“The Creaky Bandits,” Marv said as he stretched his lower back and grunted.
Harry swatted him in the gut with the back of his hand. “Really? We’re back to that again? Give it up and focus on the plan.”
“Jeez, might as well be the Cranky Bandits,” Marv mumbled under his breath and rolled his eyes.
They were standing off to the side of a very white cafeteria. Elderly folks spooned macaroni and cheese, or soup, or pudding, while others shuffled about with walkers or rolled around in wheelchairs. It was 30 years since New York City, and this was Peaceful Pines Retirement Home: their next target.
Harry rubbed his gnarled hands together greedily. “Heirlooms. Jewelry. Life savings. This is the jackpot, Marv, and there’s no little snot-nosed kid to stop us this time. Their retirement is OUR retirement!” He grinned widely, and Marv chuckled.
~~~~~
A tall blond employee with a badge introducing him as “Activities Director” was chatting with Amy, the facility’s dietitian, when something caught his eye. Two new faces there in the cafeteria. New… but familiar. Older than he remembered yet unmistakable.
“Kevin?” Amy waved her hand in front of his face. “I lost you, where’d you go?”
He shook his head a little as if rolling something into place. “Just a memory or two, Ames.” A mischievous gleam appeared in his eye and he smiled at her. “But I think I’m going to need your help with something. You know the Christmas pageant this weekend?”
She nodded, so he continued. “I have a feeling there’s going to be trouble that night… but we’re going to be ready for it. Let me tell you a story about my childhood.”
~~~~~
To be continued...