Chapter 147: The Thief
Tonight was a blast for Junior; it was the most fun he'd had in a long time.
"Hey, Junior, those two friends of yours from the convenience store? You might want to reconsider hanging out with them," Frank said as he drove.
"Huh?" Junior snapped out of his thoughts.
"People who ditch you at the first sign of trouble aren't real friends. They probably see you as an easy mark," Frank advised.
"Got it, Uncle Frank," Junior replied nonchalantly, though Frank wasn't sure if the message sank in.
"Let's get you home. Remember, if you ever need anything, you can always count on Uncle Frank," Frank said, dropping Junior off at Walter's house.
Once Junior was safely inside, Frank drove off.
"You've been using again?" Frank asked, stepping into Pinkman's place and catching a familiar scent.
Pinkman was slouched on the floor, leaning against the couch, surrounded by a mess of paraphernalia and a glass pipe for smoking meth.
"Mind your business. I'm using my share," Pinkman retorted, glancing at Frank.
"Here's your share," Pinkman tossed a rubber-banded wad of cash at Frank.
"What about Walter's share? Give it to me; I'll drop it off at his place tomorrow," Frank requested.
Pinkman dug into his pocket, producing another roll of bills.
"I've told you before, if you want to stay in this game, you need to quit this stuff. Think it over," Frank advised, pocketing the cash.
The next morning, Frank didn't see off Eric and the others—they'd left town before dawn.
Over the following days, Frank often visited Walter's home. Junior grew close to Frank, much to Walter and Skyler's surprise.
Junior frequently sought Frank out to hang out or engage in activities his parents wouldn't approve of.
For Junior, these were thrilling, taboo experiences, but for Frank, they were just everyday fun.
"Hasn't Walter taught you how to drive?" Frank asked from the passenger seat, surprised.
"No, my dad hasn't," Junior said, excitedly gripping the steering wheel.
"At your age, you should learn to drive. Your legs might not be perfect, but you can still manage. You don't want your parents driving you on dates, do you?" Frank chuckled.
"First, press the clutch," Frank instructed, guiding Junior through driving basics.
For several days, Frank played the role of driving instructor, teaching Junior how to drive.
Initially, Skyler asked where they were going, but soon she got used to Junior spending time with Frank every day.
As her pregnancy progressed, Skyler became more tired and emotionally volatile. She was preoccupied with the upcoming baby's arrival and managing the household finances, while Walter was busy with school and hiding his illness.
Both parents unintentionally neglected Junior, who found a mentor in Frank. Frank introduced him to new experiences, and they bonded like father and son.
Frank enjoyed this surrogate fatherhood. His own kids were too mature and knowledgeable, leaving him feeling like a father only with young Debbie.
Junior was naive and kind-hearted, embodying the innocence typical of his age.
Frank felt a sense of paternal pride teaching Junior to drive, sharing drinks, playing baseball, and enjoying many father-son interactions.
In no time, Frank and Junior had developed a close relationship, with Junior confiding in Frank rather than his parents.
While shopping at a supermarket, Frank noticed a woman in a purple dress discreetly slipping items into her bag. Her polished appearance suggested she wasn't in need, yet she stole trivial items like lipsticks and hair clips.
After taking a few items, the woman left the store. Intrigued, Frank followed her.
She entered a shoe store, swapped her sneakers for high heels, admired herself in a mirror, and left her sneakers at the counter, striding out confidently.
"Interesting," Frank thought, observing her antics with amusement.
The woman then entered a jewelry store, eyeing a purple dolphin necklace. As she attempted her usual trick, the shopkeeper caught her. As the saying goes, "You can't always avoid getting caught."
"I'm not a thief, really! I just forgot to pay. I don't want the necklace anymore," the woman stammered, trying to return the necklace she couldn't afford.
"No, you're a thief! I'm calling the police!" the shopkeeper insisted, holding her tightly.
"What's going on, darling?" Frank interrupted, entering the chaotic scene.
"Please, show some respect to my girlfriend," Frank said, gripping the shopkeeper's wrist.
"You're with this thief!" the shopkeeper accused, eyeing Frank suspiciously.
"A thief? Surely, you're mistaken. My girlfriend isn't a thief. What exactly did she steal?" Frank asked.
"That necklace around her neck, one of our items. She asked to try it on, then tried to leave without paying while we were busy," the shopkeeper explained.
"Darling, you really need to work on this forgetfulness. How much?" Frank sighed, asking for the price.
"Sixteen hundred. The price tag is still on it," the shopkeeper replied.
"I... I don't have that much money," the woman admitted, speechless.
"I thought it was more than that," Frank said, pulling out his wallet and revealing a thick stack of cash, easily over ten grand.
(End of Chapter)