Max then starts to stare at all of the guys in the room, and exclaims out to them.
“Brian told me you guys wanted to rob a bank, and I refuse to let you guys do something as crazy as that without allowing me to help you. I can give you guys guns and anything else you might need. I have a whole supply of items located in a unit, that you can walk to from here. All of it is free and no cost for you to use. This is however going to come with two requests that I ask from you all.”
Russell looks at Max very deeply, taking in everything that he is saying and listening closely. He raises his eyebrows at him. Max then continues.
“The two things that I ask for, is number one is that you all get along and you don’t betray each other. If you’re gonna do bank heists, communication and teamwork is key. If one of you doesn’t work well the others, then the whole plan is going to fail due to poor communication and interaction between you all. The results could possibly be dangerous.”
All of the men continue to listen to Max, having focused expressions.
“Number two, is that you all have to work for my office cleaning business. This isn’t up for discussion. You guys are just going to have to do that to earn my help. Also, it will help you guys learn to handle each other better. If you can’t work together cleaning office buildings, taking out trash, cleaning bathrooms, mopping and vacuuming floors, then you can’t work together and rob a bank. So I think this will work out perfect for each and every one of you.”
The guys then start to look at each other with disgust. Max continues to talk to the guys.
“From Monday to Thursday, you guys will have to clean various buildings in downtown Los Angeles from noon, to nine at night. You guys get an hour break at four, and that’s it. On Friday’s you get the day off. So you guys can plan to do the heist on a Friday.”
Russell grins at Max, and quickly responds to him.
“So, when are we going to be able to see what you have to offer to help? It sounds like we could definitely use some of what you have. Can we take a peek at it?”
Max turns to look at Brian, and while giving Russell a relaxed look, answers his question very quickly in a smooth way.
“You guys can come take a look at all of that tomorrow. It’s a big unit full of all the things you all need. I have other goodies and toys as well. You’ll have to wait and see all of that tomorrow.”
Russell runs his hand under his chin and nods his head towards Max.
“Okay, tomorrow all of us will check out your supply and see what you have. Because I have a couple guns myself, but that’s not going to be enough for all of us. So I appreciate your help. I’m not really looking forward to us having to work as janitors. But oh well.”
Kevin walks over closer to Max, and starts to ask him a question.
“Um, I have a two concerns. For starters, I wanted to know if you have anything that could disable security alarms and security cameras. This is something I think which would help us greatly.”
Max smiles at Kevin, and reassures the question that he asked.
“I believe I do. Whatever you need, I’m sure I have it, and it would be useful when you guys decide to do the bank heist. What was the other concern that you had?”
Kevin then nervously looks at Max, and continues to speak with him.
“Well, I have a side gig, I work from home working with computers and electronics. I work with both hardware and software and tech stuff like that. Do I still have to clean with the rest of the guys?
Max while giving Kevin an angry look, quickly responds to him.
“Yes you do, because I said so. All five you need to work, and all five of you need to work together with each other this way. You guys don’t have to work until noon. You can still do that earlier in the day can you not?”
Kevin leans back his head and starts to moan and groan.
“I suppose I could, but I just don’t think it’s fair I have to do this. It’s not, and I don’t feel comfortable doing that crap. Ugh, to me this is bullshit, and I don’t know why we have to do any of this. This is just complete bullshit.”
Russell walks over to Kevin and smacks him hard behind his head. He then cordially turns his head towards Max and starts to reassure him.
“That’s no problem at all. We will all show up to work without any fight or fussing or issues or problems. We can handle this just fine, and all of us will agree to do it.”
Brian then looks toward Max and beings to speak to him.
“I want to thank you Max for everything. This is truly amazing, and I want to thank you for supporting us and wanting to work with us.”
Max smiles at Brian and and pats him on the back.
