Lorenzo's eyes narrowed as he scanned the system notification, his fingers drumming idly on the worn-out table. The system set up a deadline of three days, but he wasn't one to rush his decisions. He had time, and he'd use every second of it. For now, he had other matters to attend to.
In the meantime, he set his sights on cleaning up the streets of Boyle Heights, or at least, that's what he let on. Under the guise of his private company, Raven Corps, he set about eradicating the competition, one gang at a time. Justice, he called it, but in reality, he wanted total control.
As Raven Corps rounded up criminals, they made sure to prioritize those with bounties on their heads, delivering them to the police station where they would be dealt with accordingly. For those without bounties, a simple choice awaited: rot in prison or join the ranks of Raven Corps.
Lorenzo's influence was growing, extending even to the highest ranks of the police force. Homicide Detective Floyd Rose and Senior Detective Roy Earle were already under his control, and soon, he'd have Lieutenant Archie Colmyer in his pocket too. As long as the former criminals who joined Raven Corps kept up the facade of reformation, the corrupt officers would turn a blind eye to their activities.
Lorenzo's mind turned to the next phase of his plan: acquiring businesses in the neighborhood. Stores, bars, any establishment that could serve as a front for Raven Corps' illicit dealings. As he mused over potential targets, the creak of the apartment door distracted him.
Max entered the room. "Boss," he greeted, taking a seat on the worn leather sofa.
"What have you got for me?" Lorenzo asked, his voice cool but curious.
Max opened a tattered book, his eyes scanning the pages. "There's a bar manager who's... willing to sell their establishment." His lips curled into a cruel smile. "For a very reasonable price."
Lorenzo chuckled, striding over to pour himself a drink. "I take it you... persuaded them?"
Max shrugged, as if discussing the weather. "A little motivation never hurt anyone."
"No, I suppose it didn't." Lorenzo took a sip of his whiskey, savoring the burn as it traveled down his throat. "Good work, Max. Make sure the paperwork is in order. We don't want any loose ends."
"It'll be done, boss. Anything else?"
"Not for now. But keep your ears to the ground. I want to know about any other 'opportunities' like this one."
Lorenzo's gaze drifted to the worn book in Max's hands. "What are you reading there?"
Max looked up, a smirk playing on his lips. "Oh, this? It's called 'Red Dead.' Quite an interesting read." He casually added, "I... acquired it from the local bookstore."
Lorenzo raised an eyebrow, amused. "A bookworm, now? I never pegged you for the reading type, Max."
"You'd be surprised, boss." Max's grin widened. "Speaking of which, the owner of that bookstore is practically drowning in debt. He'd be... willing to part with his property for the right price."
"Oh, I see." Lorenzo mused, feigning indifference. "But what do we need with a bookstore?" His words trailed off as a system notification materialized before his eyes.
[Ding! You received a task: Acquire one bookstore, one bread store, a bar, a laundromat.]
[Reward: Gunslinger Skill and an increased intimidation aura.]
Lorenzo's eyes widened, quickly reevaluating the situation. "Well, it looks like a bookstore might be more useful than I thought." He slapped Max on the back. "Let's go seal the deal, shall we?"
Max raised an eyebrow at Lorenzo's sudden change of heart, but he didn't question it. Instead, he tucked the book under his arm and fell into step with his boss as they left the apartment, ready to seize their next opportunity.
As Lorenzo and Max strolled through the bustling streets, they passed bystanders sipping on Cokes, their faces tinged with a hint of euphoria.
Lorenzo had plans to invest in Coca-Cola later on, but he was well aware of the drink's secret ingredient: cocaine. He couldn't risk himself or his men falling prey to its addictive grip, so he enforced a strict no-Coke policy within Raven Corps.
He knew all too well the dangers of the cocaine-laced beverage, and he made it a point to keep it away from his men—and especially Deborah, his lover.
One time, Deborah's curiosity had gotten the better of her, and she'd almost reached for a bottle. But Lorenzo had intervened, gently guiding her hand away. He couldn't risk losing her to the same addiction that had claimed so many others in these very streets.
Lorenzo's thoughts were interrupted by the sight of his car, Mike, the young driver, whistling as he wiped the dust off the shiny black exterior. Mike's face lit up when he spotted them, rushing to open the backseat door for his boss.
Max slid into the front passenger seat, rattling off the address of the bookstore to Mike. The car engine roared, and weave through the congested roads of Boyle Heights.
Soon enough, they pulled up in front of the quaint, yet run-down, bookstore. The "For Sale" sign hanging above the door was like a beacon, inviting them to seal their next deal.
"Well, here we are," Max announced as Mike pulled up in front of the quaint bookstore. The young driver hopped out to open the door for his boss, and the two men stepped onto the sidewalk.
Lorenzo and Max were impeccably dressed in tailored suits and fedoras, eliciting nods and greetings from passersby. "Good morning, gents."
"Morning," Max replied with a curt nod, following Lorenzo into the store.
A young girl, no more than 15 years old, stood behind the counter, acting as the store's clerk. Her eyes widened at the sight of them, but she quickly regained her composure and offered a polite smile. "Good morning, sirs. How may I help you?"
Lorenzo tipped his hat, his voice smooth as honey. "We understand the owner is looking to sell this establishment?"
