I was among the trees, far from Brittany's house.
I watched the two of them in silence.
Message delivered.
I smiled.
Now… the elimination of Loren and Ricardo.
Two spectators.
I hope they enjoy the show.
Good.
I teleported to my room, dropped onto the bed, and closed my eyes.
Tonight… everything begins.
I sleep.
Perhaps the dreams will give me better ideas.
---
At night, Loren was exhausted. It showed in his red, heavy eyes.
"Damn it… ever since that clown kidnapped the others, everything has gone to hell."
He hadn't slept.
"Boss."
Loren looked up. One of his men had entered the office.
"What is it?"
"We have information… about the others."
Loren's eyes lit up.
"Speak."
"A warehouse. Industrial zone, on the outskirts."
Loren stood up slowly.
"Confirmed?"
"Yes."
He smiled.
"Get ready. Go and bring them back."
Minutes later, several vehicles moved through the darkness. No lights.
Armed men got out.
They were going to rescue Stiven, Mike, and the rest of the bosses.
They prepared and entered the warehouse.
From a distance, I watched.
Everything must unfold spectacularly.
"Well, Loren… I'll give you a good scare."
Inside the warehouse, the men advanced with flashlights.
Suddenly, the lights turned on.
Everyone tensed.
"Here," one said.
They approached.
And they saw them.
Stiven.
Mike.
And the others.
Disheveled. Pale. Starving.
"We found them."
They quickly freed them.
"Let's go."
But then…
A balloon appeared.
Everyone saw it.
The bosses began to tremble.
"No…"
Pop.
It burst softly.
Another appeared.
And another.
Balloons of every color began to fill the place.
Pop.
Pop.
Pop.
Red smoke spread through the warehouse.
And then…
A laugh.
"Jajajaja…"
The rescued men trembled.
The armed group took position.
Some were military. They had experience.
"Calm down," one said. "We have the advantage."
But the smoke… moved.
As if it were alive.
When it finally dissipated…
There were clowns.
Many of them.
Armed.
Pointing at them.
The group froze.
Even the most experienced knew they could do nothing now.
Applause rang out.
Slow.
Elegant.
"Bravo… magnificent… that's the spirit."
Everyone looked up.
There he was.
A clown.
Better dressed.
More imposing.
I smiled.
"Hello. It's a pleasure to have you here."
I tilted my head slightly.
"Gentlemen… I must inform you of something."
I paused.
"You won't be leaving here."
Absolute silence.
"All of this is part of the show."
I smiled.
"So, if you would be so kind… hand over your weapons."
"Peacefully."
---
A while later, Loren was in his office.
Calmer now.
Waiting for the call.
The phone rang.
He answered immediately.
"Do you have them?"
Silence.
And then—
"Hello, Loren…"
He froze.
"…my old friend."
He gripped the phone tightly.
"You…"
I smiled.
"Yes, me. How have you been?"
"I'm not your friend, you bastard."
"You killed my brother Gabriel. You kidnapped my men."
"Correct."
Pause.
"I did all that."
"And what else?"
"Damn you…"
I sighed.
"Hey, Loren. Understand something."
"This isn't personal."
"It's a show."
Silence.
"Do you remember the club?"
"When I called you for the first time…"
"When I covered you in paint."
"That's where it all started."
"That's when I decided to eliminate you."
"You… and your entire organization."
Loren didn't respond.
"But don't worry."
"You will be the last."
Pause.
"Ricardo is next."
Heavy silence.
"I already warned him."
"Today. Tomorrow. Or whenever I feel like it."
I smiled.
"The one who warns is not a traitor."
Pause.
"So get ready."
"You should protect yourself."
"Although…"
"Either way, you're going to die."
"With a smile on your face."
I hung up.
Loren remained motionless, phone still pressed to his ear.
Heavy breathing.
"Damn you…"
He slammed the desk.
But he calmed down.
He thought.
"If he's going after Ricardo…"
A faint smile appeared.
"Then let him."
He stood up.
"I'll hide."
His eyes gleamed.
"And when you lower your guard…"
His smile widened.
"I'll kill you myself."
Silence.
Somewhere else…
After hanging up on Loren.
I smiled.
"Perfect."