Love Struck Eternal

by mT Shadow

Change is not always for the better. Eighteen years have passed since the events of the second most major war for the middle east had come to a close. Leaders have come and gone, society itself has changed, and those who seek a different outcome have gone dark. The focus is now on one person. Yet her story will change the world forever. Following down her father's dark past.

13. Chapter 13

Love Struck Eternal

Chapter 13 - Crossovers

Sam's POV, Trustworth Bank.

"So it's your first time in the US? Where are you from?" The banker I met asked me as we were sitting down in the lobby among him and a few other desks where his colleagues were working as well with other customers. A small red fox with two yellow eyes and dressed very well in a black suit with a spotted white and black tie. With my duffel sitting down by my feet, I replied kindly back to his curious question.

"The middle east. I was born in Iraq."

Widening his eyes the fox asked in shock.

"Really? Wow that's amazing. What brought you out here? This has to be a culture shock to you."

Chuckling with a small smile, I replied.

"Yeah it kinda is. Ahhh…..well I just wanted to move out and pursue schooling. Things have gotten a lot better over there, but there just wasn't a good choice to pick from back home."

Nodding his head the fox replied.

"I can see that. But really that's quite the shocker to me. I don't see a lot of people from that area of the world. By the way, my name is Jackson. I'm one of the few tellers working here normally."

"Samantha." I replied back as I reached out to offer him my hand. With a wide smile the fox took the offer and once we had shaken did he ask me.

"So what brings you in today Samantha?"

Reaching down for my bag, I put it on the desk in between us and replied.

"I need to open a savings account. Before I left home, I made sure to grab whatever money I had saved up and put into this bag. I just need a good place to drop it off."

"How much?" He then wondered as he took his time to unzip part of the duffel. As his eyes found the cash I replied.

"Should be around fifty grand give or take? I don't know the exact number but it's around that."

Jackson let out a soft whistle and sat back to lock eyes with me. As he did he said to me.

"Well I can surely help you offload this. I'll just need to see some ID, get a few minor details answered by you, and hopefully an email address and a phone number. After I have that, I can set you up with a debit card, some checks, and introduce you to our app that you can get on your phone. How's that sound?"

Letting out a relaxed sigh I replied.

"Sounds perfect. Thank you."

As my words were leaving my mouth; I went into my wallet and pulled out my ID. Jackson then reached up to take it from me as I offered it over and once his eyes got a good look on it did he again widen his eyes, but this time he looked stunned over surprised. Sensing something was up, I had to ask him.

"Is everything okay?"

Breaking out of his train of thought he replied.

"Ahhh! Why yes! I'm sorry! I was just….?"

His sentence was cut short and I gave him a curious look back as he gently leaned forward to ask me with a whisper.

"Are you related to Raptor Voltz?"

With a solid look of confusion on my face, I replied with an unsure tone back.

"Ahhhhhhh yeah? He's my father. My mother's name is….?"

"Zeta Diskov?" He asked before I could tell him myself. Just nodding my head, I listened as he put down my ID to mumble.

"I'm sorry I just recognized the last name when I saw it. I'm very well versed in the news and history in general. I….wow I don't really know what to say other than I'm really glad to have met you. It's not everyday I run into someone famous."

"I'm not famous." I laughed back at him as he smiled and quickly replied.

"Beg to differ with you on that Sam. Is it okay if I call you Sam?"

Nodding my head I replied.

"Most people call me that."

Giving me a gentle chuckle, Jackson went on to say to me.

"Good. I'd imagine it would be easier on you. But Sam? Being the daughter to an ex president is more than enough of a reason to consider you part of royalty almost. It's like going back in time and being the daughter to a king or an emperor. A president is the same thing. For example, are you familiar with G.U.N's current president? Who he is?"

Shaking my head I replied.

"No sir."

Giving me a gentle nod back; the fox swiftly said back after hearing my negative answer.

"His name is Ajex Marano. A pretty sturdy president when compared to those before him. Only thirty eight years old and has himself a nice enough wife and two kids. Both of which are guarded everyday by the secret service. People out there consider his kids targets. Easy pawns to acquire and use agonist him in some form. They are heirs to the throne, as cliche as that sounds coming from me. I'm shocked you're over here without anyone else."

"This was more of a decision on my part then it was my parents." I informed him which got him to instantly nod his head back and reply.

"Well you're business is you're business. I shouldn't ask more questions. Afte rall you're here for a bank account. Hahah."

I managed to smile as he quickly shifted his gears. Going onto his nearby computer he began to set me up. During which my eyes and attention began to leave the direct area of what was in front of me. The first thing I saw was the lack of foot traffic the bank had. There weren't a lot of tellers and even less customers. I also took notice of the fact that the vault was within eyesight of where I was sitting. It was down a very thin hallway that was right alongside the main teller counter. Maybe went ten or so more feet till it stopped at the door where I noticed not even a guard was in charge of watching.