Max coughed into his fist, drawing the girl's attention to him. "Yeah, see, we had a little... chat with the manager, and he mentioned something about selling up. My boss here," he said, jerking a thumb at Lorenzo, "is quite interested in the offer."
The young girl's eyes clouded with sadness, but she managed a polite smile. "I'll go get Mr. Hall." She disappeared into the back room, leaving them to wait.
Moments later, a portly man waddled out, extending a sweaty hand. "Mr. Hall, I presume?" Lorenzo said, shaking his hand firmly.
"The one and only," Mr. Hall replied, ushering them into his cramped office. "I understand you're interested in purchasing my... establishment?"
Lorenzo leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "So, tell me, what's your asking price?"
Mr. Hall fidgeted, wiping the sweat from his brow. "Well, I'm... I'm willing to let it go for... two thousand dollars."
Lorenzo's eyebrows shot up in feigned surprise. "Two thousand? You must think I'm running a charity here!"
"W-well, how about... 1,980?" Mr. Hall stammered, visibly intimidated.
Loren Lorenzo stood abruptly, grabbing the man by his collar. "Do you take me for a fool?"
"I-I... I need to make a living too, mister!" Mr. Hall sputtered, fear creeping into his voice. "It's already a ste—"
Lorenzo shoved the man away, turning to Max with a look of mock disappointment. "Looks like you brought me the wrong information, huh?"
Max shot to his feet, glaring at Mr. Hall. "No, boss. I think it's Mr. Hall here who's changing his tune. He clearly told me he'd part with the place for a 'cheap price.'"
Lorenzo's eyes narrowed. "Well, then, Max, I guess you'd better 'convince' him to stick to his word." He handed the trembling man over to Max.
"With pleasure, boss." Max said, dragging the protesting Mr. Hall back into the office. The sound of fists connecting with flesh and muffled cries of pain filtered through the thin walls.
A few minutes later, Max emerged, cracking his knuckles. "He's... reconsidered his offer. Now he's willing to let it go for 1,250."
Lorenzo nodded, satisfied. "Good work, Max." He straightened his suit and donned his fedora. "Now, let's go buy that bar you mentioned. As for the other stores, we'll acquire them... gradually."
Max grinned, following his boss out of the bookstore. "Yes, boss."
The young girl behind the counter tended to the battered Mr. Hall, her eyes downcast as the two men left the store.
***
Two days later, Lorenzo exhaled a sigh of relief as he completed the system task. He could feel the newfound power coursing through his veins - the Gunslinger skill and an increased intimidation aura now at his disposal. With a practiced ease, he drew his revolver from its holster, marveling at the speed with which his hand moved, his speed faster than before. His reflection in the mirror betrayed a newfound aura, one that even his own men would soon feel.
Even among his trusted lieutenants and the newly recruited former criminals. They all sensed the change in their boss, the way his very presence seemed to demand respect and obedience. Control over his gang had never been easier.
Yet, as he sat in his apartment, a ticking of the clock on the wall reminded him that the three-day deadline given by the system would soon be upon him. A decision weighed heavily on his mind: should he choose the daring path of infiltrating the mayor's residence to gather information, or opt for the more cautious route of slowly unraveling the dealings of the mayor and the police chief of the LAPD?
Lorenzo ran a hand over his chin, mulling over the decision. The allure of the rewards for successfully infiltrating the mayor's residence was undeniable, but so too were the risks. The choice before him was akin to a game of Russian roulette, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
Lorenzo's men had done their job well. They had uncovered the address of the mayor, a mansion nestled in the affluent hills of Beverly.
The news that the residence was teeming with private security guards, rather than the alternative of it being devoid of any protection, brought a grim sense of relief to Lorenzo's features. After all, where there were guards, there was bound to be something worth protecting – information that could prove to be the mayor's undoing, perhaps.
Had there been no security at the mansion, it would have meant that the incriminating evidence was likely tucked away in the impenetrable fortress of City Hall, guarded by the watchful eyes of public servants and the long arm of the law. Infiltrating a government building would have been akin to walking through the fires of Hades itself.
Yet, as the clock ticked away, Lorenzo knew he couldn't afford to underestimate the consequences of his decision. One wrong move, and his entire operation could come crashing down around him.
"You seem lost in thought, boss," Deborah's voice purred in his ear, pulling him from his musings.
Lorenzo turned to her with a charming grin. "Just planning our future together, my dear... wife," he added, winking at her teasingly.
Deborah playfully swatted his arm, a blush creeping up her cheeks. "I'm not your wife yet, so don't get ahead of yourself, mister."
Lorenzo chuckled, standing up and extending a hand to her. "Let's go downstairs and have dinner with the others."
Deborah took his hand, smiling. "Lead the way, mister."
Their footsteps echoed through the corridor, leading them to an apartment room that had been transformed into a makeshift dining hall. The reluctant landlord, who had no choice but to comply when faced with the sheer number of men under Lorenzo's command, had vacated the premises long ago. Now, the room was alive with the chatter and laughter of the Raven Corps.
Lorenzo's gaze swept the room, taking in the scene before him. Adam lounged on the sofa, nose buried in a book, while Richard, Max, Patrick and Julius huddled around a poker table, cigarette smoke curling above their heads. Henry, Mike, and the rest of the crew were putting the final touches on dinner.
Lorenzo's gaze fell on Adam, who was engrossed in a worn leather-bound book. "Yo, Adam," he drawled, unable to hide his surprise. "You've caught the reading bug too, huh?"
