In the years preceding the start of the Second World War, Alberto's fame within Italy's underworld as a genius pickpocket was renown. In his hometown of Brindisi, he was regarded as a peer, respected for his skill and proficiency and held in great esteem by both petty criminals and the organised crime lords. It was rumoured that his walls were decorated with the liberated empty wallets and purses from gentlemen and women across Italy's most popular cities. Of course, Alberto would never draw attention to his nefarious career and would certainly never allow his ego to carelessly endanger his chosen profession. Although a highly accomplished and prolific pickpocket, Alberto was also very selective, straying away from the poor and the church. He targeted the rich and fat land owning classes that populated the centres of Italy's major cities during the summer months. To Alberto, their bulbous purses and indifferent airs made easy prey.
Alberto's face was angular and handsome with a clean shaved thick jaw. He carried an ivory handled knife inside his jacket and a small calibre handgun tucked neatly into a small leather pouch under his waist belt. Each year Alberto toured Italy. He would travel to Rome, Milan, Naples, Florence and Venice between the months of June and August. This year, Alberto had a exceptional season and he was heading home at last, travelling first class, as usual, on his return.
Alberto looked out to the sweeping Italian countryside as the train slowly pushed it's way down to Brindisi. He shared his cabin with 3 other travellers. Directly in front of him, a portly gentleman of senior years, slept heavily, with his hat still held in large pink fingers. To his left, a slightly younger and attractive woman, with heavy and tired eyes caused, probably, by the monotony of the journey. Certainly his wife, Alberto thought. She was remarkably well dressed and Alberto guessed that they too had are looking to take advantage of the fine weather and no doubt heading to alight onto one of the many cruises that departed from Brindisi. Directly in front of her and to Alberto's right, sat an almost breathtakingly beautiful young woman. Alberto took her to be the offspring of the couple in front of him. The gentle sway of the train soon eased all the occupants, except Alberto, to sleep. Beside his leg a light brown, smart leather suitcase contained the fruits of his summer. As was his nature, Alberto remained awake, watching everything, one hand resting on his cane with other intermittently touching the handle of his precious horde.
Soon, Alberto's natural instincts took over. He had earlier noticed, when the guard checked their travel documents, the ample wallet his fellow traveller kept in his left inside pocket. Taking advantage of the trio's unconscious state, he used his cane to gently pull aside the gentleman's jacket until he spotted the top of the wallet. Checking once more that he was not being watched, he deftly leant over and soundlessly removed the wallet. The lady to the right of the gentleman stirred and her right leg crossed over her left. A small area of flesh was exposed for a brief but beautiful moment.