CHAPTER 4: THE HOLDUP BEGINS

A couple of days later. people in Billings, Montana were getting ready for their day and headed for either work, school, or appointments. The city was awakening to a new day. Kids were waiting for the bus to pick them up and take them to school, or walking to school, or getting a ride from their parents. The teens were either driving or riding with a friend who had their license. The businessmen were about to either close in on a new deal, break ground on a upcoming business, or plan some things. People were living their lives, and no one expected what was around the corner. Least of all, 5th National Bank.

Kevin was waiting for the right moment to enter the bank. He was dressed in all black and had a hat on that was actually a mask to hide his face. Once he felt that there was only a few people around not to notice him, he made a beeline towards the bank, carrying a large duffel bag with him. Once inside, he pulled out his assault rifle and shot a round into the ceiling.

"OKAY NOBODY MOVE!" he ordered. "THIS IS A ROBBERY! IF YOU ALL JUST COOPERATE WITH ME, DON'T DO ANYTHING STUPID, AND YOU WILL COME OUT OF THIS UNHARMED! I DON'T WANT TO ROB YOUR POCKETS; I'M NOT INTERESTED IN WHAT'S IN THE SAFE; I JUST WANT WHAT'S IN THE DRAWERS! AT THIS TIME, I ASK THAT EVERYONE GET ON THE GROUND, EXCEPT THE TELLERS BEHIND THE DESK!" He then went to the armed guard who was about to pull out his side arm.

"DON'T be a hero, man!" he told the guard, then seizing his weapon. "Get on the fucking ground now!" And the guard complied. He then pointed at two guys on the ground by the door.

"YOU TWO, BARRICADE THE DOOR, THEN GET BACK ON THE GROUND!" he directed the two guys, who did as told. Then Kevin made his way to the tellers. He opened his duffel bag.

"Okay, all of the money in the bag, and NO dye packs!" he warned. "I'm watching you!" And the tellers did as instructed. While they complied and didn't put in dye packs, one of them pressed the silent alarm while Kevin was working with the guard and the two men.

After gathering all the money, he then said, "Wait at least ten minutes. Then you can go about your business. Remember, TEN minutes!" But, as he was about to clear the barricade, he say the police had arrived.

"Shit!" Kevin was now stuck. Turning to one teller, he asked, "Is there a back exit?"

"There is near the drive-thru window," said one clerk.

"Thanks." And Kevin proceeded towards that door, only to find the police were there, as well. Coming back up to the front, he made another announcement.

"Sorry folks, looks like we're going to enjoy each other's company a little while longer."

Then, everyone heard the police speak. "ROBBER! THIS IS THE BILLINGS POLICE DEPARTMENT! COME OUT WITH YOUR HANDS UP!"

Kevin, taking off his mask, then said, "I got hostages in here! Stand back, or they die!" The people in the bank got worried and some were even crying by that point.

Outside the bank, the lead officer was walking back and forth. "Where's the negotiator?" he asked. "Maybe he can talk some sense into this guy."

"I don't know," said one officer. "Last I heard he was handling a suicidal man who had just lost his kids in a divorce."

"That's right! Who can we get to talk to this guy?"

At that moment, Charlie, Donaldson, and Clarke were walking up to the scene that was unfolding. They had no idea Kevin was in the bank trying to rob it.

"I wonder what's happening in there," said Donaldson.

"Whatever it is, it's no good," said Charlie. It was then that they saw Kevin peak out the bank. The Marine men were shocked.

"I'M NOT COMING OUT UNLESS MY DEMANDS ARE MET!" Kevin shouted.

"There he is!" shuddered Charlie.

TO BE CONTINUED…