Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained

by Brennen Tammons

  Kevin quits the detonation software, and leaves the video feed turned on. He turns his head to look at Russell, and pulls out a large bag of “Famous Amos” cookies from his computer case, and begins to eat some of them. He turns his head towards Russell again and laughs at him. Russell looks at the video feed, and he asks Brian to move his head slightly upright to the ceiling. Brian heard Russell through the earpiece, and he does. Russell notices that as he was examining the video feed, for whatever reason, this bank mostly has their security cameras positioned towards the vault. There is only one camera positioned at an interesting location by the tellers, and one camera by the entrance. Russell is then immediately reminded, that this terrible camera setup is similar to that at the “Sunset Credit Union.” Kevin eats some more cookies, then taps Russell on the shoulder asking if he wants some. Russell laughs at him and eats some of the cookies. Kevin reaches behind the rear seat. He then sticks the bag of cookies out to Jesse and Victor, grunting to get their attention. They both eat some of the cookies and thank Kevin. Brian continues to wait in line to see the teller, and the men continue to watch the feed. Finally, Brian makes it to the teller, and they get a good view of this area. Russell quickly begins to scan through this area. Taking note of how the bank drawers are set up, and where the cash carts are. Jesse and Victor continue to watch the feed, also taking in their own personal observations. Russell is easily able to deduce from his past experience as a bank manager, the relatively easy difficulty it would be to commit this heist. He begins to laugh to himself, and he then turns to speak to Kevin.

  “This is going to a be so easy Kev. We might not score that big no, but as far as this being our first hit together as a team, we got this man. This bank is just basically begging to be robbed, it’s not funny. I thought my bank was bad. Wow. I’m happy to see this man.”

  Kevin eats a few more of the cookies, and turns his head to laugh at Russell.

  “Yeah Russ, I trust your knowledge of this stuff man. I have a good feeling about this, and I don’t see any reason why we won’t do this heist with flying colors man. This is gonna be good. I can’t wait until Friday Russ. We are going to do our first heist man. Yes.”

  Russell turns his head away from the video feed, and looks out the windshield, into the distance. He starts to smile to himself, feeling very confident and overthrown with excitement and success. Brian is finished doing his business at the teller, and is now walking back to the car. Kevin proceeds to close the camera feed software, and shuts down his computer. Brian approaches the car, and begins to the take the glasses off. Brian then looks at Kevin, and starts to laugh. This also causes Kevin to laugh as well, still unaware to what Brian is laughing at. Kevin then looks at Russell who’s also laughing. The laugh seems to be very infectious, as Jesse and Victor laugh as well. Kevin then finally asks Brian what’s funny.

  “Man, why are you laughing? What do you know, that we don’t know?”

  Brian continues to laugh, but at this time the rest of the guys don’t find the suspense funny anymore, and actually want to know why Brian is laughing. He then responds.

  “Kevin, those glasses actually shocked me quite a few times, and it hurt like hell. I don’t know how you knew they were gonna do that, probably because you used them before, and that’s what happened. I was just a man about it, and suffered through with it. I found that funny that’s all.”

  Kevin looks at Brian with a disgusted look and shakes his head at him. Brian hands Kevin the glasses, and Brian then talks to Russell.

  “Alright Russell. You saw what you needed to see, right man? So we’re all set. I think we’ll do fine Friday. Now come on, we’re almost running late for work.”

  Russell nods his head at Brian, and Brian walks towards his car. Victor stays in Russell’s car. Both Russell and Brian drive off, heading towards the “Wittberg Law Offices”, so they can start their work day.

  Chapter 13

  NOTHING EASY, NOTHING HARD

  After mapping out their plan of attack for the upcoming heist, all of the guys return to work. Casing the bank gave them a great confidence boost, and their findings were more than satisfactory for them. Obtaining that information, allowed them to be prepared for when the day actually comes. When it comes to this heist, they only have once change to do it, and only one opportunity to do it correctly. Should a mistake or mishap occur, that would of course be a disaster. The chance of them also getting caught or thwarted by the police is also a chance. Due to how well they schemed the whole ordeal, this doesn’t bother to be likely in their mind. They carefully orchestrated a clear objective to their heist on Friday, that they no longer feel nervous about what they are going to do. Having all of their tools ready and available, and having enough men to carry out the job as well. There is no need to go over anymore preparation.

