GUNSHOT ➪ Zayn

seventy-third

The alarm clock rang at 5:00 a.m., jolting Zayn and Alyssa awake, signaling the beginning of a day they had been simultaneously anticipating and dreading for weeks. It was the day of the mission, the culmination of their efforts and sacrifices.

Together, Zayn and Alyssa prepared themselves, grabbing their weapons, securing their bulletproof vests, and retrieving the gray suitcase containing crucial equipment. Joining them were James and Selena, their trusted teammates, who carried the rest of the necessary gear.

As they gathered, Selena voiced her concerns about the mission, expressing the weight of the responsibility they carried.

"Guys, I can't help but feel this sinking feeling in my gut," Selena said, her voice tinged with unease. "This mission... It's risky, more than anything we've ever done before. What if something goes wrong? What if we're not prepared enough?"

Zayn exchanged a glance with Alyssa, acknowledging the gravity of Selena's concerns. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his own nerves before responding.

"This mission is unlike anything we've faced, and the stakes are high. But we've trained for this. We've planned meticulously, and we have each other's backs. We can't let fear paralyze us now." Zayn replied, his voice laced with determination.

Alyssa chimed in, her voice steady but laced with empathy. "Selena, I understand your worries. It's natural to feel anxious, considering what's at stake. But remember, we've come so far together. We've overcome countless obstacles, and we'll do it again. We're a team."

Selena nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of determination and lingering doubt. "I know you're right," she said, her voice softer. "We've faced adversity before, and we've always prevailed. This mission... it's just so important, so much is riding on it. But you're right, we're in this together."

James, ever the optimist, interjected with his characteristic charm. "Come on, Selena! Have a little faith in us. We're a force to be reckoned with, remember? We've got brains, brawn, and a whole lot of training. We've got this!"

A smile tugged at the corners of Selena's lips, a glimmer of reassurance breaking through her worries. "Thanks," she said, a note of determination entering her voice. "We've trained for this.  Let's give it everything we've got and make sure justice is served."

The team shared a moment of silent solidarity, their collective resolve growing stronger. With Selena's concerns acknowledged and their determination fortified, they stood united, ready to face the challenges that awaited them. Together, they would navigate the uncertainties of the mission and stand tall against any obstacles in their path.

James, ever the optimist, suggested scouting the surroundings while the others focused on securing the café, their primary target.

Zayn and James ventured out into the eerily quiet streets of Milan, strategically placing hidden cameras within the designated rendezvous area. Through the earpieces, Zayn kept the girls informed, assuring them that everything was in place. Selena, in the car, gave the signal to proceed.

However, a moment of panic ensued when Zayn pressed the remote control button, and there was no immediate response from the cameras. The tension hung in the air, but eventually, the cameras came to life, and the girls gained access to the live feeds.

As they prepared for the mission, the team maintained focus, going over their strategic plan one last time. Zayn, though filled with concerns about the outcome, held onto a glimmer of hope that everything would go smoothly. It was a different kind of hope now, one that transcended personal gains and embraced the notion of minimizing harm and violence for everyone involved.

In the tense moments just before the mission was set to begin, Alyssa, Zayn, Selena, and James found themselves huddled together in a small alley. The air crackled with anticipation, their hearts pounding with a mix of determination and apprehension. Just then, the familiar ringtone of Spoon's call broke the silence, and they quickly answered, eager to hear his words of encouragement and guidance.

"Spoon here," Alyssa said, her voice filled with a blend of excitement and nervousness.

Spoon's voice came through the earpiece, carrying a sense of unwavering conviction. "Listen up, my fearless warriors. This is it, the moment we've all been waiting for. I have complete faith in each and every one of you. You're not just carrying out a mission; you're fighting for justice, for your parents' memory. There's nothing more important than putting an end to the last living Malik."

Alyssa's grip on her weapon tightened as she absorbed Spoon's words. Victoria knowing her true identity sent a shiver down her spine, but she knew she couldn't let fear hold her back. She had a duty to fulfill.

"Spoon, I won't let Victoria or anyone else stand in our way," Alyssa replied with unwavering determination. "I'll make sure justice is served for my parents and all the others who suffered."

Spoon's voice then turned to Selena, offering words of affirmation and a connection to her mother's legacy. "Selena, my girl, you're just like your mother. A force to be reckoned with. I believe in you with every fiber of my being. Let your mother's strength guide you through this, and show the world what you're capable of. No matter what happens, I know that you got this, 'Leena."

Selena felt a surge of pride and a renewed sense of purpose as she listened to her dad's words. Her mother's spirit had always been an inspiration to her, and she was determined to honor her memory. "Thanks Dad," she said, her voice filled with gratitude. "I'll make you and mum proud. We won't let them get away with their crimes."

Lastly, it was James' turn to hear Spoon's message. His words carried a hint of vengeance, tapping into the deep well of anger that had been ignited within him.

"James, I remember that fire in your eyes the night we spoke about your mother. Use that rage, that burning desire for justice, to fuel your every move. Take down the Colorado chef and let him taste the bitterness of what he's done. Show him the true wrath of a son seeking retribution."

James clenched his fists, his jaw set with determination. Spoon's words resonated deeply within him, awakening the vengeful spirit that had been brewing for so long. "Spoon, I won't hold back. That bastard won't know what hit him. I'll make sure justice is served, for my mother and for all the innocent lives he's destroyed."

With Spoon's message ringing in their ears, the team shared a moment of silent acknowledgement. Their mission was more than just a pursuit of truth; it was a fight for justice and closure. They took a collective breath, channeling Spoon's faith in them. Together, they were a force to be reckoned with, driven by a shared purpose and an unbreakable bond.

They stood there, fully equipped and mentally prepared, in a narrow alleyway in Milan, waiting for the targets to arrive. Time seemed to stretch, their nerves taut with anticipation. The targets, Victoria and Douglas Evans, the heads of the Colorado agency, along with George and Melanie Hubson, and Anna Martinez, finally made their appearance.

A discussion ensued, revolving around the Abus8274 weapon, the elusive key to unraveling the mystery of the four blood ties. Selena, commanding the operation, swiftly sent Alyssa into the café, marking the beginning of the assault and initiating the mission they had dedicated their lives to.

In that moment, the fate of their intertwined destinies hung in the balance. The team embraced the weight of their responsibilities, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. Their resolve, forged through trials and sacrifices, burned brightly as they ventured into the unknown, united in their purpose and driven by a shared determination to uncover the truth.

'Alyssa, go.' Selena said. 

'No fucking way.' Zayn yelled in a whisper. 

'You fucking stick to the plan!' Selena replied on the same tone. 

'She gon' die.' 

Alyssa started to stand up when Zayn grabbed her wrist to hold her back. 

'If you go there you're dead, Zayn!' Alyssa said. 

Selena and James exchanged looks, discreetly  James tackled Zayn to the ground and Alyssa ran off.  

She put a pink t-shirt over her suit to cover the bulletproof vest. 

'Caffè al latte per favore.'