Chapter 13, Chapter 4: A Genius's Idea

Chapter 04 A Genius's Idea

Bank holidays are usually the Monday of the last week of August.

In other words, August 23 (Saturday), August 24 (Sunday), and August 25 (Monday) are all holidays. Most banks and businesses will be closed.

Meanwhile, roadworks were underway at night on Marie Leben Road, where Lloyds Bank is located, and the vibration alarms for the entire bank were turned off this month to avoid multiple accidental triggerings of the bank's alarms.

The right timing, the right location, and the right people all fell into the hands of the criminals.

This weekend is undoubtedly the perfect time to commit the crime.

Such favorable timing, location, and circumstances created the perfect opportunity to commit the crime—and it also provided an extra full day, allowing everyone to escape before the police could react.

The mastermind behind this robbery was a used car factory owner named Terry.

He owed a huge debt of exorbitant interest that he could never repay, with the interest compounding every month, making it almost impossible for him to breathe.

The car factory was barely keeping operating, but his life was in complete chaos. Creditors came to threaten him every few days, and even smashed the cars that were being repaired at the factory.

Just when Terry was cornered by life and could hardly see a way out, his ex-girlfriend Martin suddenly contacted him.

She didn't beat around the bush; she just asked directly, "Terry, there's a big one coming up, are you in?"

Terry was not a brainless brute.

He would never impulsively take to the front lines just because of a few words of encouragement from others.

Therefore, after Martin lobbied him several times, he made him lay out all the information.

The information Martin presented was indeed substantial.

She learned that Lloyds Bank would be replacing its entire security system by the end of August.

During the replacement, the old system will be temporarily removed, and the new system will not be fully installed, resulting in a 36-hour vacuum period.

Terry didn't believe the rumors he heard. He went to the site himself to investigate, check the procedures, and even used his connections with old customers at the repair shop to get information about the relevant insiders.

The message has been confirmed, and even if the information isn't explained in a very clear way, we are basically 100% certain of it.

Although Terry had long since left his pre-marital profession, his past had never truly left him.

He used to be a hoodlum with a long criminal record. Although he had never committed a major robbery like robbing a bank, the boldness and instinct of a desperate criminal were still deeply ingrained in his bones.

The more life pushed him to the brink, the more his long-dormant ruthlessness reawakened.

After confirming that the opportunity did exist, Terry quickly began to bolster the team.

He knew one thing.

Robbing a bank is never a one-man show; it requires a professional team.

Soon, he found four more partners who had previously worked in the gray area.

Everyone has their own tasks.

Someone was responsible for lookout and communications;

Some people are skilled at digging and supporting tunnels;

Someone was responsible for the physical labor and to provide driving assistance;

Another person is particularly skilled at dealing with outsiders and can divert the attention of police and bystanders when necessary.

They scheduled the day of the operation for the bank closure holiday in August.

Terry knew very well that if they chose to do it during this period, even if the security alarm was triggered, it would be difficult for the police to arrive at the scene immediately; and the extra day of the holiday would be a crucial buffer for their safe evacuation.

The date for the robbery was finally set for Saturday night, August 23.

Because the vault is located beneath a layer of concrete and steel plates tens of centimeters thick.

The real challenge wasn't digging a tunnel, but rather figuring out how to break through the steel plate structure.

They borrowed thermal spears, which were only available to welders, and used the high temperatures to cut metal, but this also brought great risks.

Noise, smoke, high temperatures, and the smell of burning metal all churned in the tunnel, leaving no escape.

They still need road works to cover up their actions.

The process of welding through the vault floor took longer than expected.

Similarly, the air was filled with a pungent smell of burnt metal and concrete dust, which made people's eyes red and their throats burning. No one could stay inside for long.

So they had to retreat to the tunnel entrance and use the industrial fans they had brought to continuously ventilate the tunnel.

It took a full two hours before the air became breathable again.

While waiting, someone went to prepare the tools to pry open the safe; a lock pick, electric drill, cutting saw, and hydraulic spreader were all available.

The others stayed at the nearby Le Sac leather goods store to rest temporarily.

The underground vault has a total of 260 safes.

According to Martin, the box contained collectibles and cash acquired through illegal or shady means.

They had plenty of time to move the £16 million in cash and bonds, along with nearly £10 million worth of valuables, out of the store.

