Withstanding the Odds

Chapter 7: Nikki

Stepping into the steaming hot shower, the only way I can stand it after a nightmare clings to my sweat ridden clothing, I shut my eyes and go over the last few days. It's been almost a week since I was chased by those goons in badges and since then, I have listened to Mick and kept my head low. I've always hated sitting still, but I know it was for the best.

After cleaning my body and washing my hair, I step out and get dressed in tight black jeans and a white tank. I throw on my hoodie and grab my sneakers from the corner of the room. Brody has already gone ahead of me, so I lock up and head out, immediately heading for the stairs.

Several seconds later, I tap soundly at Mick's door, rolling my eyes when Charles opens the door with a snarl.

“Morning Chuck, fish biting today?" I greet him with a smirk and walk inside Mick's suite, watching as everyone nods their head in my direction.

Over the last year, I have learned that although we practically live in the same building, all of us bandits know extraordinarily little about each other.

There are tech gurus who help us identify the entire scheme of the building, which Amy and Marla are good at. There is muscle bound bandits, like Miles and Aaron, and there are the runners that go in and grab, like me, Anderson, and once upon a time, Brody. I look at them all as I make my way inside and sit on the dark green couch, opposite, my brother.

“Now that everyone is here, let's get started." Mick calls out as he walks in from the other room and sits. “You may have all guessed what I want by now, but I wanted to explain myself further. We will indeed be doing a grand scheme."

Murmurs follow Mick's dramatic entrance and I look around and read everyone's contradicting expressions. While some like Amy and Marla seem excited, most of everyone else, the rest that have a lot more to lose, are hesitant.

“I know you all may not feel one hundred percent enthusiastic, but once you find out what my plans are, I believe you will see my version of things and come aboard."

“Mick, are you sure you want to go do this again? We are doing well, and no one is the wiser. If we put ourselves back out there, if we show the public who we are and what we can do, then the same thing that happened last time, can and will happen again." Kevin states with a worried look to his features.

Kevin was heavily involved with Matt and after Matt was released from the bandits, Kevin never truly recovered.

“Kevin, I've had this plan in my mind for months now, and with the help of my new partner, our business can grow exponentially."

“I don't know Mick, I mean we are doing well, why mess with that?" Anderson states but Mick just smirks and looks over at me.

“Are we? Is it true we are doing well or are we simply falling slowly but surely into a trap?" Everyone slows followers Mick's obvious diversion to the question and stares over at me. Taking my apparent que, I stand and walk over to Mick and face the room.

“Security knew who I was Tuesday afternoon. I went inside the Grove and came out moments later with two guards on me. They spotted me immediately and knew exactly what I was trying to do." I turn to Mick and watch as he nods his head. “I don't think we can continue to do this much longer. Soon, all cops will know who and what we are."

Although I don't necessarily agree with Mick and his plan of a grand scheme, I can't help but blurt the truth. I know Mick wanted me to explain everything that went down the other day with the security goons, but in doing so, I may have just given him my vote.

Walking back over to sit beside my brother, I blow out a deep breath as Mick explains further.

“It's a Charity event." He begins, his arms animated as he does so. “And it's housing some of the most influential people in the city. I want us in and out within minutes and for this to be successful, everyone here will be a part of this."

My eyes nearly bulge out of my head as I turn around and look over at my brother whose eyes are glued to Mick with wonder. Sh*t.

“Charity event?" Amy asks leaning forward.

“Yes. It's to honor Bronson Fortworth. He's the CEO of Fortworth Inc. The mayor will be there honoring him, along with about two hundred others. It's at Gotham Hall on Saturday at eight and I want every single one of you prepared."