Double Take by Kendall Talbot

No-one’ll notice ’em missing till around six, and by then we’ll have already returned ’em. The escape routes are piss easy too. One goes over the Story Bridge and the other is via the freeway. The freeway would be the quicker of the two, and my preference. But I’ll do a test run that morning and see what’s going on.”
    â€œExcellent.” Jack was impressed. His fears about Pete being the wildcard now seemed completely unfounded. “Stubbs, what have you got?”
    Stubbs reached into his back pocket and removed a tattered piece of paper. “I need some cash for a few things like carry bags for the money, gloves and balaclavas for us and spray paint for the cameras. I know where to buy it all, but it’ll cost about a hundred or so to do it.” Stubbs sounded apologetic when he asked for the money.
    â€œNo worries, I’ll get the money to you later.” Jack had managed to scrape together just under $800 for expenses. It wouldn’t be enough. He still had no idea how much Rachel had paid for those guns. But he’d make sure she received every cent back. Jack always repaid his debts and he wasn’t about to stop now. “Donny?”
    Donny ran his hand over his slicked hair. “I did a drive by the bank,” he replied. “Where are we going to park the cars while you’re in the bank? There’s not even a loading zone around there that I could see.”
    â€œI know. Pete will park halfway up the driveway, hopefully no-one will come along in that time. Donny, you’ll have to park at this loading zone down Queen Street, outside the Westpac Bank.” Jack pointed at the map. “That means crossing the road after the robbery. So you’ll have to be nice and calm when you do it, so you don’t arouse suspicion.” He glanced up and Rachel shrugged.
    â€œAlso that intersection of Queen, Eagle and Wharf Streets is really busy,” Donny said. “What’s it going to be like on Melbourne Cup day?”
    â€œBrisbane is like a ghost town,” Jack said. “Hardly anyone goes to work and just about everyone will be at the pub, a party or out at the track.”
    â€œThat’s true,” Rachel said. “Walter’s firm always holds a huge party but I usually fly to Melbourne to be at the race.” She glanced at Jack. “I guess it’s fortunate I wasn’t this year. I’ll have to make up some excuse for not going to his function, though.”
    â€œI hope you’re right about the ghost town thing,” Pete said.
    â€œI am. I can usually double my deliveries that day because I’m not stuck in traffic.”
    There was one thing they hadn’t discussed yet. He had wanted to be certain they were all fully committed. Now was the time. “So let’s get something straight. Once we have the cash in the bags I’ll be the only one carrying them.”
    â€œWhy you?” Pete sniffed and eased back on his chair.
    â€œBecause this is my plan. If anyone’s going to get caught with the stolen money it will be me. I started this, so it’s my arse on the line.”
    â€œHow’d we know you’re not gonna piss off with it?”
    â€œBecause I’m not going anywhere. You know I need the cash for Candy’s operation.”
    â€œThis is bullshit, I ain’t—”
    â€œShut up, Pete!” Stubbs slammed his palm onto the table and held Pete’s glare. “I’d trust Jack with my life. If you don’t like the plan then get out now.”
    Pete stared at him, sniffed, and then turned to Jack. “Okay, but I’m driving your car, Jack.”
    Jack nodded. “If that’s what it takes.”
    Pete eased his chair back onto four legs and shoved his fists back under his biceps.
    Satisfied the matter was settled, Jack continued. “Afterwards we meet back here to divide up the cash together.”
    â€œSix ways.”