Adam looked up from his book, a sheepish grin tugging at his lips. "Yeah, boss. Max here got me into it. Pretty interesting stuff." He tapped the cover of the book. "It's about a gang, you see…"
Lorenzo raised an eyebrow. "You mean that book Max has been raving about, 'Dead Bed' or something?"
"'No, boss, it's 'Red Dead.' And it's by some famous author guy." Adam corrected him, before diving back into the pages of his newfound obsession.
.
.
.
.
Lorenzo's gaze drifted thoughtfully to the book in Adam's hand. He couldn't help but feel a tinge of curiosity, watching Adam, so engrossed in his reading. As Mike and the others finished preparing the meal, they brought it to the table, the enticing aroma wafting through the air.
Lorenzo reached for the dishes, ready to serve himself, when a soft, loving hand stopped him mid-motion. He looked up into Deborah's beautiful, fair face as she gently admonished him, "I'll be the one putting food on our plates, silly."
Lorenzo chuckled, a warmth spreading through his chest. "Ah, right," he said, sliding a strand of her hair behind her ear. She rewarded him with a radiant smile.
Their table erupted in light-hearted banter as they all tucked into their meals, while at the same table, Adam and his pregnant wife Tifanny, and Max and Patrick with the lovely Peggy, enjoyed their own company. The closeness between them was palpable, even as the other men, who were unattached, couldn't help but feel a pang of envy.
After the meal, as the men chatted among themselves, Lorenzo stood up and addressed them, his voice carrying a newfound gravity. "Gentlemen, I've been thinking about the plan we discussed two days ago. I've decided we're going to put it into motion tomorrow night."
Murmurs of concern rippled through the group, and Adam frowned, looking at his boss intently. "Are you certain about this, boss? Infiltrating a mayor's mansion in Beverly Hills isn't going to be a walk in the park."
Lorenzo nodded, unfazed by the apprehension in the air. He met Adam's gaze, then glanced at Max and the others, silently seeking their support.
Richard, puffing on his cigarette, spoke up, "If we're going to pull this off, boss, we need to plan this operation down to the last detail."
Max, Patrick, Julius, and the rest of the crew nodded in agreement.
"Breaking into a mayor's residence, eh? Sounds like it'll be a real thrill," Patrick chuckled, a glint in his eye.
Julius and several others shared his excitement, their faces alight with anticipation.
Max, on the other hand, wasn't as enthusiastic as them. After all, they were only breaking into the mayor's mansion to steal some incriminating information. If it were a bank job with a hefty sum of cash at stake, that would have been another story.
Lorenzo scanned the table, noting the varying expressions. Patrick, Henry, Julius, and Richard were practically brimming with excitement, while Max, Adam, and a few others seemed less than thrilled.
He also couldn't help but notice Tiffany's worry etched into her features as she squeezed Adam's hand, and Peggy, keeping an eye on her two friends, Max and Patrick.
Lorenzo felt Deborah's hand trembling slightly in his own. He turned to her, leaning in to whisper in her ear, "I'll be alright, Deb. Don't you worry."
Deborah nodded, but he could see the worry in her eyes as she bit her lower lip. "I just hate it when you put yourself in danger like this. Can't we just... be content with what we have? Do we really need to mess with a mayor?"
Lorenzo remained silent, offering her a reassuring smile before leading her upstairs to their room in the apartment complex.
As they walked, he spoke gently, his voice laced with love and determination, "Trust me, Deb. Once we have that mayor's dirty secrets, he'll be in my pocket, he'll be at my beck and call. We'll live a life more luxurious than we ever dreamed of, I promise."
Deborah's expression remained torn between concern and understanding. "I know, but at the same time, I can't help but worry."
Finally, they reached their room, and Lorenzo pulled her into his arms, caressing her back soothingly. "Shh, baby, don't think about it too much. I'll be fine, I promise."
"I can't help it!" Deborah blurted out, her eyes welling with unshed tears. After a moment of silence, she looked at Lorenzo with determination in her eyes. "And... after being with you for so long, I've been thinking... can you teach me how to handle a pistol or revolver? So I can learn to fight by your side and protect myself... and you?"
Lorenzo's eyebrows shot up in surprise. He never expected Deborah to ask for something like this.
He gazed at her with love in his eyes, then leaned in to kiss her deeply, their tongues dancing together in a passionate dance.
Breaking the kiss, he said, "Deb, you don't need to hold a gun to fight or protect yourself. I'll always be there to do that for you as long as I live..."
Deborah smiled, but there was a hint of stubbornness in her eyes. "I know you will... but I also want to be by your side when you're in a dangerous situation. I can't just sit idly by, knowing you're in harm's way."
The determination in her eyes was unmistakable. With a sigh, Lorenzo relented. "Alright, alright... I'll teach you how to handle a gun next week. Jeez, I knew you were strong-willed, but I didn't expect you'd be this strong-willed."
Deborah giggled playfully, "Oh, you have no idea how strong I can be."
Lorenzo's eyebrow arched mischievously. "Is that so? I thought I knew every inch of you, but I guess there's more to discover." He started undressing, his eyes locked on hers. "I wonder if this newfound strength of yours extends to... other areas as well."
Deborah blushed, but her eyes sparkled with desire. "You're insatiable! Always thinking with your... gun!" She squealed, feigning indignation as she darted towards the bed.