“It’s fine, the pleasure is all mine, and I’m happy to do this. I understand the situation, or I wouldn’t have brought myself into it. I do have to depart now, but I wish all of you the best. I shall see all of you tomorrow. You gentleman have a good evening.”
Max then starts to shake all of the guy’s hands, and Brian starts to push Max out of the unit. Once Brian walks out of the building, Jesse and Victor creep their way back to the sofa, and watch television. Kevin who’s still standing on the other side of the room with Russell, turns his head towards his direction, and immediately starts to snap at him.
“Russ, I’m not cleaning buildings with the rest of you, and I’m not changing my mind. I just don’t want to do any of that. I have my own business, so let me do that.”
Russell gives Kevin an agitated look, and responds to him very sharply.
“Well too bad Kev, you’re going to have to suck it up and do it. If you were truly my friend, you would agree to do it, and not whine and bitch like you’re doing right now Kev. Every other guy didn’t whine, but you did. You need to get with the program Kev if you want to ride with us. It’s not going to hurt you to mop floors and take out trash Kev. Stop playing yourself.”
Kevin walks over to the sofa areas shaking his head, and responds to Russell.
“Okay Russ, I’ll do it. But I can’t promise you I’m not gonna continue to be mad about it. This isn’t something I’m thrilled about. That’s just me Russ. Come on, you know I’m fussy.”
Russell then smiles and pats Kevin on the back. They both then join the rest of the guys on the sofa areas. The men continue to watch the television, waiting for Brian to come back. Russell and Kevin continue to look at “Family Guy”, laughing at it. A few minutes later, Brian returns. He opens up the unit door and after shutting and locking it, quickly runs over to the sofa area with the other guys to ask them a question.
“It occurred to me just now, that we should probably call this ‘Home Base’. I mean, if we’re gonna be a heist team, we have to have a safe haven right? Why can’t this be it? This is where we all would gather when we need to discuss business, or whenever something goes down. We all have our own lives yes, but this is our safe spot. This will be our hub I guess.”
Brian looks over at the rest of the men, who are each taking in what he just said with very thoughtful looks on their faces. They remain quiet for a while, then Brian continues.
“So, is that cool with you guys? This will be our safe house. Our secret hangout where we all can be in private and deal with each other. Again, if something were to happen or whatever to where we are separated, we are to always meet up back here. I just want to make sure everyone understands this and we are all clear. This will be called ‘Home Base.’”
The rest of the guys each agree, and they all shake each other’s hand in agreement. Brian then gets up from the sofa area with his hands in his pockets, walking around the unit pacing. He then turns his head towards Russell who’s watching the television and speaks out loud to him.
“So, if we have to work Monday through Thursday, that means we would have to do the heist, on a Friday. So that’s already one major development out of the way. I know we have a long way to go with planning and everything. But we’ve covered that part already.”
Kevin then while sit
ting at the sofa area, makes a disgusted face at Brian and attacks him.
“Wait, hold on. We only have to work on from noon to nine. Banks are open before noon, and we can strike then. Wouldn’t that make sense? I think it does. I mean we have more time and all day to plan on Fridays, but I don’t know, I think we can pull it off if we do it early.”
Brian then leers at Kevin for a while, having an expression of disagreement. Brian then continues to walk around the room looking flustered before coming up with an idea.
“Alright, we’ll just take a vote. Anybody who wants us to do the heist in the morning during Monday through Friday, raise your hand right now.”
The only person who raises their hand is Kevin. Who then lowers his hand, while making a disappointed face immediately after. Kevin then grumbles under his breath something.
“Again, I’m always fenced in. Nobody ever listens to me or takes my ideas. It’s like you guys don’t even want me in the group anymore. What the fuck?”
Russell with his head directed at the television, responds to Kevin.
“Kev, knock it off. You know we need you in our group. Friday is the most logical option giving our circumstances. Working as janitors, it will give us a chance to talk and plan more and gain rapport with each other Kev. We’ll use your ideas later buddy. Don’t feel like that Kev.”
