Chapter 2 - The Trap Springs Early
The western route was narrow, flanked by towering glass buildings that cast deep, cold shadows over the asphalt.
Alessandro kept his eyes closed, listening to the erratic breathing of the imposter in the driver's seat.
The man was nervous, sweating through Paolo’s stolen uniform because his carefully orchestrated plan was falling apart.
Filippo was vibrating with nervous energy, tapping his leather shoe against the floor mat in a frantic, silent rhythm.
"You seem anxious, Filippo," Alessandro noted, his eyes remaining shut.
"Just eager to get this meeting over with, boss," Filippo lied, his voice tight.
"It is a big day for the family."
"Yes," Alessandro agreed softly, "a very big day for the family."
Suddenly, the driver slammed on the brakes, throwing both men forward against their seatbelts.
A heavy garbage truck had pulled out from an alley, completely blocking the narrow street ahead.
"What is this?" Filippo barked, playing the part of the outraged bodyguard.
"I don't know, sir, they just pulled out," the driver stammered, reaching a hand down beneath his seat.
Alessandro’s eyes snapped open, blazing with a cold, predatory fire.
He knew exactly what the driver was reaching for.
With lightning speed, Alessandro drew the Glock from his coat and pressed the muzzle directly into the back of the driver’s skull.
"Keep your hands on the wheel," Alessandro whispered, cocking the hammer with a sharp, metallic click.
The driver froze, his hand hovering mere inches from a hidden weapon.
Filippo gasped, pressing himself against the door, his eyes wide with genuine shock.
"Alessandro, what are you doing?" Filippo shouted, raising his hands defensively.
"This man has a gun!"
"I know," Alessandro said calmly, never taking his eyes off the back of the driver's head.
"He also has Paolo’s jacket, Paolo’s cap, and Paolo’s blood on his hands."
Filippo’s face drained of all color, the slick, confident betrayal crumbling into raw, unfiltered terror.
"I don't know what you are talking about," Filippo stammered, frantically reaching for the door handle.
The doors locked with a heavy electronic thud, trapping them all inside the armored vehicle.
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"You aren't going anywhere, brother," Alessandro promised, the word tasting like venom on his tongue.
"We have a lot to discuss, and we have all the time in the world right now."