Lorenzo chuckled, his own arousal growing with her playfulness. "Ooh, running away, are we? Don't think you can escape me, my little prey."
He gave chase, their laughter and playful banter filling the room as they tumbled onto the bed, their bodies entwined in a passionate embrace.
***
Early in the morning, Lorenzo gathered his men around a table, spreading out a sheet of paper with the mayor's mansion layout.
"This is the blueprint of the mayor's house, courtesy of our friend, Detective Floyd," he announced, tapping the schematic.
Richard frowned, "Are we sure we can trust this information? He's a cop, after all."
Lorenzo nodded, his eyes narrowing as he appraised the paper. With a mental command, his system scanned the document, confirming its authenticity. [Mayor's Mansion Layout] appeared in his mind's eye.
"Floyd probably thinks we're crazy to even attempt this," he chuckled, "so he gave us the real deal."
The others chuckled along, but there was an undercurrent of tension in the air.
Max snorted, "That Floyd fella probably hoping we'll get ourselves killed in the process, so he's off the hook."
Lorenzo chuckled, "Well, that's why I didn't exactly tell him we're moving tonight."
Their conversation shifted back to the plan at hand.
After hours of deliberation, they settled on a strategy: neutralizing the security around the mayor's mansion silently and stealthily.
"This needs to be clean," Lorenzo emphasized, "and if things go south and we attract attention, we split up. Don't come straight here to the base; there might be a tail on us."
Tapping his fingers on the table, Lorenzo looked at his men. "We'll drive to the open woods near Beverly Hills and set up a tent. We'll pose as tourists out hiking in the area."
They all nodded, but Adam spoke up, "Boss, I have faith in you, but after reading 'Red Dead', I don't want us to get too cocky. Things can go south real quick."
Lorenzo chuckled, meeting Adam's gaze. "I agree, and that's why we're planning for the worst-case scenario. And when things don't go as planned."
Adam nodded, visibly relieved.
As Lorenzo continued to list their contingency plans, Adam and Max exchanged glances. They were both glad their boss wasn't as short-sighted and self-centered as Dutch, the character from the book they were reading.
***
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Lorenzo and his men filed out of the apartment complex and climbed into their waiting cars parked along the street.
Lorenzo noticed Mike was visibly nervous. "Easy there, kid. I can see your hands shaking."
Mike wiped the sweat from his brow, his voice shaky. "Um… understood, boss."
Lorenzo chuckled reassuringly, patting the boy's shoulder. "Relax, we've got this. Just focus on the road."
With that, the caravan of cars set off into the night, their headlights cutting through the darkness as they made their way towards Beverly Hills.
Deborah, Tiffany, and Peggy stood side by side, watching the cars disappear into the distance. Tiffany and Peggy, both armed and vigilant, exchanged glances.
Finally, Peggy spoke up, "Lady Gelly, we should head inside."
Deborah nodded, clutching a piece of Lorenzo's clothing to her chest as they made their way back into the apartment.
Tiffany and Peggy couldn't help but feel a tinge of unease around Deborah, they couldn't understand why they felt intimidated by her. They brushed it off, attributing it to the fact that she had spent so much time with the cold and intimidating Lorenzo.
***
The automobiles carrying Lorenzo and his associates cruised through the streets of Los Angeles. After a half-hour journey, they neared their destination: the mayor's residence. The stately mansion came into view, nestled behind a manicured hedge, its windows aglow with warm light.
Lorenzo's keen eyes scanned the area, taking note of the security guards patrolling the grounds, flashlights in hand. He reached into his coat pocket and retrieved a black mask, pulling it over his face to conceal his identity. In a low voice, he turned to Mike. "Kid, don't gawk around. Put on your mask."
"Y-yes, boss," Mike stammered, fumbling with his own mask before finally securing it over his face.
They parked their cars at a discreet distance from the mayor's residence, far enough not to arouse suspicion but close enough to reach their target on foot. Under the cover of darkness, they exited their vehicles and crept towards the mayor's home, their footsteps muffled by the lush grass beneath their feet.
.
.
.
.
Lorenzo motioned for his men to follow suit as he crept forward. "Gents, we stick to the plan. We're after a quiet approach," he whispered, his voice barely audible even in the stillness of the night.
Adam, Max, and the rest of the crew nodded their understanding. They skulked single file through the shadows, hugging the perimeter of the mayor's property. The house loomed before them, its size imposing but not insurmountable. The fence that enclosed it, while sturdy, was of a height easily surmounted by men of their caliber.
Lorenzo went first, leaping nimbly onto the top of the fence and deftly scaling it without so much as a creak. He landed on the other side with the grace of a seasoned cat burglar, his footsteps silent on the damp grass below. One by one, his men followed suit, each man as stealthy as the last.
Once they had all breached the perimeter, they huddled together, crouched low in the shrubbery. "All clear," Lorenzo mouthed, his eyes darting from window to window, searching for any sign of movement within.
The lack of movement from within the mayor's residence was almost unnerving. It seemed that most of the guards had been lulled into complacency, patrolling the perimeter and leaving the interior seemingly unguarded.
Lorenzo, quite cautious, raised a hand, signaling his men to hold their positions. His experienced band of miscreants knew the drill, having honed their skills together on the battlefields of Europe. Max, Patrick, Richard, Julius, and the others who had fought alongside him in the war flawlessly read his silent commands, while Adam, Mike and the others, though less practiced, followed suit.
