CHARLIE

"Charlie, you’re done. Are you feeling all right now? Are you hungry?” The sound of Julius's voice brought me back to reality.

He was holding a plate in one hand and a pan in the other as he made his way towards the counter.

"Don't worry, I am almost done in cooking the breakfast,” He stated and I simply nodded.

It's not that I didn't want to talk to him; I just couldn't find the time. I was so embarrassed that I just knew without a doubt that I would stutter.

Because of this, I just took a deep breath and followed him into the dining room after clearing my throat.

After a while, Julius decided to ask me about my work while we were eating together, so in order to avoid any awkwardness, I simply answered every question he asked.

"Did you like the clothes that I bought?"

"Yes, and once more, thank you," I replied with sincerity. When I said that to him, he flashed a warm smile.

"You don’t have to mind about it, it’s nothing big. By the way, I was just wondering if you miss your work today," he said, and relief washed over me.

"No, it's my day off," I said. Thank God, or I'd be in trouble.

"You work at Aventagio Network, right?"

"Yes, as a journalist."

"A journalist. It sounds exciting while also challenging at the same time." When he said those words, he did not have a smile on his face, and I could sense the sincerity in his voice.

Throughout breakfast, we continued to discuss a variety of unrelated topics.

"Let me help you with that,” I insisted on assisting him with the dishes.

I didn't know if he was used to doing these things, and even though I knew he had a lot of maids, I didn't see even a single one of them around.

When I queried him earlier about the reason why I can’t see one, he simply responded by saying, "I just asked them to have a day off, so that I could have you all to myself. I mean… I wished to serve you on my own.” Those words alone made it abundantly clear.

“Okay, but let me clean the dishes as you already cooked for us earlier,” I stated and offered him a smile.

He muttered, "If you insist," as a response.

There was that adorable smile once more, and it caused my vivid imagination to leap into action. My imagination ran wild again.

Julius and I… as a happy family, a happy couple doing chores, living together, married with kids waiting in the playroom.

After I was done cleaning up the dishes, Julius offered to give me a ride home, I accepted his offer and immediately thought to myself that my imaginations will never be real.

I brought myself out of this daydreaming state and I focused on giving him directions to my apartment.

“Charlie, if I may, can I ask why you moved out of the house you used to own in Avery's neighborhood? I was about to drop you off there the other night…” out of nowhere, Julius asked.

I couldn't think of the right words to answer his inquiry. Because my mother had never really explained the reason why we moved out from our old house, the truthful response was, I also don't know.

"Would it be appropriate for me to respond to you by saying, I don't know?" The only thing he did was cast a fleeting glance in my direction before deftly navigating a turn at an intersection.

"But it’s fine, as it turned out all right!" I tried to sound optimistic. “Living on my own has not only been a lot of fun for me, but it has also been quite educational for me.”

"I see, but what about your mom?" He asked.

"She was staying in the 'Koala Hugs'. An orphanage in a distant area, where she works as well," I explained and after that I told him a bit more about myself, which was honestly unusual for me because I hardly ever felt comfortable around other people besides Avery.

Finally, we arrived at my apartment. I looked into Julius' eyes and thanked him sincerely. "Thank you for everything, Julius." I wanted him to understand my gratitude.

"Just stay safe," he said as I was about to leave, and I thanked him.

"Charlie!" He called my name again.

"Yes?" My stomach churned with anticipation.

"Can I have your number? Just to stay in touch and make sure you're safe always," he asked, and I blushed.

Was this his way of getting my number after dropping me off? Or was I mistaken?

I gave him my number, trying to hide my racing heart. Just as I thought he was done speaking, he said something that sent my heart soaring.

"Rest assured, this won’t be the last time, Charlie. When we both have some free time, let's meet again. Shall we?" His smile was captivating. It was probably the most handsome smile he wore since last night.

“Yes, sure!” I agreed, and as he drove away, I rushed into my apartment.

It was the first time I went home with such a big smile on my face and felt my heart beating faster than usual.

….

Someone’s Point of View

I was just standing here calmly waiting for her to arrive. A couple of hours later, while hiding in the bushes, I noticed her exit a luxurious automobile The car was surrounded by a large entourage.

The vehicle stopped directly in front of her apartment. She communicated with whoever was driving the car in a manner that could not be heard by the passersby.

I couldn't help but notice the unsettling smile plastered across her face, but I shrugged it off and made a phone call to the boss as soon as the car pulled away.

"Tell me some good news," he asked as soon as he picked up the phone.

"Yes, boss. She finally had arrived back to her flat. I suppose that she slept somewhere last night,” I explained.

