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that lock that you can see through. Either glass entry doors or metal link roll-down doors. The bank doesn’t. If they had to work on something in the lobby of the other stores they’d be seen, even with the store closed. But not here. It’s opaque. Complete privacy.”
    The older woman nodded. “That’s right. Not sure why they designed it that way. I guess they assumed that even if someone broke in they’d have to punch through the roll-down wall and it would be noticed.”
    Stone added, “And the fact is most stores here don’t close at noon on Saturdays.”
    “Almost none of them,” said the teller. “I used to be in retail. Weekends are where the money is made and rent gets paid.”
    The other teller said testily, “But what does that matter? They broke into the bank. They’re robbing us ! Why are we wasting time talking about pop-outs and construction crap?”
    “You’re right,” said Stone. “I was just curious. Just try to remain calm. I believe this will all be over soon.”
    The young teller glared at him. “Right, with us dead or not?”
    “Hopefully not,” replied Stone.
    He and Robie moved away from the two women and sat together in a far corner.
    Robie said, “So that’s where the tools come in. They cut into the shaft and they have a direct way up and into another floor without anyone being able to see them work.”
    Stone nodded. “Perhaps all the way to the penthouse.”
    “Quite the security flaw if that’s true.”
    Stone said, “Well, I don’t suppose anyone thought someone would break into a bank in order to do so. But now we know why it was the bank. They could work unseen, as you said.” He glanced at Robie. “Very observant of you. Shane would be proud.”
    “I wonder what your friends are doing?” asked Robie, ignoring this comment.
    “Exactly what they need to be doing. I don’t think I can risk calling them again.”
    “I wonder why they haven’t brought the bank manager back.”
    “I doubt we will see him back.”
    “Hostage for their escape?”
    Stone said, “Possibly. Or some other type of insurance.”
    “And when they go up the shaft?”
    “They’ll have to leave someone here to guard us.”
    “But the odds will be more in our favor, then. Fewer guns to deal with. There are only four of them total. Divide and conquer, right?”
    “Yes.” He looked at Robie. “Are you up to it?”
    “What do you mean?”
    “I mean switching assignments midstream like that.”
    “I’m up for it,” Robie said quietly. “Though I have no idea what assignment you’re referring to.”
    “Good to hear. It will be soon, I think. Very soon.” Stone glanced at his watch.
    “And their escape plan?”
    “If they have one.”
    “They don’t look like jihadists to me.”
    “I never thought they were.”
    “So they have to have an escape plan.”
    “Yes, but it just might not look like one.”
    “I’m not following.”
    “And I’m not sure what I mean exactly,” admitted Stone. “Only I doubt they’re exiting the way they came in.”
    “How do you want to work this, then?” asked Robie.
    “I think we’ll know when the time is right. The question will be, do they leave one or two men behind?”
    “Depending on how they’re going to attack the target they might need three, which just leaves one with us.”
    “But they also might simply need one to attack the target.”
    “I would assume the target would have some type of security. You can’t just go in solo on that.”
    Stone looked at him, amused. “Surely that hasn’t been your experience? I would imagine you go in solo on every job you do. Just as I did.”
    To this Robie said nothing.
    “No,” continued Stone. “They might just send one. But if they do, the means of the attack will have to be overwhelming.”
    “With one guy you’re not simply talking about a gun.”
    “No.”
    “You’re talking an explosive or something along those lines.”
    “Yes, I absolutely am. You don’t do