Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

by Brennen Tammons

  They all then proceed to walk out of “Home Base”, and follow Max around a short distance towards another warehouse unit. Once they arrive there, Max gives Brian a key. While Brian is unlocking the door to the unit, he then turns to the rest of the guys, and speaks to them.

  “You guys are going to have to copy that key so that each of you will have one, and will be able to get in here whenever you want. I’m afraid I don’t have any additional copies.”

  The rest of the guys nod their heads to agree, as Brian begins to unlock the unit. Upon entering, they all assess the contents inside. The unit which is considerably smaller than “Home Base”, but still a reasonably big warehouse unit, contains a driveway space that has a black passenger van, many automatic machine rifles, handguns, smoke bombs, grenades, detonation devices, and other artillery ammunition. There are also industrial drills, sledgehammers, walkie talkies, wireless security alarm detectors, and many disguises and clothes used to conceal identity. Max then talks to the other men who are continuing to observe the unit.

  “All of these items and tools are yours. I’m sure they will be of much help to you. This is as far as I can offer though. The rest of the choices will be up to all of you.”

  Russell turns his head towards Max, and responds to him.

  “This is perfect, and yes this will help us a lot. Thank you very much.”

  Max smiles back at him, and Kevin then starts to talk to Max.

  “I’m going to try to work on those alarm detectors. I can most likely connect them to my laptop, and they might be very useful to disable silent alarms in the banks. I can also use the same wireless software to plant the detonators as well, to act as a distraction or diversion.”

  Kevin was extremely skilled in this department, and felt this would possibly be his biggest contribution towards the group. Brian looks over at the black van, and starts to speak.

  “I don’t know how many getaway cars we would need, but I suggest we use more than one. Kevin can use that black van to do all the tech stuff in there. It’s not a registered car, so it’s okay. I can get more vehicles if need be, so you can leave that all to me.”

  Victor stars to walk around the unit, and notices the industrial drills. He begins to talk.

  “These are interesting, and I don’t know if we are going to use them, but these are very interesting tools. They might turn out be beneficial for us.”

  Jesse walks around the building, and starts to offer his opinion.

  “It’s unbelievable how we are actually going to go through with this, but we are all prepared at this point. We have all our tools, so this is good.”

  All of the men continue to walk around the building for a few minutes. Max then speaks.

  “Okay gentlemen, I’m going to retire now and I’ve hope that you guys are satisfied with this. Remember, Monday, you guys start your first day of work in exchange for allowing me to help you. I know you guys don’t work until noon, but because Monday will be your first day, I want all of you to show up here in front of this unit at 10 A.M. I have stuff to run by all of you. Wear something comfortable, and something you’re not afraid to get dirty, and something to clean in. It’s very important for you to not be late. I shall see all of you later.”

  Brian then looks at all the guys, and starts to shout out to them.

  “Alright guys, I’m gonna go back to my pad. You guys can stick around if you want, but make sure you lock up when you’re all done and all set. Okay. Here you go Russell.”

  Brian throws Russell the key to the unit, and also a spare key to “Home Base”, and Russell catches them. Immediately after, Brian and Max leave the unit together. The other guys stay inside assessing it. Kevin starts to walk around the unit more, and then turns his head towards Russell, speaking at him with much excitement and happiness.

  “This is so awesome Russ. We are really kicking it into overdrive now. Yeah.”

  Russell smiles at Kevin, and walks around the unit. Russell is becoming more confident towards his plans to commit the heist. They have instruments now in order to successfully help them through a task such as that. He is grateful that Max offered to put his profile on the line, for the rest of them. A little part of him starts to worry about the dangers of proceeding. The chance of himself or other members of his circuit getting hurt, or getting into trouble. He feels slightly more at ease that they have tools to make their crusade easier.

  Russell believes he has gone too far at this point to give up. His adrenaline rush is at a high level for him to quit, and to change his mind now. He plans for this time next week, next Friday in fact, for all of them to commit the heist. Russell continues to walk around the building, gazing at the different materials. He is then interrupted when Kevin taps him on his shoulder to ask him a question.

