Mafia by Blood (wlw)

34 - Robbery

The day started quietly at Olivia, with Madison in charge for the morning shit. The weather outside was perfect - clear blue skies with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves. The rush around lunchtime hadn't started yet, allowing Madison and Noelle time to enjoy their coffee in the office in peace. Mac moved between tables, taking orders along with other employees. Her mind drifted to her next exam, mentally going over her study notes.

The calm morning was suddenly shattered when the door swung open, and five masked guys stormed inside, all with their faces concealed by dark fabric. The restaurant erupted into panic. Guests gasped and clutched their belongings, their faces becoming pale with fear. Madison and Noelle saw what happened on the screens in the office, and rushed out.

Madison raised her hands in a calmly surrender. "There's no need for anyone to get hurt. We'll cooperate."

The leader, a tall man with a menacing presence, brought up his gun. "Show us where the safe is, and nobody gets hurt."

Madison nodded. Her eyes flickered towards the customers, all of them holding their breath as the dialogue between her and the leader went on. Noelle stood right behind Madison, her hand resting on her belt, where she had a knife tucked under her shirt. She hoped she wouldn't have to use it, as she would have to explain to the other employees why she had a knife in the first place. They both understood the seriousness of the situation, and they both knew they had to stay calm, though their instinct was to attack them.

The two of them led the masked intruders to the back, where the safe was located. Mac snuck after them, while discreetly calling the police. However, one of the robbers noticed her.

"What is she doing back here?!" the leader grabbed Mac, pulling her close as an improvised hostage. Fear flashed in Mac's eyes, but she tried her best to remain calm. Madison and Noelle exchanged a tense look, their protective instincts kicking into overdrive.

"Look, she's not involved in this. Let her go, and we'll cooperate," Noelle said, her pulse rapidly rising. The leader tightened his grip on Mac and sneered.

"Cooperate faster, or things get messy," he said and put his gun against Mac's head.

"We're moving as fast as we can. Just let her go," Madison kept her voice steady, and opened the safe for them as quickly as she could.

The air hung thick with tension as the robbers emptied the safe, and the leader still held Mac, threatening her with his gun. The leader started growing impatient at his accomplices.

"Hurry up!" the leader barked at them, his eyes darting around nervously.

"We're done, boss," one of them replied, closing the bag.

"Let's go!" the leader ordered, pushing Mac away roughly as they made their escape.

Mac stumbled but quickly regained her balance, rushing into Noelle's arms. "You're safe now," Noelle whispered, holding Mac tightly. She rested her chin on top of Mac's head, and let out a deep breath she didn't know she was holding.

Madison watched as the robbers fled, her jaw clenched with anger.

"The important thing is that you're okay. Money is replaceable. You're not," Noelle said, gently stroking Mac's hair. Madison nodded in agreement, "If the police don't bring them to justice, we will."

As the sirens approached, Madison and Noelle worked to reassure the staff and customers that the immediate danger had passed. They knew they would need to tighten security and stay vigilant, but for now, they were just grateful that everyone was safe.

*

"How long have you and Noelle been training now?" Madison asked as she and Mac entered the villa's gym later that evening.