Adam, Henry, and Julius melted into the shadows on one side of the garden, concealed by the dense foliage. Meanwhile, Richard, Max, and Patrick slunk towards the house, pressing their faces against the glass panes to survey the dimly lit interior. Richard, the lookout, caught sight of a guard rounding the corner and quickly shook his head, gesturing for the others to retreat.
Lorenzo, Mike, and Ricky huddled together, preparing to deal with any guards they might encounter. Each man had been schooled in the art of silent takedowns, their hands itching for the opportunity to put their deadly skills to use.
Hidden among the lush foliage of the mayor's meticulously manicured garden, Lorenzo and his men held their breaths as two guards strolled by, their flashlights slicing through the darkness. The beams of light danced across the ground, illuminating the path before them but thankfully not straying towards the intruders' hiding spots.
Lorenzo, crouched low behind a marble statue, caught Max and Patrick's eyes and signaled for them to act. Like panthers stalking their prey, the duo silently closed in on the unsuspecting guards. In one fluid motion, they clamped their hands over the guards' mouths and delivered swift blows to the back of their heads with the butts of their revolvers.
The guards crumpled to the ground, their bodies limp and unconscious.
Lorenzo gestured for Max and Patrick to drag the guards back to their original hiding spot. Once there, they quickly relieved the guards of their uniforms, donning the crisp, dark suits themselves. Sunglasses in place, they stood tall, mimicking the postures of the very men whose clothes they now wore.
As planned, Max and Patrick sauntered up to the three guards stationed at the front of the house, their stolen uniforms and sunglasses providing them with the perfect disguise.
"Hey, mates," Max drawled, affecting a casual air as he gestured to the cigarette dangling from the first guard's lips. "Do you have a smoke to spare?"
The guard eyed them suspiciously but eventually relented, plucking a cigarette from his pack and handing it over. "Thanks," Max said with a grin, accepting the offering.
"Wait, aren't you two new here?" The second guard asked, his brow furrowing. "I don't think I've seen you around before."
Patrick, playing the role of the quieter one, simply nodded in response, not wanting to risk giving away their ruse.
"Ah, I see," the third guard chimed in, oblivious to their charade. "You must be the new recruits we heard about. Just arrived a few days ago, eh?"
Max and Patrick nodded in unison, striking up a casual conversation with the guards to keep them distracted.
Meanwhile, taking advantage of the distraction, Lorenzo and the others slipped into the mayor's vast mansion through a side entrance. They moved like ghosts, each man fanning out to clear the ground floor, their eyes peeled for any sign of the other guards or servants who might be awake at this hour.
The grand hallway of the mayor's residence lay eerily empty, the only sound the ticking of an antique grandfather clock in the foyer. Lorenzo straightened to his full height and gestured for his men to follow suit.
"Adam, Richard, and the rest of you," he whispered, jerking his head towards the ground floor. "Search every nook and cranny. We can't afford to leave any stone unturned."
His men nodded their understanding and dispersed, melting into the shadows as they went about their task.
Lorenzo turned to Henry, Mike, Ricky, and William. "We're headed upstairs. Stay on your toes."
Lorenzo whispered, addressing Henry and the others. "I'll start with the rooms related to Mayor Bowron. If I don't find anything, I'll head to his room. Keep it quiet, understood?
Another round of silent nods, and the remaining group crept single file up the grand staircase, each step creaking under their weight despite their best efforts to tread lightly.
Once on the second floor, they split up, each man disappearing into the labyrinthine corridors of the mayor's opulent abode.
Moving silently, Lorenzo's trained ears picked up on the sound of footsteps in the hallway. He ducked into a nearby alcove just as a bleary-eyed maid shuffled past, oblivious to his presence.
Once she was out of sight, he continued his search. Coming across a promising-looking door, he found it locked. Undeterred, he reached into his pocket and withdrew a slender piece of metal. With practiced ease, he set to work picking the lock. The tumblers clicked, and the door swung open with a barely audible creak.
Lorenzo slipped inside, his steps muffled by the plush carpeting. The room was spacious and opulent, adorned with portraits and paintings that spoke of the mayor's inflated sense of self-importance. In the center of the room, a four-poster bed dominated the space, its occupant fast asleep, blissfully unaware of the intruder.
Lorenzo's focus, however, was on the locked drawers in an adjoining room. He set to work, picking the drawers lock.
Inside, he found nothing but personal effects and mementos, none of which seemed to hold the incriminating evidence they sought. Just as he was about to give up, his gaze fell upon a framed photograph tucked away in the corner.
The image depicted a smiling young woman flanked by the mayor and his wife, all three of them beaming for the camera. Intrigued, Lorenzo picked it up for a closer look. His heart skipped a beat as he recognized the woman's face.
"Mica." Lorenzo's mind raced as he stared at the photo, memories of his time with Mica during the war flooding back to him. He had never expected to find her here, in the mayor's home, let alone as the woman in the picture.
Gently, Lorenzo picked up the framed photograph of Mica and tucked it into his jacket, his heart heavy with the revelation before him. He couldn't dwell on it now; he had a job to do.
He turned his attention back to the bedroom, where a person lay sleeping, her features serene beneath the covers. With a sigh, he approached the bed and began to carefully peel back the blankets, revealing the woman's face.
