The Sands of Time

A new man was behind the wheel of the getaway car, and it made Jaime Miro nervous.



"I'm not sure of him," he told Felix Carpio. "What if he drives off and leaves us?"



"Relax. He's my cousin's brother-in-law. He'll be fine. He's been begging for a chance to go out with us."



"I have a bad feeling," Jaime said.



They had arrived in Seville early that afternoon, and had examined half a dozen banks before choosing their target. It was on a side street, small, not too much traffic, close to a factory that would be making deposits there. Everything seemed perfect. Except for the man in the getaway car.



"Is he all that's worrying you?" Felix asked.



"No."



"What, then?"



It was a difficult one to answer. "Call it a premonition." He tried to say it lightly, mocking himself.



Felix took it seriously. "Do you want to call it off?"



"Because I have the nerves of an old washerwoman today? No, amigo. It will all go as smooth as silk."



In the beginning, it did.



There were half a dozen patrons in the bank, and Felix held them at bay with an automatic weapon while Jaime cleared out the cash drawers. Smooth as silk.



As the two men were leaving, heading for the getaway car, Jaime called out, "Remember, amigos, the money is for a good cause."



It was out in the street that it began to fall apart. There were police everywhere. The driver of the getaway car was on his knees on the pavement, a police pistol at his head.



As Jaime and Felix came into view, a detective called out, "Drop your weapons."



Jaime hesitated for one split second. Then he raised his gun.