Tiffany and Sally work alternating shifts every other day each week, with Jesse and Jennifer. With whoever didn’t work on Friday, works on Monday, and the pattern continues. There are times to where bank tellers would fill in for each other and they would work conflicting shifts, but for the most part generally there are two bank tellers who work each day. With Russell sometimes filling in if the bank becomes too overpowered with patrons. The bank is generally low profile, so this system works well with the employees, and is managed and operated quite well with little issues involved.
The other employee currently not working, is the other financial advisor. He is a thirty-four-year-old Caucasian man named Abel Albertson. He is the son of one of Peter’s close friends, which is how he got hired. Abel has been working in the bank for five years, so he’s one of the more veteran employees. He is a very attractive and handsome athletic built man. He is bald, and has tan skin. Abel is married to his wife, and has two very young daughters. When Abel is not working as a financial advisor, he spends most of his time exercising in the gym and working out, occasionally he also likes to go surfing. Unlike Russell, and like Peter and Jesse, he is way more engaging with his personality. Abel grew up in California, and he had a typical family life growing up. Abel went to “Berkeley University”, and graduated studying finance. Most of Abel’s personal life other than the fact his father is really close with Peter, is not really known. The financial advisors, likewise with the bank tellers also work alternative shifts. So therefore his relationships with Yvette, Jennifer and Jesse aren’t as strong, as he usually and typically doesn’t work when they are scheduled, but he’s still a gentleman to everyone he comes across. Russell although not extremely close with him, enjoys being around him and has no issues with him.
The only other employee who sparingly comes into the bank, is the Senior Branch Security Manager, who is not a direct employee of the bank, but is in charge of the federal operations that the bank belongs to, and is part of the main operations of the bank. His name is John Marshall. He is a thirty-six-year-old half Dutch, half Mexican American man who has black hair in a flat top, and he has bushy mustache. John is a single man with no children. He is bisexual, and antisocial. He is seen in the bank a few times a month, usually for safety and security reasons. He has been the Senior Branch Security Manager of this bank for only a few years. He is not sociable to the other employees of the bank, and he doesn’t have to be. His job is simply to go over company records, and safety regulations and records, and to review camera surveillance video records. His relationship with Peter isn’t very strong, as Peter seems to only have a strict relationship with him. John is only in the bank for a couple of hours a few times a week, so his interactions with the other employees actually isn’t that existent. Russell seems to be scared of him usually, and seems to not really trust him, and trembles in fear every time he sees him. If an incident were to happen such as a robbery, the Senior Branch Security Manager would have to come to the branch and assess the issue and follow procedures and rules according to that.
The very dark and fearful wave of energy surrounding the bank is still very much present. It’s a very peculiar and unknown sense of fear, that although not a single soul inside the building wants to mention or bring up vocally, they know that it exists and is lingering in the air. As the bank is soon to close in minutes, usual behaviors and actions continue to go on.
Russell once again decides to snap out of daydreaming and reflecting. As closing time is very rapidly approaching, Russell decides to keep himself occupied to refrain from daydreaming and flashbacking once again. He decides to step from behind the teller’s counter, to unplug the coffee machine, and put away the complementary coffee cups, coffee creamer, and other coffee supplies that were set out in the lobby. Meanwhile, two more customers, who are young females dressed very clad, dash into the bank in an effort to take care of their business before the bank is closing. Russell jokingly acknowledging their presence.
“Ladies, you look stunning, However, we do close in a few minutes just to remind you. I understand you guys want to cash your paycheck before you head to the club. I understand. It’s alright. But we are about to close.”
The two women laugh at his remark. At the same moment, Russell then begins to take his phone out of his pocket. Russell and Peter planned earlier this week that after this shift, they were going to a sports bar to enjoy themselves. Russell decided to arrange reservations, so that right after their shift ended, himself and Peter could go directly there. After making and confirming the reservations, Russell notices Peter is wrapping things up and is tidying up his desk for the branch to close. He decides to walk over and stand next to Peter’s desk. Although it is still technically business hours, he finds a sly way to in an unprofessional manner, converse with Peter.
“So, I just got done putting in the reservations, and everything is all set. I can’t wait, only…,”
Russell looks at his Rolex watch.
“Eight minutes left until we are out of here. It will only take us three minutes to close all the terminals, shut the lights off, and lock the cash drawers up. Shit, I just want to call it a day. Ugh.”
Peter while looking at his computer terminal smiles at him. Russell begins to look down at the ground to daydream once again. One thing Russell liked about the “Sunset Credit Union”, is that it was a very small bank branch, which unlike major federal banks didn’t have to follow the same safety and security measures. When Russell was working at the bank he was previously, during closing time more steps needed to be done before the building was closed and employees were allowed to depart from the business.
Peter begins to shut his terminal off, and starts his usual routines and customs when it is closing time. He looks up to Russell who is standing, and in a sly method talks to Russell.
“Doesn’t it always seem like when it’s the final minutes of the day, they seem to tread on for what seems like forever?”.
