"I've been digging for information," his eyes darting nervously around the room. "I think I've found the location where they're holding Mr. Ross. But it's their hideout, it is the gang’s most dangerous place in the city and well protected because it is where their leader is," Larry said.

I nodded, her determination unwavering. "We can't wait any longer. We have to get him out of there before it's too late. What else did you find out?" I said.

“It is guarded by at least 150 gang members, all entries are secured. They have sophisticated weapons, you may need to avoid contact until you get to Mr. Ross. I think I should let you know that they are also on the payroll of the Contractor,” Larry said, warning of every difficulty involved in the task.

“So I cannot kill them but they can kill me. That makes it even more complicated,” I said.

“With the kind of weapon you would be facing, I don’t advise you to go in there with blanks,” Larry said.

“Like you said, Larry, this looks more like a setup than a contract,” I said, pointing to the fact that he had mentioned it earlier.

“You need to proceed with caution. I do not like this one bit,” Larry said.

“What if the Contractor knows I am involved with Marvin and wants to set me up?” I asked.

“I think it is the other way round, he is sending you here so that if you don’t deliver on Marvin’s case, he will unleash the gang on you. Whichever way you are fucked,” Larry said.

We spent hours poring over maps and blueprints, strategizing every move. I knew that to succeed, I needed a plan that was foolproof. we discussed the gang's routines, the guards, and any potential weaknesses in their security and the possibility of going in there without notice or contact was highly impossible. We came to the conclusion that I had to aim at fringe areas just to weaken any gang member I came in contact with.

"I need to play this smart," I said. "I'll go in alone. You'll stay in the shadows, ready to provide backup if things go south. With the schematics of the building would you be able to provide an infra-red indication of the position of hostiles?" I asked Larry.

“That would be difficult considering the fact that I have to oversee the protocol and security of Marvin at the same time,” Larry said.

“Okay, stay focused on the kidnap I don't think I’ll be in there for more than an hour. We need to get this right. No mistakes,” I ordered Larry.

Larry nodded, his jaw set with determination. "We can't afford to make any mistakes,” Larry said.

“The file, said Mr. Ross had a daughter. Did you later find out who she was? She is the one to receive delivery of Mr. Ross,” I said.

“No, I would be working on that and surely would give you feedback in that case, Mr. Ross’s daughter would be counting on us," Larry said.

With their plan in place, Cassie and Larry leave the cafe, each feeling the weight of their mission. They knew the dangers that lay ahead but were willing to risk everything to rescue Mr. Ross.

In the night, as it was shrouded in darkness, I and Larry prepared for the dark mission to rescue Mr. Ross. I donned dark, inconspicuous clothing, my heart racing with anticipation. I knew that entering the gang's headquarters would be perilous, but there was no turning back now. The Martinez Gang would not be expecting a female assassin, not at all!

Larry handed me a small pin earpiece. "Stay in contact with me at all times," he said quietly. "I'll be your lifeline." Larry said, this time he was smiling, “ Your best entry point is the north of the building but Mr. Ross is held at the south of the building because that is the most heavily guarded area of the building,” Larry said.

I nodded, my trust in Larry was unwavering and never in doubt, he kept his records simple and plain and never missed a point. I drove until I got to about three hundred meters near the gang’s headquarters. With a final glance at the car, taking all that I needed, I slipped into the night, making my way toward the gang's hideout.

I was dressed in dark clothing that blended with the night. I silently moved toward the towering, old building that served as the gang's headquarters. My heart raced with anticipation, knowing the danger that awaited me inside. I was confident but nervous though I had trained for this moment and had mentally prepared myself to face the worst.

As I approached the building that served as the gang's headquarters, I could hear faint voices and see the dim glow of security lights. I took a deep breath, as I moved silently through the shadows. I could hear Larry's voice directing me each and every way, he sounded as if he was afraid for me and I could not blame him, this was a dangerous task.

I encountered the guard patrolling the perimeter as advised by Larry not to engage. I held my breath, waiting for the right moment to slip past him. When he turned away, I seized the opportunity and slipped into the building through a side entrance. My heart was pounding, it was so audible that I could hear it even in the midst of all the danger.

Inside, the air was thick with tension, and the faint sound of voices echoed through the hallway. I knew I had to navigate this treacherous maze, find Mr. Ross, and get out without being detected. The clock was ticking.

I moved cautiously, with Larry in my head, his voice now calm and steady, avoiding the gang members who seemed oblivious to my presence. I knew that one wrong move could blow my cover, endangering not only Mr. Ross but also Larry and me.

I had three gang members coming toward my position as I approached south of the building where we thought Mr. Ross was kept hostage. Larry asked that I engage as I could not go back and no room to get in before they reached my position.

I took out my knife but as I looked up I could see two pipes running along on the roof of the building. I jumped quickly using my legs and hands to clip the pipes. The men left one after the other. The last one was about to leave my position too, when my knife fell on his foot. He was about to pick it up when I jumped down and twisted his neck, covering his mouth to avoid him shouting. I could not help but kill him.

“You killed him?” I could hear Larry in my head from the small pin earpiece.

“Yes! I had no option,” I said.

“You have to carry him and dump him in one of the rooms so that no one will discover his body. You are currently in the south of the building, careful,” Larry said.

I dropped the dead man in the first room I saw and began to check each room, my heart sinking with each empty one I encountered. I couldn't afford to give up. I had to find Mr. Ross. Time was running out, and every moment counted.

As I approached a heavily guarded door, I overheard a conversation. The gang members were discussing their prisoner's fate. My blood ran cold as I listened. They were going to take the ransom from Mr. Ross’s daughter and still kill Mr. Ross by cutting him in pieces and delivering him to his daughter. Mr. Ross was in grave danger, and I knew he didn't have much time left.