14. Kaz
The evening airhangs heavy with stillness, the stars shining like distant beacons in the night sky. The only audible sound is the gentle sound of water lapping against the ships moored in the harbor. It’s a perfect night to set something on fire. I have allies in New York but can’t ask for help. No one can even know I’m here. I must do some things on my own.
Disguised as dockworkers, I went to the docks with Domenico and Marco hours ago. We lurk in the shadows, staying hidden. We’ve watched as the workers loaded the crates of drugs onto the ships. Ermanno Benedetti came to check that the shipment was ready to go, and it took every ounce of restraint not to put the plan in motion while he was on the ship. I despise his towering, commanding presence. His face always wears an expression of determination, and his eyes are filled with malevolent darkness. But he’s crumbling. Each passing day ages him further, leaving him worn out and losing control.
I’ve waited too long for this moment and won’t let it slip away. The Benedetti empire will crumble brick by brick, dealing him a significant financial blow. I relish witnessing the look on his face when he learns of his impending downfall.
Domenico and Marco are aware of the consequences if we fail or if we get caught.
“Let’s go,” I urge after what feels like an eternity.
We move swiftly and silently, like a pack of wolves on the hunt.
Ermanno is long gone, and his men perform a last couple of checks before shipping off. Marco and I submerge ourselves in the water, avoiding the searchlights. The cold is bone-chilling, and I shudder, despising every passing second. We swim underwater, silently and swiftly, our movements precise and rehearsed. We have meticulously planned this operation for weeks, and everything is going according to plan. The only thing left is to plant the bombs and set the detonator Marco carries on board. Using ropes thrown overboard by Domenico, we climb the ship and meet him on deck, huddled behind a crate. Opening his bag, he retrieves a few small devices he crafted himself. Silently, we place them on the ship’s hull. Domenico carries the device that will trigger the other charges, which he will position in the ship’s engine room, ensuring it’s connected to the rest of the bombs. Once completed, Domenico signals for our departure the same way we arrived. We swim back.
“You! Stop right there!” a voice commands.
I exchange a glance with Marco, scanning for Domenico, who is exchanging gunfire on the deck. I swim back, afraid I won’t get there in time. Marco follows closely behind. A loud explosion reverberates through the air, followed by a series of blasts. The ship rocks violently from the force, the sound echoing in the atmosphere, the water churning ferociously, engulfing me and Marco. My body feels weightless, and I struggle to breathe. The water burns.
No, that doesn’t seem right. The ship is burning too close to us. Domenico must have leaped overboard. I swim and swim, but I can’t locate him or Marco.
The icy coldness penetrates my bones, and I lose my sense of direction, unable to find my way to the surface.