The Robbery

"Now that everyone's here, let's get started," Doug said, his tone cool and composed, as he stood at the front of a sparse room on the seventh floor of Building 46.

The room was bare, furnished only with a table, a few chairs, and a blackboard.

"First, let me introduce everyone," Doug continued, glancing over the group. He walked up to a burly man and gestured to him. "This is Adam, the one who handled last month's jewelry store heist."

Next, Doug pointed at another man standing nearby. "This is Booth, our explosives expert."

"Crabby, our disguise expert." Doug nodded towards a man in the corner.

"And finally, our driver, Simon." Doug turned and gestured at Simon with a slight nod.

"Now that you've all been introduced, let's go over the plan," Doug said, walking up to the blackboard.

"The target this time is an armored truck. I've managed to get detailed route information through some inside contacts. You'll need to intercept the cash at a bank in North Hollywood at exactly ten in the morning, then make your escape. Simple as that." Doug began sketching out a map of the bank and its surrounding area.

"I've arranged for some people to divert the police's attention while you do your part."

Doug paused to look at Crabby. "Crabby, we'll need you to wear a half-mask with a skull design. Get it from different places to avoid drawing attention. Be inside the bank and waiting before ten."

"Simon, I need you to steal a family minivan as the getaway car."

Doug continued, "We'll also need a heavy-duty vehicle, preferably a four-wheel-drive SUV, in case we need to ram through any police vehicles. The airport has a lot of long-term parking. That's your best bet."

Doug glanced at his watch. "Get this done before eight in the morning. Any problems?"

Simon checked his watch and replied nonchalantly, "Looks like I can still catch some sleep."

With his expert-level skill as a mechanic, Simon wasn't worried about the car theft. With his deep knowledge of car structures, opening doors and starting cars without triggering alarms was second nature to him.

"Good. If no one has any questions, you're all free to go prepare," Doug instructed.

Everyone exchanged glances, said nothing, and stood up to head for the elevator. To maintain a low profile, they each exited on different floors before walking off separately.

Simon, after leaving the building, hurried home to gather some tools and clothing. He then drove to a nearby parking lot.

Parking his car, Simon grabbed his bag filled with tools and spare clothes before taking a random bus. After about ten minutes, he got off and walked to a secluded corner where he quickly changed into his new outfit, putting on a cap to hide his identity. He then entered a nearby parking lot.

Using the momentary distraction of the security guard, Simon slipped into the lot and began his search.

Soon enough, he found a dusty sedan parked in a quiet corner. After confirming that there were no nearby witnesses and the area wasn't covered by surveillance cameras, he put on gloves and approached the vehicle.

Checking once more to ensure no one was around, Simon pulled out his tools and crouched in front of the driver's side door.

With ease, he unlocked the door and slipped inside. Once inside, he quickly checked the glove compartment and trunk, confirming there was nothing illegal or suspicious in the car—no weapons, no drugs, no bodies.

After making sure everything was clear, Simon proceeded to start the car using his tools. Within moments, the engine roared to life.

He found the parking ticket and, wearing a mask and sunglasses, drove the car out of the lot. After paying the parking fee with cash, Simon made his way to the Los Angeles International Airport.

Half an hour later, he arrived at the airport parking structure. He parked the sedan, then began searching for his next target.

It didn't take long before he spotted a dusty, large SUV. Again, after ensuring there were no witnesses or cameras, he deftly started the vehicle and drove it to the designated area Doug had instructed.

After dropping off the SUV, Simon repeated the process and stole a family minivan, parking it at the designated location as well.

With everything in place, Simon sent Doug a message to confirm everything was set, then left the parking lot.

Back home, Simon didn't immediately rest. Instead, he turned on his computer and pulled up the electronic map of North Hollywood. Though he had memorized the area, this was his first time participating in such a serious crime, and he still felt a twinge of nerves.

Fortunately, his passive skill, Calm, helped keep his anxiety in check.

By the time morning came around, Simon had shaken off the jitters. At around 9 a.m., his alarm went off.

After quickly finishing his morning workout and shower, Simon rushed to the parking lot where he had left the SUV. He donned his protective gear: a hood, mask, gloves, and sunglasses. He got into the SUV and made his way to the rendezvous point.

Upon arrival, Adam, Booth, and Crabby were already waiting. Without a word, they climbed into the vehicle.

By 9:40 a.m., Simon had parked the SUV across from the bank.

They waited for about fifteen minutes before Adam spoke. "Crabby, go ahead."

Crabby nodded, put on a hat and sunglasses, wrapped a scarf around his neck, and grabbed a handbag before exiting the vehicle and heading toward the bank.

Soon after, an armored truck rolled into the bank's parking lot and parked in a designated spot. As the truck's security guards exited, Adam and Booth quickly masked up, armed with guns, and rushed out of the SUV.

Simon followed suit, donning his mask and sunglasses.

As Adam and Booth moved toward the bank, Simon began observing the surroundings. While everything seemed normal on the surface, his palms began to sweat.

Fortunately, Adam and the others didn't keep him waiting long. By 5 p.m., they were back in the SUV.

"Simon, go! Go! Go!" Adam urged.

Without needing to be told twice, Simon shifted into gear and floored the gas pedal, speeding away.

Just as they were pulling out, two armed security guards—who had finally reacted—began firing at the SUV with pistols and shotguns.

Instinctively, Simon ducked, slammed the pedal to the floor, and accelerated.

The two guards, unable to keep up with the SUV, watched helplessly as Simon sped away.

Once Simon was on the open road, he knew that the real danger was only just beginning.