  “Russ, we have to copy those keys huh? Why don’t we go to the hardware store right now and get copies? Because I know you Russ. You’ll say we’ll do it later, and we don’t.”

  Russell then smiles and laughs at Kevin and pats the back of his shoulder.

  “Alright Kev, you’re right. Let’s get this done now. Let’s go get copies of the key.”

  The men all leave the building, locking the unit as they leave. Victor heads back to “Home Base”, and Russell, Kevin and Jesse then travel to the nearest hardware store. They arrive, and make an additional copies of the key to the “Home Base” unit, and an additional copies of the key to the other unit. Russell hands Kevin and Jesse one each. Russell then returns back to “Home Base”, and gives Brian and Victor copies of the keys. Russell then starts to talk to all the other four guys.

  “With these keys, these are just in case we get separated and have to end back either here, or at the other unit. Only in case of emergencies and things like that.”

  The rest of the guys nod their heads and agree with him. Right after this Russell, Kevin and Jesse say goodbye to Brian and Victor, and they leave “Home Base”. Russell drops Kevin off at his residence, and then proceeds to his home with Jesse. When he gets inside his apartment, Russell starts to feel extremely tired for some reason. Jesse goes over to the sofa area and turns the television on. He begins to watch “The People’s Court”. Russell starts to feel fatigued and lethargic. He struggles to walk. Feeling out of it, he begins to talk to Jesse.

  “Jesse, I’m just feeling tired. I’m gonna go and take a nap.”

  Jesse looks away from the television, and is concerned about Russell’s current condition.

  “Russell, do you need me to get you something? Are you alright?”

  Russell continues to struggle to walk and speak. He responds to Jesse.

  “Yeah I’m fine, I’m going to go and get some rest, that’s all. You can chill out here if you want, I don’t care. I’m just don’t feel okay right now. I don’t know.”

  Jesse continues to worry about Russell, and goes over to feel his forehead. He notices it feels slightly warm. Jesse then asks Russell a question.

  “You probably caught a cold or something Russell. You have any Dayquil or Tylenol?”

  Russell nods his head, and tells Jesse to go in the medicine cabinet in the bathroom. Jesse gives Russell a glass of water and some of the medicine. Russell then goes into the bedroom and falls asleep. Jesse’s assentation was correct; Russell did catch a cold somehow. For the next few days, he tried his best to fight it by remaining in bed. Knowing that he and the rest of the guys had to report to work for Max on Monday morning, he has to get himself together by then.

  Monday morning arrives for all the men to start their first day of work. Russell slowly wakes feeling very nervous and not very optimistic on what the day will bring. His cold has finally subsided, but he still feels slightly woozy from the effects. He peeks out his bedroom curtains, and notices that today is a very cloudy and hazy overcast day. That already makes him feel more glum than he already is. He looks at his alarm clock on the side of the bed, and it’s showing that it’s 8 A.M. Jesse is still resting, but Russell goes into the
bathroom to take a shower. After departing from the shower, he returns to the bedroom to put on a white graphic hoodie, and some black sweatpants and white New Balance tennis shoes. After dressing, he wakes Jesse up. Jesse also starts to get himself ready.

  Russell walks into the kitchen and makes himself a cup of coffee to spark himself up. He puts the coffee in his travel mug and sets it on the counter. Jesse at this time is getting dressed. He decides to wear a red graphic t shirt, grey sweat pants with some Vans shoes. The both of them put their sunglasses on, Russell gets his coffee mug, and they then head over to Kevin’s residence to pick him up. Kevin is wearing an old beat up blue T-Shirt, some black sweatpants and white sneakers. Kevin gets into Russell’s car and greets them in a very cheerful and perky voice.

  “Morning Russ, Morning Jess. I’m not happy about today, we have to clean buildings, but I guess it’s not that bad. It’s not like none of us having nothing to do.”

  Russell laughs at Kevin, and Russell takes a sip of from his coffee mug.