“It's possible that she slept with the guy who send her home just now.”

“Alright, then. Keep watching and give me update," The boss ended the call as soon as I completed the task, he had given me.

After which, I gazed again at the house where the woman I was asked to watch out had entered.

GIDEON

On the opposite side of Woodsford, in the vast military administrative headquarters, there was an eerie silence that pervaded the entire building.

Even though a mission had just been completed, there were still traces of fear and the taste of dismay that could be felt all around, and it was as unpleasant as the smell of rotten fruit.

The expressions of fear and disillusionment that were present on the faces of my men, as well as in their eyes, showed that a combination of the two emotions had taken hold.

The atmosphere had the appearance and sensation of being so dense that it could be touched directly. The air had become extremely thick.

To take a breath felt like pulling weights; to put it another way, it was as if you could literally feel the tension on it.

Already fifteen minutes had passed since I issued the order and called my men over to the field to line up in formation.

I was at a loss for the appropriate language to express my frustration over the fact that despite our best efforts, we were unable to complete the mission.

Everyone was aware that we had been unable to complete the mission, but it was a challenge to be the one to take charge and admit defeat in front of the group.

Before I spoke, I took a few deep breaths and looked around the playing field to compose myself. And when I finally felt like I was ready, I swallowed hard and started to talk.

I stood tall in front of them as I shouted, "My men, my great men," and then I began to march in a circle around them.

"Everyone is aware that we did everything in our power to make our mission a success, but alas, it still failed. Indeed! We are very close to being able to apprehend these nefarious members of the mafia and ensure that they are held accountable for any wrongdoing they have committed in our society –"

I was in deep anger, like I was about to begin to lose myself. I was beginning to become engulfed in such a great sense of frustration, overthinking, and dismay about the manner in which the mission had failed.

"The mafia groups… They are responsible for so many awful things that have happened in our society that had affected most of our lives! So heinous that only a wicked person could conceive of and carry it out!” I stated once more.

“But I wanted everyone to know that despite everything, it was still an honor to work with such a great, brave-hearted army and strong forces like you!”

"Those who are suffering right now in their beds and for those who are standing here, you are all great! You chose to continue on despite the fact that you could have been killed, shot, or injured. Therefore, I continue to feel a great deal of pride for everyone!” I continued.

“Prepare to brace yourself! As we would attempt once more very soon! The servants of justice shouldn't ever give up so easily! Never!"

“Never! Never!”

My heart was pounding so hard, and I had the distinct impression that I was going to pass out any second now. I had been doing everything in my power to maintain a level of professionalism throughout the situation.

I made a concerted effort to be attentive of keeping superfluous emotions at away, and to do it in a professional and courteous manner... This mission is still under my command, and I am the captain in charge.

As soon as I got back to my office, I started babbling my rants and frustrations.

"Bloody hell! Damn these mafias!" I didn't think twice before kicking my office chair and aggressively throwing everything that was on my desk, from pens to papers to my laptop. I didn't even stop to consider the consequences of my actions.

“Seriously?! This is not possible!" I exclaimed with a hiss. I was aware that my teeth and knuckles had already begun to clench, and I could feel my knuckles tightening.

Taking some long, slow breaths was no longer helpful. It wasn't just a wave of anger or disappointment about the mission; rather, it felt more like I was mourning for something else.

I could feel the fire in my heart. It yearned for fairness and justice in all aspects of life.

“Fuck!” I had the urge to scream, punch the wall, bang my head against something, or fire the gun at myself or at anybody else, just like someone who had lost their mind would do.

But like said… I couldn't, I couldn't do that here, and I couldn't just forget that I am still their captain.

More than that, I was a brother holding grudges, but I was still and should be a strong leader and role model to the army of men that I lead. I can't, I couldn't do that here. I couldn't just forget that I am still their captain.

Simply put, I was feeling extremely frustrated because this mission was not like any other mission; rather, it was a significant one, and we were so close to completing it.

I was so close to catching him, “That man!”

I was unable to put out of my mind the instance in which I came so close to physically possessing him. However, they claimed that nearly would never truly be enough, therefore it was still a failed one.

A failed one and a genuinely big punch of dismay, not just to my pride, but also to the justice that I've been pursuing for my sister, Gwyneth.

GIDEON

“Sorry, Gwen… Sorry…”

Gwyneth was my beautiful sister and a wonderful person. Since we were little children, we were so close enough.

“My poor sister…” She was the kind of person who was always genuinely caring and sweet, and I was the type of person who was the one to protect her.

