Venice; Money Heist [2]

A Tale Of Good And Bad News

Chaos engulfs the streets of Madrid around the Bank of Spain. Masses resist the police, defying their state. Signs reading "Traitor" are held high. Red overalls clash with the police, who struggle to maintain order and follow their superiors' commands. Smoke shrouds the scene, obscuring what is really happening. Screams and shouts fill the air, along with the clash of batons against flesh. The bang of the officers' smoke grenades pierces the noise, wrapping the surroundings in even more chaos. Then, a much larger explosion interrupts the clamour. Dust and debris scatter, and the ground shakes from a massive eruption. Cries echo before everything is enveloped in smoke... This is how I imagine a writer would describe the events unfolding around the Bank of Spain. Inside the bank, things were more controlled. The hostages scream, but our people keep them in check. I can't help but straighten up and grin at Phe. The only one left to get is the governor, who is likely in his office, surrounded by his security team.

"They're attacking the bank. The bank is under attack!" Palermo plays his part. "Seal off the building! I repeat, seal off the building!" I position myself in front of the grand entrance and smile as the massive armoured doors close with a loud click. We're in.

"And then the Bank of Spain will be sealed."

"Even if sealed, it's a huge building, Professor. Many windows, few men. We can't defend it all," Helsinki points out.

"Good point, Helsinki. Very good point. I've thought about that a lot, along with Palermo and Venice. You see, this building has tricks. Venice." The brunette stands and moves towards the Professor and Palermo, positioning herself behind the model.

"As he said, this building has tricks." She grabs the outer wings of the model and places them on the floor, leaving the central part standing. "This is the part of the bank we're focused on. Its entire structure is reinforced with concrete walls and steel sheets that are 180 centimetres thick."

"How do you know?" Denver interrupts, earning irritated looks from the group.

"Because we have the plans. How we got them, I don't know; ask the Professor. But we have them."

"Shut up, Denver, and let her speak," Helsinki snaps at him. He knows Venice is long over him, but he still played with his best friend's feelings and keeps trying to dictate what Monica should do. His annoying behaviour gets on everyone's nerves.

"Thank you, Helsinki... as I said, they are 180 centimetres thick. From the outside, it's basically a giant safe. And from the inside, it's impenetrable. Once code red is activated, no one... no one will be allowed in or out for one hour. That's the time we have to get our hands on a piece that's absolutely crucial for stage two of the plan."

"What piece?" asks Bogotá, aka Santiago.

Nairobi, Tokyo, and I march down the long corridors toward the governor's office. Bringing Tokyo along is a risk, but sometimes she comes up with good ideas when it comes to spontaneous solutions. Tokyo opens the door without knocking and effortlessly steps into her soldier role. She positions herself to the right, with Nairobi taking the left. Finally, I enter the room and stand in the centre.

"Excuse me, Governor, my name is Lieutenant Lorenzo. I've been assigned by General Salas Núñez to ensure your safety. I know this is quite sudden, but you need to come with us. We have an armoured car ready to evacuate you as soon as possible." I look at the older man before me. I know he once served in the military as a medic, so we need to play our cards carefully. My years as a professional soldier should help with that.