  The men go back to the office building, and resume their cleaning responsibilities. Yet the thought of the heist floats in their mind. Over the course next few days, the men continue to work as normal, waiting until Friday approaches. The heist remains only a short while away. The days leading up to Friday, pass on rather quickly. The men stick to their regular routine. Keeping a low profile to themselves. Not getting into any trouble or doing any bad deeds. The men are currently holding two different faces to themselves. One face puts on a normal act. They go to work and clean the buildings regularly, without any hassle. The other side shows a vindictive evil passion to themselves. So powerful, it causes them to want to commit a bank heist. Mentally, these guys know how to make their motives ambiguous, and to trick others into thinking they don’t have cruel intentions. These men are currently under heavy mental instability. Their choices are not very logical ones, but choices made on personal vindictiveness.

  Their planning stage is finished, and they now wait until the day comes for them to act on the heist. The men are all come into the heist with different thoughts, but generally everyone has the same feeling of wanting to accomplish the bank job. Working together for this particular event. An event, which to many people would be considered very heinous. These five men are here for each other, and they wouldn’t dare betray themselves to the group. They have come much too far to do that. These men desire success. Being with four other men who also feel oppressed towards how the world operates, it enables them to pursue their hidden dreams.

  The wait is perhaps about to pay off. The day of the heist, happens to be today. It is finally Friday, and all of the guys are ready for the heist. All the events which lead before today, will come together at this very moment. The time has definitely come for everyone involved to perform well. It would be unfortunate that despite all the plans they hatched, for things to not go as planned. These men have no choice but to work in harmony towards each other. It is vital and crucial for them to not make any mistakes, and to give their absolute best. However dangerous and chilling their actions may be, especially considering the fact they are about to rob a bank. They must not buckle under the pressure. All of the men involved with this heist serve a purpose, and serve a meaning to complete the goal. Realizing their full and absolute potential, is the key for them to reap success. Every single one of the men, start to profile himself.

  Russell feels secure between himself and the rest of the guys. He was a past bank manager, now about to turn the tables on his past professional life and rob a bank. The man who devoted his whole life to the professional word of finance, now no longer gives a damn, and turns his self-pity, into desire and power. The day to commit the heist has approached, and they must do what they have to do. Russell already has his agenda made up, and he is going to get what he wants.

  One of his main priorities and goals, were to establish and get together a team that he trusted enough. Now that he was developed that team, the rest he feels should come very simple and easy. This was originally just a thought and suggestion that he had, now coming into immediate effect. His emotions were most likely broken from that day at the “Sunset Credit Union”, and Russell no lon
ger feels ashamed. He beats a different drum towards life.

  He has done all of the preparing and planning leading up to it. Russell understands the potential chance of dangerous results and consequences this heist may bring, but his confidence makes him forget about those potentials. He doesn’t wish to consider himself the leader or captain of the group, but this was originally his own idea. In an act to rebel, going forward with the heists. Honestly, it was a mere comedic suggestion he had, a coping skill to use after his traumatic experience at the “Sunset Credit Union”. That idea became a quick ambition towards his. A possibly dangerous aspiration he thought about, that he is soon about to make reality. Russell is strong enough to deal with this madness, or else he wouldn’t’ have taken it to this level. This is something he wants very badly, and he refuses to give up. Russell right now, believes the sky is the limit and if they put their minds to it, they will win.

