“So, there’s really nothing left to do.”
“Nothing to do but wait,” Irene said. “That was always the hardest part.”
So true. Frances left Irene in the kitchen and went into the living room. Marcy was there, lying on the couch, her gaze fixed on the ceiling.
“What’s up with you?” Frances asked.
“Huh?” Marcy looked at Frances as if she was just seeing her. “Nothing. Got a text from Rocco apologizing for last night.”
“That’s good news. Means he’s alive after all.”
“Yeah,” Marcy said weakly. “He’s putting my name on the list for the party at the Nest tonight. Apparently, it’s going to be packed. They’re doing a ball drop, like at New Year’s Eve when they make the switch.”
“That’s perfect.” Frances went to the window and looked out. “Just perfect.”
They spent the day like this, lost in their own thoughts. Joan made Frances drink a tonic she and Irene had created that they thought would help fight the cancer. Frances didn’t have the heart to refuse her.
At six, they met in the living room. Irene handed out rubber masks of the Rat Pack—Sammy Davis, Jr., Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Joey Bishop.
“What are these for?” Edie asked.
“If we get into trouble, put them on and run,” Irene said. “The moment you are in the clear, get your wig and old-lady clothes on, and ditch the security outfits.”
“Is there going to be time for that?” Frances asked.
Irene shrugged. “It’s better than nothing. Everyone have their burner phones? Their comms units? Their toy walkie-talkies?”
They all showed that they did.
They dressed—Joan, Frances, and Edie in security uniforms beneath T-shirts and sweats and wigs. Marcy in another beautiful dress that showcased her legs. Irene in her maid’s outfit. “The mistake they make in the movies is having thieves dress like supermodel cat burglars,” Irene mused. “No one ever looks at frumpy grandmas.”
“I’m not sure how I feel about that,” Edie said.
“Let’s go over the plan,” Joan said. “The power is set to go off just before midnight. Irene turns off the motion detectors. In the confusion, the three of us enter the hallway with the vault and safe. I smoke bomb the guards, then fight them while you slip into the vault.”
“Fight?” Marcy said.
“Well, hopefully not. Only if necessary. Once Edie cracks the safe, Irene comes in with the cart. We take the service elevator, and the boys will be waiting at the service entrance with the laundry van.”
“We’re doomed,” Edie said.
“Okay!” Irene said. “On that totally positive note, let’s go do our last heist.”
“Wait,” Frances said. She gestured them all together in a group hug. “It’s a big job. If we pull it off, no one ever worries about money again.”
“And Rocco Vitali gets his due,” Edie added.
“Last chance to pull out,” Joan reminded them.
Frances held her breath … but no one spoke. “Okay, then … Go out with a bang or die trying?”
“Or die trying,” they all said. “Except you, Fran,” Edie amended. “And if you do, just remember, this was your dumb idea anyway.”
They sent Marcy out in an Uber.
Fifteen minutes later, the van pulled up in front of the rental. The four of them climbed in and Todd shut the panel door behind them.
“Nice,” Irene said, looking around. “Good job, Franny.”