  “Kev, that wasn’t what you were saying before. You were the main one complaining and trying to hassle your way out of doing the work. Now you’re all happy about it? Please Kev.”

  Kevin starts to bite his fingers, and looks out the window. He then responds to Russell.

  “Well that was then, this is now Russ. I changed my mind. I’m gonna deal with it.”

  Russell laughs at Kevin. They proceed towards the unit near “Home Base”. They arrive there at nine thirty, slightly before the time Max told them to be there which was at ten. Russell, Kevin and Jesse, notice Brian and Victor standing outside looking tired. Brian is wearing a white polo shirt with black denim jeans. Victor is wearing a white plain t shirt with khaki pants. All of the men start to greet each other, and Brian gives out a remark.

  “I’m surprised that everyone is here. Well, I don’t know if surprised is the right word, I guess I wasn’t expecting for everyone to show up I guess. I don’t know. But we’re all here.”

  The rest of the guys ignore Brian, and they give him very agitated looks. The men continue to wait outside the unit, until 10 A.M. finally approaches. Max appears in his wheelchair. He starts to look at all the of the guys, and begins to laugh. He then speaks.

  “You guys are all present, and on time. Great. That’s the hard part over already. Everything else for today, is going to come easy and smooth. Alright. I’m going to give a set of keys; and no, you can’t copy these; and two guide binders to both Russell and Brian. The rest of you will have to borrow these items if you need to use them, or ask Russell and Brian.”

  Max then hands the set of keys and binders to Russell and Brian.

  “The keys are to unlock the office buildings you guys have to clean. The guide binders tell you what keys unlock which building, safety regulations, if one of you gets in contact with chemicals, and a to-do list. All items must be completed before you guys lock up for the night.”

  Russell and Brian then start to skim through the binders, as Max continues explaining.

  “I decided to give Russell and Brian the keys and the binders, because I only have two sets of keys, and I only have two of the guide binders. I gave them to the two guys whom I felt were the most responsible to be in charge of them. But all five of you can read the guide and use the keys. It’s really important that you guys do not lose them. I don’t have replacements.”

  After skimming through the binders, Russell and Brian close them. Max continues to talk.

  “Well, I guess that’s about it. Now all of you get to work. The guide tells you which buildings you guys clean each day. So I wish you guys all the best. Catch all of you later.”

  Max then departs from the area. Brian skims the guide again, and starts to speak.

  “Okay, so on Mondays and Tuesdays, we have to clean the “Wittberg Law Offices” on 7th St.; On Wednesdays and Thursdays, we have to clean the “Porter Professional Building” on Flower St; Alright. Victor you can ride with me; Russell I’ll meet you there by twelve. Okay.”

  The men then follow each other on their way to the “Wittberg Law Offices”. They reach the surrounding area an hour before they are scheduled, at eleven. They all take advantage of this extra time, by going to McDonalds drive thru for lunch. After leaving the McDonalds, the men reach the building. Russell and Brian park in the indoor parking structure of the building they are going to be cleaning. Russell, Kevin and Jesse eat in Russell’s car. Brian eats with Victor in his car. While they are all eating, Kevin decides to ask Russell a question.

  “So Russ, you still want to do the heist this Friday? Is that still okay for you?”

  Russell who is eating, and doesn’t really wish to be bothered by Kevin, responds roughly.

  “Yeah, I guess Kev. We can do it this Friday. We have to plan fast, but I think it’s possible if we all work together and stay focused. I already have a few locations to consider.”

  Kevin eats more of his food, and continues to talk with Russell.

  “Okay Russ, that sounds good. I only wanted to make sure, and thanks for updating me.”

  Russell tilts his head down, puts his hand over his face, and shakes his head.

  “No problem Kev. Don’t worry about it anything man, everything is going to be fine.”

  The men start wrapping up eating their food, as they continue to wait until it is time for them to work. Russell looks at the clock on his dashboard and it’s a quarter until noon. He gets out of his vehicle, and heads over to Brian’s car. He knocks on his window and speaks to him.

  “So, do we go in now? I think this is the right time, wanted to make sure with you first.”

