35. Alex
THIRTY-FIVE
Alex
I shadowed Bella discreetly, keeping a careful distance as she navigated through the bustling streets of New York until she reached the Speakeasy.
My eyes catch movement near the entrance not long after she’s gone inside. Several men, clearly not your average pedestrians, converging on the location.
The way they move, the way they glance around—it’s obvious they’re rival mobsters. They’re here for Bella and her father. They’ve been following her too, waiting for her to lead them to her father and the crop report.
And then I see him—Vince Russo. He’s standing a little further back, flanked by his guards. His presence confirms my worst fears. This isn’t just a simple ambush; it’s a coordinated hit. I grit my teeth, my mind racing. I need to take out the threat before they reach Bella.
I circle around the block, approaching Russo’s men from behind. The first guard is standing near an alleyway, his back to me. I move swiftly and silently.
I grab him from behind, covering his mouth with one hand and driving my knife into his neck with the other. He gurgles quietly, and I lower him to the ground gently, ensuring no sound escapes.
The second guard is more alert, scanning the area. I pick up a small rock and throw it to the side, creating a distraction. As he turns towards the noise, I rush up behind him.
My arm snakes around his neck, and I apply pressure, cutting off his air supply. He struggles for a moment before going limp in my arms. I ease him to the ground and move on.
Two down, three to go.
The third guard is talking into a radio, giving updates to Russo. I slip behind a parked car, waiting for the right moment. As he turns his back to me, I spring forward, tackling him to the ground.
The radio clatters away as I lock him in a chokehold. He thrashes, but I hold firm until he stops moving.
The fourth guard spots me as I move towards him. He reaches for his gun, but I’m faster. I dive forward, my shoulder slamming into his midsection.
We crash to the ground, and I quickly disarm him. A swift punch to the jaw knocks him out cold. I grab his gun, tucking it into my waistband.
One more.
The final guard is more cautious. I watch his movements carefully, waiting for an opening. He’s talking to Russo, probably wondering where the others have gone.
He takes a step to the side, and I throw a knife at his leg, causing him to stumble. Before he can recover, I’m on him. We grapple for a moment, but I manage to get the upper hand. A swift twist and he’s down, unconscious.
I stand up, breathing heavily but steady. Vince Russo stands alone, looking around in confusion. His guards are either dead or incapacitated, and he’s starting to realize the gravity of the situation.
He stands there, alone and vulnerable, his eyes wide with a mix of fear and defiance. He tries to maintain his composure, but I can see the panic setting in.
“Alex,” he says, his voice wavering slightly. “This is just business. What’s one dead man to you? Why take out so many of my employees?”
I take a step closer, my grip on the gun tightening. “That’s my wife’s father. Hurt him and you hurt her. Hurt her and I kill you.”
Russo’s face pales, his cocky demeanor crumbling. “Don’t do this, Alex. My men are already inside. Only I can call them off. You kill me, she dies. Let me live and I’ll save her.”
The threat in his words is clear, but I don’t waver. I’ve come too far to let him get the upper hand now. Without hesitation, I pull the trigger. The sound of the gunshot echoes through the alley, and Russo’s body crumples to the ground, lifeless.
“I don’t need your help,” I say.
I race towards the speakeasy, gun drawn, ready to confront whatever threat lies inside. My mind is focused on one thing: protecting Bella and her father.
I burst through the doors, my eyes scanning the dimly lit room. The vintage decor and eerie atmosphere do nothing to calm my racing heart. I move quickly, my gun at the ready, searching for any sign of Bella and her father.
I spot them, and behind them two men approaching, guns drawn. I swing my pistol up, ready to end this once and for all.