97: Fallen

"I... Of course, boss. Where are you heading?" Angelo inquired, his voice tinged with curiosity.

"Out of town. It should only take a day. Just ensure that the operations on the streets are running smoothly. Do you understand?" I spoke with a mix of determination and doubt, already questioning my decision regarding Victor. Heads would roll for his incompetence.

I trusted Angelo to follow my orders, although I knew questions would arise in such a short amount of time. I had less than twenty-four hours before chaos erupted.

All I could do now was embark on the nearly three-hour trip to Galena. I had purchased a secluded cabin there years ago, a hidden sanctuary where no one would suspect my presence. Not even my father knew its exact location. He had taught me the importance of having a getaway, and I had carefully chosen this cabin without physically visiting it. In the rare moments I had spent there, I had found a semblance of peace amidst the serenity. Safety was always a concern, a