This really was a small bank and as Jackson began to ramble; I stopped my eyes on this guy who was sitting in a chair near the front door. Dressed pretty nice in fact. Black dress pants, a blue and black checkered button up shirt, and a slim pair of dress shoes. In his arms was a newspaper, but what got me to look at him was the fact that he wasn't really reading it. He was looking around very slowly and making sure not to make eye contact with anyone else in the building. As his eyes crossed mine, I looked back at Jackson to ask in a whisper.

"Who's that by the door?"

The fox stopped what he was doing to look over my shoulder at the man. In maybe a few seconds, he replied while looking back at me.

"That's Mr. Gerand. He's a customer of ours. I think he's waiting to talk with my manager."

"Hmm." I mumbled as I looked back at him.

His eyes thankfully were back on his paper as I took in the fact that he was this fairly well built blue wolf. Such as myself, he kept his hair neat and his claws sharp. I could tell by the way he was holding the paper. I bet he could rip it without trying.

With time seeming to slow to halt, I kept on watching the man. His eyes from time to time would look up at the ceiling. I tried to follow his eyes to see what he was looking at, but I couldn't see anything special besides maybe the cameras. What was he up to? I wondered as I looked back at Jackson to see he was now filling out some paperwork. After about a minute or so did he stop to ask me.

"So you said you were gonna look into going to school. Any idea what you're gonna pursue? You know the financial department is a booming market right now for bank tellers. Accounting would take you a long way over here."

Nodding my head I replied.

"I bet, but I'm looking into something a bit more complex. Like engineering and chemistry. I want to be a scientist."

The fox seemed impressed with me now as he heard my ambition and went back to his papers.

Now agonist my better judgement, I went back to watching that wolf. With my eyes sharp enough to observe, I began to notice something moving behind his newspaper. His right arm seemed to be moving as well. Was he writing something? I had to wonder as he looked back up from time to time to check around his surroundings.

After a few minutes another fox came running out from behind the main desk to greet him. I assumed that to be the manager and without missing a beat; the wolf took his care to stand up. I saw him put something away in his pocket and my question of whether or not he was writing was answered when I saw he had a pen in his right hand after letting the newspaper remain on the chair he once sat in.

"Mr. Gerand? I'm sorry to have kept you waiting. Are you ready for our appointment?"

With a smile he replied.

"Yes sir. Lead the way."

The two of them weren't going anywhere out of earshot from my current position. In fact they came to where we were to take one of the main nearby desks. My eyes were thankfully now staring at the wolf's back as him and the other fox began their conversation. It wasn't too long after that I heard Jackson say to me happily.

"Looks like we are all set here. I set you up with a new card and all you gotta do is fill out a few questions on this sheet here. After that we can get you some checks and maybe a deposit box to store any valuables you may have on hand that you don't feel comfortable carrying around. It's a great way to make sure what you got is safe and sound throughout your time here in the US. Does that interest you Sam?" He asked me as I nodded my head and went on to ask him.

"It does. By chance, can we take what money I have here and just store it in the deposit box? I should have some money coming in shortly that I can use for the account itself."

"Well we give you a two hundred dollar starting bonus just for signing on with our firm. So you will already have something in there for you, but I suggest putting more into it as soon as possible. We do have service fees for accounts with inactivity for deposits."

"I understand." I said back to him as he then quickly went on to say.

"Then we have a way to move forward then. The deposit box I can have set up for you shortly. However you won't be able to withdraw from it for about a week. That's how long it takes for us to get you a key made."

"Okay." I replied as my eyes looked to the wolf and his spot on the showroom floor.

Before I could gather more info as to what made him even more sketchy, Jackson stood up from his desk to ask me.

"How about I show you the deposit box you'll be using?"

"Sounds great." I replied happily as I slowly stood up while taking back my duffel bag.

From there Jackson led me to the vault itself. I stayed a few feet back as he moved in to start entering the code. The lock was nothing more then what I used in school for a locker. Three spins to the right, two to the left, one to right and bang you'd be in. However my eyes were glued to Jackson and I made a mental note of the numbers he was stopping on. First one was twenty, the second looked like forty five, and the third and final was eighty one. Now not wanting to seem awkward, I said to him as he finished the combination.

"I had so much trouble using those kinds of locks back in school. I'd always miss a turn or just gently breeze by the right number."

The fox gave me a straight laugh back as he gripped the handle to the vault. As he pulled it open; he replied to me.

"Well thankfully I don't have to worry about getting to class. I have the time to mess up and try again. Trial and error I always say."

