LOVE BROUGHT US BACK

The Venom Heist

(Sometime in 2023)

Donald Black paced back and forth in his office, his frustration palpable in the air around him. The news he had just received from his men was enough to make his blood boil. The shipment of 'Venom', the highly sought-after synthetic drug that promised immense profits for the Double Axe Mob, was nowhere to be found. It had arrived but couldn't be found, though he already knew what had happened. Despite Donald's best efforts, the Scorpiono Mafians had once again intercepted the shipment before it could reach its intended destination, just as they had done with the previous deliveries. It was becoming increasingly clear that they were playing a dangerous game with them. Toying with them like they were nothing.

Donald knew the Scorpiono Mafians were underestimating the Double Axe Mob, failing to recognize the threat they posed. After all, the last confrontation left scars that still haunt their memories. But this time, Donald was determined that the war would come to an end with a clear winner. He had made up his mind that this time around the double-axe mob would be victorious, and he would stop at nothing till that happened.

Venom wasn't a drug to let go of; it was more than just a drug; it was a potent and addictive substance that ensured its users always came back for more. Its euphoria-inducing effects and addictive properties made it a prized commodity on the streets, and the thought of losing out on such a lucrative opportunity left Donald seething with anger.

As he brooded over his options, Donald's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a knock at his door. John, his consigliere entered the room, a concerned look on his face.

"You look bothered, boss, What's wrong?" John asked, sensing the tension in the air.

Donald clenched his fists, his jaw tight with frustration. "The Scorpiono Mafians got to the Venom before we could; this is the second time this month," he growled, his voice laced with anger. "They've stolen our chance at a fortune."

But before Donald could spiral further into despair, John spoke up, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Don't worry, boss. We'll get it back, and even more. Today."

Donald's eyebrows shot up. "What do you mean?"

John explained, "Salvatore Deluca. That guy has some ambitions of his own, and he's willing to work for them."

"Oh, the one you told me about. Do you really have faith in that guy? He hasn't said a word since he promised cooperation. We have no time to trust the enemy." Donald said strictly

"Well, this time around, our enemy is our only key to victory. I met with him yesterday, and we made a little bargain," John replied with an evil smile.

A surge of excitement coursed through Donald's veins at the news. If Salvatore was on their side, they had a chance to turn the tables on the Scorpiono Mafians and reclaim their lost opportunity.

Just as they were discussing, John's phone rang, interrupting their conversation. It was Salvatore. "Well, well, well, speaking about the enemy, look who's calling." John picked up the call, placing it on speaker.

"We'll be at the abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town at 9 p.m.," Salvatore said, his voice low and urgent. "We'll be getting a supply from outside there. You can strike then; we are going alone, just my boss and I" Salvatore said, immediately hanging up.

A triumphant smile spread across Donald's face. With Salvatore's cooperation secured, they finally had a chance to take down the Scorpiono Mafians and reclaim what was rightfully theirs.

Gathering his men, Donald wasted no time in organizing a meeting to discuss their plan of attack. Tonight, they would show the Scorpiono Mafians that the Double Axe Mob was not to be underestimated. And with Venom back in their grasp, they would solidify their dominance in the cutthroat world of organized crime.

In the meeting room just beside Donald's office, all his men were gathered. He stood at the head of the table, addressing them. "This is our chance to take down Richard Stone once and for all," he said. "We have learned that he will be alone tonight at the Cerrado building on the outskirts of town. This is our chance to strike and defeat him."

He turned to John, his loyal consigliere "You will lead the operation," he said. "You will take five men with you: Bill, Federico, Thomas, Cesaro, and Lucas," he said, pointing at them each as he called them.

"You guys will approach the building from the back and use the window on the second floor to gain entry; this will prevent him from knowing beforehand that you guys are there; that way, he'll remain isolated. You guys must be quick and quiet. Is that understood?" He asked with so much authority in his voice.

"Yes, boss," they chorused.