  Kevin feels energetic towards the heist. He’s a guy that is simply into computers and technology, using that to gain an advantage over others. Especially when it comes to criminal activity. Being Russell’s best friend, he wants to do his very best towards this mission they are on. His computer skills should come in handy, and offer a boost towards their heist. Kevin has a humorous personality about himself, but when the action finally presents itself, he morphs into a completely different persona. He stays concentrated and motivated. This can be a good and also a bad thing for Kevin, as his personality adapts to whatever decisions he wishes to make. Kevin not only wants to make himself happy, but Russell happy as well. This moment is his chance to do his part, and make the team thrive towards completing the heist. Kevin does have doubts, but he is doing a good job of concealing and hiding them. Using his wonderful sense of humor, to level out any stress he may be approached with. Laughter after all is the best medicine, especially under thrilling circumstances such as this. Kevin’s will and bravery is his biggest trait to gaining victory towards the heist.

  Jesse feels at times he’s misplaced between himself and the rest of the guys, yet understands that he is welcomed. Being a bank teller who was involved in a violent bank heist, being blessed that Russell is the man he found salvation towards. He has self-worth issues, to where he feels he’s not good enough. Jesse starts to compare himself to the other guys. Being a gay black man, Jesse feels he needs to try twice as hard to earn his position as a member of the group, and to prove not only himself wrong, but others wrong as well.

  What makes Jesse continue, is if the other guys accept his wild personality, he should be proud and accept himself as well. Jesse is scared somewhat, as he’s going against the grain of society. He’s using all of his hardships he was presented with in his life, to move forward. Jesse believes in himself, and starts to appreciate how he’s unique in his own right. His purpose is very meaningful towards the group. Jesse tries to break the barrier between what people expect for him, and what he actually wants to accomplish. He believes he is neglected in life. Not knowing where he belongs at times. Jesse feels he is owed happiness in his life. He wants to be powerful.

  Brian feels that he has a competitive edge towards himself, mainly due to his experiences that he has faced in his life. Although he has robbed two banks before, that’s not the person he actually is or wants to be. He’s only agreeing to do heist, to offer his services to Russell. Turning to crime for opportunity, to better his personal life. Brian enjoys finding ways to mastermind others, like how poker players do. He acts on impulse very much, and his impulsivity can lead to negative effects. Brian feels remorse for his actions, as he isn’t a violent man. He is a man that acts on ambition and opportunity. Being part of this group, he’s adapting himself to become a more team oriented person. Brian wants to show that he’s a kind heart, not letting his persuasive ways fool or trick other people into thinking he’s evil.

  He is definitely a changed man. Brian wants to immerse himself in more positive situations and interactions. Straying himself away from positions with negative people. Brian has found peace in this group. He has a gentle and positive heart, yet makes the mistake of being surrounded by ignorance and negativity. Brian believes that he can triumph over all of that, and dominate.

  Victor feels unsure and insecure of himself, but he doesn’t wish to let any of that destroy or break him. Victor wanted to rob a bank to better himself, and to find an easy way for him to be happy. He never envisioned that he would find a group that supported him. The bullying and teasing he has been faced with in his past, agitates and fuels his fire for him to act the way he currently does. He is tired of not being included or understood, and it takes a toll on his lifestyle. Victor turns to reckless behavior to distract the isolation he’s always seems to encounter. He struggles talking to other people and expressing his actual feelings in a proper manner.

  Victor then surrounds himself towards a vortex of self-hate. This heist is basically all he has left in his life, regardless of the outcome, or what what may come after. Victor feels he doesn’t deserve anymore of that foolishness in his life. Sick of being labeled as a freak or creep or a horror movie monster. This seems to be a chance for him to shine, and turn all of the terrible perceptions of him around. Victor has nothing to lose, but a lot to gain from being in this group, so he moves ahead with all of that in mind.

  The day of the heist is here, and these five men are about to do something very criminal and sinister. To others, this is just a typical Friday afternoon. The sun is shining bright, and the sky is blue and clear. The weather is fair and warm; this is perfection as far as climate is concerned. To these five men, this is not a typical Friday. Today will be one of those days that they will remember quite well in their lives. The day they all banded together as a group, and ventured out their first heist. This morning, they all woke up with a burst of energy. They are going to need a lot of it for today, as they are about to approach a crucial situation. Today will be a day in which they outlaw the world. The guys do not wish to turn violent at all. They are going to be using guns, which are going to be loaded. However, this is for their protection, and to be used as a scare measure.