Russell in a response to Peter’s statement, sucks in his lips and shakes his head and scoffs to himself. He then whilst still standing next to Peter’s desk, glances around the bank. He notices about four customers standing in line in front of the tellers, and he also sees Yvette gathering her bearings, and getting ready for the business to close.
Russell then decides to walk over to Yvette’s desk and engage in small talk with her, with his arms crossed.
“How you doing girl? Can’t wait to get out of here huh?”.
Yvette shaking her head, looking slightly drained and agitated, looks up at Russell and sassily responds,
“You have no idea, my daughter has an appointment at the salon in an hour, and I have to get on the 110 and drive clear across town, as her hairdresser has other clients. If I’m late, she’s going to skip over me. We have a function on Sunday, so, it’s always something.”
Russell in response to her comment, laughs and grins heavily showing his clenched teeth, also shaking his head. To which Yvette while still sitting at her desk, then slaps Russell on his behind in a friendly manner. Russell then decides to walk away from her desk, heading towards the back area of teller’s counter. Directing his comments both to Jesse and Jennifer.
“You guys alright? Are you guys all ready and set to close?”
Both Jesse and Jennifer respond by telling him yes, and continue to work. Russell while still behind the counter makes sure everything is in proper order to close. He then decides to leave from behind the teller’s counter, and head out into the lobby. Russell then goes into a separate room located to the left of the entrance, which is a multi-purpose room. Which contains printers and photo copiers, that employees use to make copies for customers and to print out other important documents. In a separate hallway in the back of this room, contains another room which has a refrigerator, a microwave, and cupboards with each employee’s name on it. This connected adjoining room is for employees to eat lunch in, and to also put their belongings in. Russell opens his personal cupboard and gr
abs his car keys and puts him in his pocket, and also grabs his briefcase.
Russell then with his briefcase in his hand, walks over to Peter’s desk one more time. Peter is still sitting at his desk. He sets his briefcase down on Peter’s desk, and Russell takes a seat in front of the desk. He then makes himself comfortable and puts his hand under his chin, assessing the entire bank at the same time. Peter who has finally wrapped everything up, opens and goes through one of the lower drawers of his desk, and pulls out a piece of paper that was a very odd drawing on it. He hands it to Russell. The drawing is of a man and a young girl with hearts drawn across it.
Russell looks at the picture and smiles. He then knowingly responds to Peter.
“Your daughter made this? This is very cute and sweet.”
Russell then hands the drawing back to Peter. To which Peter takes his glasses off and is looking down at the drawing, while still talking to Russell.
“Yeah she did. She made that for me when she was in Kindergarten. I don’t know why, but I get so emotional with this picture. I just love how detailed she drew me, and how her teacher asked her to draw the one thing she’s loves the most in the world. She decided to choose me. I kept this drawing all these years. She’s ten now. Time just flies doesn’t it?”
Russell then looks away from Peter, temporarily freezing his emotions and keeps a stoic and cold stare for a few seconds, then continuing to keep this same expression, nods his head slowly. Peter then opens the lower drawer of his desk, and puts the drawing back inside, and shuts the door. Peter then pulls his chair back and leans back and puts his hands behind his head looking up. Russell is looking down at the floor, smiling and shaking his head, he then however brings his head up and notices Peter staring into space. Russell then speaks to him.
“What are you thinking about?”.
Peter while he is still leaned back into chair, looks at Russell and tells him,
“I’m just thinking about how blessed I am to have a guy like you working for me. Russell, you are a remarkable man, you are.”.
Peter then seals his mouth and grins at Russell.
Russell once again looks away from Peter, erupts a stoic and cold look on his face for a few seconds, then looks down towards the floor and shakes his head, this time scoffing while he’s doing it.
Chapter 2
NOTHING GIVEN, NOTHING TAKEN
As the “Sunset Credit Union” is in preparation to close, emotions are winding down to suspend the business day. All the employees in the bank are anticipating about their agenda once they exit work, in addition to any plans for the weekend they may have. Putting all professional related thoughts aside, and positing themselves for the end of the shift. Having in mind that this typical Friday at the bank, is coming to an end. With everyone comfortable with the idea and notion that once work is finished, they can wind themselves down and can be satisfied to proceed with their own personal matters.
