Reborn as an American Writer

Dominic had experienced firsthand how impressive the little fatty's skills were over the past few days. From Tej's account, he learned that the little fatty was somewhat of a recluse, deeply engrossed in the virtual world and quite sincere in his personal interactions. Since the little fatty had confidently assured him, Dominic trusted that he indeed had absolute control over Hernan Reyes' and his formidable henchman Mario's phone communications. This meant their team now had a significant information advantage.

The more Dominic thought about it, the more thrilled he became. Having a one-sided information advantage was incredibly crucial. Even though Dominic wasn't a soldier, he understood the immense value of such an edge on the battlefield—it was like having transparent windows into the enemy's movements.

However, Dominic was unaware that ten days ago, the little fatty might have indeed been worthy of that 'sincere' praise. But ever since Castle, the chaos-stirrer, had arrived in Brazil, the once innocent little fatty had become tainted by Castle's influence. Although he wouldn't intentionally harm Dominic and his team, all the events that led to them being ambushed by Hobbs and later targeted by Hernan's men were secretly orchestrated by the little fatty under Castle's subtle manipulation.

Despite the day's harrowing experiences, Dominic felt a sense of elation. The losses they had seemed substantial, but in reality, it was only Hobbs' team that had suffered casualties. Dominic's team was unscathed, apart from the fright. Moreover, with the vengeful and determined Hobbs joining them, their strength had only increased. Reflecting on the day's events, Dominic realized their chances of successfully executing their plan were higher than ever before. Satisfied, he decided it was time to head back to his cabin and get some sleep.

The yacht Castle had arranged through the hotel was quite spacious, with over ten cabins for resting. While Dominic was on deck communicating with the little fatty, Mike and Elena sat in the cabin allocated to Hobbs, eager for some analysis and direction from their leader.

Of everyone there, Mike and Elena perhaps hated Hernan Reyes the most. Mike's rage stemmed from losing his comrades in a brutal ambush after years of working together, while Elena's was due to her husband's death, orchestrated because he refused to join the ranks of corrupt cops. Though everyone knew why Elena's husband had been gunned down in the slums, there was little they could do. Joining the police force to avenge him seemed futile against Hernan's omnipresence in Rio.

But now, Hernan had finally overstepped, provoking both Dominic's resourceful team and Hobbs, who had the means and resolve to retaliate. Elena, sensing the chance to avenge her husband's unjust death, looked to Hobbs with hope and determination, seeking assurance and encouragement from their newfound alliance.

"Boss, are we really going to withhold today's events from headquarters? The CIA must already know about the ambush; there's no way to hide that," Mike voiced his concern. He was equally grieved but supported Hobbs' agreement with Dominic to temporarily set aside their cat-and-mouse chase and unite against the greater threat, Hernan Reyes.

However, he was uneasy about Hobbs' decision to cut off communication with their superiors and act independently.

Hobbs finally broke his silence in response to Mike's concern. "If we report this to headquarters, what do you think they'll do?"

Mike wasn't naive. He knew their desk-bound superior would immediately recall them, quashing any chance for Hobbs to avenge their fallen comrades.

Despite his discomfort with Hobbs' unilateral decision to sever ties with headquarters, Mike's long-standing trust in Hobbs reassured him. Hobbs had a comprehensive plan, and if he wasn't worried, Mike felt no need to worry either.

Hobbs didn't disappoint. Addressing Mike and the inquisitive Elena, he explained, "The reason I'm willing to pause our pursuit of Dominic and team up with them is because of their plan. We all know Hernan Reyes won't ignore such a massive hit to his cash stash.

Dominic's plan aligns perfectly with our own goal of vengeance against Hernan. Their heist will inevitably provoke Hernan, drawing him out and making him vulnerable for our strike.

Why not leverage their plan? Once they act, we can exploit the opening and take Hernan down. And regardless of which side suffers losses, it works in our favor. But if we inform headquarters and they order us back, how will we avenge our comrades?"

Having followed Hobbs for years, Mike immediately grasped his leader's strategy of using one foe to strike another. Hobbs' approach was brilliant—letting Dominic and Hernan clash while they swoop in to pick off the survivors.

Elena, on the other hand, was astounded by Dominic's audacity. To think they planned to rob Hernan Reyes right in his stronghold of Rio, from the heavily guarded police headquarters no less, and even had a highly feasible plan! Growing up in Rio with an intimate knowledge of Hernan's dominance, Elena found herself admiring Dominic's boldness.

Since helping Hobbs had already put her on Hernan's hit list, Elena eagerly joined Hobbs' vengeance group. Her only request to Hobbs was to witness Hernan's death firsthand. Ideally, she wanted the chance to pull the trigger herself.

This reinforced the saying that when a woman is truly determined, there's little a man can do.

The two groups on the yacht reached an agreement due to their common goal. Meanwhile, Castle and the little fatty indulged in their voyeuristic evening on the beach, ogling scantily clad women from around the world. Hernan's men, under Mario's orders, scoured the city for Dominic and Hobbs, unaware that they were safe on a yacht, thanks to Castle's arrangements.

The tumultuous day concluded with Hobbs' simmering rage, Dominic's relief, Hernan's regret over his failed ambush, and Castle and the little fatty's glee. It felt like a temporary calm, a deceptive tranquility before the storm. This calmness was merely the slow build-up before the ultimate storm erupted, with each side knowing that the impending clash would be deadly.

As time relentlessly moved forward, Castle, oblivious to the tensions of the other three factions, was in high spirits. With the morning light, he eagerly kicked the little fatty out of his plans to explore Rio. The little fatty, eager to join Castle, was instead ordered to stay in the room to monitor Hernan and Mario's communications to prevent any surprises that might disrupt both Castle's entertainment and Dominic's plot.

Castle had no intention of playing chauffeur. He abandoned the idea of walking around Rio, opting instead to have the hotel arrange a car for him. He planned to drive and see the sights, especially the police station that Dominic and his team were planning to raid. This way, he could enjoy his trip to Brazil while also ensuring he didn't miss the unfolding drama.

___________________

Read Ahead

[email protected]/Mutter