"Damn it!" I pushed my office chair back, took a seat, and angrily dragged the bottom drawer across my bulky gray desk.

I reached into my bag and pulled out a miniature frame that contained a picture of Gwyneth.

I made an effort to shrug off the tension and looked at her with a fiery intensity, as if it were the first time, I had seen this picture of her and admired her beautiful, broad smile for the first time.

This was my favorite photograph that she had taken; it showed her standing in front of a colorful and charming carousel while holding a large pink cotton candy.

I still have a clear recollection of the fact that she was only seven years old when she went to this amusement park...

"I apologized, Gwen. I am really sorry…” I did my best to hold back the tears.

"I promised you justice, and I have spent my whole life working toward that goal! Specially for you!” I was unable to weep, and I was unable to grieve. I have to muster up some courage!

"But justice had been handled in such a smooth manner. It never fails to evade my grasp, no matter how hard I try! I'm so stupid! I should’ve done more!"

It was pointless to cry about it now because everything was in the past. It wouldn't have any effect on the outcome.

My only option now is to ensure that my deceased sister, Gwyneth, receives the justice she deserves.

A justice for Gwyneth… I'd admit that it was the sole reason I enlisted in the military.

I had a lofty goal of apprehending those nefarious mafia members. To put an end to their sleazy and unlawful hooks, and to lock them up and throw them behind bars, where they actually belong, next to hell.

I got up from my chair and walked outdoors to get some oxygen in the open air. Since there was still an eerie silence in the headquarters, my assumption was that everyone was taking some time to relax and think.

As I thought back on what had transpired, the failed mission thrust a dagger through both my heart and my soul.

I had no doubt, I had some insightful hypotheses and clues based on the data that was gathered and all of the other relevant information that was found for this case.

To unwind, I shut my eyes, leaned back, and sat back on the bench where I'd been sitting.

I concentrated my massage on the bridge of my nose. I wanted to stop thinking so badly, but I couldn't help but keep replaying what had taken place during the assignment.

…..

“Charged!” I yelled at them to get into their positions and then motioned for them to encircle the abandoned building that was located on the outskirts of the town.

My soldiers immediately complied with my orders and set themselves up to fire. At the front entrance of the building, there was already a smokescreen that gave off a strong odor of burning.

We had been working on following the traces and hints of Dugo De Versace, which is the second largest and most notorious fearsome mafia group here in the city, and it had brought us all the way here to this building.

But before we got here, we had been working on following the traces and hints of Dugo De Versace. We arrived prepared because it had come to our attention that the military was preparing to engage in a significant unlawful transaction quite close to this location.

I led my men inside the building while they were still outside surrounding the area, but when we got inside there were already groups of men lined up in a row.

They had surged together and positioned themselves with massive weaponry before engaging the enemy.

They were all dressed in black pants and black shirts, but only some of them were wearing black masks. The others were not.

I quickly looked everywhere for the ringleader of the gang, but I couldn't find him anywhere. My soldiers were ambushed in the middle of an open fire.

"Get behind some cover!" I issued the command and then yelled out as loudly I can.

"Fire!"

…..

MAXIMO

It was supposed to be a wonderful day today because I would seal a deal with another mafia group, but they didn't show up.

When they learned that the government might be planning a sting operation, it caused them to reconsider their position.

At first, I didn't believe them, but later on, when the military showed there, at the meeting place, I realized that I had no choice but to start shooting in order to get away.

It's a good thing that I already called my son for assistance in case something like this ever took place.

"This is so incredibly stupid!" I was very angry, and I ordered my men to throw smoke bombs all over the area.

The thick cloud of smoke that had settled over the area would make my escape more manageable.

After the soldiers had broken through the door, I had no trouble recognizing their Captain. Gideon Sartorre, the great captain of the largest military group.

Gideon had been such a significant obstacle in the way of my operations, but at the same time, he was the one person I was unable to harm.

“That fucking nonsense!” In exchange for his assistance, service, and loyalty, I had made a promise to my son that I deeply regret keeping. I thought about this as I recalled the promise.

I ought to have put an end to Gideon’s life a long time ago, but for my son, I was able to avoid doing so.

My son had claimed that he had once been deeply in love with Gideon's sister, who happened to die because of one of our transactions, and that I was fully aware of his reasons as well. “So stupid!”

"The helicopter has touched down, sir!" One of my bodyguards called.

My son was there waiting for me when I made it to the rooftop, which was made possible thanks to the assistance of one of my other men.

I was able to get out of that building in record time, “It wasn’t your lucky day, Mr. Sartorre! Not a chance I will let you catch me!”