The Vault

"The Vault" by Murray Leinster is a crime story that follows a burglar named Mike who breaks into a jewelry and watch factory looking for an easy score. Things change when he finds Jack, a tied-up man, inside the vault. Mike learns that Jack's boss, Saunders, is the real villain, planning to rob the company and frame Jack. The story builds suspense as someone is overheard discussing a plot to trap Jack in the vault, quickly turning the simple break-in into a dangerous game. In a twist, Mike accidentally locks Saunders inside the vault, leading to poetic justice. In trying to navigate this issue, Mike escapes the factory with some stolen money, leaving behind a scene of chaos and unexpected outcomes. The story masterfully weaves together themes of deception, betrayal, and the thrill of a robbery gone sideways.