THE HIJACK

The night was thick as the tension filled the air. Marco and his team prepared for the mission. The mission which Luca had given them two days ago. The plan was very clear and straight to the point: intercept La Fratellanza della Morte's shipment before it reached the warehouse in Long Beach, and kill anybody who tries to come between you and The shipment. The stakes were very high, and failing was not an option in this case as it could mean death. Luca had made it clear to them, this was about sending a message. La Mano Nera would not be disrespected. Territories and boundaries have to be respected. The team had gathered in a dark and cold warehouse on the outskirts of Los Angeles. They all came alone as they had agreed on earlier in an attempt to reduce attention and put off suspicions. When they had all assembled, Marco stood in the middle of the team, he was dressed in black tight tactical gear and black boots. He maintained his usual calm demeanor and was very much focused. Around him, stood Viktor, Dante, Rico, Salvatore, and Alessio checking their weapons and equipment. The air was filled with utmost focus and anticipation. 'Listen up," Marco said, his voice cutting through the silence. 'Now I am not trying to remind you all why we are here, neither am I here to tutor you on why you have to remain focused until this mission is done. Everybody knows what could happen when you lose focus in a high-stakes mission like this. Now the plan is, that we will hit them hard and fast. No mistakes. Luca's counting on us, and we don't let him down. Is that clear?" The men nodded their heads in affirmation, their expressions grim but determined. Viktor, Luca's chief security officer, pulled a rolled-up map from his duffel bag and spread it on the table. Using tack nails, he held up the edges of the map onto the table. He double-checked the blueprints of the route La Fratellanza della Morte's convoy would take, before saying, 'They'll be coming through the industrial district," He pointed to a spot on the map to indicate where he was talking about. 'We will ambush them here, where they won't see us coming, the roads get narrow and tricky here so we will lie in wait for them here. Marco nodded in acceptance. 'Good. Dante, Rico, you will take the high ground in a separate vehicle, Salvatore, Viktor you will be with me on the ground. Alessio, you are our eyes and ears. Keep us updated at all times." He scanned their faces slowly and asked them 'Does anyone have any questions?" 'No, signore," (No sir) they all answered in unison. Marco clenched his fist and with a raised hand he roared 'Per La Mano Nera. Che i nostri nemici tremino al suono del nostro nome." (For La Mano Nera. May our enemies tremble at the sound of our name.) The men in unison all echoed back his words 'Per La Mano Nera"…. ***** The team moved out, their vehicles blending into the night as they headed toward the ambush point. The industrial district was eerily quiet. Marco's face showed that he was a bit worried. Everything had to go perfectly He reviewed the plan to make sure there were no loopholes they had left unchecked. The shipment convoy appeared about 30 minutes later. Three armored trucks flanked by three SUVs, one on either side of the trucks. Marco and his waited in the shadows, their breaths paused as the vehicles approached. The tension in the air was at its peak at that moment. 'Now!" Marco barked into his comms. And the men pounced on the convoy. The attack was swift and brutal. Dante and Rico opened fire from their positions, taking out the tires of the SUV that accompanied the first truck. The SUV skidded and finally came to a halt. Marco and the teat of his team moved in, their weapons aimed and focused on the convoy. The element of surprise was on their side, and for a moment, it seemed like the mission would go off as they had it planned out. But then, everything went south. As Marco's team got closer to the convoy, a sudden burst of gunfire came from behind them. Marco turned around, his eyes widening with fear as he saw armed men emerging from the shadows… members of La Fratellanza della Morte. They had anticipated the ambush and set a trap for them. But how did they know about our plan Marco fell to the ground and crawled to safety away from the raging hubs. He needed a moment to think. They have not planned for extra armed men apart from those they expect to be with the convoy. Now the mission was going all wrong. The gunfight that occurred was brutal. Marco and his team fought valiantly, but the odds were against them, members of La Fratellanza della Morte had come in a significant number. Viktor was hit first. He took a bullet to his shoulder. Dante and Rico provided cover fire most of the time and ensured those on the ground were not completely pinned down. Salvatore and Alessio fought side by side, but they were overwhelmed. Marco knew it was time to retreat and leave the scene. He signaled to Dante and Rico to rain down fire on the assailants so that they could have enough time to fall back. Marco grabbed Viktor, dragging him to cover as bullets whizzed past. Dante and Rico kept providing the covering fire, their movements frantic but precise. Salvatore was the last to retreat. 'Where is Alessio?" Marco asked with obvious fear and urgency in his eyes. Salvatore fell to the ground on his knees and stretched out his blood-covered hands. 'I tried..." he muttered in a very low voice. His eyes filled with tears he didn't know he was holding back. 'Alessio!" Marco cried out, his voice raw with desperation. But there was no time to mourn. The enemy was closing in, and the team had to move. The remaining members of the team regrouped at their vehicles. Marco's mind was a whirlwind of anger and regret. He had failed Luca, and the mission had gone terribly wrong. 'How didn't I see this?" He thought you himself. 'We need to get out of here now!" Marco said, his voice choked with urgency….