Vitale walked towards the house, feeling the stones crunch under his feet. He knocked on the door and waited patiently.
Listening to the distant murmur of the television on.
Finally Domenico opened the door.
—Vitale? "What a surprise," he said, raising an eyebrow.
—I have come to find out what you have decided. Did you make a decision?
Domenico closed the door and went outside with him. He was silent for a moment...as he remembered everything he had reflected on that day.
"I think... yes, I've made a decision," he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Perfect... Tell me," Vitale insisted, piercing him with his gaze.
Domenico took a breath and let it out.
—After thinking about it a lot, the night before and all day today... I decided to return.
Vitale had a smile form on his face.
-Oh really? "Perfect, it's good to have you again," he exclaimed.
The fresh air seemed to vibrate with the renewed energy between them.
—Come with me, we have a job to do. "Get in the car," Vitale told him, his voice sounding urgent.
—So soon? —Domenico asked, as he walked towards the vehicle.
Vitale opened the car door and slid inside, rolling down the window in one swift movement.
—What are you waiting for? There's no time to waste, Domenico. Then I will explain to you in more detail what it is about.
Domenico got into the car, feeling surprisingly relaxed. I knew I couldn't go wrong with a guy like Vitale as a partner, someone who knew how to act in any situation.
—Perfect, let's go. We have to make a second stop; "I think we have time," Vitale said, his voice full of determination.
As they headed to their next destination, Vitale took the opportunity to update Domenico on the situation. I was feeling a little nervous and excited; I knew something important was about to happen.
Finally, they arrived at their next stop.
—Why are we parking here? "This place is pretty disgusting," Domenico commented, glancing disdainfully at the worn-out RV.
"Yes, the truth is that it is a little," Vitale agreed. Wait for me in here; I'm going to attend to something.
With a determined pass, he got out of the car and approached the mobile home, hoping to find Dimitri inside. He had expectations, and Domenico watched from afar.
Finally the door creaked open, releasing Don Dimitri.
—Ah, it's you again. How can I help you this time? —Dimitri said, crossing his arms with a slight smile.
—Yes, it's me again. Look, I need an M9 pistol. Do you have it? Vitale asked, trying to sound casual.
Don Dimitri raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, I have," he responded with a tone that suggested he knew more than he was saying.
He turned around and headed towards several shelves, where he stored different weapons.
—Let's see... Where are you, M9? —he muttered to himself as he searched through the messy shelves, his mind focused on finding the right weapon.
—Aha! "Here you are, beautiful," Dimitri exclaimed with a satisfied smile when he found the gun. Now I'm going for the bullets.
With a rag in hand, he gently wiped the cloth over the shiny metal before opening a drawer full of ammunition of different calibers.
He approached Vitale and handed him the gun, feeling the weight of the M9 in his hand.
"Here it is," Dimitri said, with an almost reverent tone. Small but lethal. It's 200 dollars for it.
Vitale took the gun, feeling its cold metal against his skin. A mixture of emotion and responsibility washed over him.
—Here you go—He takes 200 dollars out of his pocket—a pleasure to do business.
Vitale put the gun inside his jacket, and left the place, Dimitri just watched him leave the place.
When he arrived at his car, Domenico was waiting for him with his arms crossed and with great curiosity.
"I did it," Vitale announced as he opened the vehicle door.
Domenico frowned, looking at him with confusion.
-What are you talking about? What did you get? "At this distance I couldn't see anything," he responded, his voice full of curiosity.
"This is what I mean," Vitale said, pulling the pistol from his jacket in one quick, sure motion.
Domenico was speechless.
-Wow! I haven't seen one of those in a while. The last time was under... different circumstances.
Vitale, feeling the tension in the air, quickly put the gun away in his jacket.
"It's time to go to work," Vitale said, straightening up and looking down the street. We can't waste any more time.
Domenico nodded, he was ready to take action.
Vitale drove to the company that publishes the newspapers, parking in front of the building illuminated by its bright lights. It was 7:45 p.m., they were ready to start with the first step of their plan.
—Can you see a Chevrolet whose patent ends in 93? Vitale asked, turning his head from side to side, searching the parked cars.
Domenico concentrated, his eyes scanning between each car parked outside the building, until he finally found it.
-Bingo! he exclaimed, pointing enthusiastically. It's that one. A Chevrolet that ends in 93.
Vitale turned his gaze towards the indicated car, feeling momentary relief.
