Blood Ties And Forbidden Love

Chapter 11: Beyond Blood Ties

I parked the sleek black sedan near a dimly lit alley, just a few steps away from a rusty payphone. I turned to Carlos, and firmly instructed him to stay put while I made a necessary phone call. With a quick scan of my surroundings, ensuring no unwanted eyes were upon us, I confidently grasped the receiver and dialed a specific number.

Ring after ring, until a familiar voice pierced through the receiver, dripping with deceit and treachery. "Who is this?" It was Victor, the backstabbing snake. A wicked smile curled across my lips as I replied, "Well, well, Vic. Surprised to hear from me?"

"You're supposed to be dead! I put a bullet in your skull!" Victor's voice quivered with fear, a testament to his failed attempt on my life.

A low, menacing chuckle escaped my throat. "Ah, Victor, my aim may be lacking, but the same can't be said for my resilience. You should have gone for two in the head." The fear in his voice only fuelled my satisfaction. "You see, Victor, there's someone very dear to me in your possession. If any harm has befallen her, rest assured, your demise will be excruciatingly slow and agonizing."

Victor hesitated for a moment, his voice laced with caution. "Alright, what are your demands?"

A sly grin crept across my face as I leaned in closer to the phone. "I want you to release River and Rosie unharmed," I demanded, my words dripping with an enticing proposition. "In return, you'll receive a bag filled with stacks of cash that will make your eyes widen with greed."

I paused, letting the weight of my ultimatum sink in. "But listen carefully, Victor. If a single hair on their heads is harmed, I will personally ensure that every dollar in that bag turns to ash. There won't be a single cent left for you to enjoy."

With a calculated move, I placed the receiver back onto the cradle and briskly returned to the idling car, ready to execute my plan.

As the car cruised down the desolate road, the rhythmic sound of Carlos meticulously polishing his rifle filled the air. His expertise with a firearm was unparalleled, even with the lingering pain in his shoulder. I held unwavering faith in his abilities, knowing that he was the finest marksman I had ever encountered.

After hours of anticipation, I stood alone on the desolate airstrip, clutching the bag tightly in my hand. Carlos, ever vigilant, maintained his post nearby, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. As I anxiously awaited the arrival of our adversaries, I took a final drag from my cigarette, its ember glowing brightly before I tossed it aside, extinguishing the last remnants of smoke.

Suddenly, the silence was shattered by the growl of engines. Dozens of vehicles emerged from the darkness, their menacing presence casting an ominous shadow over the desolate landscape. With each passing moment, the tension in the air grew palpable, electrifying my senses.

I adjusted my stance, ensuring my pistol remained concealed, a hidden ace up my sleeve. The men who emerged from the vehicles were armed to the teeth, their eyes scanning the surroundings with a predatory gaze. And then, amidst the sea of adversaries, I spotted him. Victor, the epitome of greed and treachery, stepped out of his car, adorned in an exquisitely tailored suit that spoke volumes about his ill-gotten wealth.

"Preston," Victor sneered, his arms outstretched in a display of false bravado. "We've arrived. Now hand over the money."

I slowly unzipped the bag, revealing the stacks of cash within. With deliberate intent, I plucked a handful of bills from the top, holding it aloft, tantalizingly close to my flickering lighter. "I want to see my wife and Rosie first," I stated firmly, my voice laced with determination.

Victor's face contorted with frustration, his fist clenching tightly. With a swift snap of his fingers, his men obediently brought Rosie forward, a pawn in this treacherous game. "Money now!" he bellowed, his impatience palpable.