Hollywood Zenith

The base of operation was reasonably close to Enrique's residence. They would only need to drive for a few more minutes to reach the destination.

While driving, Samuel decided not to probe for more information. Even though he was going in blind, he had complete confidence in himself; it had also been a long time since he got into any physical alteration.

" How bold of you to walk right into enemy territory; I guess I forgot to teach you how to be afraid in such situations." It had been a long time since he heard Apollo's voice.

" What's there to be afraid of? Modern weapons are basically useless against me."

" Is that so? What about Barrett's M82 or Mk 22 MRAD, or M40 sniper rifle? Better yet, what about the bio-weapons or missiles?" Apollo began listing weapon names.

" Master, are you a gun nut now? Do you honestly think these thugs would have something like that?"

" Forget about me. Did you ever think they could be a gun enthusiast?"

" How would I know? Besides, we never tried it, did we?"

" Kid, how can you try these things? How will that conversation go? Here take this sniper rifle and fire at me; I am testing if I can block bullets! They would lock you in the psych ward!"

" Isn't this the perfect opportunity, then? Didn't you say my magic shield is strong? Why are you worrying now? Was that because it was a lie?"

" Che, Mortals. We have no reason to lie; only people with something to fear lie. I am only looking after you; your life is finally getting interesting. Don't waste it away on pointless things!"

" Yeah, Yeah. I get it. I will be extra careful."

"hmm."

Over the years, they had become close. It was only given that he would be worried about his reckless behaviour. He knew how strong Samuel had become, but his lack of experience could lead to getting him injured.

" We are here. You have been awfully quiet the whole journey. Are you that scared?" Raul said while driving inside the compound. He had a smug look while looking at Samuel's face.

"Is that what you think? Why would I come alone then? It's just a business deal."

" Keep telling yourself that. You might change your mind after getting out."

Just as Raul said, the atmosphere here was much different. No matter how he looked, he saw people giving him mean looks. Almost all of them were holding some kind of weapon; he could also spot young teenagers among them.

Although dangerous, Enrique's place had people with warm faces, but everyone had hollow eyes here, like someone who had given up all expectations of living.

Samuel saw Raul going up to them and saying a few words. He saw their face change as they made way for Samuel.

" Come, the boss is waiting inside."

While walking inside, Samuel knew what he had to do. Even if he didn't have any personal grudge against this Felipe fellow, seeing how he ran things, he had to put an end to it. Little kids holding firearms? Lifeless eyes of people? Was this really the USA? It felt like some war-torn country.

Scums who were sucking the life out of the public had to be put to rest!

...

...

...

" Sir! It's terrible news!" Mason, the Chief of police's chamber door, was flung open as his subordinate came in shouting.

" Stop making a ruckus and tell me what happened?"

" Hah...hah... It's about... that Rothschild..." He must have run to deliver the news as his breathing was everywhere.

" What about him? Didn't we send our best guys to look into it?" Mason had already taken Douglas' advice and sent a few people to look after him.

" I just got off the phone with my subordinate; they took him."

" Fuck! Who? Where? What were his men doing?" Mason started rambling. What he was fearing came true!

" He recognizes the person who took him but-"

" Spit it out!" Mason roared.

" It's Raul! The notorious member that recently joined 89th street! What's more absurd was that he left with him voluntarily." The subordinate had never seen his boss this hysteric.

" Shit! That's even more, worse than I expected. But are you stupid? They must have threatened him! Why would he go with him on his own?"

Mason didn't know, but he knew something must have happened for him to act like this. Only a lunatic would be got to that hellhole. It's not exactly a scenic spot that one goes to visit!

" That's more likely. Maybe his girlfriend got kidnapped? We are still trying to find the reason-"

" Leave it! I want you to put everything and everyone to prepare for the rescue mission! He is wealthy; they will surely ask for ransom or something. We will take care of others after securing him. Time is running out!"

" Yes, sir! I will prepare for it immediately!"

" Also.."

" Sir?"

" We have to inform the family about it too. Try to contact the ones nearest to this place." Mason was hesitant, but he had no other choice. Who knew what would happen to him if he didn't act now?

" Keep it under wraps. I don't want a media fiasco on our hands."

" Yes, sir. About the family member, I think I have heard his aunt and uncle live in the city. But should we inform his parents?"

" Will you do it?" Mason, in turn, asked him.

" Me? It would be more believable if someone like you did it." The subordinate replied shrewdly.

" You really taking this political shit seriously, heh? I don't think anyone will take on this task. It's better to inform his immediate family; they could better inform them, right?" It felt like he was asking himself that.

" You are right, sir. It's the best course of action." Indeed, flattery was the best course of action.

In honesty, they were just scared to do it. They didn't want to be the bearer of bad news; even if they were not responsible, who knew what they would do in a rage. No one wanted to be collateral damage!