"You must not forget the objective. He is more valuable to us alive. So be careful and swift; bring him back to me alive.

The men nodded, their faces set in determination. "What would you be doing, boss?" Thomas inquired

"I've got unfinished business to attend to. The Lombardi family owes me, and I aim to collect. I'll be going with the rest of you boys," Donald instructed.

"Richard Stone would be alone; I assure you, we'll do a clean job." John promised.

"I trust you guys; now let's move!!"

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ****

As Richard and Salvatore cruised along the dimly lit streets, the distant glow of the city reflecting off the windshield, a heavy silence hung between them. Richard glanced over at Salvatore, noting the tension etched into his features.

"You ok, Luca? You seem on edge." Richard's voice cut through the quiet of the car, filled with genuine concern.

Salvatore sighed, his gaze fixed on the road ahead. "Yeah, boss, just... a lot on my mind, you know?"

Richard nodded, understanding flickering in his eyes. "I get it. I'm sure you'll get through whatever it is.

Salvatore offered a grateful nod, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Thanks, boss. I appreciate it."

Their conversation was interrupted by the sight of the looming Cerrado building on the horizon.

As they arrived at the Cerrado building, a dilapidated structure looming ominously in the darkness. Salvatore shot Richard a sidelong glance before they stepped out of the car, their footsteps echoing in the desolate street.

Inside, the transaction went smoothly, and Richard felt a flicker of relief as they secured the drugs. But just as they were about to leave, John's voice cut through the air like a knife.

"Well, well, well, we meet again, Stone," John sneered, stepping into the room with a menacing grin.

"What are you doing here, John?" Richard's voice was laced with suspicion.

"Isn't it a bit obvious?" John chuckled, his hand inching towards his gun. "I'm here to finally end your reign, Stone."

Richard's eyes narrowed, and his hand reflexively reached for his weapon. "Hmm, what a dumb thing to say for someone who is outnumbered."

John's smile widened, a cruel glint in his eyes. "Whoever talked about numbers? You didn't think I'd be dumb enough to come alone, did you?"

As if on cue, the rest of John's men emerged from the shadows, surrounding Richard and Salvatore.

Richard's heart sank as he realized the gravity of the situation. "You're all alone, Richy," John taunted, his voice dripping with contempt. "Even your right-hand man has turned his back on you." With a chilling laugh, John's eyes gleamed with triumph as he savored the moment of dominance over his adversary. "What is he saying, Luca?" he demanded, turning to Salvatore for an explanation.

"I'm sorry, boss," Salvatore muttered, his voice void of regret. "I told them we'd be here. It was all me."

Richard's brow furrowed in confusion and disbelief. "But why, Luca? I gave you everything. I made you the consigliere, and treated you differently from how I treated others. Why betray me like this?"

Salvatore's eyes hardened as he met Richard's gaze. "You did that because we're friends. You wanted to help your friend. You were the friend with the upper hand."

"What?" Richard said, his confusion deepening.

"And oh, Richard, you just had to be that friend, getting everything: the wealth, the fame, oh, and lest I forget, the girl. You married Helen, and you and I both know that I saw her first, knew her first, and loved her first," Salvatore practically yelled, his voice dripping with bitterness.

"She loved me," Richard defended.

"That's the f*****g point, Richard. She just had to love you," Salvatore shot back, his resentment palpable.

"Is that what this is about? My dead wife?" Richard asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Oh no, no, no, Richy. Not anymore. You see, you must have forgotten that I made Scorpiono Mafians who they are today by putting in all my efforts and resources more than you ever could. But guess who's Don? You. And guess who's the smelly-ass consigliere? Yes, that's me," Salvatore sneered, his words dripping with venom. "My son would be the next Don regardless, not you."

"Well, let's see how that goes," Richard muttered as Salvatore turned and left the building, leaving Richard to grapple with the bitter sting of betrayal and the harsh reality of his once-trusted friend's true intentions.