"Bill, sound the alarm and get ready to move in five minutes. Make sure everyone brings their best gear," Sean instructed Bill, his expression serious.
"Got it!" Bill replied, clenching his jaw. "Should we bring an RPG?"
"Absolutely! If anyone wants to test our strength, let's give them a show they won't forget," Sean said, narrowing his eyes. "Salamanca, you'll regret stepping into our territory. This time, we'll settle the old scores along with the new."
As the alarm blared, everyone sprang into action, quickly donning their combat uniforms, and moving with the precision of soldiers. Sean reorganized the team into combat groups based on military protocols, checked their weapons, and loaded everyone into three pickup trucks.
Pickup trucks were ideal for their needs—perfect for quick travels, combat, and hauling goods.
...
From a distance, Sean watched as Jonas was dragged out, laughing along with the gangsters who followed Salamanca.
To the gangsters, Sean's sudden rise as a smuggled liquor dealer didn't inspire much fear, but it did breed jealousy. They envied his grip on the market and the wealth he amassed.
The Salamanca family had called ahead, eager to see conflict unfold. No one believed Sean stood a chance. For years, many had tried to challenge Salamanca's dominance, yet they remained firmly in control around Newark.
"Boss, that guy just called. Sean wanted to know about our firepower," a subordinate informed Hector after returning from Jonas.
Hector erupted in a cackling laugh, reminiscent of a night owl hearing a joke.
"Do you want to take them out first?" the subordinate asked, gesturing towards Jonas and his companion.
"No, no need to rush. I want our friend Sean to witness their execution firsthand," Hector replied, a sinister calm in his voice. "Perhaps we've been too low-key lately, leading some to think I'm losing my edge."
He continued, "Let's use this opportunity to remind them of the Salamanca family's power and keep the little pests from getting too bold."
Just to be safe, he ordered, "Take them out of commission."
The subordinate complied, walking over and firing multiple shots into Jonas's arms, incapacitating him.
Both Sean and Hector had their own agendas. Sean aimed to use the blood of the Salamanca family to establish his foundation, while Hector sought to reclaim his throne through Sean's downfall.
...
The drive from Baseek to Jersey City was short—only 15 kilometers. In ten minutes, Sean and his team neared Jonas's trading location.
As they approached, Sean killed the engine and exited the truck, signaling his team to surround the area quietly.
Nearby, the trading site was illuminated by the headlights of parked vehicles, creating a scene reminiscent of daylight. Sean sneered, "Look at these mobsters!"
Despite his scoffing demeanor, Sean remained vigilant, gesturing for his team to carefully scout for any ambushes along the route.
Lying on the ground with binoculars, Sean searched for Hector's position.
"Typical—when you're weak, you rely on tactics; when you're strong, you bring the boom," he muttered, spotting the gathering of Jersey City gang members through the lenses.
"Just wait until I show you how it's done," he thought bitterly, frustrated by their lack of professionalism.
To his surprise, he quickly identified Hector's location. The gangsters had unwittingly surrounded Hector's vehicle, exposing their commander.
In a real battle, such a mistake would lead to a devastating crossfire. But Sean saw this as an opportunity.
He waved his hands, whispering, "Get ready, everyone. Bill, you take your team over there and set up crossfire. Just make sure not to hit Jonas."
"Don't worry, boss. Jonas is smart. The second we fire, he'll dive for cover," Bill replied with a grin, feeling reassured now that Jonas was still alive.
He had survived fierce battles before; how could he falter against a group of gangsters?
"Alright, if you have extra firepower, let's give those Jersey City punks a taste of their own medicine. Everyone, prepare for a grand display!" Sean declared, kneeling and resting the RPG on his shoulder, aiming at the vehicle surrounded by gang members.
The Salamanca family's behavior was typical—gang operations often involved surrounding their leader for protection. In their minds, it was a safe strategy.
But not for Sean.
While the rest relied on submachine guns, Sean had something bigger in mind. He locked onto the target and pulled the trigger.
Flames erupted as the warhead launched into the air, tracing a fiery path across the night sky.
Though some of Salamanca's people noticed the trail, it was too late.
"Look out!" someone shouted, but the warning came moments too late.
Boom! The explosion lit The night sky, sent flames and debris soaring. The Ford Mercury was obliterated, flying several meters into the air before crashing back to the ground in a cascade of fire and shattered metal. The shockwave knocked many off their feet, and the scene was filled with chaos and confusion.
The Jersey City gang members, expecting a simple confrontation, found themselves bewildered. "What just happened? Aren't we supposed to have a chat first?" one of them stammered, eyes wide with disbelief.
Sean, however, had no intention of giving them the luxury of time for discussion. With Hector and the Salamanca leaders momentarily distracted by the explosion, Bill and the others sprang into action, unleashing a barrage of gunfire.
The sound of submachine guns filled the air, creating a deadly storm of bullets. Seven Mac-10s fired more than 200 rounds in just 20 seconds, sweeping across the area with ruthless efficiency.
Those who hadn't found cover in time were caught in the crossfire, their shocked faces turning to terror as they fell under the relentless hail of bullets.
Sean moved with purpose, directing his team amidst the chaos. "Keep the pressure on! Don't let up!" he shouted, adrenaline surging through him. The plan was working; they had flipped the script on Salamanca's crew.
As the gunfire continued, Sean focused on the remaining gang members, who were scrambling for safety. He could see the fear in their eyes; the tide was turning, and he was determined to capitalize on it.
"Remember, we're here to send a message," he reminded his team, aware that this was their opportunity to establish dominance in the territory.
The Salamanca family once thought unassailable, was now in disarray. Sean had seized the moment to prove that he was not to be underestimated. The battle was far from over, but the initial strike had ignited the flames of conflict, and he was ready to let them burn.
"Let's finish this," he said, a fierce determination in his voice as he prepared for the next phase of the confrontation.