My First, My Last, My Everything

Chapter 32

Gabriella

At 3:25 AM, the house was alive with a buzz of chaos. My best fighters, assassins, and shooters gathered in the living room, gearing up for the mission.

Anthony's Mafia members joined us, turning the safehouse into a haven for the dangerous and dependable people working with us for this rescue mission.

While I was still getting ready in my room, I glanced at the array of guns displayed on my bed. I picked one up, loaded it with bullets, and tucked two more guns into the back of my jeans.

Two knives found their home in concealed compartments within my knee-high boots. I holstered another gun by my side, giving myself a final look-over in the full-length mirror.

I'm ready.

Draping my black leather jacket over my shoulder, I headed downstairs to join the others. The living room was a scene of Anthony explaining the plan yet again, arming up while sharing the details.

"Time to go!" Anthony called, leading the way out of the house.

As I scanned the room, my eyes sought Jay, but he was nowhere in sight. I hadn't seen him since yesterday and didn't have a moment to check on him.

Noah passed by, and I grabbed his arm, stopping him. I gave him a stern look.

"Have you seen Jay?"

He pulled away, shaking his head. "How would I know?"

"Have you seen him this morning or yesterday?" I pressed, annoyance clear in my tone.

"Nope, not my problem," he dismissed, walking off. I shot daggers at his back.

Where the hell could he be?

I brushed off the concern and followed the group outside, slipping into the SUV with the twins and Jeremy. The car started, and we followed the other cars through the main gates.

Looking out the window, I bit my lip. Jay being missing right now was far from normal. Why now, amid this crucial mission?

I dialed Jay's number, but it went straight to voicemail. Another try, but now his phone was off.

"Has anyone seen Jay?" I voiced my worry, gaze still on my phone.

"I saw him leaving his room last night as I headed down for dinner. Thought he'd join us, but he didn't," Jeremy offered. I looked at him, intrigued.

"Where could he have gone?" Marco, seated up front, twisted to address me.

"Maybe gang business came up. He's their leader, after all. Something urgent might've come up, and he handled it," Marco speculated, prompting my uncertain frown.

"He wouldn't just leave without telling me. Something's off," I mused, met with cautious looks from everyone.

We reached Jefferson Street, pulling up in front of a decrepit warehouse. Exiting the car, I surveyed the worn building before me.

Anthony gathered his men, gave a quick speech, and they dispersed, guns ready. Left were the twins, Jeremy, Cleo, and me.

"Here's the forged contract. I've signed it for you. Show it to them, and we'll free Liana and Tyson," Anthony handed me an envelope with the document.

I nodded, joining him as we entered the dark, empty warehouse. My hand brushed against the holster, primed to draw and fire if needed.

We walked further, turning corners and winding through hallways. Abruptly, a sound echoed to our right, leading down a narrow hallway.