  Brian looks around, and rubs his hand over his neck looking as if he were unsure. He and Victor then get out of the car. Brian then confirms with Russell.

  “I think so. By the time we get on the elevator and check in, it shouldn’t be too early. I don’t think they would care if we started to clean a few minutes early.”

  Russell nods his head, and he directs himself to his car to alert Kevin and Jesse. They get out of Russell’s car, and Russell then locks the doors. All five of them proceed towards the elevator in the parking lot, to get inside the building. Once they are inside, they officially start to work. Each of the guys must figure out which man will do which task, at which time. They have until noon until nine to finish all their tasks, and they get an hour break at four. Each building they have to clean, has ten floors. They must find a way to alternate, or find some type of system to get the tasks done. The tasks they have to do are as follows. Each floor has two restrooms, meaning twenty toilets in total. They must be kept clean and tidy at all times. The bathrooms must also be stocked and maintained. Soap in the dispensers must also be filled. Trash must also be emptied regularly. Trash cans are in hallways, lobbies, offices, in conference rooms, the restrooms, copy rooms and breakrooms. They typically have to be checked every two hours, and the trash bag must also be replaced. Trash must be emptied in trash bins that each guy must wheel around. The trash bins can be emptied in the dumpers in the parking structure on the bottom level to get rid of. Lobbies, hallways, breakrooms and copy rooms must always be vacuumed and mopped. They can only vacuum and mop private offices from five until nine.

  The first floor must be power mopped every night, and this should typically be the final task. Once all their tasks are finished for the day, they must turn off the lights, and lock the doors. The first, fifth, and tenth floor of the buildings contains a supply closet, with their tools and materials. Each building, although located on two different streets in walking distance of each other, are owned by the same company. Thus, the layouts and floor plans of the building are very identical and look exactly the same as far as design and structure. The buildings give a professional and new age modernized theme to them. Both of the buildings are for professional business law firms, and legal businesses.

  The men quickly decide that each man will be in charge of cleaning two floors for both buildings. Brian wil
l clean floors one and two, Russell will clean floors three and four. Jesse will clean floors five and six, Kevin will clean floors seven and eight, and Victor will clean floors nine and ten. They will also be in charge of the trash and other duties, including nighttime duties and cleaning private rooms. Once they are all done, Brian will lock down floors one through five, and Russell will lock floors six through ten. The men promptly get to work. Russell thinks to himself that just a couple weeks ago, he was a manager at a bank. Now he’s cleaning office buildings. Although, he has had to do similar cleaning work like this in the past. Russell had a part time job as a busboy at a Greek restaurant when he was in High School. He doesn’t complain due to that, and rather get the work done, than to complain and be angry about it. Jesse has had jobs to where he had to clean up after other people, so this wasn’t new to him. Kevin used to have a job as a janitor before, and he didn’t care for it. This explains why he wasn’t thrilled to be doing this with the rest of the guys. However, Kevin quickly accepted himself into doing the tasks, and he is now comfortable. Brian has worked a cleaning job before, but it’s not the type of work he prefers to do. He still stays positive about it. Victor has worked as a janitor, and as a maintenance man many times before. So all of this is second nature for him. Out of all the guys, he is the most experienced and most comfortable at cleaning. The men continue to do their tasks, even though many of them are starting to feel slightly exhausted. Being their first day, this is quite a lot to get accustomed to. Despite that, they are managing quite well. They strive through above all of that.

  Jesse who has his headphones on listening to music on his phone, goes to the supply closet which contains all of their cleaning tools. He walks in to get a vacuum, to start vacuuming the hallways and the lobby. After turning the vacuum on, it cuts off after a few seconds. The vacuum is out of commission, and won’t work. Jesse heads up to tenth floor supply closet, with intentions to grab a replacement vacuum located there. However, Victor stops Jesse, and asks him what he’s doing. Jesse explains the situation. Victor somehow manages to fix the vacuum Jesse was using. Jesse returns to the fifth floor to continue his task, without any further issues.