Page 27 of Lured By the Cartel

"How?"I ground out, teeth gritting tightly together, barely controlling the urge to lunge forward, grab him roughly, and shake the answers loose. Violence threatened, hovering close, ready to explode at the slightest provocation.

"We don't know yet, sir,"he admitted, holding up hands. Wise move; retreat while possible. Otherwise...

"But someone does,"I pressed, leaning forward, menace clear in my expression. They knew something. Knew enough to put fear in their hearts, uncertainty in their minds, and doubt in their souls. And so did I.

"Yes,"he conceded, looking away. Damn it, why didn't they tell me sooner? Before it escalated beyond control? Before lives hung precariously in balance?

"Who?"I questioned lowly, a dangerous edge sharpening my tone. Dangerous indeed—anyone nearby hearing it would tremble.

Anger surged hotter than inferno burning wild inside my chest cavity, threatening eruption any second now. Why wasn't I informed sooner? After all the trust bestowed upon them,loyalty earned over years, respect built through blood, sweat, and tears... this was how they repaid me?

"You're fucking dead!"I roared, lunging from my seat, grasping the man by his throat before he even blinked. Fear flashed across his features before acceptance replaced it. I wanted him to understand he could never fail me again.

"Boss..."he started, attempting futile resistance. What a pathetic effort that only wasted his energy.

"Not now!"I barked, shaking him."You were supposed to inform me immediately!"

His Adam's apple bobbed nervously, the swallow audible amidst the silence stretching taut between us. Cowards always squirmed when confronted, especially after failing their duty. Disappointment weighed heavily in my mind, tainting any respect I had for him.

But no time remained for regrets, recriminations, or reprimands. Not when Lucas' life was in danger. Urgency pulsed loudly, pounding vehemently against my eardrums, commanding swift action.

My fingers uncurled, and he dropped like a stone. His body crumpled on impact, hands scrabbling at his throat. But mercy's moment had passed—nothing could undo what was done.

Spinning around, I barked orders harshly, gathering my men."We leave now! Gather arms, weapons, and vehicles. Move out!"

Chaos erupted, fueled by urgency gripping every soul present. Within minutes, we sped off, tires screeching, engines roaring, and adrenaline pumping through our veins.

The car tore through the streets, engine growling like a beast eager to be unleashed. My heart pounded in sync with the tires hitting the pavement, each beat echoing the urgency that gripped my soul. Lucas was in danger, and every second felt like an eternity stretching between us. The cityscape blurred past thewindows, unseen and unimportant, as my focus narrowed down to a single point: getting to him.

My phone then buzzed in my pocket, and I answered it right away, barking, "What?"

"Boss," came the voice of one of my lieutenants, his tone grave. "We've just received confirmation. They have Lucas at Mercy Hospital. They want you to come alone, unarmed."

Ice traced my spine while fury blazed through my veins. "Understood," I replied tersely, hanging up without another word. I knew who "they" were—the DeLuca cartel. They'd been a thorn in our side for too long, always lurking, always pushing boundaries. Now, they'd crossed the final line.

"ETA?" I barked at the driver, slamming my fist against the dash.

"Five minutes, boss," he replied, the car lurching forward with renewed speed.

I leaned back, closing my eyes, picturing Lucas' face. Fear gnawed at me, but I pushed it down, focusing instead on the cold determination that had seen me through countless battles. I would get him back, no matter the cost.

The hospital loomed ahead, a stark white building filled with the scent of antiseptic and fear. Our tires screeched as we pulled up to the entrance, and I was out of the car before it fully stopped, striding towards the doors with determined steps.

My men knew their roles. They'd secure the perimeter, and ensure no one got in or out without my say-so. Meanwhile, I'd go in, negotiate, and get Lucas back by any means necessary.

The elevator ride up was agonizingly slow, each ding of the passing floors grating on my nerves. When the doors finally slid open on the designated floor, I stepped out, scanning the area. Empty, except for one lone figure standing at the end of the hall, a smirk plastered on his face.

"Rossi," he called out, his voice echoing down the corridor. "Glad you could make it."

I recognized him instantly—Giovanni DeLuca, cousin to the head of the DeLuca family. A snake in every sense of the word.

"Where is he?" I growled, stalking forward.

Giovanni chuckled, holding up a hand. "Ah-ah-ah. Not so fast. We have things to discuss first."

I halted, teeth gritting together. "Fine. Talk."

He gestured towards an open door, revealing a room filled with his men. And there, in the center, tied to a chair, was Lucas. His eyes met mine, fear flickering briefly before relief washed over his features. He was alive, unharmed. For now.

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