Page 150 of Capuleto

I drew the knife and brought it close to her. Killing her with a shot would have been too sweet and quick.

"Don't do it! I beg you!" she pleaded, feeling the first incision in her skin.

Her screams fell hollow. No one would hear her there, no one but those grimy walls now covered in lament.

Several long, stinging cuts slashed her flesh. I would make sure that the end for a vermin like her was slow and painful.

62

You have no idea

Yuri

The latest events were not what I had expected. Everything should have been much simpler. Things got complicated, and my new alliances weren't as powerful as I had hoped; either I played my cards right, or my future could be in grave danger.

Huang was terrified after receiving a visit from the Capulets. He feared they would find a way to contact Jing and link him to the man holding her, something her father was unaware of. He requested an urgent meeting to discuss the matter and resolve it as best as possible.

Huang pressured me to hand over his boss's daughter so he could have the honor of returning her, threatening to withdraw his support if I didn't comply. Losing his backing was not something I wanted. Perhaps I should consider negotiating with Jing sooner, presenting myself as the one who knew her daughter's whereabouts and negotiating behind Huang's back for her extradition. I was contemplating this in silence when we heard gunshots in the gaming area.

Huang got up from his chair and approached the surveillance monitors, nervously babbling with his men as he saw several armed men break into the hall, killing the guards, and heading towards the office door. Huang's men moved a piece of furniture on the side of the room and opened a hidden hatch. The Chinese man had an underground tunnel leading to the restaurant's parking lot as an escape plan.

He urged us all to pass through it before the Italians could break down the door. His men led the way, Huang and I were in the middle, and my men covered our backs. As soon as we emerged from the hatch into the parking lot, we were greeted by a hail of bullets. They were waiting for us, ready to turn our bodies into Swiss cheese. Huang and I were quick, using the bodies being riddled with bullets as shields, managing to position ourselves behind a parked vehicle.

There were three shooters. One was wounded by one of Huang's men, who managed to fire his weapon. My car was five parking spaces away; reaching it wouldn't be easy.

"You go first," I urged Huang. "My men will cover our backs."

Pavlov and Solkov were still inside the tunnel, waiting for my order to spring into action.

"Are you crazy?"

"I'd be crazy to stay here."

"I'm not going out first; you go." I hated cowardice. Huang didn't have the makings of a leader. It was logical that Cheng didn't want him running the business; he lacked guts.

"Fine, I'll go then," I volunteered.

I positioned myself as if I were about to sprint. Huang bent his body forward. Without warning, I kicked him, sending him to the other side of the vehicle, back towards where we came from. The bullets quickly made a tailored suit out of him while I slipped out the other side, advancing three positions.

Two more, and I'd reach the car. But on second thought, that wasn't a good exit. They likely had more men outside the restaurant. I needed a second escape route.

I observed the walls, the ceiling, and finally realized the solution was under my feet. This escape route might not be pleasant, but it was less predictable.

I signaled my men to open fire to mask the sound of the hatch sliding open. Pavlov and Solkov pulled their triggers on the Italians while I lifted the manhole cover and slipped into the hole.

As soon as I dropped, my feet splashed into the waste covering the floor. It was pitch dark and reeked of feces and urine. I brought my elbow to my nose to mask the stench that crept into my nostrils. There was no time to gag, no matter how much my stomach protested.

I turned on my phone's flashlight and started running forward. I needed to distance myself by at least a kilometer in that filthy place. Small vermin were startled by the thud of my steps. If there was one thing that disgusted me, it was those furry creatures with long tails. In the sewers, I couldn't expect any other company than rats, cockroaches, and stinking insects. Better not to think about it.

I hurried as much as I could, not hearing any sounds indicating I was being followed, which was a relief. I calculated that I had covered enough distance and looked for a way to get out to the surface.

A few meters ahead, I spotted an iron ladder that I assumed led to a street. I climbed it and pulled on the cover. It was heavy, and my gun and phone made it difficult to move it. I decided to pocket the phone. Returning the gun to its holster wasn't a good idea.

With my free hand, I managed to push aside the heavy metal. I found myself in a pedestrian street. Luck was on my side. Now I heard shouts in the sewer, hurried footsteps, and gunshots. The Capulets had found my escape route, but it was too late for them.

I sharpened my sight and fired two precise shots that ended the life of one of Capulet's men. Mine must have been dead because they were nowhere to be seen. Two more losses that pissed me off.

I pushed myself up with my arms and emerged onto the street. I wasn't going to stand there like an idiot waiting for those who wanted to end my life.