Featured image by Bruno /Germany from Pixabay
The next storage locker I have to do this in” I responded.
You hid your money in that?” asked Stretch.
Very little” I responded. “That’s the diamonds and Krugerrands. If I would have had two pouches there would be a lot more cash hanging overhead. That’s going to be a lot heavier than it looks” I finished looking towards Giant who was now on Slim’s shoulders.
Always leave enough cash on the floor where smash and grabbers can find it. That keeps them from thinking about the ceiling.
You weren’t kidding about needing the trunk space” stated Stretch after Giant was down and the open door let security light in again.
We won’t take it all” I responded. “That square case is hand guns, ammo, knives, etc. These two are my clothes. Those small canvas bags have cash. Underneath my laundry supplies and shaving kit, that duffel has more cash. We will just take this. Leave the rifle, power tools and other cases. In fact, leave one of those cash bags, but grab that white plastic bucket. We need to get moving. It’s eight now. You still need to find a place to buy clothes and toiletries then we need to find a hotel.”
Don’t forget burner phones” uttered Giant. “Yes, burner flip phones.”
I saw a Target not too far back” offered Slim. “What about the bags?”
Target will do for now. You drive since I know you remember how to get there. Bags are in the square case with the other stuff.” He just smiled a response.
How good is that ID and credit card you used for Uber?” I asked Giant.
It’s got some room” stated Giant. “Be better if we used a different one though, just in case the company hacks into Uber to find all of the pickups after we left the building. Let them chase all of the bus and train traffic following credit cards which were used for cabs and Uber then next used out of state. They are probably chasing quite a few ghosts right now.”
Why Giant! You have been paying attention!” I said rather proudly. “Start fishing some cash out for each of you and a small bundle for me as well.”
How much?” he asked.
Not a gangsta wad that looks like a couple of billiard balls in the pocket. Something which, when folded in half fits in one hand easily yet is enough to cover at least three days worth of clothes and toiletries as well as a burner flip phone each. I’ll pick up the computer because I know what I’m looking for.”
It’s just a cheap laptop” he said.
No. It can’t be an Android because Google tracks everything. For-profit wing of the NSA, remember? I’m not going through all of that registration shit with Windows. Microsoft is even less trustworthy than Google if you can believe that. I want a laptop with a DVD in it if they still have one. I’m going to force boot it from either DVD or thumb drive, wipe it and put Linux on it. Actually, tonight I will just boot the live disk so we can book a hotel room.”
Do you have a credit card to book a room with?” asked Stretch.
Better. I knew I still had these. Let’s see, who do I want to be? Oh, by the way, fish me out a couple of grand. Here we go. I’ll be you tonight. Both of these prepaid cards have eight grand loaded. More than enough to cover the pre-auth amounts. Even cooler, that’s a Baker’s Square over there.”
So? There are lots of places to eat” questioned Stretch.
One of the few chains which started adding power outlets to a select group of booths as they remodeled each location. It is an attempt to get more business customers because they spend more, and, they are usually open until eleven. The laptop won’t come pre-charged and we need a good meal.”
We probably shouldn’t walk in together” said Slim as he pulled into a parking spot.
Oh, parking lot surveillance already has us arriving together. If one of you really wants to go waste time at Barnes & Noble, that is fine, but, it gives you less of a window for eating and the rest of us will be upset if we have to wait to go to the hotel.”
The hotel you are going to book, correct?” asked Giant.
Yes. I’m hoping to find a Residence Inn somewhere around here. We will be here three days and they have two bedroom units. The company won’t be looking for us in some place so nice” I answered.
Three days?” questioned Slim.
At least. Be sure one of you picks up some liquid laundry detergent, the HE type, and make sure you get five days worth of undies. I want this car fixed and ready to make a speedy get away should the need arise. Once we find a place it will take two days for them to get it fixed. We will cab it around doing touristy things, coming back with hats and t-shirts so we don’t attract attention. There has to be something around here with a gift shop the yocals all think every tourist should see. If anyone at the hotel asks we are on a haven’t-seen-you-in-a-long-time-let’s-take-a-road-trip bonding trip.”
Hmmm” said Giant.
What?” asked Slim.
You may not believe this, but, I’ve wanted to see the Edgar Allan Poe Museum and the Museum of fine arts they have down here for a while now.”
We were all looking at him when he shouted “What?! I read sometimes! I’ve read their Fine Arts Museum isn’t some big monstrosity like other major cities have. This one tends to be described as approachable and inviting. Not filled with a bunch of snobs looking down on people who don’t know the entire history of every piece exhibited.”
If it’s open they have that Maymont place down here” I said. “Some mansion tour with Japanese gardens. I’ve seen it on top ten lists of things to do in Richmond before. We need to look up some place for Stretch to load more cash onto that prepaid card and a place for you guys to get some as well. Have to put small amounts though. Don’t know who reports what down here. You all can sign up for more Uber accounts with them. Traveling between hotel and tourist destinations won’t attract the least bit of attention, but simply sitting tight in a hotel room will. We will do all of that after we find a place to work on the car and get it dropped off. Now, let’s get our shopping done because I’m starving.”
[…] <Previous Part Next Part> […]