Page 114 of Being Lost

I wait for the voice in my head warning me I’m going to fuck up, but Snake stays quiet and keeps any dead thoughts he may have to himself. If he appears, I’ll just tell him to go fuck himself.

Silent and serious men are waiting for my signal.This is it.I enjoy just one more moment of peace before letting all hell loose, in the form of Devils of course, all seeking retribution for the callous loss of one of their own last night.

“All clear?” I ask quietly.

“Clear.” Tonight it’s Curtis’s voice that comes over crisp in my ear.

Then I raise my chin and my hand, and that’s all it takes. Around me brothers slide into their pre-agreed formation like well-oiled cogs in a clock.

I’m in the lead of my team with Dart beside me. Keeping to the shadows, we walk down the street, approaching the restaurant with caution. We’re taking the chance the operation has run smoothly and undetected for so long, they won’t be expecting an attack. Of course, taking Shark out was a risk that his absence might be seen as a warning and that they might be more cautious tonight, but Plan B caters for that.

When we come to the darkened end of the block, I notice it’s because tonight the streetlights aren’t working. Purposefully for a trade best done out of sight, but also contributing positively to our mission. Dart and I split up. I, with Pennywise, Salem, Token, Deuce and Reboot to guide us once we’re inside, approach the back entrance. Dart and his team will go to the front and come in once I give the signal. We’re expecting the front door to be locked, but the windows are glass so tonight, in case there’s a lookout in place, he’ll need to use force to come in rather than taking the time to pick the lock. I’m hopeful the back door will be left unlocked for easy access for those coming from the auto-shop. But if need be, it’s dark enough there that Token will be able to work his magic and get us in.

As luck would have it, the door isn’t just not secured, it’s wide open, and I can hear voices inside.

I stand back, signalling unnecessarily for quiet as words float out to my ears.

“That asshole Shark hasn’t turned up again.” The accent is Hispanic.

“He could be running late.”

“Not the fuckin’ first time he’s pulled a disappearing trick. Well he’s not fuckin’ getting his cut from tonight.”

I grin in the darkness, glad Shark had proved to be unreliable, and that his non-appearance isn’t apparently any cause for concern.

“I left the back door open in case he turns up.”

“If he turns up, he’ll be running into my fuckin’ fist,” the man with the accent says.

“I hear you, Enrico,” the native English speaker agrees. “I’m going to have a smoke.”

“Sure, you’ve got plenty of time.”

I don’t need to tell them as Deuce, Token and Reboot follow my lead, pressing our backs against the wall, while Pennywise inches forward moving closer to the door, followed by Salem as back up.

The man coming out with a pack of cigarettes in his hand doesn’t have a chance as Pennywise’s strong arm pulls him back and expertly slashes his throat. Salem helps his brother carry the body out of sight.

Deuce mimes something, I nod showing it’s a good idea. He takes out his own smokes and lights one, then stands with his back to the door. His form is only a silhouette and should buy us a few seconds grace.

“Gordon? Get your ass back in here now.”

Deuce puffs on his cigarette making the tip glow orange.

“Did you fuckin’ hear me? Enrico wants you.” The man appears at the door and takes his final step forward. Salem and Pennywise have retaken their positions, and this time it’s Salem who does the honours.

Two down.

“We’re going inside,” I murmur quietly.

“Copy that,” Dart replies from his position out front.

I tap Reboot on the shoulder. He indicates the door, and waves to the right. I just wanted the confirmation as a reminder of where the storeroom with the trapdoor is. Then, I move to the lead and taking a breath, step into the lion’s den.

I can hear voices and raucous laughter, loud enough to cover the muffled sound of my boots.

“Who the…?”

The man who’s appeared from nowhere makes a move for his gun, but Deuce is faster, moving as quick as lightening to my side, covering the man’s mouth with his hand and holding him steady for Pennywise’s knife. This time we leave him where he’s fallen, no time to move him outside.

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