Chapter 7 - Plan in Progress

Friday, February 19th. Meeting suite, 3:00 p.m.

The Gang was already gathered, waiting for Alexei to show up. Yaakov had already finished preparing every tiniest detail about tomorrow's operation, it was only necessary to obtain the leader's approval to proceed. He hoped to have persuaded him enough that his cousin would not go back on the deal, but there was still a chance that he would decide to resign in the end.

He prayed that that wasn't the case. After a few minutes without warning, Alexei finally makes his appearance. Without directing greetings or pointless introductions, he sits at the end of the large desk, right in front of the huge window. He watches them all, pausing and not wavering, and then gives free rein to his speech.

—I have come to a decision — announces, his calm and firm tone —. We will proceed with the business of the embarkation.

His words resulted in a general outpouring of relief, especially for Yaakov. He was sure that he would not fail, and he wanted more than anything to be able to prove to Alexei that he deserved all the trust invested in him.

—That's great, Magnus — he's sincere, with a smile that' s irrefutable proof of his satisfaction —. I assure you that we are more than prepared, the men are all set, and they were explained how to handle the explosives Fred gave us yesterday without risk, quite functional to say the least...

—I haven't finished, Yaak — the Alpha suddenly interrupts —. Yes, I have decided to proceed, but the execution must be changed — he declares conclusively —. We cannot risk the information obtained by the spy being used against us, so we will double the security, just to be sure.

Silence falls like a hammer in the room, everyone seems surprised at the new command of their leader, who, in the face of accusatory glances and astonishment, seems imperturbable.

—You're kidding, aren't you? — Adrik is the first to interfere, in a reproachful tone.

—Am I giving you that impression, Adrik? — Alexei answers sharply.

—For God's sake, Alex! — exclaims the exasperated Omega, raising the hands to his hair in despair —. You can't expect us to change the whole plan to a day of realizing it. Yaakov has sent many of our men out to guard our enemies — points to the Alpha sitting in front of him —. As prepared as they are, it will be hard to train them all so quickly.

—I don't care how you do it, I'm not here to listen to your reproaches or complaints — raising his voice, to imply that he is serious —. It's a fucking order I'm giving you, you should all be able to handle this kind of contingency. I'm not going to risk getting screwed or looking like an inexperienced asshole in front of anyone. Either you do what I'm telling you, or this shit is off right now.

He watches every one of them in the room and silence returns.

—Well? — urges after a few minutes of no response —. Speak up, damn it! — using his command voice, causing a sharp pain in the Omegas from being forced to submit and an uncomfortable feeling in the Alphas as they are obliged to bend.

—We can do it, Magnus — Yaakov promises quietly but firmly —. I'll call several of the subordinates I sent to do surveillance and we'll get them ready. There's still enough weaponry in the arsenal to equip everyone. But we'll need more explosives then, Fred — cautiously requests to the Omega, who as always kept quiet and sat at the other end of the room, intending to keep a prudent distance.

—I'll make as many as I can by tomorrow before you leave. You can demonstrate the ready ones to the men you will call so they can learn to use them — he suggests patiently, to which Yaakov nods in appreciation.

—I'm going to check the equipment in the warehouse, some of it has been there for a long time without being used. I don't want any weapons to get stuck if they have to be used — Nikon participates, although he is not very happy about it.

—I can help you with that so you can finish faster — Lev offers himself —. I have nothing to do anyway, apart from healing a tiny cut on the cook's finger — he protests with disgust, looking sideways at Yaakov —. I wonder thanks to whom.

—Dammit, I wanted to sleep — whispers Adrik grumpy. Then he turns to Alexei with a scowl —. I have six additional recruits who can serve us, a total of nine of whom will be at my disposal. But I won't have the others, they're still blank. They will only slow us down.

Alexei has remained silent listening to everyone's contributions, secretly pleased, but at the same time analyzing the situation and formulating in his mind all possible viable strategies.

—The team led by Nikon and Lev, include vests. I imagine we have enough — Nikon nods to him to confirm —. Perfect. Then Fredek will make more explosives. How many do you think you'll have by tomorrow?

—By asking Grigor for assistance, I can have twice as much by tomorrow at thirteen hours — he informs his brother and Alexei nods.

—Adrik will watch from above with the nine disciples under his command — Magnus directs his interest to Yaakov —. How many men will you take?

—I had fifteen ready, but I'll call another fifteen who are taking custody right now, that would make thirty then — he says, taking the phone out of his jacket to start summoning the appointees back.

—You should arrive at the dock two hours earlier, which means at twenty-one o'clock — Alexei lies down in his chair and lifts his right leg, resting his ankle on the opposite knee —. That will be enough time for you to examine the place and position yourselves properly. No mistakes, no blind spots, no hesitations, no injuries and with the merchandise intact. You go in, pick it up and leave. It's that simple — then gets out of his chair and buttons up his suit —. I'll be leaving to Mexico for three days. I hope when I get back I will receive good news — he informs everyone.

—That's correct, Magnus. No one will sleep until everything is settled, that includes you, Adrik — accuses him, which the Omega shows him the middle finger —. Everything will be fine, partner. We'll be back with your cargo and all of us intact.

—That's what I hope — the Alpha walked out the door and left the room without looking back.

When he left The Mansion, he met with Luca, his driver. The man quickly went to open the back door of the car and prepared to take him to the airport where his private jet was waiting to take off.

They could no longer turn back or retract, he could only pray that all will turn out as planned.