#heist-planning

I'm in. Also, has anyone tried the shrimp cocktail at the Bellagio? Incredible. Hold on, let me post a photo.

[Photo: Shrimp cocktail, half eaten, with a martini glass visible in the background]

Rusty. Focus. $150 million.

I'm focused. I can eat and plan simultaneously. It's called multitasking, Daniel.

Hey everyone. Quick question — what's the security layout? And the vault specs? And the guard rotation? And the camera placement? And the emergency protocols? And what happens if we get caught? And how do we launder $150 million? And—

Kid. Breathe.

Sorry. It's just... my dad is Bobby Caldwell. The Bobby Caldwell. I have a lot to live up to.

Oi oi. What's the job? And more importantly, what's the explosives budget? Because last time you lot cheaped out and the charges were rubbish.

We'll have whatever budget we need. This is a $150 million job.

Now you're speaking my language. I need a pinch. An electromagnetic pulse device. It'll black out Vegas for 30 seconds. Should be fun.

I'm funding this? Fine. But I want everyone to know that Terry Benedict put me out of business. This is personal. Also, I'm too old for field work. I'll be at the pool.

I'm too old for this. I said I was out. I was retired. I was enjoying my retirement.

Saul, you'd be playing a wealthy international arms dealer. Custom suit. Rolls Royce. Everyone calls you "sir."

I'm in.

We're in too. The Malloy brothers are ready.

Don't speak for me, Virgil. But yes, I'm in.

[message in Mandarin]

Yen says he's in. He also says the vault ventilation shaft is 18 inches wide and he can fit through it. Because he's an acrobat. And slightly insane.

I'll handle inside access. I can get a job dealing cards at the Bellagio by Thursday. Nobody questions a new dealer during convention season.

I've already hacked into the Bellagio's security camera system from my van. Their firewall is... not great. I can loop the vault cameras whenever you need.

I have 47 questions.

What about the buffet situation at the Bellagio? I need to know the meal plan for the operation.

Rusty, there is no meal plan. This is a heist.

Every operation needs a meal plan, Danny. Hungry crew makes mistakes. I'll handle catering.

Quick note on Step 6 — the EMP will also knock out all the slot machines, ATMs, elevators, and Terry Benedict's hair dryer. Just want everyone to be prepared for the level of chaos.

Oh, and one more thing. Terry Benedict is dating my ex-wife. So this is also personal.

And THERE it is. I was wondering when Tess would come up.

Wait, is this a heist or a custody battle?

Camera feeds are looped. Security is watching last Tuesday on repeat. They have no idea.

Inside. Dealing blackjack. Nobody suspects a thing. The pit boss just complimented my shuffling technique. I feel guilty.

I'm in the building. The Rolls Royce entrance was MAGNIFICENT. Three valets. A red carpet. They called me "sir" eleven times. I counted. I should have done this years ago.

[message in Mandarin]

Yen says he's inside the vault. Also his hand is broken. But he's fine. He says the money looks great up close.

EMP is armed. On your signal, Danny. This is going to be BRILLIANT.

Now.

ALERT: Electromagnetic pulse detected. Las Vegas Strip power grid: OFFLINE. Estimated restoration: 30 seconds.

BOOM. Every light on the Strip just went dark. You're welcome.

Vault doors are open. Loading the money. We have 30 seconds. Also, I found a vending machine in the vault corridor. Anyone want a Snickers?

Money is loaded. SWAT disguises on. Walking out the front door. Stay calm, everyone. We are "responding to the emergency."

WHERE IS MY MONEY. THIS IS TERRY BENEDICT. I OWN THE BELLAGIO. WHERE IS THE $150 MILLION THAT WAS IN MY VAULT 10 MINUTES AGO.

I WANT EVERY CAMERA CHECKED. EVERY DOOR. EVERY EMPLOYEE. SOMEONE ROBBED MY CASINO AND I WANT THEM FOUND.

Sir, the camera feeds show... nothing. They were looped. We've been watching footage from last Tuesday for the past two hours.

Good work, everyone. Meet at the Bellagio fountain. 10 minutes. Just to watch.

Bringing snacks. I found an incredible taco place two blocks from the vault. They use this chipotle aioli that—

I can't believe that worked. I genuinely cannot believe that worked. My dad is going to be so proud.

I'm keeping the suit.