"You're right, I congratulate you," he responded with satisfaction as he calculated his next move.
—And now what? Domenico asked, looking at Vitale curiously. What is the next move?
Vitale sighed. He leans back in the car seat, allowing you a moment of relaxation.
"Wait..." he responded, his voice calm but firm. We have to wait until 8:00 p.m. They will close at that time, and when the owner of the car comes, we will follow him to his house.
Domenico nodded, looking towards the building with a mixture of impatience and determination. The hum of traffic mixed with his thoughts.
—Why don't we attack him here? Domenico asked, with a spark of impatience in his voice.
Vitale looked at him with a mixture of disbelief and calm.
"Don't be silly, Domenico," he replied, keeping his tone relaxed. There are a lot of people and traffic here; It would be stupid. Better let me know when it's time.
He leaned back in the seat, putting his feet on the steering wheel, while he closed his eyes, trying to find a little peace of mind in the midst of the bustle outside.
Domenico understood the message and turned his gaze to the window, watching the cars passing by. That way he would be distracted.
The 15 minutes passed faster than expected. Domenico noticed that several people were beginning to leave the building, their silhouettes against the street lights.
"They're finishing work," he murmured, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervousness.
He looked at his watch and saw that it read 8:02 p.m. Without thinking further, he turned to Vitale, who was still relaxing in the seat.
"Hey, Vitale, it's time," he said.
Vitale opened his eyes slowly. As if waking up from a deep sleep. He stretched and settled into his seat.
—Is it time? he asked, waking up completely. Perfect, let's keep an eye on the Chevrolet.
Domenico nodded, watching which person got into the Chevrolet.
Among all the people, a man emerged from the building, dressed in a dark suit that seemed to fit him perfectly. He carried a briefcase that reflected the street lights as he headed towards his car, walking with an almost arrogant confidence.
—Have you seen it yet? said Domenico, pointing discreetly. It seems that this man is the main editor.
Vitale nodded, his gaze fixed on the stranger.
"Yes, I noticed it," he responded, with a tone that mixed interest and determination. Let's follow him wherever he goes.
—Hey, but wouldn't it be very obvious if you followed him? Domenico asked, frowning. That guy would realize it.
Vitale smiled confidently, waving his hand in a carefree gesture.
"Don't worry, Domenico," he said, in a reassuring tone. Trust me. I will not follow him so closely; I will do it at a considerable distance. That way he wouldn't be suspicious.
Domenico hesitated, but the confidence in Vitale's voice gave him some calm. They looked at the man driving away in his car. Vitale started his, and began to follow it, being careful not to make it seem too obvious.
As Vitale drove, Domenico took an object out of his pocket. Vitale looked at him out of the corner of his eye, noticing the metallic shine on his partner's hand.
—What do you have there? —Vitale asked, curiously.
Domenico smiled with a spark in his eyes and picked up the object.
"Perfect, it looks great on me," he said, admiring the brass knuckles in his hand. I had it saved for a long time; maybe this is the time to use it.
Vitale smiled faintly.
"It's good that you bring that with you," Vitale said, his eyes fixed on the road. You will make the next move in our plan. If we're lucky, that guy is heading home; When he gets out of the car, you will too. You will run towards him carefully and tackle him.
-That? Do you want me to tackle him? —he responded a little surprised.
"That's what I said," Vitale replied, a cold determination in his voice. You'll keep him on the ground, and I'll come with the gun. And if you need to use your brass knuckles in any case... Use it.
Domenico understood the plan, and was ready to do his part, "just like old times" he thought, he just waited for the man to drive to his destination.
Finally it seemed like they were reaching their destination, the Chevrolet started to go slower, Vitale slowed down too.
When they realized that he turned into a lonely house, Vitale accelerated at that moment, the man got out normally. Vitale stopped right in front of him.
At that moment, Domenico did not hesitate for a second. He opened the car door and ran towards the editor, throwing himself at him with all his strength. The impact was brutal; They both fell to the ground with a dull thud, the asphalt cold and hard beneath their bodies.
Domenico positioned himself on top of the man, his muscles tense as he began to deliver blows with his brass knuckles. Each blow echoed in the air.
The man tried to react, trying to push Domenico to the side, but he held on determinedly.
The man writhed beneath him, trying to free himself, but Domenico knew he couldn't let him go.