It was Mica.
"What are the odds," he muttered under his breath, shaking his head in disbelief.
As he turned to leave, however, Mica's eyes fluttered open, her instincts as a woman kicking in. She squinted at the dark figure looming over her, her vision blurry without her glasses.
"Wh-who are you?" she croaked, her voice hoarse with sleep.
In a split second, Lorenzo's training kicked in. He couldn't afford to take any chaises. He quickly covered Mica's mouth with his hand, silencing her cries of surprise.
"Shh," he whispered urgently, "It's me, Mica!"
Her eyes widened as she recognized his voice, and she stopped struggling. Slowly, he removed his mask, revealing his face in the dim lamplight.
Lorenzo could see the panic in Mica's eyes begin to subside, so he cautiously removed his hand from her mouth.
"Lorenzo?" she asked incredulously, her voice hoarse with disbelief. "Is this a dream? Am I dreaming about you again?"
He chuckled softly, "I'm real, Mica. I'm here."
Her eyes widened in surprise and joy, and she reached out to touch his cheek, as if to confirm he was real. "You're really here!" she breathed, but he quickly shushed her, pressing a finger to his lips.
"Shh! Be quiet," he whispered urgently.
Mica nodded, her heart pounding in her chest.
"What are you doing here?" she mouthed, her eyes wide with curiosity and fear.
"It's a long story," Lorenzo said, shaking his head. His eyes narrowed as he asked, "What about you? What are you to Mayor Bowron? Is he your fiancé you're talking about?"
Mica giggled, nudging him playfully. "What? No, silly. He's my father."
Lorenzo's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "He's your father?"
Mica nodded, a smile playing on her lips.
A glint of cunning entered Lorenzo's eyes as a new plan formed in his mind. "Actually, I'm here for your father."
Mica's brow furrowed, but she pressed on. "Really? What for?"
"Your father's a corrupt mayor," Lorenzo explained, lowering his voice. "And I'm here to find some incriminating documents about him, and retrieve them."
Mica's eyes widened, but she quickly masked her shock.
"You don't seem very surprised," Lorenzo observed.
Mica's eyes narrowed as she shook her head, the memory of her father bringing a sour taste to her lips. "No," she spat, "I hated that man. He forced me into an arranged marriage, even though I couldn't stand the fella." Her gaze shifted to Lorenzo, her voice tinged with suspicion. "And just why do you want to get your hands on my daddy's dirt, huh?"
Lorenzo's lips curled into a smirk. "I'm here to use it against him."
Mica's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"
"Simply put, once I have the goods on him, he'll be in my pocket." A chuckle escaped Lorenzo's lips.
Mica's eyes widened in disbelief. "You don't plan on sendin' him to the slammer?"
Lorenzo shook his head. "Nah, I just want the mayor to dance to my tune."
"But why?" Mica pressed.
"Don't ask too many questions," Lorenzo said with a grin, "Just know that if your old man's in my pocket, we could... you know, free you from that loveless marriage."
Mica's eyes widened, hope shining in them. "Really?"
Lorenzo nodded. "Cross my heart. I ain't lookin' to put him in the slammer. I just need him to do a few favors for me."
Mica's face lit up, excitement dancing in her eyes. "Can I help?"
Lorenzo feigned surprise. "You want in on the action?"
Mica nodded vigorously. "Yes! I can show you where Daddy keeps his confidentials in this house."
"That's swell," Lorenzo said, a genuine smile creeping onto his face. He was glad he'd upped his Luck stat in his system attributes.
"Then, after I'm free of this marriage," Mica blushed and stuttered, "can- can we... you know... be together?"
Lorenzo just smiled as he admired Mica's beauty. Though she reminded him of Megan Fox in her prime from his previous life, he found Mica even more captivating. "We'll see where the road takes us," he said, trying to hide his growing arousal.
Mica's cheeks flushed as Lorenzo's hand found her breast through the thin fabric of her sleeping pajamas. Her heart raced, and she couldn't help but remember their last sex together a few months ago.
"Oh, you don't wear a bra to bed?" he teased, his voice low and husky.
"N-no," Mica stuttered, blushing even more. "I don't see the point when I'm alone."
Lorenzo's strong, calloused hands massaged her breast, sending shivers down her spine. "You still remember our time together, don't you?"
Mica nodded, unable to form words as desire pooled between her thighs.
Lorenzo chuckled, his breath hot against her neck. "That's what I thought." He reluctantly stopped groping her, and Mica whimpered in protest.
"Well, enough of that," he said, his voice gruff with restraint. "Time to get to business."
Mica nodded, her body still tingling from his touch. As he helped her up from the bed, she couldn't resist hugging him closer, her head resting on his chest. "I really miss you, Colonel," she whispered, finally finding the courage to say what she'd been feeling.
Lorenzo's strong arms wrapped around her, his hand caressing her hair gently. "I know," he said, his voice thick with longing. "But we have to focus on the task at hand. I need those documents, Mica."
Mica's cheeks flushed as she nodded, and she led Lorenzo through the dimly lit halls of her father's mansion. They reached the Mayor's office, and Mica turned to him, her voice barely a whisper. "Wait here. I'll check if Daddy's awake."
Lorenzo nodded. He waited tensely, before fomally, the door creaked open, and Mica beckoned him inside.
