Marlin pulled him toward the front door. "Come inside and I'll show you."
"I'll just go home. I won't bother you again."
Marlin opened the door and pulled him into his own home. "It's too late. You're caught, and you deserve a little punishment."
Jeff immediately regretted his decision to steal the package. "Please. I don't want to get in trouble."
"Well, I won't send you to the authorities...as long as I get what I want."
"What do you mean by that?"
Marlin set the package aside. His eyes had grown more solemn than before. In fact, a slight ominous stare made possible by Marlin's new agenda caused Jeff to feel a little sick.
Marlin whispered, "I'm gonna take you upstairs, and you're gonna take what I give you."
* * *