-“There’s not much time to waste. You’re either in or out. I must leave soon and go about my regular routine for this to work out.” Mike said invigorated now that he had a plan.
-“Where is this pot of gold Michael, and how can we get to it?” Boris inquired.
-“What time is it now?”
-“It’s 8:10 AM. Get to the point.” Boris insisted.
-“I must hurry! I usually pick up my kids from where they live at 9:30 AM sharp. I need to go home and shower and be presentable and to pick them up as usual.”
-“What’s the urgency?” Boris inquired suspiciously.
-“Just so that nothing seems amiss. I will pick up my kids, and say hello to my ex-wife as usual. I know for a fact that she and her current boyfriend are leaving for a big party in San Diego and will stay the night in a fancy hotel for the weekend.
The housekeeper has been given time off since last Wednesday for the holidays.
Today I will take my kids to the matinee movies at the Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica. While my eldest is engrossed in the film, I will then steal the house keys which she carries in her purse, as she is dropped off the school bus just a block away from that house.
I will then slip out to make a copy, and then meet one of you there to give you those, along with a detailed map, and a list of what you need to gather so that you don’t take any junk.”
-“Then what -– what’s so valuable in that house?” Boris inquired with barely contained avarice.
-“I will be honest and tell you that perhaps you won’t find a lot of cash, unless one of you is an expert at breaking into safe deposit boxes.
I will map the location of her boyfriend’s study. The safe deposit would be either behind one of his valuable paintings, or in the bookshelves. Although, you can get a lot of loot without attempting to brake into it.
However, just the jewelry alone that my ex-wife owns is worth over $100,000.
They're both avid art collectors. Nothing in that house is worth less then $15,000, and as high as – well, let’s just say that he owns a Renoir that may not seem like much of a little oil painting, but it’s worth a staggering amount that would fuck your mind – and that’s an understatement.
He also fancies guns. He has an extensive display worth – I’m guessing – about $70,000.
The jewelery, gun collection, and some of the less notorious art can be coverted easily into cash to amount 250 grand.
With the Renoir we must be extremely meticulous as to whom we contact as a potential buyer, but therein lies the real pot of gold!
They are leaving early to San Diego, about 10:00 AM.
You can go this afternoon if you can get a hold of a utility van advertising carpet cleaning or plumbing services or the like.
Be sure to borrow a set of plates from any vehicle on the street.
Or you can go in the night, but then, you would have to turn on the light, and frankly there are too many glass windows in this two-story house.
Let’s hurry so that I can clean up, and give you the $20,000 cash!” Mike finished up his presentation.
-“Hmm…so there’s really not that much cash involved. What do you guys think?” Boris asked with a pensive look.
-“Don’t be lazy! Once we broker the Renoir everyone will get a very handsome cut -- including me! Take worthwhile risks in life Boris if you want to reach the summit. You could retire from a life of crime; you want to see your little girl grow up no?” Mike persuaded.
-“YOU want a cut? You are in no position to negotiate my friend. Why do you think that you are entitled to a cut?”
-“Trust me there will be more than enough for everyone to be happy.
You said so yourself Boris, that when necessity demands, ‘anarchy flourishes like rosebuds bloom in spring.’
I got to where I am by being a ruthless son of a bitch, and right now I am holding on to the edge of a precipice just by my fingernails.
What do you say, do we have a deal?” Mike asks as he extends his hand to Boris.
-“Okay, we have a deal.” Boris seals the pact.
-“Raul, do we have a deal and forget the past?” Mike asks as he extends his hand in a gesture symbolizing healing.
.
