The Night Watch
Entering my access code I watched with relief as a total of 1.3 million Euros appeared on the screen
I had plenty of time to think about it during those long night shifts. In the end, I couldn’t believe how easy it was. As a security guard at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, I had access to all areas. It took less than twenty minutes during the evening lockup. I slipped into the gallery, carefully razoring the painting out of its frame, before replacing it with a beautifully crafted fake. It would not fool anyone taking a closer look, but it gave me time to get away.
Waiting for the courier, I sat outside the cafe, a short black coffee and a portion of honey cake in front of me. I heard a voice from behind.
“Do you mind if I join you?” he asked in English, giving the agreed code.
“Delighted,” I replied. He handed over the laptop. Pulling up the display, I watched the Bitcoin application start. Entering my access code I saw, with relief, the crypto equivalent of 1.3 million Euros appear on the screen.
“Not a bad payment for a day’s work,” the courier said, smiling. “Shame you won’t be able to spend it.”
“What?”
“Vincent Parker, I am arresting you for the theft of a painting from the Rijksmuseum.”
About the Creator
Raymond G. Taylor
Author living in Kent, England. Writer of short stories and poems in a wide range of genres, forms and styles. A non-fiction writer for 40+ years. Subjects include art, history, science, business, law, and the human condition.
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Comments (4)
It's always tough for an amateur to pick up the signs that all is not right with their heist. And doubly difficult to get away with anything of much import.
This is way better than my effort! Well done!
Very clever framing devise, a night watchman steals Rembrandt’s The Night Watch. (Sorry about the pun.) A well crafted story. I enjoyed it. I love the Dutch Masters and would love to visit the Rijksmuseum someday.
Oh no! 😱 how tantalising, a million euros, and not able to spend any of it 😖