Kevin looks at Russell and gives him a grin. He turns his head towards the television. They all remain silent for a while, but Kevin then decides to reply to Russell.
“You’re right Russ, and thanks for cheering me up man. Everything is just happening so fast and so sudden man. That’s probably what the problem is. We are storming up all of these ideas and plans and everyone is on board with stuff, and I don’t know. I got caught up with all of that, and we need to discuss and compromise over these things more as a collective group.”
Victor who’s looking down on the ground, agrees with Kevin.
“Yeah this is happening way too fast, and I’m already starting to doubt everything. I only met you guys today, and already we’re talking about this stuff. I mean, I live in my car, and I don’t know who any of you fucking guys are. This doesn’t seem right, and all of us are crazy as hell and lunatics. I need a smoke. Can we all go out for a smoke break please?”
Brian while looking at Victor, pulls a pack of cigarettes out from his pocket. He then hands the pack to Victor, and starts to walk towards the door, talking to him.
“Call I call you Vic? Is that alright? Vic, it’s okay man. Most of us are strangers and getting to know each other. Sooner or later, everyone will be familiar with everyone. Don’t worry man, don’t feel that way. You can take as many cig breaks as you want man, and you can also sleep here during the nights. It’s fine.”
Victor gives Brian eye contact, slightly frowning. He then whispers out to him.
“Yeah, you can call me Vic, or you can call me Romero. But I prefer Victor. Also, thank you for letting me stay here, I appreciate it. I don’t mind sleeping in my car, but this is very nice of you to do that, and I’m very thankful that you are allowing me to stay.”
Brian walks over to Victor and pats him on his shoulder. He continues to talk to him.
“There is a shower here too man, if you want to take a shower you can. I don’t mind you staying here at all. You’re one of us and a part of our group. We all have to stick together.”
Victor starts to give Brian a weak smile. Brian smiles back at Victor. Brian then directs his attention to all of the guys in the room, and shouts out to them.
“You all want to step outside for a smoke? Might as well.”
All of the men agree, and they prepare to step outside to smoke a cigarette. Kevin shuts the television set off, and they all walk outside. The night sky is dark, and there are many stars above. The moon is shining bright, and the air is very warm with a slight breeze. All five men gather outside of the warehouse unit, and start to smoke a cigarette. Kevin takes a puff of his cigarette, and notices Russell is staring down at the ground. He taps his shoulder to get his attention, and starts to talk to him very softly.
“So Russ, you think by next Friday we’ll be ready by then? I think so. I think the quicker we do it, the better. The longer we wait to plan; I think we might change our minds by then.”
Russell continues to stare down towards the ground, firing back at Kevin.
“Kev, let’s talk about all that later. Tomorrow maybe. We all came out here to take a smoke and just to relax and gather our minds. We can deal with that a little later.”
Kevin looks away from Russell and takes another puff of his cigarette. He quickly takes another look at Russell, then whispers a reply towards him.
“Okay Russ, I won’t mention anything related to that. My bad man.”
Russell laughs at him and takes a puff of his cigarette. Jesse while smoking his cigarette, starts to profile Victor who’s scratching his arms for whatever reason. He notices that the top of Victor’s arms has healed self-harm scars on them. He can see them from under the sleeve of his shirt. Jesse upon realizing that, begins to feel sad for him, and frowns. Brian is looking down towards the ground, being silent walking with his hands in his pockets. Russell looks up and watches him. With his eyes still focused on Brian, Kevin taps on Russell again.
“Russ, can I spend the night at your place tonight?”
Russell to shut Kevin up, quickly responds to him, while he’s still looking at Brian.
“Yeah Kev, whatever you want man. Yes. Whatever.”
Brian then continues to look down towards the ground roaming and waddling around with his hands in his pockets. He looks up towards the other guys and speaks to them.
“You know what guys, let’s call it a night? Alright. Regroup tomorrow?”
