CHAPTER NINE PART 1

CHAPTER 9  To be continued I'm lying on my stomach, gazing through my rifle's scope. Even though Hades was a strict security guard, he could not eliminate the invisible soldiers on the roofs, especially in remote areas. Additionally, because the church is low, all nearby structures may be used as sniper nests. After all, this is London, where tall buildings are a surefire way to accomplish goals. I focus on the altar, where a stunning woman stands beside Raven. I close in till I can see her well. She looks magnificent in white, almost like some messed-up angel that descended to punish people. Rose's expression, though, is anything but angelic. The twisting of her lips and the reddening of her delicate neck, pleading for my fingers to wrap around them, are visible even though she is still hidden behind numerous layers of makeup. She's become an expert at bottling her rage, but not enough to trick me. After all, when she attempted to tame or at the very least conceal her impulsive attitude, I was by her side at every turn. She would never be submissive and obedient, at least not in this life. Rose was created to destroy anybody who challenges her authority or constitutes a threat to her family. She never once paused or hesitated, regardless of her gender. Compared to most males I've met, that lady is more tenacious. She poses a threat to my mission as a result. Pulling the trigger and removing her from my path would be so simple. What is she, other than a small-time pawn who will cause more trouble than it's worth? My finger is immobile. Not at all. I had no idea when this state started—if it was there seven years ago or after I met her again. I only know that despite Rose being my biggest adversary, I cannot shoot her. I aim the weapon at the structure across from the church, where the security for the other criminal organizations is stationed. Who would have thought that the most renowned criminals in America would make their home at my wedding? While most of them are allies by tradition, they are not particularly connected to Raven's reign. They could be married to one another to make their bonds stronger. However, most clans are too traditional to marry off their daughters to strangers. Raven, thankfully, would never do that. Bloodlust is coursing through my veins as I aim my weapon towards three guards standing at the back of the building. My body stiffens, yet my muscles remain relaxed and still, almost like I'm asleep but with my eyes open. My sole boundary is the hazy sky. There is no breeze, no outside noise. Chaos is all that is necessary. I fire, striking the first guard square in the forehead. It's too late when the other two turns to face him while their weapons. I knocked one in the hollow of his neck and the other in the heart. The three fall over one another without making a noise or a scene. Clean. Fast. Efficient. The mission's initial phase is finished. I slip backward while lying on my stomach, bury the weapon in its case, and then take out the bricks I dug out a week ago when I decided to use this particular position. I then bury the weapon among the rocks. When I'm done, I crawl to the door and only stand when no one will see me from the top of the other buildings. I wear my mask and sunglasses, zip up my hoodie, and walk the steps three at a time. I use the intercom tethered to my ear to tell my second sniper, "Target one eliminated." He responds in a bored voice, "Got it." But the reality is that is the one who initially instructed me in sniping. It goes without saying that he is the only person who can handle this. He is still interfering with my business, which bothers me. He serviced himself and himself alone even though we were both members of the same organization. I add, "Don't touch a hair on Rose's head." Already being whipped? Saying, "Fuck you." I'm aware of that. "Always the cocky one, Ethan. Guess getting kicked out of the group dishonourably didn't change anything about you." I disregard the dig at the past and command the person to "Get to your position." It could have a higher rating than I do, but like he indicated, I'm no longer a part of that club. I am not required to respect the hierarchy as a result. As quietly as I had arrived, I pressed the button and left the building. The cameras aren't fully functional because it's still new, so I can get into their blind zones faster than if I had chosen a different building. After sneaking through the back door and changing into my black tuxedo, I remove the mask, the glasses, the fake moustache, and the hoodie. I then dispose of them in the trash can. I sprint two blocks up to my Mercedes. I throw my athletic shoes in the closet and don my leather shoes when I step inside. I look in the rearview mirror and see my face. I seem prepared for a nuptial.