La Casa de Papel (Palermo) // Translation

04. la hora cero

The plan consists of a remote-controlled zeppelin that drops money onto the streets of Madrid while a video is broadcast showing the professor revealing his identity to ask people for help.

The professor says that Rio was captured and is now being tortured.

Velez walks from one side to the other and suffocates in the military suit she is wearing, since they will all pose as military forces to enter the bank in the next few minutes. Observe Palermo who is leaning on a table with a radio in his hand waiting for the professor to speak for him. Palermo looks up and meets Velez'gaze. She remembers that this morning Palermo treated her the same as always. And Velez realized that it was obvious that Palermo forgot everything that happened last night. And she is disappointed but then she wonders why. What did I expect? What about taking care of him one night drunk, even if he was going to appreciate her a little more? Velez makes a smile still looking at Palermo bu he does not return it. Velez can tell how nervous he is even if he doesn't show it. She only notice it because the depth of her eyes with which he is looking at her right now allows her to realize it. And then the radio turns on, which makes Palermo seperate Velez'visit.

"Palermo, it is now" the unmistakeable professor and Velez'stomach turns.

"Let's go guys"Palermo said.

As the professor had explained, a multidud of people in favor of the robbers should be outside the bank making noise, police operations trying to stop them and more military forces surrounding the bank entrance. And just as it was. Velez for a moment forgets about the nerves that are gnawing at her stomach and looks out the armored window, the multitude of people dressed in red rompers, Dalis masks everywhere, posters in the form of protests about Rio, people screaming and pushing through the fences, the police holding them back. It is incredible and Velez feels a magical sensation, that everyone loves and supports you, creating resistance. The armored arrives at the bank and stops, so Velez comes out of her trance. Denver , Helsinki, Bogota, Nairobi and Stockholm go to one side to wait for the signal and Palermo, Velez and Tokyo go to the bank door.

"Don't get away from me" Palermo says quitly to Velez as they walk. Velez looks at him almost surprised but cannot concentrate because a military chief and his gang are holding them right at the door.

"We have strict orders to enter, sir" says Palermo, but the boss looks at them suspiciously.

"I cannot let them pass without an official order."

"The chief has sent the order to us to enter" Tokyo said, but the chief remains silent.

"Sir, permission to enter" Velez said in a firm voice. The boss does not answer. Velez looks askance at Denver who waits with the others from afar. "Sir, permission to enter" the boss makes a radio call and finally accepts. Velez sighs covertly and enters the pair of Palermo and after them the rest of the group. Denver and Helsinki remain outside placing the bombs and while that happens, Velez and Palermo approach reception.

"How many people are in the building?" Palermo asks one of the receptionists.

"367" answers and Palermo agrees. He turns to look at Velez and with his eyes he gives her the order. Velez goes to one of the military.

"Order an evacuation plan" she says, and the military ignores it without saying anything. In less than three minutes, as the professor said, the 367 people in the bank are already downstairs.

"I want two groups. Group one and Group two, when I order, group one evacuates, okay?" Palermo sazs and everyone nods. "Now!" he yells and Group one leaves the bank in despair and panic. Velez, Nairobi, Stockholm and Tokyo try to stop some people from group two who try to escape. Once group one evacuates, Denver and Helsinki enter the door of the bank and Palermo knows that it is time.

"Go back" Palermo said to the group forcing them back off. "Go back" Palermo said to Velez, who continues by his side and pushes her slightly. Palermo presses a button and the five bombs that Helsinki and Denver had planted explode, causing the bank doors to close and remain closed for two hours, as the professor had explained. Tokyo, who had disappeared a few minutes ago, comes running and stands next to Velez, who whispers in her ear.

"The Gobernador isn't here" she whispers and Velez opens her eyes in surprise. Palermo just sees her and notices that something is wrong, so he approaches them.

"Whatis going on ?!" he asks.

"The Gobernador isn't here" Velez answers quietly. "I go with Tokyo."

"No" he said. "I'll go with her."

"No" Velez said. "You have to stay here." Palermo didn't argue with her and just nodded. Velez and Tokyo made their way to the office of the governor.

published:05/31/20

word count:854 words

edited:06/02/20