Chapter 8 Maya and Nico deal

Ethan paced across Oliver's small, dimly lit office, the scent of stale coffee and old books filling the air. His mind raced, replaying the previous conversation. A bank job. The very idea gnawed at his conscience. But Oliver had been right—six months was all the time Ethan had left to settle his debt. The clock was ticking, and this was his way out.

Oliver stood by the window, gazing out at the street below as if weighing something in his mind. Then he turned, meeting Ethan's eyes.

"I know this is a lot to take in," Oliver began, his voice calm and measured, "but I wouldn't have approached you if I didn't think you were the best man for this."

Ethan stopped pacing and crossed his arms, still uncertain. "So, how exactly do you plan to pull this off?"

Oliver leaned against the windowsill, his arms folding as he began to explain. "This isn't just any bank. It's a high-security facility with layers of digital and physical protection. We're not talking about smashing through the front door and making a run for it. This is going to require precision, skill, and a team that can handle every aspect of the operation."

Ethan's brow furrowed. "And what kind of team are we talking about?"

Oliver smiled slightly, as if he had anticipated that question. "We need experts in various fields. You'll be our strategist. Your job is to see the entire board and make sure we execute each move perfectly. But we also need someone who can handle the digital side of things. Hacking into the bank's security systems, disabling alarms, and keeping us off the grid while we work. That's where Maya Kim comes in."

Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Maya Kim?"

Oliver nodded. "She's one of the best hackers I've come across. Quick, precise, and creative. She can break into systems most people wouldn't even think possible. But she's been lying low for a while now. She's in a rough spot—broke, in debt, and trying to stay off the radar."

Ethan thought about it for a moment. If Maya was as good as Oliver said, she'd be an asset. But convincing someone like her to join a bank robbery? That was another story.

"And the other one?" Ethan asked.

"Nico Vargas," Oliver said, stepping away from the window and grabbing a file from his desk. "Disguise expert. This guy can walk into any building, any social circle, and no one will bat an eye. He knows how to blend in, change identities, and disappear when needed. He's also strapped for cash. He's been running small-time cons for the last couple of years, but nothing big enough to keep him afloat."

Ethan took the file from Oliver, flipping through the pages. Maya and Nico. Two highly skilled individuals who had hit rock bottom, just like him.

Oliver stepped closer, his voice low but firm. "I want you to recruit them. You'll have to find them first, but once you do, let them know what we're up against. The money from this job will solve all their problems. For Maya, it's a chance to clear her debt and start fresh. For Nico, it's the opportunity to make more in one heist than he's made in years."

Ethan stared at the file, then back at Oliver. "And what about you? What's your part in all of this?"

Oliver extended his hand with a smile. "I'll be recruiting the rest of the team. But for now, you focus on Maya and Nico. If anyone can convince them, it's you."

Ethan hesitated for a moment, then took Oliver's hand. "Fine. I'll get them on board."

---

The next few days were a blur of research, dead ends, and tracking down leads. Ethan had managed to gather enough information to find Maya first. She was holed up in a rundown apartment complex on the outskirts of the city, far from her former life as a top-tier hacker.

When he arrived, the place was a mess. Old electronics were scattered across the floor, the walls covered in faded posters of tech conferences and cyberpunk artwork. Maya sat hunched over a computer, her eyes glued to the screen, fingers typing furiously.

"Maya Kim?" Ethan asked, stepping into the room.

Maya didn't look up, but he could tell she had noticed him. "Depends. Who's asking?"

"Ethan Carter. I'm here to make you an offer."

Maya finally glanced up, her piercing blue eyes locking onto his. She leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms. "An offer? Unless you've got a solution to my financial problems, I'm not interested."

Ethan chuckled, leaning against the wall. "Actually, that's exactly what I'm offering. A way to get out of your debt. Clean."

Maya raised an eyebrow. "And what's the catch?"

"No catch. Just a job. One big job."

Maya's expression turned skeptical. "What kind of job?"

Ethan met her gaze steadily. "A bank heist. And before you say no, hear me out. I know you're in a bad spot. I also know that the people you owe aren't the forgiving type. You've got, what, a few months left before they come knocking?"

Her face darkened at his words, and for the first time, there was a flicker of desperation behind her calm exterior.

"You help us pull this off," Ethan continued, "and you'll have more than enough to pay off your debt. You'll be free."

Maya stared at him, weighing his words carefully. She leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees. "And what makes you think I'd trust you with something like this?"

Ethan shrugged. "You don't have to trust me. But I'm offering you a way out. A real one. You won't get a second chance like this."

Maya was silent for a long moment, her mind racing through possibilities. Finally, she sighed and pushed herself away from the desk.

"Fine. I'm in. But if this goes sideways, I'm out the second I see trouble."

Ethan smiled. "Fair enough."

---

Next on the list was Nico Vargas. Finding him was trickier. He had a habit of disappearing when things got tough, but Ethan managed to track him down at a local bar, blending in with the crowd. Nico was sipping a drink at the counter, his tousled hair and easy smile making him seem completely at ease.

"Mr. Vargas," Ethan said as he approached.

Nico glanced over, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Who's asking."

"Ethan Carter. I've got a proposition for you."

Nico grinned, raising his glass. "I get a lot of those. What makes yours special?"

Ethan leaned against the bar, keeping his voice low. "I know you've been running small-time cons, barely making enough to scrape by. You're broke, Nico. This job I'm offering will fix that."

Nico chuckled, but there was no humor in his voice. "And what kind of job is that?"

"A bank heist."

Nico paused, the playful glint in his eyes fading. He turned to face Ethan fully. "You're serious?"

"Very."

Nico set down his glass, leaning in. "And what makes you think I'd risk everything for a heist?"

"Because you're broke," Ethan replied bluntly. "You've been doing small jobs just to survive. This is your chance to make real money. Enough to walk away from this life for good."

Nico studied Ethan for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, slowly, he nodded. "Alright, I'm in. But if this goes bad, I'm not sticking around to clean up the mess."

Ethan smiled, shaking his hand. "Don't worry. This is going to work."

As Ethan left the bar, his mind raced. He had done it—recruited both Maya and Nico. Now, it was time to prepare for the real job ahead.