"He would probably be armed and he won't certainly be alone." Death Master warned the members gathered in the gang headquarters to discuss the action plan for Thursday night.

He paused to scan the expressions on their faces.
Some of them mumbled their responses while others just nodded.

"Marco and Gary would be guarding the left side," He continued, "Danny, Hiroki and Josh on the right side."

Anthony knew Death Master meant business as he was using everyone's first names.

"I need you to be in the control tower till the end," Death Master addressed Walter directly, "do not leave your place on any circumstance."

Walter shifted in his seat uneasily, under the meaningful gaze of Death Master.

"Me and Russell will be on the front," He declared, "to negotiate with The Nightmare."

There was a faint hint of hatred in his voice.

"Eliminate that Kansas slut by tomorrow." Lucy was about to enter the room announcing her arrival when she heard Death Master ordering Anthony.

Her eyes widened in horror upon hearing of her execution.

"But she had been very helpful to us throughout." She could hear Anthony reasoning.

"Well she's not needed anymore." Death Master said simply, "I won't repeat myself and besides she can be trouble."

Lucy walked backwards, taking cautious steps, grateful that no one noticed her when she suddenly tripped on a cola can and fell on her back.

Death Master emerged from the room, gun in hand.
"Ah! Lucy is here!" He mimicked her high-pitched voice, "You just made it very easy for us by coming here."

He pulled the trigger.

*************************

"You will go in there alone and won't be carrying any weapons with you." Agent Natalie was briefing the modus operandi to Paul and Eric.

"Wouldn't that be too dangerous?" Eric stated his concern.

"He has to gain their trust before the police can start their work and being caught with a concealed weapon will not exactly help his cause." Agent Natalie explained, "All the officers taking part in this operation have already been told about their duties."

"Where's my part?" Eric inquired enthusiastically, "Won't I get any action?"

"Actually you have a very important role," She looked at Paul for assistance, "he will explain it to you."

"I need you to take Eve to a safer place." Paul said.

"Just that?" Eric's face fell.

"I don't want another child to be fatherless at the time of his birth," Paul replied getting emotional, "more specifically, I don't want Eve to go through the same phase again because of me."

"I understand," Eric said with a sigh, "I'll drive her to my parents ranch first thing in the morning. It's a six hour drive from here."

"Great!" Agent Natalie clapped her hands, "now that it's all settled, I'm desperately waiting for tomorrow night." She said excitedly.

Paul and Eric looked at each other, not sure how to react.

(Graphic in media section by NeverYawn)