Even though so much stolen property that provided them with a comfortable life was lost, their owners had no way to investigate it all and could only swallow their anger.

This is also an important reason why they were determined to carry out this operation.

After all, even though Terry was prepared to risk everything and live on the run, he knew there were some people he could never touch. The worst thing that could happen wasn't being sentenced by the court, but rather that he would "disappear."

Terry has a family of his own, and it's highly unlikely that he was doing these things with his ex-girlfriend out of sheer courage or to win back his former love.

Everything should be approached with caution.

So Terry also chose to stay in the leather goods store, waiting for the moment to rob it.

However, just when everyone was falling asleep due to the long and arduous digging work, Terry unexpectedly discovered that Martin was not sleepy at all, but instead secretly took her tools and went into the underground vault.

Terry remained unfazed and continued to follow closely behind.

"Martin, what are you doing?"

It was at this step that Terry fully realized he was nothing more than a pawn in a game of chess.

Martin confessed that he was captured by MI6 at the border.

“They didn’t have an official authority to conduct a direct investigation, and they didn’t want to alert the enemy. So they promised me that if I could help them steal information about the royal princess’s scandals, they would clear my name.”

"And you are the only person I can rely on."

This really touched Terry's heart.

After all, they once had a touching love story.

But this is not enough for Terry to forgive Martin.

Martin said, "This matter involves MI6's important duties. Therefore, they can guarantee to delay the police action, prohibit the media from speaking out on the grounds of state secrets, and take back the investigation rights of the case from the police."

"They can guarantee to change our identities and not pursue the stolen money."

The nation is their source of confidence, which truly puts Trian at ease.

From this point on, the trust between Terry and Martin has begun to crumble.

"If you want me to continue to trust you, stop acting alone from now on."

Martin fell silent, but Terry's reaction was understandable.

Now she just hopes this matter can be completed smoothly.

Their team also hoped the matter would go smoothly, and the MI6 agents also hoped it would be successfully completed.

Similarly, those behind the scenes also hoped that nothing unexpected had happened during all of this.

While some were digging tunnels under Baker Street, covered in dust, others were enjoying a private meal at Chef's Table on Marylebone Road.

Chef's Table is an extremely difficult-to-book private dining venue.

Not all upscale restaurants use this format, and some restaurants even exclusively use this format.

There is only one long table between diners and the kitchen and chefs, allowing them to observe the kitchen up close, and the chefs will personally explain the dishes.

Milford's reservation was at Chef's Table, a restaurant known for its creativity that incorporates Asian elements into French cuisine.

This restaurant only serves 6-12 guests at a time, and reservations usually need to be made six months in advance.

Alternatively, diners must constantly monitor restaurant reservations to see if anyone cancels their bookings, so they can quickly get their names on the waiting list.

Albert wasn't particularly interested in food, but the restaurant Milverton had invited him to was indeed in Albert's memory.

7:46 PM

The restaurant's late seating starts at 8 p.m.

When he arrived, there were only two people in the restaurant: Milverton was already seated at one side of the long table, enjoying pre-dinner sake with his secretary, Jenny.

Albert was somewhat surprised, thinking that Milford had only invited him, not expecting that there was a female secretary by his side.

Of course, he didn't think he showed the slightest surprise.

But when Secretary Jenny saw Albert, she immediately took her wine glass, stood up, and said, "I'm just here for a free meal, I won't bother you."

She quickly walked to the corner, without waiting for Albert to stop her.

Albert didn't hesitate and simply sat down next to Milwaukee.

Milverton was about the same age as William.

Unlike William's reserved nature, he was outspoken and shrewd.

As Albert sat down next to him, he could still smell the perfume Milverton wore when he was getting ready.

The base notes blend cedarwood and sandalwood, with a hint of sweet and sour citrus, slightly toning down the overly strong and flamboyant men's fragrance.

“I forgot my bank card, so I asked Jenny, who was passing by, to pay for me.” Milwalton even left his phone in the car. In today’s world, Milwalton’s behavior is considered out of touch with the times.

Watching Albert's expression closely, Jenny further explained Milwaukee's explanation: "I used my boss's supplementary card, not my own money. I'm just a simple payment tool."

Albert smiled slightly at Jenny, then looked at Milford.

The smile at this moment is more polite, more restrained, and also colder.

"These things don't need to be explained to me."