Russell then looks up at Brian and smiles at him. He quickly responds.
“Okay, yeah let’s call it quits. Me, Kev and Jesse will meet you and Victor in the morning, and we’ll take it from there. I’m getting very tired too. So, that’s gonna be it.”
Brian smiles at Russell. Brian then walks over to Russell, giving him a very strong hug. He then starts to softly whisper something into his ear.
“You’re a good man. Thank you again for giving me another chance. I guess I’m lucky you’re crazy like me, or else I probably wouldn’t have gotten that chance, but thanks a lot man.”
While he’s still hugging Brian, Russell also whispers something into his ear.
“I don’t want to put the blame entirely on you. I don’t feel that the whole thing is fully your fault, so I don’t think it’s fair to only attack you. I have faith in you, and I trust you too.”
Brian smiles at him and the both of them separate from each other. Brian then walks over to Kevin and starts to shake his hand. He begins to talk to him as well.
“It was nice meeting you Kevin. You’re a hyper guy and you don’t know when to quit. You have a nice sense of humor though, and I like that about you; that’s a good thing.”
Kevin laughs, rubs the back of his head and responds to Brian.
“Aww, thanks man. It was nice meeting you too Brian. I really like this pad and secret hideaway you have. I have to get me one of these someday I suppose. Nice meeting you.”
Following that, Brian walks over to Jesse and shakes his hand. Jesse smiles at Brian for a few seconds and they remain quiet looking at each other, then Brian decides to talk to Jesse.
“It was nice to meet you Jesse. You’re an interesting guy, and you seem much more level headed than the rest of us. I feel as though you have witnessed a lot harsh stuff, and you still stay strong. It was nice meeting you and I’ll see you later man.”
Jesse then responds to Brian while smiling at him.
“I’m trying to be more observant and take everything in. I’m a more sensitive type of guy and I guess you’re right, I deal with it that way. Thank you for everything Brian.”
Brian then smiles at Jesse, and he walks away. All of the guys then stand together
outside in silence for a few minutes continuing to smoke their cigarettes. The silence is clearly interrupted when a strange occurrence happens. Victor remaining distant from the group with his head still down smoking his cigarette, begins to have an episode. Victor starts screaming out loud to himself. While he’s screaming, he takes his hands, and rubs them on the back of his neck very vigorously. Russell, Brian and Jesse watch him in shock and are speechless. However, when Kevin notices this, he immediately unintendedly starts to laugh hysterically and loudly. He then turns his head towards Russell to whisper to him.
“Russ, this guy is nuts. Wow. What is wrong with him? Poor guy.”
The rest of the men watch, as Victor begins to get himself together. Victor notices that everyone is watching him, and starts to laugh. He then starts to talk while laughing.
“I’m sorry guys, that was just a tension breaker. I usually do those like once a week. That was my weekly one, and I can’t control them. Honestly you guys. I should have said something and warned you guys that it was coming, and I was gonna do that. I’m not used to being around this many people, so it never dawned on me. Sorry. I’ll warn you guys next time. I’m so sorry. Now you guys know, and it’s no big deal right?
The rest of the guys look at him in silence for a few seconds, then they all support him, and exclaim remarks that show that they agree and understand the situation. Victor then finishes his cigarette and while looking down, and walks into “Home Base”. The rest of the guys continue to stay outside during this time. Russell starts to worry about Victor, and wonders how his mental capacity will play a role from this point forward. He still doesn’t know much about him, and his history. Russell doesn’t want to immediately rush to snap judgments about him either. He ignores that situation for now, and gives Victor the benefit of the doubt. Brian then proceeds to dismiss himself from the group, and tells everyone goodbye.
“Well, what just happened was very interesting. I don’t know what that was about, but I’m gonna try to talk to him and find out. He’s gonna be staying with me anyways, so might as well pick at him. Goodnight gentlemen, see you all in the morning.”
Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained Page 24