However, the mood is soon to change. There is a dark and unpleasant energy floating about. One that is sure to bring much danger and negative signals. The “Oakwood Shopping Center”, is about to be the epicenter of extreme disaster. Disaster, that not a single soul is ready and prepared to deal with. This disaster and peril is not unexpected though, as everyone in this area can sense the fear, although it is difficult for anyone to quite put their finger onto what the fear actually is. It is just very devastating and upsetting that this feeling is just overpowering the building. What is for certain is that something negative is creeping up, and it’s not something that anyone is looking forward to. This was supposed to be an ordinary typical Friday, but according to the shift and mood that lingers in the air, this might not all be the case. It is very unfortunate that anxiety has to be on high rise, and comfortable and relaxed vibes instead aren’t present. Actions do in fact speak louder than words, but due to the high anxiety which everyone inside the bank has, the actions cannot be committed. Thoughts and emotions are only available, and these thoughts and emotions people generally keep to themselves. Even though there is a disgusting surge of negative harsh energy at this point, people have to accept and deal with it. It is a harsh truth to understand but basically, it is the only thing that anyone can do. Simply conform to normality and carry on with regular routines and customs. As generally there shouldn’t be any reason to think otherwise, or to assume anything otherwise. What people feel and what emotions they have shouldn’t have any merit or any reason or rhyme, so all of that just simply has to be ignored so there isn’t any cause for concern. If only it were as simple and as smooth as that.
Rushing down the street is a white 1994 Chevy Astro van with tinted windows, including the rear window, and a tinted windscreen. The tires on the van are quite large and look brand new. There is no license plate at all on the vehicle. This van is driving very erratically and recklessly, and driving in an unsafe and unnatural fashion. Although the van is following the traffic signals for the most part, that seems to be dismissive. The driver is weaving through the road and speeding at an exorbitant rate. Other cars that are on the road are very fearful of this vehicle. They realize the person behind the wheel is either intoxicated, or they are under some type of adrenaline rush to where the safety of others isn’t their priority at all. The van continues to travel down the street making an unsafe right turn, barely sideswiping a car. It is very clear the driver of the van has his own agenda, and that particular agenda is a dangerous and disastrous one. Presenting an extreme wave of mystery, due to the ambiguity this vehicle has. The unknown is a reasonable thing to be in fear of, and this van is the unknown. The van has tinted pitch black windows; so it is impossible to see inside the van from the outside. Taking note perhaps all of that is done for good reason; as most likely the occupants of the van do not wish for any other parties to see who is inside the vehicle. Keeping in mind as well, the lack of plates on the van, as realistically there is no way to identify or place a name as to who exactly the vehicle belongs to. This is not at all a good sign to those who are in some type of unsettling feeling about this van. All of this only adds more suspicion and fear to an already boiled over pot.
The driver at this point seems to be getting impatient, almost as if they are running late for an appointment they need to attend. The van which was previously obeying traffic laws, is now running red lights, and speeding past intersections. If the driver of the van could avoid stopping at light, he would. The driver has lost all control, and it’s too much to bear.
There are two men that are inside of this van. Both of these men know each other well, and they are very close to each other. These men exterior wise seem innocent and normal enough, however that contradicts their actual true details and profile. The men inside the vehicle are dressed in rain ponchos and both wearing dark black pants. Both of their faces are concealed, with a stocking cap covering their face and mouth. There are holes in the eyes of the stocking cap, yet their eyes are also covered and hidden as they are wearing sunglasses. Over their hands, both of the men sport thick leather gloves. The men are also wearing very thick combat boots. Their attire clearly seems intimidating and serves a purpose. The purpose is so their identity is not accessible to be known to others. No other details of the men can be known, although the men are virtually similar in age and body type. The men of course are dressed to commit some type of crime, which now explains the wild behavior and antics they are exhibiting. We are dealing with two very sinister men with cruel intentions, and violent demeanors to themselves.
These men are very prolific bank robbers, and they are very skilled with their actions. Both of the men lock their heads straight ahead, and they do not stray or look away from the windscreen. During this intense moment, these two men honestly have two completely different emotions. The driver of the van is tamer, calm and determined with his actions. His hands stick to the steering wheel as if they were glued or sewn on top of it. He knows exactly what he’s doing, and how he’s going to do it. The well-being of others isn’t running p
ast this man, and he wants to focus only on what benefits him. The passenger however, is not showing an identical attitude. He seems to be timid and nervous, yet he doesn’t want the driver of the van to recognize or notice this. His legs and knees start to shake, and he starts to feel anxious on his current position. The passenger then takes his head away from facing in front of the windscreen, and turns to the face the driver, looking concerned and doubtful. The driver who is continually to drive in an outrageously manner, then directs his head and eyes away from the road, and makes eye contact with the man sitting in the co-pilot seat for a split second. The passenger awkwardly and quickly turns and faces front again, locking his view to the windscreen, not expecting the driver to notice and look at him.
A few seconds later however, the passenger feeling even more nervous and uncomfortable, glances at the driver once again. This time, expressing himself.
“Hey man, just take it easy alright? You are going way to fucking fast man, and I know we gotta do what we gotta do, but just chill it and take it down a notch.”
The driver ignores the passenger and continues his unsafe driving performance. After saying what he had to say, the passenger shakes his head and turns away from the driver and locks his view forward. Seconds after this, the van makes another sudden illegal right turn, only this time the van does in fact swipe another vehicle. The impact is not that severe, however there is significant damage to the other vehicle. The car that was hit pulls over to the side of the road, the van continues to speed past the accident scene. The passenger then turns his head to the driver once more.
Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained Page 3