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The Shadow of Deception CHAPTER 106: NOT GIVING IN
The hospital room has now become a temporary sanctuary for me. Doctor Jake had been good to me and I promised him that his hospital would be well protected amidst the storm of all these and the uncertainties they produced. It became a space for crucial discussions.In the quiet confines of the hospital room, the air thick with a sense of urgency and shared responsibility, Larry ushered Sancho inside. Marvin, who was present by my side, acknowledged Sancho with a nod, and the room became a convergence point for the key figures in the Martinez Gang. As Larry ushered Sancho into the room, the atmosphere carried the weight of shared responsibilities and the intricate tapestry of the Martinez Gang's future.I propped up in the hospital bed and acknowledged Sancho with a nod of silent gratitude for his presence in this trying time and weird moment. Marvin also welcomed Sancho with a nod of acknowledgment."Sancho, thanks for coming," Larry greeted, recognizing the significance of this meetin
The Shadow of Deception CHAPTER 107: GET ME OUT
Staying in the hospital has its effects. It made me realize how useless I could become if I was incapacitated. I decided I was not going to allow any part of my body to get hurt again. I was going to train so hard to make this happen. I started feeling the restlessness that often accompanied hospital stays, and I expressed my desire to be discharged. The sterile scent of the medical facility and the constant hum of machinery served as a stark reminder of the challenges I faced.I could not bear it anymore, it was like I was facing a firing squad in the hospital as the smell of the place acted like bullets shot at me from every corner. I wanted to see the outside world again. I wanted to do so many things that it seemed like I was being caged. It made me realize what those in the prisons are missing and what they feel being inside. I was in the hospital for goodness sake and I am almost running mad.Doctor Jake, understanding my sentiments, approached with a reassuring smile. "Cassie,
The Shadow of Deception CHAPTER 108: NOBODY'S TABLE
I looked at the text Larry sent to me. Sancho had ordered that I join the meeting on a video call online in case there were things I would want to personally attend from the table members during the meeting. I knew he was just looking for a way to please the table, but I did not care. He owes me, yet he is acting like I do not need a favor from him.Marvin came to the room and saw me trying to join the meeting as I set up my laptop for it. "I thought the doctor warned you about working," he said."Well, he is not here and these people are still plotting to take my spot," I replied.As I joined the online meeting, Sancho, the head of the Martinez Gang, began updating the gang members on the recent events, including the attack on me and the necessity for me to take time to recover. The virtual gathering, a testament to the gang's adaptability, brought together its members to discuss the way forward during my absence.Sancho's voice resonated through the online platform, conveying a sens
The Shadow of Deception CHAPTER 109: THE DEADLIEST ATTACK
Larry came to the safe house to see me. He was furious as he narrated the attack on the Martinez Gang Table members by the Contractor. We lost a lot of our table members. I was not surprised at the attack, but something did not add up. Someone among the table members must be working for the Contractor. I do not think that the contractor had that much access to our inside details to cause such harm to us.It was a deadly attack and no one saw it coming. I heard that Sancho blamed me for lying to him about killing the Contractor. The Contractor had left a message that he would be back to finish what he started.I was sure it was because of me that he came after them. It was a good thing that Marvins took me into his safe house. If I was not attacked, it meant he did not have my location, and so did the table members including Sancho.“What are you going to do? It seemed that the Martinez Gang and the Contractor all want your head,” said Marvin.“I can deal with the Martinez Gang, but wi
The Shadow of Deception CHAPTER 110: THE MOLE
With the shadow of betrayal looming over the Martinez Gang, Marvin took swift action to strengthen my security. I had argued that I was safe where I was since I was one of the few who was not attacked, but Marvin would not listen. He does not want anything that would stop him from being a father and I truly do not blame him. He did his best to beef up my security as we waited for the meeting with Sancho and a few others.The recent attack had exposed vulnerabilities within the gang, and the revelation that Alex, a Table member, was the mole added a layer of complexity to our pursuit of the Contractor. I had hoped for Larry’s sake he was right about Alex. Though I had suspected him long before now, I did not want to be wrong about him being the mole in the Gang.In a secluded online space, Marvin requested it because he did not want me out there and did not want my location exposed. Marvin and I, along with trusted allies, convened to devise a plan to apprehend the elusive Contractor.
The Shadow of Deception CHAPTER 111: SNEAKY
I did not want to stay indoors surrounded by the shadows of uncertainty when I knew the man with answers to what I needed was somewhere alive cooking something more dangerous than what he had done before. When I could easily smell the solution to solving my puzzle and knew that I was very close to pouncing on it.I knew I had to make a move, but I also knew I had to be careful not to hurt anyone who had been protecting me or had my interest at heart. I wanted to call June, who is someone I knew who was battle-ready, but the feeling that she had been after my life because she learned that it was I that Marvin loved cannot be ignored. However, I needed whatever information that Alex had and had to go alone.Under the shroud of darkness, I was fueled by a relentless determination to uncover the truth, and I stealthily made my way to Alex's location. The dimly lit alleyways and silent streets served as a clandestine backdrop to the clandestine operation orchestrated by the Martinez Gang.
