The sun had almost completely set when Vitale arrived, catching a glimpse of Mark waiting outside the building. She parked, feeling the tension in the air, and got out of the car, walking slowly toward him. Mark watched him carefully, his eyes full of expectation.
—You're here! Mark exclaimed, his voice brimming with energy. Tell me you have good news.
"Of course," Vitale replied confidently, a slight smile spreading across his face. I finished them. Not only did I destroy their base... They also met the same fate.
Mark's jaw dropped, surprise showing on his face. It was impressive that Vitale had accomplished such a feat single-handedly; A flash of admiration shone in his eyes as he took in the magnitude of the triumph.
—Perfect, I congratulate you. You surprised me, Vitale. And most importantly, you have shown me loyalty and that you are up to it all," Mark said, placing his hand on Vitale's shoulder with a genuine smile.
"It's fascinating how determined you are," he continued. You're clever... The men who work for me would never have been able to solve that kind of problem.
Mark paused, letting admiration settle in the air before continuing enthusiastically.
—We have to celebrate this triumph, don't you think?!
Vitale just watched him, enjoying the moment.
"Here, this is for you," Mark said, taking out two wads of cash. Twenty-five thousand dollars for this job.
Vitale received the money with a look of satisfaction; It was surprising how much he had achieved in such a short time.
"You deserve it," Mark continued. You have helped me solve my problems, eliminated the competition and opened up more opportunities for my businesses.
A momentary silence settled between them as Vitale contemplated the magnitude of his success.
—Does this sound like goodbye? Vitale asked, his voice calm but with a spark of curiosity in his eyes.
-Farewell? No, not at all... —Mark looked at the sky, as if seeking inspiration in the clouds—. There is still one last job; I want to ask you for one last message.
Vitale quickly stuffed the bills into his jacket, feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity at what was to come.
"Yes, just tell me what it is," Vitale replied, his voice firm but with a hint of expectation.
—Listen, I ask this of you; "I know you're the only one capable of doing it," Mark continued, with a serious look. But don't worry, what I'm going to order will be for tomorrow. If you like, you can stop by tomorrow and celebrate your victory today.
Vitale felt a pang of curiosity and intrigue.
—No, tell me what it is about. If it's something complicated... I'll have more time to plan it," Vitale responded.
Mark adjusted his shirt, taking a moment to gather his thoughts.
—Okay, look, I need you to plan a robbery. I want you to confiscate a motor boat.
Vitale was surprised; why would you ask that? However, he decided to let Mark continue.
—You might wonder why I want that, when I can buy one. It's simple: that motorboat is a classic and very good model; It is one of the few left in this city. "I tried to do business with the men who have it, but those bastards think they're big and don't listen to my offers," Mark said, his voice serious and thick with frustration.
The atmosphere was calm, almost ironic considering what Mark was saying; It seemed like a difficult mission.
—That boat is valued at 20 thousand dollars, more or less. Inside it is a beauty. The best time to act would be between 5 and 6 in the afternoon. At that time there are usually not many of them around.
Vitale nodded, feeling a mixture of defiance and excitement.
"I understand, it seems complicated, but not impossible," Vitale said. Where exactly are they in?
—Oh yes, they are near the dock. There is an abandoned building in that area, right behind that. They have the boat, as well as other boats and small boats. Do what you have to do. I order it from you.
Vitale frowned, feeling the weight of the work.
—I understand, I know that place. Do you want me to finish them off? —said Vitale, seriously.
Mark looked at him coldly.
—I'm not interested in what happens to those men; I only care that the boat leaves intact. What good would the opposite do me? Now, to answer your question... do what you have to do. If necessary, we delete, but be careful; Those guys are usually armed.
Vitale understood, although he still had a doubt.
—Once I get the boat, where do I take it?
Mark laughed, as if he had already anticipated the question.
—Right, take her to my house. I have another property with ocean views; I have enough space there to store it.
Mark dictated an address to Vitale.
—My house is in that area. Come tomorrow to get situated and, while you're at it, I'll give you what you need to get the job done.
"Okay, I'll be there around 4 p.m.," Vitale announced.
Mark gave him a thumbs up and, after finishing the talk, he headed to his car and drove away from the place.
Vitale stood there for a moment, deep in thought. The day's work had been satisfactory, but another challenge loomed. As he looked around, he felt the weight of what was to come. He decided to head to the hotel to recharge his batteries.
He arrived at his room a little tired; It had been a crazy day. He changed his clothes, opting for something comfortable, and started washing his favorite jacket, the one that always gave him confidence and that he would surely wear tomorrow.
After drinking a glass of cool water, he lay down on the bed. In a quiet environment. However, his mind continued to work at a mile an hour, imagining the scenarios and possibilities. He wondered how he could get the boat without getting hurt in the attempt. Each option seemed to have its risks, but I knew I had to find a way.
After thinking too much, Vitale began to reflect on himself. He looked at the money he had gotten today on the table; It was a phenomenal amount, a tangible reminder of his recent success.
—Little by little I am returning to what I had before: respect, money... will this be the beginning of my conquest? —he asked himself quietly, letting out a sigh.
"Damn it... I can have and get anything back, except... him," he said, his voice breaking as he remembered his father. The image of that man, marked by unfortunate decisions, haunted him.
Vitale All his life he had been a cold and carefree guy, being in the darkest corners of the prison. He had become stronger, but he still felt a deep emptiness inside him. His father did not deserve that fate; all because of a decision he had made.
With those thoughts heavy on his mind, Vitale felt the weight of the past still haunting him.
"Damn you, Bellini!" After what happened, I didn't dare face him because of the power he had; I was always protected. But now things have changed. Soon, you will know me well. I swear on my father's grave that Bellini will pay me.
He remembered his father's words: "Do not go down evil paths." His voice echoed in his mind, but Vitale felt that the man he was now was not capable of understanding that advice. He was an aggressive and cold guy, shaped by difficult circumstances.
"Think about the decisions you make, because they also affect others," echoed again in his mind, a warning from the past that he completely ignored.
As these words echoed in his head, he felt a brief flash of doubt, but he quickly drowned it out with rage. The thirst for revenge consumed him, and he was determined to move forward.
"I have nothing left to lose," Vitale thought, his mind full of ambitious plans. Once I get more money, I will start buying clubs and doing businesses that generate more profits. I have to expand throughout the city and take out the big boys, like Bellini.
As he imagined his future, a mix of excitement and anxiety bubbled inside him. The idea of building an empire of his own filled him with energy, but he also knew that each step brought him closer to an inevitable confrontation.
He finally decided to stop overthinking things; Time will decide what will happen, he told himself in his mind. But even the toughest, coldest guys are haunted by something.