Sister Issues

Mariam listened, her mind already calculating responses and counter-moves. "I can arrange that, but you need to release some of the hostages as a sign of goodwill."

Cole laughed. "Nice try, Mariam. But you're in no position to negotiate. You see, I know things about you. Personal things. So, let's keep this simple. You get what I want, and your daughter stays safe."

Mariam's heart pounded, but she kept her voice steady. "Cole, you don't have to do this. We can find a way out that doesn't end in bloodshed. Think about it. What kind of future do you see for yourself if this goes wrong?"

Cole's tone turned cold. "I've already thought about that. I have nothing to lose. But you, Mariam, you have everything to lose. So make sure my demands are met."

As Mariam hung up, she felt a mix of fear and resolve. She turned to her team. "We need to buy more time. Increase the pressure on the perimeter, but do not, I repeat, do not engage. I need more information on Cole's background and any possible connections he might have. And someone get me an update on the situation in Nantes."

In the bank, Cole put down the phone, feeling a rush of adrenaline. He knew he had rattled Mariam, but he couldn't afford to get complacent. Turning to his team, he barked out orders. "Viper, Blade, keep an eye on the hostages. Jess, Raven, Natalia, I want updates on every move outside. Grad, finish setting up the ropes and levers. We need to get into that vault now."

As they worked, the tension inside the bank remained high. Every second counted, and every move had to be perfect. The team knew they were playing a dangerous game, but they trusted Cole's leadership.

Meanwhile, Mariam was pulling every string she could. She reached out to her contacts, trying to gather more information about Cole and his team. She needed an edge, something that could turn the tide in her favor.

As the hours ticked by, the standoff continued, both sides waiting for the other to make a mistake. The fate of the hostages, the success of the heist, and the safety of Mariam's daughter hung in the balance. The real game had just begun, and neither side was willing to back down.

Jess, Raven, and Natalia kept a watchful eye on the hostages, ensuring no one tried anything foolish. The hostages, sensing the desperation in their captors, remained silent and still, too afraid to make any sudden moves. 

Cole paced the floor, his mind racing. He knew they had to act quickly. The authorities outside were undoubtedly devising plans to breach the bank. He picked up his walkie-talkie, checking in with his team. "Viper, Blade, any movement outside?"

"Negative," Viper replied. "They're holding their positions, but they're definitely planning something."

"Stay alert," Cole commanded. "Jess, Raven, Natalia, keep the hostages in line. We can't afford any surprises."

Meanwhile, in the command tent, Mariam was tirelessly working to gain any advantage she could. She had managed to get a secure line to the authorities in Nantes. "What's the status at the boarding school?" she asked urgently.

"We have a full security detail on site," the voice on the other end reported. "No suspicious activity so far, but we're monitoring everything closely."

Mariam breathed a small sigh of relief. At least her daughter was safe for now. She turned her attention back to Cole. She needed to find a way to break through his defenses, both literal and psychological.

"Get me everything you can on Cole and his team," she ordered her staff. "There has to be something we can use."

Back inside the bank, Cole received an update from Grad. "The setup is ready, Cole. We can start moving into the vault whenever you're ready."

"Good," Cole nodded. "Let's get this done."

As they prepared to enter the vault, the phone rang again. Mariam's voice came through, calm and steady. "Cole, I've been thinking about your demands. We can meet them, but I need some assurances. Release some of the hostages as a sign of good faith."

Cole sighed, knowing she was trying to play him. "Mariam, you and I both know that's not going to happen. You want assurances? You'll get them when I have my helicopter and my money."

Mariam's voice took on a harder edge. "Cole, you're running out of time. The longer this goes on, the more dangerous it becomes for everyone involved. You're smart enough to know that. Let's find a way to end this without more bloodshed."

Cole hesitated, a flicker of doubt crossing his mind. He knew she was right, but he couldn't afford to show weakness. "I'll think about it," he said, then hung up the phone.

Turning to his team, he said, "Alright, let's move. Grad, get the ropes ready. Viper, Blade, keep an eye on the hostages and the entrances. We're going into the vault."

As they descended into the vault, the tension was almost unbearable. Every step was calculated, every move precise. They suspended themselves above the floor, using the ropes and levers Grad had set up. The vault was a fortress, but they were determined to crack it.

Grad worked quickly, using his welding tools to cut through the locks and bars. The team moved with practiced efficiency, securing the bags of money and gold bars. It was a painstaking process, but they made progress inch by inch.

Outside, Mariam was growing more desperate. She needed a way to tip the scales. One of her staff approached her with a file. "We found something on Cole," he said. "He has a sister living in Frankfurt. Her name is Emily Cole."

Mariam's eyes widened. This could be the leverage she needed. She quickly formulated a plan. "Get me a line to Emily Cole. We might have a way to end this."

As the team inside the bank continued their work, Mariam made the call. "Emily Cole? This is Mariam Gomez with the Frankfurt Police. Your brother is in the middle of a dangerous situation. We need your help to end this peacefully."

Emily's voice trembled. "What do you need me to do?"

Mariam explained the situation, hoping Emily could reach her brother and convince him to surrender. It was a long shot, but it was the best chance they had.

Inside the vault, Cole's team was almost finished. They had secured most of the money and gold, and were preparing to make their escape. Suddenly, Cole's walkie-talkie crackled to life.

"Cole, it's Emily. Please, listen to me. You don't have to do this. It's not too late to walk away."

Cole froze, his sister's voice cutting through the chaos. For a moment, he was torn between his loyalty to his team and his love for his sister.

"Emily," he said, his voice softening. "I can't back down now. We're too far in."

"Please, Cole," Emily pleaded. "Think about your future. Think about what this will do to our family. It's not worth it."

Cole's resolve wavered. He looked around at his team, their faces reflecting the same mix of determination and doubt. He knew they were depending on him, but he also knew his sister was right.

Taking a deep breath, he made a decision. "Alright, Emily. I'll do it. I'll surrender."

He turned to his team, seeing their shock and disbelief. "We're ending this. No more bloodshed. We'll negotiate a way out."

As Cole picked up the phone to call Mariam, the tension in the vault broke. They had come so close to pulling off the heist of the century, but in the end, it was the voice of reason and family that prevailed.

"Ms. Gomez," Cole said when she answered. "We're ready to negotiate. No tricks. Let's end this peacefully."

Mariam's relief was palpable. "Thank you, Cole. Let's work this out."

As the negotiations began, the team inside the bank knew their heist was over. But in that moment, they realized that sometimes the greatest victory is walking away with your life and the hope of a better future.

Author: But this isn't just the end of it.