"True." I said next as my eyes soon bared witness to the inside of the vault. It was surprisingly small as well, but laced with hundreds of deposit boxes and to my expectations I expected there to be money just laying around and in fact there was a small pile of packaged bills near the back corner of the vault. Once the vault was fully opened, Jackson urged me.

"Come on in. Your box is going to be number twenty five."

From this point on Jackson explained it all to me and personally put my money inside. His explanation consisted of how the box worked, how I would be able to open it, when the key would arrive, and of course the cost of renting it. But that wasn't all too important because when we were done I found myself back in the main lobby shaking Jackson's hand goodbye and watching as that wolf finished up talking with the manager. In fact, that same wolf got done a moment before I did and by the grace of god; I followed him out of the bank.

Now I had no reason to want to cause any trouble or start my life out on a bad note, but I was smart enough to see something like this coming. Issue was if I was wrong this would be very awkward, but I had a good feeling I was right about what I saw him doing.

The guy seemed to have a car and I made sure to stay a foot or two back as he went to get in it. However once he was there with the door open; did our eyes lock for the first time. He seemed normal enough, but once he saw me he questioned.

"Can I help you?"

I took a look around to see if anyone else was within earshot, but thankfully we were alone and the street seemed empty enough. Making sure I was ready for this kind of approach, I took a breath and replied.

"Actually yes. I'm new in town and I'm trying to get to a friend's house. I was wondering if you could help me? You look like you know you're way around this city."

For a moment the wolf was silent, but in time he asked back.

"Where are you going?"

I told him my address and with a very calm and collected voice he gave me my directions back. Of course I knew where I was living now, but the point was to get him to help me. So keeping up my act, I then asked with a sense of shyness to my tone.

"Is there any chance I can maybe hitch a ride with you? I don't have a car and I don't wanna get lost in this mess. I can pay you for your time."

Just shaking his head, he replied sweetly enough.

"Don't worry about paying me nothing. It's on my way. You can ride shotgun if you want. I'll get you there safely so just hop in."

"Thank you!" I shouted back happily.

The wolf gave me a smile and got in the driver's seat. Once I was stationed next to him did I properly introduce myself.

"My name is Sam by the way."

"Robby." He said back as he got the engine running.

"Nice to meet you." I informed him as we got on the road in a matter of seconds.

Once out on the street, the wolf asked me softly.

"So you're new in town? Where are you from?"

Not wanting to give him too much information I replied.

"Russia."

The wolf seemed impressed enough and quickly followed it up by asking.

"You come here on vacation or something?"

Nodding I replied.

"We can call it something like that. It's a long story.""

Everyone has a long story nowadays." He informed me as I already figured we were getting close to my place. It's not like it was far at all, but that left me with little time to work with. Wanting to jump into it, I proceeded to ask him a question of my own.

"You like that bank we were just at? Seems more personal. Not a whole lot of foot traffic to get lost in."

"It's actually a pretty decent firm. There are a lot of them in the city. That one is just very small and contained when compared to the others, but you are right. Not a lot of people go in or out in this area."

With my stop coming up; the wolf made a break for the nearest open spot he could find on the street to park. When we came to a stop he said to me calmly.

"The place you want should be that building over there."

Now I just didn't respond to him, which got his attention. Giving me a weird look as I stared down at my lap for a moment, the wolf asked me.

"Something wrong?"

Keeping a small smile on my face, I looked back at him to reply.

"I know what you're up to."

The wolf instantly turned his face around to something a bit more serious. However he was quick to question.

"Excuse me?"

Pointing to his pocket I replied.

"Back at the bank? You seemed awfully invested in the cameras. Enough so that you were jotting something down from behind that newspaper you had with you. It doesn't take a lot to get a good idea as to what you were doing. Guy like you seems pretty smart. Doing your best not to draw attention. Probably all the tellers know you on a first name basis am I right? Got to know them a bit personally? You already seem on good terms with the manager. And you don't have to bullshit me, I know your name isn't Robby."

With two very wide eyes the wolf took a moment to think of his next move. I had to figure he'd take this one of two ways and when he was ready he looked me right in my eyes to say.

"I think you're accusing the wrong person."

"Not accusing. Just assuming." I informed him back as he quickly urged me as his response.

"Then you're assuming wrong. I'm a legitimate businessman. I've been coming to this bank for years."

I had a good feeling I was again being lied to, but the man still tried to be respectful and calmly urged me.

"It was nice meeting you Sam, but I'd appreciate it if you got on your way. We'll pretend like this didn't just happen."

I wanted to be nice to him as well. So very nicely I kept up my smile and replied.

"Okay. I'm sorry if I'm just jumping ahead of myself. Not the best first impression I wanted to make, but….?"

Making the matter known once more, I whispered to him with a sweet tone.

"But if for some reason I was right, I want you to know I'll be back at that bank around this time tomorrow. And even though I could be wrong; I have a good feeling I'm not and I can help you. I know the combination to the vault."