"Quick," she breathed, ushering him into the room. She pointed to the Mayor's desk, indicating the top drawer on the right. "I think he keeps most of his confidential stuff in there." Then, she moved to a sturdy-looking safe in the corner. "And this... this is where he keeps his money and other important documents."
Lorenzo's eyes glinted. "Perfect. You've been a big help, Mica."
.
.
.
Lorenzo sauntered towards the mayor's desk, as Mica blurted out, "Wait, we still need the key, it's in daddy's room—"
"No need to fret," Lorenzo interrupted, flashing a confident grin. He plucked a pin from his pocket and set to work on the drawer's lock.
Mica's eyes widened with amazement as she watched him deftly manipulate the lockpick. In no time, the drawer clicked open, and Lorenzo's fingers began sifting through the contents.
"Well, who would've known you had such talents?" Mica said, her voice tinged with surprise. She knew he was a decorated soldier once, having risen to the rank of young lieutenant colonel during the war, but this side of him was new.
Lorenzo chuckled, not taking his eyes off the documents he rifled through. "What can I say, babe? I'm a man of many trades."
Lorenzo's eyes scanned the confidential documents he'd unearthed from the drawer.
Two letters, in particular, caught his attention. The first was from a man named Leland Monroe, and its contents revealed a blatant bribe for Mayor Bowron. The second letter, still unfinished, was the mayor's response to Leland, but it was enough to incriminate him. The handwriting alone would be damning evidence.
As he continued to rifle through the papers, Lorenzo stumbled upon a document labeled "Suburban Redevelopment Fund." On the surface, it appeared legitimate, but the content of Laleland's letters told a different story. The project was nothing more than a front to swindle the government out of millions of dollars.
"What do you have there, detective?" Mica asked, her curiosity piqued.
Lorenzo's lips curled into a sly grin. "Oh, just some very interesting reading material." He glanced at the documents in his hand, and they appeared to be legitimate government projects.
"This should do the trick," he muttered, but his attention soon turned to the safe in the corner of the room. "So, babe, any idea what combination your old man might've used on this thing? Birthdate, maybe?"
Mica furrowed her brow, thinking. "I'm not sure, but he might've used his birthdate alone or the day of our birthdays together? Dad, mine, and Mom's?"
"Well, then," Lorenzo said, eagerness in his voice, "what's the big day?"
Mica rattled off her father's birthdate, and Lorenzo tried the combination. The safe remained stubbornly locked. "Maybe it's a combination of you, your mom and dad birthdays, too," he mused aloud.
Mica nodded and provided the date she, her mother, and her father were born. This time, the safe clicked open, revealing stacks of cash, gold bar and several documents.
Lorenzo's gaze fell on the latter, ignoring the money. His eyes scanned the pages, and his suspicions were confirmed. The Suburban Redevelopment Fund was nothing more than a front for a grand scheme to defraud the government. The documents detailed how Leland, the mayor, and other high-ranking officials in Los Angeles planned to siphon off millions of dollars.
A grin tugged at Lorenzo's lips as he stuffed the incriminating documents into his bag. His eyes fell on the stacks of cash and the gold bar inside the safe.
"Looks like your old man's been squirreling away quite a nest egg," he said, unable to hide the amusement in his voice.
Mica chuckled, her cheeks flushing. "I guess you're right."
Lorenzo quickly estimated the cash to be around $5,000 and added the gold bar to the haul. He then turned to Mica, his expression softening.
"This should be it, babe. Thanks for your help."
Mica's eyes met his, a hint of longing in them. "Will you... will you come back and see me again?"
Lorenzo's smile reached his eyes. "I live in the city now. You know where to find me."
Surprise flickered across Mica's face. "I thought you lived in New York?"
Lorenzo shook his head, his gaze never leaving hers. "Not anymore."
Mica's eyes sparkled with anticipation. "Then... did you leave the woman you were with in New York too?"
Lorenzo chuckled and playfully flicked her forehead. "No, babe. I love that woman. She moved here with me."
A hint of disappointment flickered across Mica's face. "So, I'll always be your secret mistress? Great."
Lorenzo's expression softened as he caressed her cheek. "Don't worry, Mica. If she agrees, you won't have to be a secret anymore."
Mica's face lit up, and she threw her arms around him.
As they embraced, Lorenzo's keen ears picked up on the sound of footsteps in the distance. Mica, however, didn't seem to notice.
"Wait," he whispered, holding her shoulder. "Someone's coming."
Mica frowned, straining her ears. "I don't hear anything."
Lorenzo's gaze darted around the room, assessing their options. "Trust me, we need to get out of here, now."
Without waiting for her response, he grabbed her hand and practically dragged her into her room, closing the door just as footsteps echoed down the hallway.
Pressed against the door, they spied a middle-aged man in a luxurious suit enter the mayor's office.
"That's my dad's secretary," Mica whispered in Lorenzo's ear.
Lorenzo nodded, his senses on high alert. Moments later, the man emerged, his expression panic-stricken, though Mica didn't seem to notice.
Lorenzo knew it was time to leave. "Mica, I think it's time I make my exit."
Reluctantly, Mica nodded. To his surprise, she pulled him into a deep, passionate kiss that lingered for a full minute before she finally released him.
Lorenzo's smiled as he left the room. With the stealth and agility, he made his way out.
