Chapter 23

It was always the same getting ever closer to the day of execution of a job. Dan felt his stomach tighten from a mixture of excitement and tension.

There was more riding on this one then any of the other jobs he had planned or done. This was not just about the money, but also about getting out of the game for good, and feeling Berenice in his arms again.

He never liked the part where he gave up complete control of the job. It only takes one nervous or over excited crew member to look out of place and it would be over.

Standing around the heat lamp like moths to a flame, Dan greets everyone with his serious face.

"Right lads, it's taken a while but the preparations are all done"

Ray interrupts "About bloody time, I've got bills to pay"

"Calm it down; it's taken less time than normal. Considering what Saim had to do and Rob with the truck, I'm surprised" Dan barks

"I just want to go over a few things. Saim, you have the uniforms and paperwork"

"Sure do, two full uniforms and with mine that makes three. The paperwork sheets are all filled out and ready"

"Great. Okay. Just to re-iterate. Terry and Ray, you will be waiting with the cars. Rob and Saim, you will be with me on scene. Once the truck is back in the warehouse, we will unload to the cars. There are three cars already there, Rob, you will be driving us to the warehouse in your own so that makes four cars plus the truck. Each of us will take a car and our load to our safe places. I trust you have sorted your safe places?"

Nervously Ray stutters, "Dan mate, I don't have anywhere. I live in a flat and nowhere to hide anything"

"Shit boy, you have had plenty of time to sort somewhere"

"I know but I have had things on my mind, any chance of stashing mine with yours?"

"You know the rule. Nobody knows where each other's places are"

"Yes I understand that, but it will be your stash place, not where you stay, also if this is your last job what difference would it make"

Thinking about it hard, even though he was pissed off with Ray, it would actually do him a favour. He would be away for a few weeks after the job and it would be good to have someone keeping an eye on it.

"Right this is what's going to happen. At the warehouse, we unload Ray's and mine into one car, Tel's in another, Rob's in the last car. Saim's can stay on the truck. Rob, you change the truck back as quickly as you can before you leave. You will have to pick your own motor up at a later time. Then Saim can take the truck to wherever he has sorted out. Everyone ok with that?"

Saim turns his head and gives Ray a little smile.

"So let me get this right, yours and Ray's will be going in the same car to the same place and the rest of us will have our own motors"

"That's right bud, anything wrong with that?"

"Oh no, nothing at all"

"Saim, what Monday's are you not working?"

"Well, this week coming I am but then I have the next two off"

"Well then, anyone have a problem with next Sunday?"

A unanimous No came in unison. This is what Dan wanted to hear. It seemed like everyone was ready and eager to go.

"Okay then, I want you all at the warehouse by midnight next Sunday and do not be late. There are still things that need to be done on the night so make sure you get some kip"

Walking to the car park of the club, Ray whispers to Terry

"Here bro, I'm not sure about that Saim geezer"

"Why, what's up?"
"He just seems to be always looking at me, giving me little smiles and nods. You don't think he is gay do you?"

"No idea but don't fuss, after this you won't have to see him again"

"Yeah fair point"