"I don't…..I don't care. You're crazy."

Now I just chuckled and replied back.

"I know, but I think you are too. If for some reason we just so happen to see each other again tomorrow in the exact same place, at the exact same time? I'll assume you've given it some thought and we can finally talk about what's really going on. Oh and have no fear. I'm not gonna say a word to anyone about what I saw."

Opening my door and stepping out onto the sidewalk, I looked back inside at the wolf to say to him in Russian.

"I promise."

He looked even more confused now. He had no idea what I just said to him, but that's okay.

Shutting the door and turning myself back around towards my building, I walked my way back inside and up to my room. On the way up, I let out a breath and relaxed myself back down to a nice even level. My fake confidence always knew how to burn me out energy wise. It took a lot to put on a nice face and not seem scared. I mean regardless, what was I really doing if I was right? I was offering to help a bank robber rob a bank I just opened an account at? Not even a week here and I was already getting myself into trouble. I'd keep this hidden from Rosco. He didn't need to know what I was up to in my spare time. This would just stay between myself and that man I just met. Hopefully I was right and this would work out. I had a plan for what I wanted out of this and if everything was accurate and this worked out; I could double that fifty grand I just deposited. Only time would tell.

Twig's POV, The next day.

This wasn't at all how I planned this solo robbery to go. I've been casing this place up for nearly a month now and all the sudden this random chick comes to my neck acting like she knows for a fact that I'm planning a score. I don't know who this girl was, but she didn't call the cops and when I came through the front door I found her sitting with the teller Jackson at his desk. Jackson noticed me immediately and shouted over her shoulder.

"Hey Mr. Gerand! Back again?!"

Putting on a smile, I replied as the girl looked me right in the eyes the whole time I approached.

"Still waiting on that price to go up on the exchange. Is the big guy in?"

Shaking his head Jackson replied.

"He just went to lunch. Have a seat though and I'll run and check the numbers for you in the meantime. Sam?"

Nodding her head she urged him.

"By all means. I'm not going anywhere."

"Very good." Jackson replied as he stood up and looked back at me to state.

"Shouldn't take but two minutes. I'll be right back Mr. Gerand."

"Thank you." I replied as well as he made his way for the main desk.

Now left with the girl, I stayed where I was and just allowed her to approach me with the topic of yesterday. She did so by wondering.

"I take it, I was onto something huh?"

Very slowly, I replied with a much lower tone so not to alert the other tellers, but at the same time it came out as an order.

"I'm not saying a word to you here. You wanna talk? Meet me outside."

"You came back to me ahh…...Robby? Robby Gerand? "

She was being a smart ass which got me to whisper.

"Twig. Now shush…..he's coming back."

Her body turned back to see Jackson on the approach. When he got back to the desk he informed me kindly.

"The stocks went up a few cents since yesterday, but nothing I'd suggest you selling them at. The price will go up dramatically in a few weeks."

"Okay. Thanks Jackson. If you see Tommy; tell him I'm still gonna come in tomorrow for our meeting."

"Not a problem. I'll see you around I'm sure. Take care of yourself. It's supposed to rain pretty heavily today. We might lose power again knowing the city."

Giving the fox a quick chuckle, I turned back around to reply while starting my path to the exit.

"No doubt. Same goes for you."

From there I left the bank and proceeded to my car where I would wait for the girl. It took nearly twenty minutes and once she exited the bank, I honked my horn to get her attention. She came over calmly enough and once she opened the door to the passenger side I ordered her.

"Jump in. We're not staying here."

"Okay." She replied as I waited till she was buckled up before leaving the lot.

Driving around the block till I found a decent spot to pull over, I kept myself quiet. Once on the side of the road, I stopped the car and shut off the engine. Sam was just giving me this serious look as I tried to come up with a way to start this off. All I could do was ask her.

"Why didn't you rat me out if you knew what I was up to? I've been casing that place for nearly a month now and no one has said a word. Not till you show up and have the balls to confront me like you did. Here I thought you just needed a ride around town. So don't bullshit me since it's clear you're smart or at the very least; street smart."

This girl didn't look like trouble. In fact she just looked very well groomed and very well taught to maintain a solid poker face. She didn't look worried about this at all and once my question was out there she carefully informed me.

"It's not like I would have had any evidence to show the police even if I did want to talk to them. I would have just looked crazy and that's not how I go around making a name for myself."

"A name?" I questioned as she quickly fired back.

"I'm alone in this city. I don't have friends or even family to watch my back. I only have myself and my word and when it comes to those two things I will not turn my back to an opportunity if I see one I can take advantage of. You're planning a score and it doesn't take a genius to see that the bank you picked is easily manageable for a one person take. I want to try taking advantage of that since you clearly want my help."

