Page 77 of Bozo

Pyro nods grimly at Denis' words. "Good. That'll keep them distracted while we focus on Dragomir."

Every brother is here. We need all hands on deck. The prospects are at the clubhouse with the women, not to mention a few of Denis’ men and Jer’s men. We want our women safe and we’re going to ensure they stay that way.

Jerry spreads out a map on the table, pointing to Howth. "According to our intel, this is where Dragomir's safe house is located. It's a fortified compound with at least a dozen armed guards at any given time."

"Sounds like a fucking fortress," Raptor mutters.

"It is," Jerry agrees. "But every fortress has a weak point. We just need to find it."

I lean in, studying the map. "What about access from the sea? Could we approach from there?"

Jerry nods. "It's possible. The property backs onto a private beach. It's rocky and treacherous, but it could work if we're careful."

"I like it," Pyro says. "They won't be expecting an attack from that direction."

Jer straightens. I can see in his eyes that he’s forming a plan. "Alright, here's what we'll do. We'll split into two teams. One group will create a diversion at the front gate, draw their attention. The other will come in from the beach."

"I want to be on the beach team," I ground out, my voice hard. "I want to be the one to put a bullet in Dragomir's head."

Denis claps me on the shoulder. "You got it. I'll lead the diversion team."

We spend the next hour hammering out the details of our plan. By the time we're done, everyone knows their role. We'll strike at dawn, when the changing of the guard should provide us with a moment of confusion to exploit.

As the others file out to prepare, Jerry pulls me aside. "You sure about this, Bozo? It's going to be dangerous as hell." I knowhe’s only asking because of Grá. He doesn’t want her hurt, and if something happens to me, she’ll be devastated.

I meet his eyes, my resolve unwavering. I’m not backing out. This is who I am. No one harms Gráinne. Not fucking ever. "I'm sure. This ends tonight, one way or another."

Jerry nods, understanding in his eyes. "Alright. Just be careful out there. Gráinne needs you to come back in one piece."

The mention of Gráinne sends a pang through my chest. I haven't told her what’s happening. I couldn't bear to see the fear in her eyes, knowing I was walking into danger. She’s got the biggest heart of anyone I know and she’d be worried if she knew.

"I'll be careful," I promise. "And Jerry? If something happens to me?—"

"Nothing's going to happen," Jerry cuts me off firmly. "But if it does, I'll make sure she's taken care of. You have my word."

I nod, grateful. "Thank you."

As I head out to gear up, I pull out my phone. I should call Gráinne, hear her voice one last time before we go in. But I know if I do, I might lose my nerve. Instead, I type out a quick text.

Me: I love you. Stay safe. I'll see you soon.

I hit send before I can second-guess myself.

The beach isquiet as we approach. It’s dark out and the wind is howling, which helps to deafen our footsteps. I can make out the silhouette of Dragomir's compound looming above us. Pretentious prick.

Pyro signals for us to halt, his hand raised. We crouch low, hidden among the boulders. In the distance, I hear the faint rumble of engines. Denis and his team are right on schedule with the diversion.

"Remember," Pyro whispers, his voice barely audible over the wind. "We wait for the signal. When those guards at the back gate start moving, that's our cue."

I nod, gripping my weapon tighter. Adrenaline courses through my veins, every nerve on high alert. This is it. The moment we've been working toward.

Suddenly, an explosion rocks the air. Shouts and gunfire erupt from the front of the compound. The diversion is underway.

"Now!" Pyro hisses.

We move swiftly, scaling the rocky incline toward the back of the property. Just as we reach the fence, I see two guards rushing toward the front, leaving their post unattended.

Raptor makes quick work of the lock, and we slip inside. The grounds are chaos, men running in all directions, shouting orders. In the confusion, we manage to make it to the main house undetected.

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