The Shadow of Deception CHAPTER 112: TEARING US APART
As Larry and I returned to the safe house I asked him if he had told the Table Members of the Martinez Gang the location of the Contractor, and he said he had but had given them the wrong location because he did not trust anyone."That's thoughtful of you," I said."What do you intend to do?" Larry asked me."I intend to finish what I started. It is time for the Contractor to go home," I said."I do not think Marvin would like the risk you are taking. You have to consider the risk involved. If anything should happen to you, he will not forgive himself," Larry said.That is the thing about this complexity. Everyone knows I am the only one that can probably take down the contractor, yet they don't want me to engage him because I may be in danger due to my condition. Well, we are all already in danger."I am doing this for all of us because we are all already in danger of an imminent attack by the Contractor whether we like it or not," I said."All I am saying is that you let him know,"
The Shadow of Deception CHAPTER 113: GETTING THINGS DONE
The night air was charged with anticipation as Larry patiently, and I patiently waited. We had planned to move in on the Contractor but with an exact pinpoint confirmed location, so as not to miss the opportunity that presented itself to us. We have his exact description this time around. I did not want to encounter any form of failure.We got to the warehouse as planned and after a peripheral scan with our eyes still fixed on the warehouse, we decided that our location was correct. The ambient glow from holographic displays cast a dim illumination, emphasizing the gravity of the mission at hand.I was ready and I was hoping that Larry was ready too. Maintaining my vigilance, I whispered to Larry, "That is it. We need to be ready for anything. The Contractor won't go down without a fight."Larry nodded in agreement, his focus unwavering. The dynamic between me and my elusive adversary had reached a critical juncture, and the impending confrontation held the promise of answers long sou
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- The Shadow of Deception
CHAPTER 132: THIS IS NOT THE END
I sat down in Marvin's office as we looked at all the options we had for ensuring that our future and that of the twins were secured. He was not sure whether I agreed with him or not as he presented his plans. I looked straight at him with no emotions, and I was wondering whether it was because I had become the most dreaded Mafia Lord in town or that I just couldn't marry him."You are still married to Ms. June," I said immediately after he finished his speech, "or do you want me to take care of that too?" I asked."How do you mean, Cassie?" He asked, not sure if he understood what I meant."She looks like someone in the middle of our dream,"I said."She works for you," he replied.I told Marvin that we might have to wait for Ms. June's contract to expire, or he could talk to June to cancel the contract and pay her off if he wants us to be together. He agreed to talk to June. We did not know why June didn't want to cancel the contract even when she knew she would be fully paid as agre
- The Shadow of Deception
CHAPTER 131: MY TABLE MY MOVES
I sat at the table as the head of the gang for the first time and this time was to sort out issues that were arising due to me being selected as their leader. I told them how I had led this gang to this particular height single-handedly and could, even in my pregnancy, still take on any of them.Larry came late due to the task I had given him and one of the table members wanted to raise an objection to that, but I was not having any of that. I told him to sit his ass down, and it brought the quietness I had wanted to drive home my message.Larry's revelation about Cally's involvement was unexpected and unsettling. I leaned forward, studying the information he brought. "Cally hired Jasper? What does he gain from orchestrating my kidnapping?" I wondered aloud.Larry sighed, "It seems like there's more to this than meets the eye. Maybe he sees you as a threat, or perhaps he's trying to disrupt our operations. I'll dig deeper to find the motives."I nodded, acknowledging Larry's commitmen
- The Shadow of Deception
CHAPTER 130: THE SUPREME LEADERTH
Entering the Martinez Gang Headquarters, the room fell silent as all eyes turned towards me. Sancho, who is the current head of the gang, stood up, relief evident on his face."Cassie, we were worried," Sancho admitted, his concern reflecting in the eyes of the other members.“What happened, and where have you been? We could not carry on without you when Larry told us you were indisposed,” Sancho said.“Sancho, do not worry about me. I am fine. It will take more than pregnancy to hold me down,” I said, knowing that everyone was expecting to declare that I was pregnant so that I would not be made the leader of the Martinez Gang.“It is the reason we want pregnant women to sit out of business till they are ready,” Sancho said.“And the men who got them pregnant?” I asked.“It is a man’s world, Cassie. Anyway, we were worried about you,” Sancho said."I appreciate the concern, but we have a bigger problem," I began, looking around the table, "I was abducted this morning and Jasper, Rose'
- The Shadow of Deception
CHAPTER 129: UNDETECTED BOSS