She got me to laugh with that one and with it I reached under my suit jacket to pull out my gun. Her eyes moved to the Glock and without flinching I cleared something up for her that was driving me insane.

"Make no mistake girl, that I didn't come here to get your help. I'm simply going to kill you so there won't be any chance at this going south for me after I'm done."

I turned the gun on her and somehow she didn't even blink once the barrel was pointed at her head. Just staring me right in the eyes, she wondered.

"Are you sure that's a good idea? This whole block would hear you pull that trigger. And why don't you look around for a second."

My eyes began to do just that, but I had no idea what she was talking about. She sensed that after about ten seconds and pointed out without looking away.

"There are more than a handful of cameras watching this street and a cop parked right behind us in the alley to your left."

I widened my eyes to turn and look, but when I did I felt something hit the side of my right ear. I knew what it was almost immediately and loosened my grip on my own piece. When I managed to turn back; she had a gun of her own pressed against my skull. Without any sort of smile or smart ass attitude, she urged me.

"You're not going to kill me. At least not today. And I won't be killing you because I want your help and you still would need mine. So?"

I was a little mad to be honest. I didn't expect her to be packing, let alone this bold. She looked young enough to be in school still, but I'd still have to listen regardless if I wanted to keep my life. So very slowly and carefully, I lowered my gun and gently tucked it back under my jacket. Once it was away she did the same. The conversation then seemed to have stopped. She was waiting for my response and I saw no option but giving her what she wanted.

"So what do you have in mind?"

"I read up on a lot of the laws and regulations the banks here have. One of which got my attention when I thought about what you were up to. Banks insure money that are in accounts and deposit boxes; if for whatever reason it was lost or in this case…...stolen. Up to two hundred and fifty thousand dollars."

I already knew what she would ask me to do, so without wanting to waste time, I asked her bluntly.

"So you want me to make sure I steal your money when I do the heist right? I then give you the money and you just pretend like nothing happened and the bank is none the wiser to our little conversation and you get reimbursed what they think you lost to a robber?"

"Exactly what I want from you. I'll make double what I just put in there without having to lift a finger. In return though for doing this, I'll make sure you get something out of it you want and we'll both just go on our merry ways. I assume you'll be leaving town shortly after making away with your take?"

Shaking my head I replied.

"Not the plan girl. I have a crew elsewhere in the city doing their own thing. We have other scores to take before changing pace."

"Well regardless Twig for now I want to help you with this. I just want to be sure you'll get me my money first before I hand over what I know." She stated as I calmly replied.

"I'll get your take. That's not a problem. What is a problem will be the vault and somehow making sure I get out of there unnoticed. It's a small bank with a small crew and I planned to make this happen over the weekend when only the manager and one other teller are on the payroll. I can get to the manager easily enough. But without the code, I'd have to break a few fingers and I'm not looking to hurt anyone if I don't gotta. So if you got information that can help me avoid that, apart from the combination to the vault, I'll be more than willing to listen. So?"

"Twenty. Forty five. Eighty one. That's the combination." She informed me as I went into my pocket to pull out my notepad and began to jot it down. After about a ten seconds or so, she went on to ask me.

"You said you planned to do this over the weekend? In open light? Leaving witnesses? Quite the risk don't you think? Small bank, why take the big risks?"

"You gotta better idea? You're how old? Leave the planning to me. I have experience."

Sam took that for what it was worth and for a moment or two I thought I shut her up. However a moment later she said to me confidently.

"You'll leave two people alive. They both will have seen your face and regardless of the method used there will be footage. You can't pin the robbery on someone else. The police will narrow down the evidence very quickly. You'll be on TV in a matter of hours and I'd be willing to bet every bank within twenty miles will be on the lookout for you. That heist you mentioned? It'll go very wrong, very fast. You'll probably end up getting them killed if you somehow get out with the take."

"Excuse me?" I questioned with some laughter. Giving me a dead serious glare back Sam said it again.

"You'll get them killed. Probably yourself as well. That's what I'm telling you. Whether you want to listen or not is up to you. It doesn't matter my age. It shouldn't take me being forty seven and an ex-con to point out something as obvious as the flaws in your little solo plan."

I gave her another small smile and chuckle before caving in and asking her a serious question.

"So what do you suggest then?"

She took my question as a joke almost. She didn't think I was seriously asking for her advice at this point. However she switched her attitude around real fast by replying slowly enough for me to understand.

"I suggest you maybe give me an exact day you want to do this. I'm capable of more than you think and if you wait a few days I can probably help with more than just a stupid combination. Because when I think about this rationally; there is a chance they could connect me with you and the last thing I need right now is to get labeled by the police here in the US."

"So what are you trying to tell me then Sam? You some kind of wiz kid? What do you think you're gonna do getting more involved in this then you are now?"