  They don’t plan to shoot or hurt anyone at all. They also understand that if they are to get accosted by police or law enforcement, whatever a certain guy does, is strictly on him. If they are smart and clever enough, they won’t get caught. This heist isn’t necessarily for the money or financial gain, but knowing they beat the government in successfully carrying out this task. The money is typically an added bonus towards the end results. This is more of a crime for power and achievement. The thrill of knowing they completed something so dangerous.

  It is now 2 P.M. Friday afternoon, and reaching closer towards the time for them to commit the heist. All of the guys are at the unit outside of “Home Base”. They are all situating themselves for the heist, and are in the final stages of getting themselves ready. The men have already put their disguises on. Their disguises are identical to each other. They are wearing all black combat gear. Their tops consist of heavy dark black windbreakers. Their bottoms consist of black cargo snow pants. They are wearing heavy black ski caps, in which their mouth is covered by plain black bandanas. On the ski cap, it looks as if it’s a makeshift mask. There is a hole in the eye area, and all the guys wear sunglasses to conceal their eyes. The guys are also wearing thick black gloves on their hands. For their shoes, the guys each wear a pair of black snow boots. The guys equip themselves each with a machine assault rifle.

  Russell and Brian grab themselves two large canvas bags from inside the unit with all of their supplies. The guys each put their guns in the back of the black getaway van parked in the unit. Russell and Brian put their bags in the back of the van in addition to that. Kevin then immediately puts his laptop case in the van. The guys at this point proceed to huddle up and form a big group hug in solidarity and in love. Max approaches the guys. He smiles at all of them and starts to speak.

  “Well, well, well. So it seems that it’s time. I want to wish all
of you luck before you go. I still think you all should have waited a little longer, but if you feel that now is the right time, I’m not going to stop you. Again, I want nothing to do with any of this. A part of me is worried for you guys, the other part of me knows you’re going to do a bang up job. Be safe boys.”

  Russell while dressed in his disguise, nods his head to Max and responds to him.

  “Yes. All of us are set, and if we don’t do it today, we won’t get the chance to do it ever. We did an extensive job of planning the events for today, and I have zero doubts. I know your gonna hate me for this and you don’t feel the need to be thanked, but thank you again Max.”

  Russell pats Max on his shoulder. Max then smiles at Russell and speaks.

  “Okay gentlemen, I’m going to leave you all to attend to your business. I’m hoping and praying you all return back here safe. I am going to put all my faith towards each of you. I will say one final time; I want you all to be safe. Good luck gentlemen.”

  All of the men nod towards Max, and Max then leaves the area. Russell then unlocks and opens the driveway door of the unit, he then starts to brief all of the men.

  “Listen up, we’re gonna leave in literally a minute from now. So we are all clear. Kevin, I want you to drive the van. I’m going to sit in the passenger seat. Brian, Jesse and Victor, I want the three of you to be in the back of the van. I don’t want to waste any more time. Let’s move.”

  The guys then all get into the black van. Kevin sits in the driver’s seat and starts to turn on the ignition. Russell takes a seat on the passenger side. Brian, Jesse and Victor then sit in the cargo area behind the van. Kevin then pulls out of the unit, but stops the van right outside the driveway door. Russell runs out of the van to close and lock the driveway door of the unit, and runs back inside and takes a seat. Kevin then continues to drive out, heading towards the “United Farmers Savings” bank. He gets on the highway, which currently has moderate traffic. Even though they are still a great distance from the bank, the guys start to feel anxious at this time. Kevin pays attention to the road, never occurring that he would ever drive himself to a bank robbery. Russell sits on the passenger seat, staring straight ahead. Brian, Jesse and Victor remain in the back of the van, looking out the front windshield as well. Kevin is driving at a regular speed, obeying the speed limit. They should know better not to draw any unneeded, or extra attention towards themselves. Russell cannot believe this situation is currently happening. There are no regrets, or changing his mind. Whatever happens from this point, happens. The men are completely quiet, and are not saying anything to each other. Brian however eventually breaks the tension, and speaks to all the guys.