His tone was as light as if he were talking about the weather, but it clearly indicated the distance between them.

He was indeed not interested in this matter.

Albert agreed to attend for only two reasons.

First, he wanted to personally ensure that Milwaukee wouldn't develop any ulterior motives regarding this case.

If Milvolton were to intervene, the situation would be far more complex than simply "the impact of the robbery expanding." His very existence is a variable, a danger, and an unstable factor.

Albert could not allow such a variable to get out of control right under his nose.

Second, he wanted to maintain a "just right connection".

It wasn't about getting closer or distant, but about letting Milverton know that he was maintaining the same level of interest in him as before, rather than suddenly losing interest, so as not to arouse too much suspicion.

At the same time, this allows them to maintain a detached relationship that is both cooperative and wary of each other.

That subtle sense of distance is something Albert is most familiar with and best at manipulating.

It's important to understand that even if Milverton is neither a friend nor an enemy, he is definitely a dangerous person whom Albert is unwilling to allow to act freely.

Milford was remarkably agreeable, simply saying, "Besides you, I have invited two other guests."

"Is this about doing business?" Albert asked.

Milverton offered a vague answer: "I like organizing gatherings, meeting more people, and it's always good to have a lively atmosphere."

He paused for a moment, then added, "You know, I occasionally have some brilliant ideas too."

"Yeah?"

Albert discovered that this man was indeed somewhat narcissistic.

The last time he mentioned having a brilliant idea was when Milverton shared a meal of cheese dumplings with pasta with him.

But as he began to doubt the other person's idea, Albert caught a glimpse of Secretary Jenny's eyes gleaming out of the corner of his eye.

She seemed to have heard some famous quote, and the emotion it evoked left Albert speechless.

Regardless, Milverton's guests began to appear one after another.

The first to appear was Lloyds Bank manager Tucker Lich, who said, "It's been a long time since we last met. It's a great honor to receive this invitation."

Another person who appeared later was Fred Pollock, who operated under the pseudonym "Robert Rowlands"—a key figure in Moriarty's camp.

However, at this moment he should be listening to Terry and his group who were robbing the vault.

Since the Lloyd robbery case would be nominally suppressed by MI6, there needed to be someone who deliberately leaked it to the police station, or even made the news media aware of it.

This person is Robert Rowlands.

In the plan, Fred Pollock would appear as a radio enthusiast.

While performing a routine frequency scan, he unexpectedly discovered a strange, unauthorized communication, which prompted him to call the police, leading to a large-scale police search of nearby banks to see if anything unusual had happened.

Such actions are bound to attract the attention of the news media.

But now this key figure is dining here with Milwaukee.

Fred and Albert exchanged glances briefly before quickly looking away.

Meal time is at most 2 to 3 hours, and you can still carry out Moriarty's mission after Fred's meal.

Milwaukee had no idea who Fred was.

I just don't know what the purpose of inviting this bank manager is...

Albert must remain steadfast amidst change.

"How about I invite a few more guests?"

Milwald's voice rang out again.

Unsure of Milverton's intentions, Albert casually remarked, "It is indeed a brilliant idea."

In Jenny's view, it was like a perfunctory response, merely repeating Milverton's earlier statement.

But Milwaukee clearly didn't think so; instead, his attention was drawn to Albert.

Albert slowly added, "Just like last time I saw you stuff cheese dumplings into your pasta."

He smiled, with a hint of precise and apt offense, "It was also an unparalleled brilliant idea. Although when I saw that dish, I just felt extremely disgusted."

As soon as he finished speaking, Milvolton's eyes flickered slightly.

Soon, he smiled too.

"Then I hope you'll feel even better tonight."

Seeing that no one around her paid any attention to her, Jenny secretly took out her phone's notes app and continued to gather material for her biography.

A note from the author:

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Jenny: Mr. Albert only wanted to dine alone with Mr. Milwaldton and was not happy about the extra guests.

Thank you for your comments.

This book has nothing to do with Lanny's book.

The personalities of all characters will undergo subtle changes as they encounter different people, and cannot be generalized.

For example, Lanny has a gentle and obedient personality, so everyone tends to dote on him. Correspondingly, the gentle traits in everyone's personality will be brought out.

He Ji has a rather domineering personality and enjoys bullying everyone, so people both love and hate him. Their own volatile and aggressive tendencies occasionally become quite apparent.