The wolf took a few seconds to think of that answer. I waited with interest and once our eyes relocated to one another she replied.

"I can get a handle on the cameras. They aren't newer models compared to the ones I see around other parts of town. Old security like that has to have a box on site that controls them. Get me a few numbers from inside the panel and I should be able to find a way to tamper with them from a remote location. That would eliminate half the possible evidence you'd be leaving behind."

"What about the tellers? Jackson?" I asked her as she for a moment looked to my jacket where she saw me put my gun. Licking her lips and taking a deep breath, she replied quietly.

"Kill them? I'm not sure. There aren't a lot of options."

I knew that well and just nodded my head as she somehow broke out of her small trance of guilt to ask me.

"Could we do this at night when the bank closes?"

Laughing a bit I replied back.

"Yeah if you can get me the keys to open the front door, the alarm code, and probably a few happy thoughts."

"No need to be a dick." She informed me as I went on to question her nextly.

"This isn't a game. This is a fucking real crime. I'm a real criminal and you're just some random chick I met yesterday. If robbing a fucking bank could be done at night, I'd be the first one to know about it don't you think?"

The girl shut herself up rightly so, but knowing she was still somewhat smart I said to her.

"Now I'll give you some props. You have a fucking big set of balls between your legs to even come to me, but that just makes you ether a fucking idoit, or crazy, or both. I don't know which yet. But your a fucking kid and you seem like you got a decent head over your shoulders. Why throw your life away and chance doing time? You that desperate for paper?"

"I told you this already once before. This is an easy opportunity for me and for you. I don't have any other reason to want to do this other than money. I consider myself at the very least an opportunist and you should accept what I'm telling you. Now without wanting to sound rude…...are you ready to talk business?"

I knew this was crazy. At the very least I didn't have to pay her anything from my cut. I'd be doing most of the work and rightfully I'd keep the rest. She was at the very least not pushing her luck with the take. But still this was fucking crazy. With the smaller wolf waiting for my answer, I soon replied.

"Fine. But we do this my way and when I say so. Are we clear on that?"

She nodded her head but asked anyway.

"You gonna get me access to the cameras at least before you make the move?"

Thinking it over and seeing no reason not to, I replied.

"Yeah. I'll look around for the circuit box and see what I can find. Whether or not it'll be helpful is a different story."

She smiled and with it I suggested.

"Get out your phone and I'll give you my number. We're gonna part ways for a little bit while I do this. I'll text you after I get the information and we'll meet up and see if you can do anything real with it."

"Okay. Just be careful."

"Yeah." I replied back with no care for her words. I honestly didn't care enough about her to take her concerns seriously. I just wanted to get this done and without a doubt in my mind I had some of my own personal glory on the table betting that she wouldn't amount to nothing more then that combination. Once she had my number, I booted her out of my car and refocused on my work. This was gonna be a waste of time, but why not amuse her fantasy?

Sam's POV.

The guy drove off and with it he left me wondering if he would really keep in touch now that he knew the combo to the vault. I'd just have to wait and see and hopefully that wouldn't be long because I had no idea what to do now that I was on the waiting list. Maybe I'd try to look around a bit in the meantime. I'm sure there is a place or two that I could distract myself with.

Roslin's POV.

I kept my distance. This girl was a little crazy. She was planning to get into serious trouble and with no training or experience; I feared her fate if she got caught holding the gun in this crime.

Regardless she was smart. I could sense her level of skill a few miles away and I knew she could at the very least count on her quick wit to keep her out of harm's way. But that still didn't help her inability to defend herself.

Samantha began to make her way down the street. I was across the other side just standing at a bus stop watching as she didn't have a clue for the environment. This was all new to her and I'm sure she would get lost in a matter of minutes. Did she care? I doubt it. Most people with her level of disregard could care less. Yet it still didn't make my job any easier to start. I knew a good deal when I saw one cross my desk. I knew with Marcus all those years back and I knew now even with my older age by comparison. I wanted this girl. I wanted her now before that fox could truly discover her potential. He made a mistake before with Raptor.

That deal was good for his duties but now Raptor was nothing more than a name. He was done with his share of killing, but his daughter? She wasn't complete yet and without someone like Marcus; she'd surely go to waste being left alone. I had a plan for more in the future, but for now I had to find the right time to strike. To make my move. It wouldn't be long at the rate she was going at and once the time came I'd have something to cling back to. One of my many concerns was how she would react.

Sam's POV, Ten minutes later.

I found a neat little bookstore to investigate and probably a minute or two in, did I receive a text from Twig telling me that he was ready to regroup. I gave him the name of the store and he said he'd be there in less than a minute. So I wrapped myself up and began to go for the exit.

