The black SUV screeched to a halt in front of the scorched warehouse. Smoke still lingered faintly in the air, mixing with the acrid scent of burnt steel and gunpowder. Ricardo Castillo stepped out, sharp and composed in a dark suit, but the tension in his jaw betrayed his fury.
As soon as the guards spotted him, they scrambled forward, lowering their heads in respect.
"Boss," one of them muttered, his voice shaky.
Ricardo didn't return the greeting. His eyes scanned the charred remains of the once heavily fortified structure, then snapped back to the men.
"What the hell happened here?" His voice was low, deadly calm. "And where were all of you while Emiliano and his dogs walked in and turned my property into ashes?"
The men fidgeted.
"Boss... we were patrolling around the perimeter," one of them stammered. "It happened fast. They came in silently… almost like they knew the weak points. We tried to respond, but…..
Ricardo took a slow step forward, his eyes like ice. "You tried?"
He paused, letting the word sink in.
"You don't try to protect my empire. You do. You anticipate. You think like the enemy."
The men remained silent, their heads bowed.
"This wasn't just an attack," Ricardo growled. "It was a message. From Emiliano. And you let him send it."
Antonio stepped beside him, watching the scene unfold.
"We've already secured the remaining stock in another location," he said cautiously, hoping to steer the conversation. "The fire didn't reach the back units. It could've been worse."
Ricardo's nostrils flared, but he gave a stiff nod.
"We rebuilt. We retaliate," he said coldly. "And we find out how they got past my defenses."
He turned to his men again.
"You've got one chance to prove your loyalty. Fail me again, and the fire won't be the only thing burning."
Ricardo waved a hand sharply, dismissing the guards with a cold glare. "Get out of my sight," he said, his tone laced with disgust.
The men didn't hesitate. They dispersed immediately, some retreating into the warehouse to assess the damage, others too ashamed to meet their boss's eyes.
Antonio followed closely as Ricardo strode toward the charred section of the building. The damage was extensive, blackened walls, twisted metal, and a burnt-out section where one of the arms compartments had been. Ricardo's eyes scanned everything with precise calculation, not just anger but strategy beginning to rise within him.
"Check the units that took the worst of it," Ricardo ordered. "I want to know exactly what Emiliano destroyed."
Antonio signaled a few of the trusted men to start the inspection while he remained by Ricardo's side.
They both moved further into the warehouse, stepping over broken debris and scorched crates. A few of the remaining weapons were intact but damaged by smoke and heat. Others, still locked away in reinforced sections, appeared untouched.
"Make sure nothing else is compromised," Ricardo muttered, his voice tight. "And check if he used this attack as a cover to plant anything like bugs, traps, or spies."
Antonio gave a quick nod, understanding the gravity of the situation.
Ricardo's gaze swept toward the back of the facility where they stored classified supplies. "Look for any signs of underground entry if Emiliano found a new way in, I want it sealed. Permanently."
Antonio moved to carry out the instructions, but Ricardo's voice cut through again.
"Also, call the agency and tell them I want our private security doubled immediately. Have them bring in infrared surveillance, pressure sensors, and motion-triggered defense."
Antonio took out his phone, already dialing.
Ricardo stood still for a moment longer, fists clenched at his sides.
This wasn't just an attack. It was a declaration of war.