“Has Pedro’s exact location been found?” I ask Vito, and he nods in response.
“Prepare for an ambush. We move tonight.”
The moment I step out of the warehouse, I dial Matteo’s number. He answers on the first ring.“Where is she?” I say, unable to keep the growl out of my voice.
“At the airport, Don. She booked a flight to New York. I booked one too, and we are currently waiting at the departure lounge,” Matteo replies.
“Keep me posted,” I order before hanging up.
Vito approaches. “Attacking now plays into Pedro's hands.”
“And I don’t give a fuck about that,” I hiss through clenched teeth. “Backing away would mean I am scared of Pedro, and I am not.”
Vito nods. “Of course not, Don. I was not insinuating that. I just think we should tread with caution because this might be a trap.”
“I usually take my time before I attack anyone who comes for me. Pedro knows that, so he will not be expecting me. He most likely isn’t ready for war yet, which is why we must move immediately.”
Vito nods in understanding and agreement.
“Send some of the men over to my house. Tighten the security. No one in or out until we return,” I command, before striding away.
By nighttime, my blood is boiling from unshed violence. We arrive at the tarmac where my private jet is waiting. I’m embarking on this journey with only seven of my most trusted and strongest men, Vito included.
The flight to New York takes approximately ten hours, and by the time we land, I’m ready to shed blood. I’m restless throughout the period we wait for the night to come. By the time it’s dark, we are ready for war.
Under the cover of darkness, our cars speed across the streets of New York as we drive towards Pedro’s newly acquired property. In no time, we approach the sprawling compound, which is guarded and protected by layers of security. Parking amongst the bushes, we stealthily navigate through the shadows and trees until we get to the towering fence.
We bypass the outer perimeter and slip through a side entrance. The building looms before us, and we move silently, like ghosts, through the dimly lit compound, making sure to avoid triggering any alarms.
Everything seems to be going smoothly—until it’s not.
Black-clad figures ambush us, confirming Vito's warning: Pedro anticipated our move. The air fills with the deafening sound of gunfire, echoing through the grand halls. We hide behind walls and pillars, shooting relentlessly. But it’s almost hopeless. Pedro’s men are in the hundreds for fuck’s sake. One by one, mymen fall as they are shot. My chest squeezes painfully. I heave out heavy breaths.
“Fall back,” I yell to the remaining three.
But there is no way to go. We are completely surrounded. It’s either we kill or be killed.
As the chaos ensues, I press forward, dodging bullets and returning fire. My heart pounds in my chest, adrenaline surging through my veins. My third in command falls somewhere by my right, leaving us to a total of two men, just me and Vito. I refuse to yield.
The odds are stacked against us, but we have come too far to give up.
Until Vito is shot. I feel my heart drop as his body falls beside me.
“Give up, Leonardo,” Pedro Rodriguez taunts, stepping forward out of the shadows, like the devil he is, with a gun aimed at my head. “Or not. I'm rather enjoying the show.”
“You bastard,” I growl, my anger boiling over. But as I lunge forward, a shot rings out behind me, narrowly missing my shoulder.
“I wouldn't do that if I were you,” Pedro sneers, his voice dripping with spite. “One wrong move and you'll be joining your pathetic father in hell.”
Bloodied and battered, I stand before Pedro, a gun pressed against my head, with a horde of his henchmen looming behind me, their weapons ready to strike.
Shit!
Chapter Twenty-Three
Lorena
The door of my motel room creaks on rusty hinges as I push it open. Heavy footsteps enter the room, and I’m met with the heavy and stale air inside. The whole space smells of mustiness and neglect.