On the way out however, I bumped right into someone who was coming into the store with enough force I knocked them right over. My reaction was instant and without even thinking I looked down to see this smaller rabbit who was now resting on his ass with a look in his eyes that showed me nothing other than confusion. I swear he didn't even know what happened. Not until I got down to shout out of shock for my actions.

"Oh! I'm so sorry! I didn't see you coming in! Are you okay!?"

The second he heard my voice his confused face changed to something more matching of his tone. He seemed perfectly fine and even laughed as I reached down to help him up.

"It's okay. I wasn't really paying attention. Not the way I should have anyhow. Thank you." He said to me as I got him back on his feet.

The rabbit himself seemed really nice for just being knocked over. Still though he was maybe four foot and five or so inches tall. Pure black with two bright green eyes. Dressed fairly well for someone who looked no older than myself. A pair of gray jeans and a nice red plaid shirt. I think he was a Havana.

"Are you sure? I came at you around mach five."

"I promise you I'm unharmed."

I didn't know what else to really say as I heard Twig beep the horn at me from the street. The rabbit also noticed and with a gentle touch to my hand that still held his arm he urged me.

"You should get going if that's for you. Again, please don't worry about me. I'm fine. You're forgiven."

"I'm still sorry." I informed him as I released my grip and proceeded to walk over to the car. Once there, he shouted happily.

"Don't be! Pleasure was all mine!"

I just smiled and was grateful for his laid back reaction to my mistake. Once in the car with Twig, the wolf asked me.

"You ready?"

I nodded and at the same time looked back at the rabbit who already had made his way into the store. I then let out a sigh and tried to relax. At least up till Twig said to me.

"I got what I could. I sent you two pictures. Take a look and tell me what you think you can do with them."

I did just that and saw he had taken two pictures. One of the box and it's serial number and the other was on the inside of the box itself. It had what I needed and once I knew that I told him.

"I just need to get to my computer. Can you drive me back to the same place you did yesterday?"

He nodded and got me back to my place in record time. However once we were there did he stop to ask me.

"How long will you need?"

"Depends. Give me an hour and I'll know what I can do."

"If you can turn them off, then I'm gonna do this over the weekend. If you can't then….?" Cutting him off I stated with some confidence.

"I can. Just give me the time I asked for and you'll see. I'll text you once I'm done."

"One hour." He said seriously as I nodded and got out of the car.

Twig didn't wait for anything else. He just drove off. Once he was gone I went back into my apartment and got to work. Mocha was asleep on the bed and without wasting time I got my laptop running and began to see what magic I could work. I still felt bad for that rabbit. I was just grateful he was unharmed.

Twig's POV, Two days later.

"They're off." Sam texted me as I awaited that statement to come for the last ten minutes or so as I finished getting dressed up in the car for this heist.

I made sure to dress completely out of place from what those men inside were used to seeing me wearing. A large brown hooded sweatshirt and a baggy pair of black sweatpants. I had a balaclava to cover my face and all I had to do now was try to make sure my voice sounded a little different. That would be easy enough. It didn't matter. I could fake an accent if I wanted to. All that mattered was making sure they couldn't identify me.

Once I had the mask on, I went to my phone to text Sam back.

"I'm making my move. Shouldn't take long. Make sure you're outside by the time I'm done. I'll text you when that is."

She sent me a thumbs up emoji and from there I reached over to my passenger seat to grab my Glock and wait. During which, I put my gun under my hoodie and once there was no one in sight of the roads, I got out of the car and made my way for the bank entrance with two empty duffel bags in my right hand and a lock and chain in the other.

The second I entered the bank; I turned back around to lock the doors up tight with the chain and lock. By the time I was done I heard from the front desk a familiar voice ask.

"What are you doing?!"

Jackson manned the desk and before his hands could make a move, I had my gun out and pointed at him, shouting as my first demand.

"Hands where I can see them!"

Jackson was scared to death by the sight of a weapon being pointed at him and so he obeyed without question. However there was Tommy who I spotted getting up from a desk in the main office. Keeping my gun on Jackson, I ordered him with a horribly fake Irish accent.

"Out from behind the counter boy! Come on now! I will put you down if you try anything funny!"

"Okay!" He replied as he came out. By this point my eyes went to Tommy who already knew well to have his hands raised as he exited his office. With the gun on him now, I ordered.

"Out here in the open little man! Come on!"

Tommy was the same breed of fox Jackson was and thankfully just as scared. He came out without a word and got next to his friend. When I had them together Tommy asked me.

"Do you think this is worth it? We're a small bank sir. We don't have a lot to take."

"Shut up!" I ordered him as Jackson begged his friend.

"Please Tommy just listen to the man and keep quiet. He knows what he wants. He wouldn't be doing this if he didn't."

Tommy took that for what it was, but proceeded to inform me very carefully.

"You're on camera and we're unarmed. Please just…?"

