Chapter 5: Crisis in the Shadows
Don Alexei Kim's grip tightened around the pistol's grip, his knuckles whitening as he listened to the devastating news. The air in the dimly lit room felt heavy with tension, punctuated by the silence that followed the soldier's report.
"We lost signal from the plane," the soldier repeated cautiously, bracing himself for Alexei's reaction.
"Damn it!" Alexei slammed the last pistol into its case, the metallic clatter echoing his frustration. He snatched his cell phone, fingers trembling with anger as he dialed Maria Luíza's number. No answer. His fury mounted with each failed attempt.
"None of our men are responding," the soldier reported, his voice contrasting with the chaos brewing in Alexei's mind.
"Send a team to Rome," Alexei ordered sharply, his voice cutting through the tension. "And find that damn plane!"
As panic threatened to overwhelm him, Alexei's thoughts raced to betrayal. "It has to be a trap from the Strondda Mafia!" he seethed, his fists pounding the table.
"Don't call Antony yet," his father interjected, attempting to calm him. "There may be an explanation."
"F*** it, Dad! He better return Maria Luíza, or we'll return more than heads from Rome!" Alexei's rage burned unchecked as he finally connected with Antony.
"Where is my fiancée?" Alexei demanded, his voice commanding and desperate.
"You tell me," Antony's voice dripped with icy certainty. "She boarded your plane an hour ago."
