"What?" Everyone seems to call out in disapproving unison.
"If I compete this mission, I'd be able to get so much money that it'd be enough to help us start over." I try to explain, however, everyone continues to glare at me with looks of contempt.
"Louis," Abigail says softly. "If anything, we need to stick together right now. I don't think it's the best idea to allow you to just run off at the time we need you most."
"Besides," Jaela speaks now. "We still have a little money left to help us get started."
"But that is not enough," I argue. "Think about all the equipment and things we have lost. There is no way the few hundred dollars we have left will really provide us with anything. If we do not come into some cash quickly, our whole business will come to an end! We will return to those times years ago when we were just a bunch of homeless weirdos sitting on the side of the street. I won't have that again."
I look around at my surprised audience, waiting for them to counter my previous statement. Some begin to open their mouths to speak, but they're interrupted by Robert.
"I can't believe I'm saying this, and just because I am doesn't mean I am now under your authority, because I am the king here." He pauses and winks at me. "But, you're right, and I for one think that your idea is a good one. We will allow you to complete this mission but we will not be leaving until we have you back at our side. So, in the mean time, we will be staying at my cousin's house just North of Andy's street."
This causes a commotion.
"Furthermore, if any of you want to complain, complain to me." Robert quickly adds and everyone falls silent, no one ever complains to Robert.
"Thanks, Rob." I smile at him an then at the rest of my little family.
"But, Louis. You need to keep in mind that the police are now on our trails. What I'm allowing you to do is already incredibly dangerous, not only for you, but for all of us. I love you like son, but if we need to, I won't hesitate to leave you if it means jeopardizing the other's lives. So, I know this is difficult, but you have one week." He holds up 1 finger for emphasis.
"1 week? That's impossible!" I complain. However, Robert shoots me a look of warning and I know there is no way of arguing out of this.
"Alright, 1 week it is." I give in. "I guess I should split up from the group now and get to it then. Bye everyone, stay safe!" I begin to head off when my name is called.
"Louis, wait!" It's Jaela.
"Yes?"
"I'm coming with you, you'll need help if you there's any chance of actually succeeding."
It's not a question and I know I can't tell her no.
"Yeah... And I'm...um...coming too." Zayn says, and it's literally the most assertive I've ever heard him be.
I look around at the rest of the group to see if there's any other volunteers (which I know I can't afford).
"Alright, fine. Jaela. Zayn. You're with me. We'll start tonight." I then turn to the group once more. "Were we able to save any gadgets of any sorts or are we completely screwed?"
There was only a backpack full of supplies, which normally wouldn't have been enough for even one mission. It consisted of a couple walkie-talkies, around 500 dollars, a body bag (don't question it), one set of night vision goggles, and a few other materials required for robbery.
With one last goodbye, our newly formed mini group was off.
~
(In the perspective of a third party)
The tall well-dressed man brought a cigarette to his mouth as two men ran into the room.
"Mr. -, Mr. -!" The two men call out.
"Mhmm?"
"It's the gang you were after, they escaped!"
"What?!" The man sits up in his chair, his face turning red with anger.
"How is that possible?!"
"We don't know, sir. "
"Well find out!"
"Um... How do we do that, sir?"
The well-dressed man punches his desk as hard as possible. He is both furious and annoyed and has to count to ten to try and calm himself down.
"Get me Mr. Johnson on the phone, next time we find Robert and his gang we skip the arrest and kill 'em!"
(A/n: sorry for the short and poorly written chapter, but in a side note, I'm Back!)