Smacking the guy once in the side of the head with my gun, I ordered out fiercely.

"I don't give a flying fuck! Get your ass up and take me to the vault!"

Tommy struggled to get up, but once he did he shouted at me in fear.

"Okay! Just calm down and please stop hitting me!"

"Move!" I ordered him with a heavy push to his shoulder.

Tommy got his ass into gear and with his movement; Jackson did the exact same. Together they marched me to the vault and once we were there I ordered them both.

"On the floor!"

They didn't dare say anything else. Once they were both seated on the ground, I got to work on the lock. They watched as I entered the first number Sam gave me. By the time I got around to the second, I heard from Tommy who I still held at gunpoint.

"You're wasting your time. If you promise not to hurt us I'll just give you the….?"

By the time the last word left his mouth I had gotten the last digit in and heard the lock pop. Tommy widened his eyes as I proceeded to open the door not long after. Once I had it open enough to enter, I ordered them both.

"Inside! Let's get a move on!"

"How did you know?" Tommy asked me as I reached down to pull him up. From there I shoved him into the vault along with Jackson and ordered while throwing the bags I carried down onto the floor.

"Get loading the bags! Both of you! No dye packs! No games! Hurry the fuck up!"

It took them a moment to get the message, but once they did they got to work doing the rest of my job. I stood guard at the door and watched as Tommy struggled to do his simple task. Jackson was in fact ten times faster at doing what he was told and once his bag was full I ordered him.

"Get to work on the boxes! I don't have all day!"

"I can't open them! They require two keys! Mine and the owners!"

Going right to Sam's box I replied.

"I don't give a shit! Get them opened!"

"I can't!" Jackson screamed in fear as I almost believed nothing more could be done. But once my mind began to wander, I heard from Tommy who was now halted from his prior task.

"Jackson! Here!"

Tommy had a set of keys which he tossed to his friend. Once they were in his hands did Tommy inform him.

"It's a master key! It'll open the boxes without the others! Just give him whatever he wants and let's get this over with before one of us gets shot!"

"Which one!?" Jackson questioned as I pointed at Sam's box to reply.

"The entire column! Move it!"

Jackson got moving at godspeed as I kept my gun on him. I watched as he piled in the money and once at Sam's box he pulled out her duffel and tossed it at my feet. Picking it up and wrapping it around my back, I informed him.

"Good man. Now finish up. I'm not trying to stick around."

Tommy very carefully handed me the other bag and once Jackson was done I took his and ordered.

"In the corner. Both of you. Phones too."

"What?" Jackson questioned as I pushed him over to the far end of the vault. They also handed me their phones and thankfully Tommy listened and didn't question further as I slowly backed up until I was outside the vault. With the two men staying where I told them, I lowered my gun and said to them calmly.

"Can't have you crying for help too soon after I leave. Thank you for listening. Now enjoy the rest of your day gentlemen."

"Wait! You can't just leave us in here!" Jackson yelled as I ignored him and got to work on shutting the door. Once it had closed, I spun the lock and made my exit. I made sure to collect my lock and chain once I reached the front door then I went back to my car. I made sure to put the bags in the back and waited till I was away from the scene before unmasking myself to the world.

"Ahhhh….okay. Good fucking job Twig. Easy. Too goddamn easy." I said to myself as I felt the stress leave my shoulders.

Once I was collected, I texted Sam that I was done and ready to meet and by the time I pulled up to her place she was already out there waiting. She even smiled as I came out of the car with her bag in hand.

"How'd it go?" She asked as I gave her a serious look to reply.

"Went well. Got out clean."

"What about Jackson? Was he there?"

Nodding I replied.

"Him and Tommy were. Don't worry. I didn't lay a hand on them. It was clean."

Sam seemed happy to hear that and once she had confirmed it was her money; did she say to me with uncertainty.

"So that's it?"

Nodding I replied.

"Yeah that's it. We're done. You did good and you earned my thanks, but for the safety of us both, let's part ways from here on out. That sound fair?"

She agreed and with it I offered her my hand and waited till she had gotten the message before speaking out the truth.

"I'd keep a low profile. Don't say a fucking thing to anyone. I'm sure the bank will be in touch soon with the bad news."

I got her to laugh, but I was serious and didn't plan to keep this up. I was ready to leave and once I made my break for the car, she said to me with a calm joy to her voice.

"Stay safe out there. Keep your head down too, you hear?"

"Don't worry about me kid. Just keep your focus on yourself. I'm sure you'll fit in somewhere in time."

Sam now just watched as I pulled away. I pray to god she listens to me, even if I knew I wouldn't listen to her. I now had my next job on my mind and proceeded back to my safe house. Fingers crossed the next bank job with Remp would go just as smooth as this, but I had a good feeling it wouldn't. Call me paranoid.

mT Shadow.