As they struggled on the ground, the air was thick with tension and the sounds of fighting. Vitale got out of the car with imposing calm, his footsteps echoing in the night like an ominous echo. His every move was calculated; As he slowly advanced, his fingers slid down his jacket, drawing the gun with almost ritual precision.
The crunch of the asphalt under his feet mixed with the man's muffled screams and Domenico's forceful blows. The scene was chaotic. But for Vitale everything seemed in slow motion.
When he reached them, he aimed firmly at the man lying on the ground, his gaze unwaveringly focused on him. The struggle stopped abruptly; A silence filled the air.
Domenico looked up and met Vitale's eyes, feeling relief. Vitale gave him a subtle nod, indicating for him to move away.
Domenico understood the signal, he backed away slowly.
The man felt a shiver of fear run through his body at that moment. His nose was bleeding, the result of the previous struggle, and each breath was a reminder of his vulnerability; He didn't have the strength to get up. His gaze moved between Vitale and Domenico.
—Who are you? What do they want? —His voice trembled, full of desperation—. Take the keys... if what you want is my car, take it. But please don't shoot...
The words came out in a rush, almost a whisper. Fearing that any sudden movement could trigger the worst.
Domenico looked at him with a little compassion; He could see the terror reflected in the man's face. On the other hand, Vitale kept his cold gaze fixed on him, like a predator stalking its prey.
The air became increasingly thick with uncertainty. The man's plea echoed in the tense silence that enveloped the scene.
"No, we don't want your filthy car," Domenico said, his voice full of contempt.
Vitale advanced on the man, his gun still pointed firmly. Each step echoed in the tense silence.
"Don't move, don't even think about shouting because I swear I will kill you." His tone was direct, sharp like a knife. Are you in charge of directing the others who publish in the newspaper?
The man swallowed, feeling fear take over him. Having no choice but to obey and respond.
"Y...yes," he answered, his voice shaking, "I'm the main editor."
"You published this morning in the newspaper that Mark Blaze and his men could be involved in Carter's death." Vitale grabbed him by the collar of his suit, bringing it closer to his face. Listen, if you value your life... you better stop posting things against us.
The editor felt the breath escape him, a mixture of terror and despair crossed his mind. Before he could articulate a response. Vitale with a quick movement headbutted him, letting him fall to the ground again.
The impact resonated on his forehead, which was marked by an intense red tone. A stab of pain ran through his head as he tried to catch his breath.
The reality of his situation hit him hard; he knew that every word he had written could lead him to this dark destiny.
"O...okay, we'll delete everything," the editor said, his voice trembling between pain and desperation. I will tell them not to publish anything on this topic tomorrow.
Vitale smiled, but it was not a friendly smile; It was the reflection of a satisfied predator.
"That sounds better," Vitale responded, his tone icy. This time you were lucky. But you better obey, because next time... not only will you suffer the consequences... your family too.
The words hit him like a bucket of cold water, paralyzing him momentarily. Terror took hold of him as he imagined what could happen to those he loved.
Domenico approached the editor's car with firm steps and, without warning, broke the window with a punch. The crash of glass echoed through the night like a gunshot.
"This will be a small memory," Domenico said, his voice thick with disdain. You know the consequences, friend. If you talk, you're toast.
The editor felt a chill run down his spine as Vitale approached, an ominous shadow enveloping him. In one swift motion, he put the gun to her head.
—Was our warning clear to you? Vitale asked, his tone one of pure authority, as if every word were a death sentence.
The editor could barely absorb what was happening. He nodded, his voice gone.
"Remember, we're not playing with you," Vitale said, his gaze cold as steel. Let's go, Dome.
They quickly got into the car, leaving behind an eerie silence. The editor remained on the ground, hurt and dazed, catching his breath as the echo of the engine faded into the distance.
As he watched them walk away a wave of relief and terror washed over him. He knew he couldn't talk to anyone about what happened; any word could mean his condemnation. He sat on the floor, thinking about how to continue his life after that nightmare.
Vitale and Domenico left the place with palpable satisfaction, as if they had completed a mission.
—And now where are we going? Domenico asked, a mix of curiosity and anxiety in his voice.
"Let's go see Mark," Vitale responded, keeping his gaze fixed on the road.
"Mark?" —Domenico frowned, surprised.
"Of course," Vitale replied disdainfully. Let's go collect the money. I don't get my hands dirty for free...
As he spoke, his expression was serious, almost intimidating. Domenico felt a chill run down his spine; He knew that Vitale was not joking and that each word carried considerable weight.