The video concluded, and an electronic voice announced, "There is no commission for this mission. Your earnings and how you distribute them depend solely on your negotiation skills. However, I must remind everyone: do not voice any complaints until you have succeeded. Maintain a fighting spirit."
The voice continued, "Until it is completely safe—until the police and any subsequent pursuers have been dealt with—the money is not yours."
With that, the recording ended, and a snowflake graphic appeared on the screen. The seven individuals in the room exhaled in unison, feeling as though they had just watched an intense war blockbuster.
"This is no joke!" one of them remarked, reflecting on the elaborate robbery plan and the extensive resources involved. Emma couldn't help but feel embarrassed by how simple and crude their own preparations seemed in comparison.
"Did those guys just run off?" someone questioned.
"No!" came the response. "If anyone gets confused, we take them out immediately."
At a nearby phone booth, Big Sparrow hung up, grabbed his bag, and left.
He entered a warehouse and set down a golf bag, pulling it open to reveal an array of firearms and ammunition. The team had just returned from collecting weapons at the location specified by their employer.
"Everyone check your watches," Big Sparrow instructed as he and the others formed a circle.
"This is the first time I've felt so professional," one older member sighed, unsure how to articulate his feelings.
"Heishi, go grab the explosives. Remember where the employer said they were stored."
"Don't worry," Heishi replied confidently. "I'll remember. We might need them if things go south."
"Log, you're driving the big truck and will be responsible for intercepting the police," Big Sparrow continued. "But don't even think about stealing the money and running. It's too risky."
"Relax. I'm sure the employer has eyes on us," Big Sparrow sneered.
"Do you really think the employer will let us take the money and then just wait for us to kill each other? Why let outsiders handle such a perfect plan?" one of the men asked.
"I don't care what he thinks!" Big Sparrow replied defiantly. "If he tries to cheat us, I'll burn all the money before I let him have a single penny!"
"Right! Let's just get it done!" someone else echoed.
"The employer probably isn't that powerful. If he had real ability, he would do this himself. I don't believe he's not interested in all this cash!" Sean chimed in.
"Okay, time is short. No wasting it. We wait until we see the money, and until then, we work together!" Big Sparrow clapped his hands. "Everyone knows their mission. Let's go!"
Nodding in agreement, they left the warehouse one by one.
At 8:40, a black Ford pulled up outside the Newark branch of Kelxiu Bank, parking just a short distance from the entrance. By 8:50, another commercial vehicle stopped nearby.
Inside the car, Big Sparrow held a photo showing a Lincoln with a middle-aged man standing beside it. Moments later, the man from the photo exited the Lincoln at the bank's entrance.
The tension in the three parked cars was palpable as everyone held their breath.
"Stay calm, wait for the signal, and follow the plan!" Big Sparrow urged, taking a deep breath.
Fortunately, the selected team was composed of individuals who remained composed, allowing the middle-aged man to walk into the bank unchallenged.
According to the video, he would enter the bank at exactly 9:00 AM and would open the vault door 5 to 10 minutes later. They needed to act by 9:15.
As the second hand clicked to zero, Big Sparrow swung open the door and rushed out, gun in hand.
Two cars and six individuals followed him, sprinting towards the bank entrance, just thirty meters away—less than five seconds for security to react!
As the guards noticed the armed rush, they were already caught off guard. "Who are you? Stop!" one shouted, fumbling to draw his weapon.
In the chaos, Big Sparrow shouted, "Don't shoot! Put your weapons down!" But before he could finish, two guards finally managed to pull out their guns, only to be swiftly subdued by Big Sparrow and another team member.
Panic ensued as two other guards turned to flee but were quickly overpowered. A lean gangster drew a dagger and struck one in the back, while the other fell, unconscious from a brutal blow.
The commotion startled the bank employees, who began to scream. Big Sparrow glanced at the scene and ordered, "Heishi, cover the door and keep them quiet! The rest of you, follow me!"
The vault was located in the back basement, and they had no time to waste.
"Heishi, keep everyone in line. I'll kill anyone who makes a sound!" he barked, pointing his gun at the employees. "Get over here, you two! Drag those guards inside!"
"Don't let me catch anyone trying to call the police. If they arrive before we're gone, I'll make examples of a few of you to show we're not to be messed with. Understand?" Heishi shouted, ensuring everyone knew the stakes.
This tactic, learned from the video, proved effective as the bank staff quickly complied, acutely aware of the alarm systems within the building.
Meanwhile, Big Sparrow led his team toward the vault. They had memorized the bank's layout from the video, but the noise from outside had alerted others inside. Just as they turned a corner, they encountered security personnel who were hastily closing the security door on the first floor.
Without needing a command, the team opened fire, taking down the two guards before they could react.
The group dashed forward, bursting into the underground hall.
The vault area was designed with two levels. Behind the heavy iron gate on the first floor was a loading dock, and beyond that lay the vault itself, secured behind a reinforced door.
Rushing to the loading area, they spotted the bank manager and several employees retreating into the vault. The heavy iron door was rapidly descending, powered by a motor.
"Quick! We need to get in there before it closes!" Big Sparrow shouted as they sprinted toward the door.
With a collective effort, they reached the entrance just as it was about to shut. Big Sparrow wedged his arm in the gap, forcing it open enough for the team to slip inside.
Inside the vault, chaos erupted. The bank manager and employees were panicking, trying to figure out how to respond to the armed intruders.
"Get down on the floor! Now!" Big Sparrow ordered, leveling his weapon at them. The employees obeyed, dropping to the ground in fear.
"Start filling the bags!" he commanded his team. "We don't have much time!"
As they began shoving cash into duffel bags, Big Sparrow kept a watchful eye on the employees, ensuring no one attempted to reach for an alarm or phone.
"Keep it moving! We need to be out of here before the cops show up!" he urged, adrenaline pumping through his veins.
Heishi, still guarding the entrance, kept his weapon trained on the remaining employees, barking orders to ensure they stayed subdued.
"Anyone who tries anything will regret it!" he warned, creating an atmosphere of sheer intimidation.
Minutes felt like hours as the team worked swiftly to gather as much cash as possible. With each bag filled, the tension in the room mounted, aware that time was running out.
Finally, Big Sparrow shouted, "Alright! That's enough! Let's move!"
The team quickly gathered their bags and retreated towards the exit. As they reached the door, Big Sparrow glanced back one last time at the terrified bank staff before stepping outside.
The street was still quiet, but they knew it wouldn't remain that way for long.
"Get to the vehicles!" he shouted, leading the charge towards the waiting cars.
Once inside, they sped away just as the first sirens began to wail in the distance.
"Did we get everything?" Sean asked, glancing nervously at the bags filled with cash.
"Enough to keep us set for a while," Big Sparrow replied, a smirk forming on his lips. "Now, let's hope our employer appreciates our hard work."
As they drove into the night, the adrenaline began to fade, replaced by a mix of excitement and anxiety about what lay ahead. They had executed the plan flawlessly—now it was time to see if they could enjoy the fruits of their labor without falling into a trap.