Page 5 of Secret Revenge

“Then what about this?” Enzo, a new member of my team, gestured at a series of underground passages. “We could use these tunnels to get in undetected.”

“Much better.” I nodded, satisfaction seeping into my voice. “But we need to be prepared for anything. Bianchi’s men won’t hesitate to kill us on sight.”

“Of course, boss.” Marco glanced around the room, his eyes settling on each member of our assembled team. “We’re all ready to risk our lives for you and Liliana.”

I scowled but let his disrespect slide. No one in this house called her Liliana but me and possibly the female staff. She was my wife. My Wife. And the men needed to respect that.

“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that,” I said. Some of these men might not return and they knew it. Most had been to Vincenzo’s funeral and the Calabrese boys’ funerals, but that didn’t stop them from being here. The Romano family showed loyalty to their men and anyone who didn’t make it to see tomorrow would go to meet his maker knowing his family would never want for anything.

“Listen up, everyone.” I raised my voice, commanding attention. “This mission is more than just a rescue operation. It’s personal. These bastards took my wife – our family. And tonight, we’ll show them that no one messes with the Romanos.”

“Damn right, boss!” Enzo slammed his fist onto the table, his face flushed with determination. “We’ll bring Mrs. R. home safe, no matter what it takes.”

“Remember,” I said, my voice cold as ice, “we strike fast and silent. Bianchi’s men won’t know what hit them.”

“Understood, boss.” The room echoed with murmurs of agreement.

“Get some rest while you can,” I ordered. “Meet at the warehouse at ten.”

As the men dispersed, I stared once more at the blueprints, searching for any remaining weaknesses in our plan. My heart hammered in my chest, a mix of dread and anticipation coursing through my veins. Tonight, we would reclaim what was ours – or die trying.

~*~

The warehouse loomed before me, a fortress of steel and concrete that held the tools for our mission. The air was thick with tension, my pulse racing as my mind focused on the task at hand.

“Everything’s prepared, boss.” Riccardo’s voice was steady, his confidence unwavering. I nodded, clapping him on the shoulder.

“Good work.”

He gave me a curt nod and turned, leading me into the dimly lit interior. As we walked between the rows of crates and boxes, I scrutinized each piece of equipment, ensuring each item met my exacting standards.

“Silenced weapons,” I muttered, running my fingers over the cold metal of a handgun. “Perfect for stealth.”

Enzo handed me a vest. “These are the new bulletproof vests, lightweight but effective. Won’t slow us down.”

“Excellent.” My eyes narrowed as I surveyed the selection of knives, their blades gleaming menacingly in the low light. “A personal favorite.”

“I knew they would be.”

I looked up from the deadly assortment, meeting Enzo’s knowing gaze. His loyalty was unquestionable, his determination fierce. We were two sides of the same coin, bound by blood and purpose.

“Let’s gather the team.”

“Boss.”

“Riccardo.” Our eyes locked, understanding passing between us without need for words. “I trust you with my life – and Liliana’s.”

As we made our way to the briefing area, I could feel the weight of responsibility settling upon my shoulders like a cloak. These men were more than just soldiers; they were family. And tonight, I would lead them into a certain ambush.

“Listen up!” My voice cut through the murmur of conversation, commanding attention. “Our objective is clear: rescue Liliana without alerting Bianchi or his men.”

“Stealth is key.” Riccardo gestured to the silenced weapons and Kevlar vests. “We strike fast, we strike silently.”

“We don’t leave without my wife.” I paused for a moment and looked at each man. “We are rescuing my wife, but make no mistake – if it were your wife, or mother, or sister being held by Bianchi, we’d all be here, planning the exact same rescue.”

“Understood, boss.” Solemn nods confirmed their dedication, their loyalty unwavering.

“Then let’s get to work.”

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