Chapter 25: The Chaos
Orely
Terrified, I took refuge in his arms. He holds me close and we head for the exit, although with great difficulty.
"Let's go, or else we'll become mincemeat."
Lifeless bodies lie on the cold marble, their faces frozen in horror. The sound of gunfire echoes like a macabre symphony, mingling with the desperate cries of those further away, begging for mercy. Their voices, trembling with fear, are lost in the tumult, while shards of glass shatter around them, adding a note of sadness to this apocalyptic scene.
Near the door, a gloomy scene and nearby, lifeless bodies, piled on top of each other, layered like slices of bread to make a huge but disgusting sandwich. Their torn and soiled clothes, lying in a pool of blood, created a picture of horror. As we approached the threshold, an uneasy feeling came over me. With my heart pounding, I take a deep breath and prepare to cross this macabre obstacle, leaping over this pile of bodies. An ordeal both physical and psychological. Against this nightmarish tableau, Santiago shakes my hand. His grip is firm, reassuring, like a lighthouse in a storm. In this place where fear clings to every beat of my pulse. He does not let go, pulling me along with silent determination. I stay strong, no matter what.
His deep emerald-green eyes shine with a glimmer of hope, like gems by the sea, contrasting with our surroundings. A wave of security washes over me when he is by my side. It is like an invisible cocoon around us, protecting me from outside dangers. His presence reassures me. He gives me a slight raised eyebrow, placing a hand on my shoulder to reassure me that there's nothing to fear. His little smile, almost contagious, gradually dispels the panic in me.
I see two men rushing to help us. They are the same ones who visited recently to deliver Santiago's gifts. They must be his most trusted men.
"Come on boss, the car is waiting," exclaims one of his men in a black cap.
We follow him and hastily climb into the vehicle, and the driver starts up, the engine roars, and we gradually drive away from this slum.
Santiago
The sunlight filters through the foliage and I lie flat on my stomach behind some bushes in a wooded area, observing the hidden organization through my binoculars. After more than half an hour examining the surroundings in minute detail, I call Alvero to gather our men for the confrontation. It is about a villa that they have transformed into a fortress in harmony with the surrounding nature, but which I'll take care to reduce to ashes. Through its large bay windows, which offer a breathtaking view of the mountains, I scan the interior and the decor is both elegant and warm, all assembled with a mix of natural wood and stone.
They have not done things by halves, even the contemporary artworks adorn the walls with little designer lights that work really well together.
Turning my head slightly, I could see the chef taking it easy over a cup of coffee on the wooden terrace outside, complete with comfortable velvet sofas.
"Well, enjoy it, rat-face. I'll destroy you in no time. What a pity there'll be nothing left.” I muttered, peering through my binoculars.
As you can see, this luxury façade hides a dark reality, a hideout where some of my father's men use nature to conceal their illegal activities. If they hadn't touched Orely, I'd have left them alone, but unfortunately that's not what they have in mind.
Meanwhile, my attention settled on a crystalline stream winding through the valley, with the water flowing slowly, creating a soothing sound to this idyllic view.
Even if the members of this criminal organization are well-trained and vigilant, making any intrusion almost impossible with sophisticated security systems and regular patrols, I know better than anyone how it works and I'm going to screw it up. Nothing and no one will be spared.
When we managed to get inside the villa, we tore up everything in our path, and when I saw a moron about to shoot Orely under the big table, I went ahead and shot him in the head. The room is now unrecognizable. Bodies scattered everywhere like dirty lines in an apartment.
Worst of all, the blood and its metallic scent is spread across the room like a big red carpet covering the floor.
All trembling, Orely does not let go of me, and I understand her. I stay close to her to calm her down, and it works. Alvaro arrives just in time to get us out of there, because once we're far enough away, Luis has carefully placed bombs in every part of the property. I took the opportunity to settle Elazio's account on the spot. I had him locked in one of the pavilion's rooms, bound and gagged on a chair, with explosives all over his body.
What do you think, I forgot? Don't even think about it, I don't let anything slip by. I even took the trouble to go and see him in person a few minutes earlier, before making my theatrical entrance, to wish him a very safe flight to hell, as he sits like a king on his throne, crying like shit.
Currently in the car, with a wry smile, I'm counting down by looking at my watch.
"3-2-1, boom!"
Everyone was startled, and as we turned around, we saw the premeditated explosion. A real feast for the eyes, but not for Orely, who was shaken to the core.
Four kilometers from the explosion, the driver stopped the car so that Orely and I could change cars. I am not going to take my men to her place in the company of her mother, and interests that are not, everyone sitting down to have tea as if nothing were happening. No way.
As we are by ourselves, a weighty hush falls between us. We exchange a significant glance that says it all.