Strutting across the street on their way to school was to be the East Coast's biggest concealed news story. The young girl Sally and her brother Tom would eventually spend their life degrading New York City along with their hometown.
Little curly red haired Sally, age seven and her freckle-faced brother Tom, who was only two years older, had been abducted. Mysteriously, their only guardian had been found lying decapitated, under a taxicab that same day. All of which, leaving the children with no one to realize they're absence. Concurring the extremely slim chances of the proper authorities being notified.
The abductor had worn hands, dirty unwashed hair, and smelt of the streets. But something about the look in his eyes made the children see the future and realize that this man meant everything to it.
While remaining uncomfortably tied and roped, Sally and Tom glanced from window to window. The only view was of the tall, dark, haunting buildings that plastered the sky. The usual sounds of the city gave no signs that anybody realized they were missing. Hour after hour nothing seemed to change, until finally the city's sounds could no longer be heard. Signs and billboards turned to trees with their seasoning leaves, and buildings vanished. Occasionally an old shack or barn passed by the window. Giving up on all hope, the exhausted children finally collapsed and they feel into a deep sleep. They didn't awaken until the lights of beautiful buildings, advertisements and street lamps lit up the dark sky.
The vibrations of the big vehicle had slowed, and the sounds of traffic jams, cars and crowds of chattering people filled the children's ears. Eventually the vehicle came to a complete stop outside of what appeared to be an old warehouse. It was an old rugged looking brick building, weathered from years of use and neglected upkeep.
The streetlights were dim and the street was nearly empty. Fearing for their future the children's eyes swelled up as they began to sob profusely. For the first time since they're kidnapping, their abductor turned to look at them. Something was oddly familiar about this man, but neither Sally nor Tom cared enough to give it a second thought. Attempting to calm the screaming children the man crawled towards them and untied the restraints. He told them that he was to be called Stevenson and that they were in New York at an abandoned mattress warehouse. Revealing his plans Stevenson explained that he had no intention of hurting them, that he had just come to claim what was rightfully his, and that they would be taught how to live amongst the city.

Weeks passed and the children came to understand what Stevenson meant by living amongst the city. Within the first 24 hours of their stay, the training had begun. The only respectable New Yorkers were the ones living in the warehouse, said Stevenson. Trust within each other was engraved into there minds as the only way to survive. That trust would get them food, clothes, and whatever else they may need. Until the second week, the naïve children didn't comprehend how trust was supposed to get them all these things, or what Stevenson meant by them being the only respectable New Yorkers. Tom and Sally had heard of many respectable lawyers and politicians living in New York.
Sensing their doubt of his wisdom, Stevenson decided it was time for the children to fully discover his way of life. Every morning since their arrival, Stevenson had left before they'd awoken and arrived home by midday with the groceries and the necessities needed for the day. On this particular morning Tom and Sally were to go with him on his morning errands. After waking up, they followed Stevenson to the Market. His sly way of shopping made the eager children's minds become restless and suddenly envious. He filled the grocery bags with his own two hands. All while his wallet remained in his pocket.
While preparing to leave the store, they noticed a man attempting the same technique as Stevenson. They also noticed the group of people watching him slip food into a bag, and the stern police officer in a blue, pressed suit, studying and writing down his every move. Realizing Stevenson possessed powerful knowledge, they never again questioned a word that came from his mouth. Not only did they learn how with help from each other they could get everything they desired, but they also learned why there was no other trustable New Yorker.
Years went by, and Stevenson became their only father figure. He taught Tom and Sally everything he knew, until finally they had become greater than Stevenson had ever imagined. They knew it all, even what not to attempt, cars because of their alarms, wallets, or anything that could be traced. Everyday they taught themselves something knew. Together, Sally and Tom went places Stevenson never dared, they climbed the highest buildings and dug through the lowest gutters. Everything from jewelry, to clothes, to everyday groceries became theirs, without a cent put down. Sally and Tom's love for each other grew stronger each day and their trust became more and more faithful. Everything had been perfected, and nothing was doubted. This was there present and their future forever. The skill seemed to have been born within them, a hereditary passion racing through their veins.

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