One week later, nearly two dozen hired ex-soldiers, clad in dark tactical gear and wearing masks, sat in tense silence.
Armed only with pistols, they had been tasked with infiltrating what was described as a relatively easy target.
The men joked among themselves, questioning why such a simple mission required so many of them.
"Overkill, if you ask me," one muttered with a smirk, adjusting his mask.
"Yeah, but we're not paid to ask questions," another replied, already envisioning the payout. Laughter rippled through the group, lightening the mood as they waited for the signal to move.
Minutes ticked by. Impatience began to creep in.
"What's the holdup? Why's it taking so long?" one man grumbled, tapping his pistol against his thigh.
"I don't know, mate. Don't ask me," another snapped, irritation in his voice.
"Shut your traps!" their leader barked, silencing the chatter. "We're a go in a few minutes, so get ready."