***
Lorenzo made his way downstairs, noting that his men had already left as planned, to avoid arousing suspicion. He slipped out of the mansion unseen, careful to avoid the guards.
Outside, he spotted Max and Patrick, still in their disguises, chatting with the guards at the entrance.
Lorenzo signaled them, then made his way to where Adam and the others were hiding in the garden.
"Did you get something useful?" he asked, eyeing their bags.
Richard grinned, "We sure did. We managed to snag some nice stuff: a couple of Rolex watches, a Cartier bracelet, a Tiffany necklace, and a few other trinkets." He gestured to the bags, which bulged with their ill-gotten gains.
"The mayor's got a taste for the finer things in life, I see."
Lorenzo said, nodding approvingly. "This way, it'll look like a robbery."
Adam, Richard, and the others chuckled in agreement.
"What about you, boss? Did you get the goods on the mayor?" Adam asked, referring to the most crucial part of their mission. "We need something to blackmail him with."
Lorenzo's grin widened. "Not only that, I also relieved the mayor of $5,000 and a gold bar from his safe."
The team erupted into quiet cheers and congratulations.
"Alright, alright," Lorenzo said, raising a hand for silence. "Now let's get out of here."
Max and Patrick joined them, and they all climbed over the fence and sprinted to their waiting cars. Engines roared to life, and one by one, they sped away from Beverly Hills, their mission a resounding success.
[Mission Complete]
[Reward: Modest mansion in Beverly Hills, ownership of a film studio in Hollywood, +8 points, +Respect.]
***
The caravan of cars screeched to a halt in an abandoned park. Lorenzo gathered his men around him, a smile on his face. "We did it, boys. Smooth and clean. Good job."
Mike, the driver, let out a shaky breath. "It was… thrilling," he said, a grin tugging at his lips.
Lorenzo clapped him on the shoulder. "Damn right."
William slipped a cigarette between Lorenzo's lips, and Peter lit it with a flick of his Zippo.
As they all leaned against their respective cars, Lorenzo exhaled a plume of smoke. "Now, we lay low for a couple of days. Even though we did great, we don't want any unwanted attention. In two days, I'll contact the mayor and arrange a secret meeting."
Everyone nodded in understanding.
"Alright, boys," Lorenzo said, grinning. "I got lucky and managed to score some cash from the mayor's safe. I'll share it with you fellers. Consider it a bonus."
Cheers erupted as he doled out the $5,000, giving larger shares to those with higher ranks and smaller cuts to the less experienced, like Mike, Peter, and the others.
"As for the stuff you guys lifted, it's up to you what you want to do with it," he added.
The cheering intensified, but Max, Patrick, and Richard couldn't help but notice their boss's unusually generous mood.
Lorenzo's grin widened. He just received quite the haul from the system: a modest mansion in Beverly Hills, a film studio in Hollywood, 8 points to increase his attributes, along with a significant boost in his gang's respect for him.
As for the mansion and film studio, the paperwork would be waiting for him tomorrow. The system had already arranged for him to meet with the current owners and finalize the handover.
"Alright, boys," Lorenzo said, grinning. "Let's head back to the base. My Deborah might be worried."
The men chuckled as they climbed into their cars and sped off into the night.
After a short drive, they pulled up at their hideout, an unassuming apartment complex.
As they stepped inside, the dimly lit hallway was filled with the familiar scent of cigarettes and floor polish.
Lorenzo went to his bedroom. As he opened the door, he found Deborah sitting on the edge of the bed, her hands clasped tightly in her lap.
The moment she laid eyes on him, she was on her feet, her arms outstretched as she rushed towards him. "Oh, thank goodness!" she cried, her voice shaking with relief as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"I'm fine, Deb," Lorenzo said, patting her back reassuringly. "No need to fret so much."
Deborah buried her face in the crook of his neck, her body trembling slightly. "I was so worried," she managed to whisper.
Lorenzo smiled, his free hand gently caressing her hair. "I know, but I'm here now, safe and sound. Come on, let's get some shut-eye."
Nodding, Deborah reluctantly released her hold on him and they both climbed onto the bed, nestling close together under the covers.
***
Early in the morning, Lorenzo gathered his boys and the few ladies of his gang. They all crowded into the living room, exchanging curious glances as they took their seats. Deborah sat next to him, her brows furrowed in confusion.
"I've got a surprise for you fellas today," Lorenzo announced, a wide grin on his face.
"What is it, boss?" one of the men asked, unable to contain his curiosity any longer.
"I'm glad you asked," Lorenzo said, a twinkle in his eye. "I've just bought us a new property."
Gasps and whispers filled the room, but he held up a hand to silence them. "Not just any property, mind you. Our new headquarters will be in none other than Beverly Hills."
"Beverly Hills?" Deborah gasped, her eyes widening with surprise.
Lorenzo nodded, unable to contain his own amusement at their reactions. "That's right. We're movin' on up."
The room erupted in cheers and back slaps, everyone except for Adam, who raised his hand cautiously. "So, do we abandon this base? Are we leavin' this neighborhood for good?"
"Whoa, whoa," Lorenzo said, raising his hands to quiet them down again. "The base in Beverly Hills will be our main one, but this here apartment ain't goin' nowhere. We'll keep it as our secondary base. And our operations in this 'hood? Business as usual, fellas."
A collective sigh of relief passed through the room, followed by more cheers and congratulations.