Frank is practically vibrating with anticipation the entire car ride to the warehouse. Gerard tries to send him reassuring glances, but how can he when Frank is bouncing his leg, chewing his nails and looking out the window at the scenery that is passing them by. It was times like this that Gerard wish that he was able to read minds or put thoughts into other peoples' heads. He would have been able to hear what Frank's voice sounded like then. Because he was almost sure that in everyone's minds, they sounded how they did in real life. Gerard could only wish. He had bet that Frank's voice was perfect.
As he's finishing going over the plan for that night, it's clear to everyone that Gerard is worried about Frank. They all sort of let him trail off and go to the back of the SUV where all their weapons are stored. There were no open seats and Frank was small enough to fit in with plenty of space still. Gerard slides easily in next to Frank. The other want to watch, but know better. Even though Gerard is never that careful with putting a hand on someone's shoulder, or speak in a low voice that was definitely not filled with the hostility that they were used to.
"Frank, are you okay?" Frank reaches for his notebook, but Gerard stops him. "That was a stupid question." Frank smiles slightly and nods, his shoulders shake a few times in what Gerard knows is silent laughter. He feels proud he could make Frank laugh in times like this.
"Don't worry, alright?" Frank chews his lips and nods slowly. Gerard smiles and wraps an arm around his shoulder, rubbing Frank's arm softly. He presses a gentle kiss to the top of Frank's head and smiles.
"I promise nothing will happen to you. If they shoot you, it won't be in the head. They'll want you to suffer, and you won't die if they shoot you in the leg, so they'll go for the abdomen. But you've got a bulletproof vest on. You'll be just fine, I promise." Frank relaxes into Gerard and nods, most likely reassured.
~~~~~~~
"G." Gerard inclines his chin to the short asian man that was positioned roughly three yards from him. The man, Frank couldn't pronounce the name, so he didn't bother to try and remember it, motioned for one of his cronies to walk forward. It was the one holding the silver briefcase. Gerard motioned for Dewees to come forth with theirs. Frank was told that there was some kind of ammunition in it. In the other one was supposed to be cash. At least five thousand. Possibly more. Gerard hadn't been too clear on that part of the entire scenario.
"I trust you have the money, Manson?" He nods and opens the other briefcase. From where Frank is standing, he sees a small green wire poking barely out of the side of the stacks of hundreds. Gerard eyes narrow. Frank had done his job so far. Stay directly next to Gerard at all times. Manson had his own next to him, though his was bigger, as opposed to smaller like Frank.
"What's that sticking out of the side, Manson." It isn't a question. But Manson feigns ignorance.
"I'm afraid I don't see anything, G." The two men are practically breathing anger and both are hiding their inevitable fear behind livid masks.
"You're full of shit, Manson. Deal's off." Schecter throws forward a grenade, Frank knows that's what it is, and Frank pushes Gerard down, covering him. He feels Gerard's hand go to the back of his head, protecting it, as pieces of shrapnel fly. Frank hopes the others had ducked as quickly.
Then Frank is up, pulling Gerard with him as they filter out of the now burning building. Frank is coughing and so is Gerard. The others were already in the cars, covered in ash and soot and panting. They hit the gas and Gerard takes the silver briefcases from Dewees. Frank is confused. Had there been two before? When Gerard's gaze meets his, Gerard explains.
"The case that was in there was full of fake money, most likely the kind you would find in a board game. The actual one was in the van that was on the other side. We had Bryar go and take out the two men who were guarding it. He met us on the other side with it when Dewees was running out with the ammunition we were supposed to give them." Frank nods, understanding.