The car moved steadily through the darkened city, the rhythmic hum of the engine accompanying the weighty silence that enveloped us. My eyes were fixed on the passing scenery, but my thoughts were tangled in the web of recent events. The events of the unexpected abduction, the revelation of Jasper's involvement, and the unsettling connection to the Contractor."Larry," I finally broke the silence, the question lingering at the forefront of my mind, "How did you not know I was kidnapped?"Larry's gaze remained focused on the road, his features shrouded in contemplation. "Cassie, I... I didn't have a clue. The whole thing took us by surprise. We were on high alert after everything with the Contractor and the Martinez Gang, but this... It was a blind spot."His words carried a weight of genuine concern, and I understood the complexities of the clandestine world we navigated. The shadows held secrets and the clandestine maneuvers of those we sought often unfolded in unpredictable ways."B
- The Shadow of Deception
CHAPTER 128: IT WAS JASPER
"We have been paid to do a job. Why don't we just get on with it Must we wait for him? It is getting late, and we have not heard from him now. Guys, what do we do? This is a very great asset, and keeping her alive more than now puts us at a great risk," said one of the members of the gang, who seemed irritated that they were keeping me more than normal.I stood still at the back of the truck as I listened to their conversation. They were waiting for instructions to get rid of me and that was how I got my first knowledge that it was not the Martinez Gang. I needed my gun, or would I say that I needed any gun I could get my hands on?I was waiting for the perfect time to strike. I knew I had to be strategic because it was a fight where the guns were fighting with the object I had used to free myself."If Jasper was not coming, then let's kill the woman and ensure that he knows where we buried her body so that he can mourn her," said one of them who was already laughing at his own joke.
- The Shadow of Deception
CHAPTER 127: BOXED UP
“You are going to be here for a long time,” a voice of a man said. I was blindfolded, but I knew we were still in New York and that I was kept in a box, or the back of a truck, or a container. I tried to visualize where I was and who was coming and leaving the place I was."If I could see you, I would tell if you would die first before the rest of your gang, you silly thing," I replied. I was not going to allow someone who does not have the decency to reveal his face to scare me. I felt that they were already scared of me and that was why they blindfolded me. I also knew that this was not a kidnap for ransom, it was a kill-the-target situation. What they were waiting for was what I did not know. Maybe they were waiting for instructions from their sponsors, only time can tell.The person looked like a guard assigned there and, from the look of things, I think they are three. They had taken my phone and smashed it when we got there, but that would not stop Larry from using the locator t
- The Shadow of Deception
CHAPTER 126: STEPPING DOWN
Sancho called for a physical meeting. The Martinez Gang members gathered in an atmosphere fraught with anticipation. The air hummed with a mixture of uncertainty and curiosity as the announcement of Sancho stepping down as the head of the gang hung over us like a shroud. Most of them looked tired as we had been engaged for so many reasons, including our internal struggled with the Contractor.My role within the gang, though currently inactive due to my condition, still tethered me to its intricate web of relationships and responsibilities. Sancho, a stalwart leader, had been a significant presence, guiding the gang through tumultuous times. The prospect of his resignation sent ripples through the Martinez Gang, leaving everyone eager to understand the reasons behind his decision. I was not there to tell him not to resign, and I asked Larry not to let them know he was with a video camera installed in his glasses..In the dimly lit room, Sancho's commanding presence demanded attention a
- The Shadow of Deception
CHAPTER 125: NOT RIGHT NOW
“Why haven’t you considered my proposition? We need to train the kids in the best possible way we can. You also need to have a man in your life and above all I love you,” Marvin said.“What do you want me to say, Marvin?" I asked. It was the truth as I did not know how to respond to his request, yes, he was going to be the father of my kids but I did not know whether I needed him as a man. It was quite confusing because I had not taken the time to consider that this could happen.The question lingered in the air, creating a moment pregnant with implications. Marvin's inquiry about marriage carried the weight of sincerity, and I in response, couldn't help but revisit the complexities of their intertwined lives.With the echo of Marvin's question resonating, my mind retraced the complexities of my emotions. The memory of Marvin's secret marriage to June cast a shadow over the prospect of our union. Torn between love and the intricacies of their shared history, I faced the crossroads of
- The Shadow of Deception
CHAPTER 124: GETTING ALL
I sat in Marvin’s room as we plotted how to go about with the Callyb predicament. It was Marvin’s room where strategic decisions unfolded, Marvin and I plotted our next move, we intended to buy out Cally Industrials even when we knew Cally would never sell his company to us. The revelation about Cally's financial struggles became a catalyst, and we decided that a buyout might be the most strategic play in this intricate game of corporate chess.With my unwavering determination, I articulated the plan to Marvin, my partner in both business and life. "Marvin, acquiring Cally's company is our next logical step. It will not only eliminate a formidable rival but also position us as dominant players in the industry. We have the means, the strategy, and now, the insight into their financial vulnerabilities. It's time to make our move."I did not know if Marvin would buy into what I was saying because I knew that Cally would never want to sell his company. I hope he does if not the other opti