( yeah, he hears it alright, and he's also going to shrug it off completely. he shoots nate a look back that basically says don't use that tone with me, and while you're at it, don't look at me like that. maybe he's being boldly and wildly optimistic here, or maybe he just has a little bit of faith that together they're both good enough to be able to pull this off without a hitch. security in this era is practically nonexistent, which is great for them. if they can break into a heavily guarded black market auction, they can pull a simple lift from a vintage department store. he's not expecting to get shot at by an army of rent-a-thugs for trying to steal a lighter. it'll be a walk in the goddamn park.

at first it might not seem like he's fully listening, but really he's thinking about ten steps ahead when nate asks him what their play is, so it takes him a second to backtrack to the present. nate's not the only one who does that thing. it runs in the family. his hands are about to start flying as he goes over the plan, so strap in. )

Alright, here's how we run it: you go in first, act natural. Look like you're picking something out for the wife. ( is that a sensitive subject? it's fine. moving on. ) Then I'll come in and find the attendant, chat her up a bit, get her to show me the lighters on display, let me take a look at my options, you know. Let her try to sell me on the ones I don't want, especially the ones worth more than a pretty penny. That's when you come over, grab her attention. You need help with something, her feminine opinion. It's for the wife, you see, and you're hopelessly lost. I'll say it's fine, I'll wait here, it's a busy day, I understand — I need more time to consider my options, anyway. You keep her occupied elsewhere, then I'll palm the lighter when no one's looking and walk right back out. We'll meet back around the block. Easy.