CHAPTER 114

The shrill sound of the morning alarm echoed throughout the spacious house, piercing through the silence as Tom, the mastermind behind an intricate web of criminal operations, groaned in protest. He buried his head under a pillow, attempting to drown out the relentless ringing, while his faithful AI companion, Gwen, made a valiant effort to rouse him from his slumber.

"Come on, Tom," Gwen's melodious voice chimed in, her tone laced with a touch of urgency. "It's time to rise and shine, or rather, rise and take charge."

Tom grumbled, his voice muffled by the pillow. "Just a few more minutes, Gwen. And please, for the love of chaos, silence that infernal alarm. It's torturing my ears."

With a quick swipe of her digital prowess, Gwen silenced the alarm, granting Tom a momentary reprieve from the auditory assault. He breathed a sigh of relief, savoring the tranquility that washed over him. But his respite was short-lived as Gwen persistently prodded him, reminding him of the monumental task that lay ahead.

"Tom, my dear orchestrator of chaos, today is the day. The grand meeting in Las Vegas awaits, and while you won't be physically present, you still need to prepare for the momentous occasion."

Tom shifted, his eyes still closed, and his voice tinged with a hint of mischief. "Ah, Gwen, my ever-attentive accomplice. Fear not, I've already dispatched Deathstroke, Deadshot, and Captain Cold with their individual orders. The necessary preparations have been meticulously carried out. All that remains is for me to address the gathering, casting my sinister web of plans upon each crime boss."

He lay on his back, his face partially shielded by his arm, his mind reviewing the schemes and dark aspirations he intended for the day. The weight of his impending address pulsed through his veins, igniting a surge of adrenaline within him. Tom was a master manipulator, a puppeteer who reveled in the power of his words and the sway they held over the criminal underworld.

Gwen's voice took on a note of admiration, tinged with a hint of concern. "You are the epitome of calculated brilliance, Tom. Your intellect knows no bounds, and your ability to control the puppet strings of fate is unparalleled. But remember, even from afar, your presence commands respect and instills fear. The crime lords will hang on your every word."

A sly grin played on Tom's lips as he allowed his mind to wander through the intricate dance of dominance that awaited him. His eyes flickered open, revealing the glint of mischief within. "Indeed, Gwen, my dear companion. Today, the stage shall be set, and I shall orchestrate a symphony of chaos. From the shadows, I will wield my influence and set in motion the gears of my nefarious designs."

As he rose from his bed, his posture exuded a commanding presence, a potent blend of confidence and intrigue. He did walked over to his computer and did a survey on his security's firewalls as he made sure his means of communication to the outlaws and to the main event of the day couldn't be hacked or breached in anyway. 

… 

Several hours after rising from his bed, Tom settled into his chair, facing the array of screens that connected him to his unique team. The online meeting was about to commence, and he knew the importance of ensuring that each member understood their roles and didn't clash with one another. Deadshot, Deathstroke, and Captain Cold, known only as Ghost in these circles, all possessed formidable skills, but their individualistic natures made cooperation a potential challenge.

"Good to see all of you here," Ghost began, his voice commanding yet calm. "Today's job involves the protection of each mob boss that would be present today and ensuring the meeting goes smoothly without the slightest issue arising. Keep in mind that everyone that would be in attendance is a big-shot in the criminal underworld. 

Deadshot, never one to hold his tongue, smirked confidently. "Don't worry, boss. This job will be a piece of cake for me. Can't say the same for those two," he remarked, his words dripping with self-assurance.

Deathstroke's eye narrowed at Deadshot's remark, a hint of rivalry in his voice. "What did the pip-squeak say? If anyone can get this job done, it would be me. I could do it with my eye closed, it's an easy one anyway." He added, his tone oozing with arrogance.

Captain Cold, rolling his eyes at the bickering, interjected with a dose of pragmatism. "There you both go again, you self-centered bastards. Just do what the boss says, and let's get this thing over with," he retorted, his voice laced with a no-nonsense attitude.

Ghost, not one to tolerate discord, spoke up with an air of authority and a commanding tone. "No fighting, especially not in my presence," he declared, his words carrying a weight that demanded respect.

The three mercenaries fell silent, their gaze fixated on their respective screens, acknowledging the rebuke with a nod of understanding. Ghost continued, his tone firm but composed. "You three need to work together, and Deathstroke, you will be in charge of this operation. Deadshot, Captain Cold, cooperate with him. The success of this mission relies on your ability to function as a cohesive unit."

"Aye aye, Captain," Captain Cold quipped, a hint of sarcasm lacing his voice.

After the briefing concluded, Ghost ended the call, each member of the team setting out to prepare for the task at hand. As they departed, a sense of anticipation hung in the air, knowing that their individual talents, when channeled collectively, had the potential to achieve their goal.

… 

Nightfall descended upon the vibrant city of Las Vegas, casting a cloak of intrigue and possibility over its neon-lit streets. Here, amidst the glittering chaos where legality blurred and fortune beckoned, the outlaws of the underworld convened. Deathstroke, a seasoned mercenary with a penchant for leading operations, assumed command on this particular night. His lethal expertise made him the ideal choice to ensure the safety of their gathering and ward off any would-be assailants.

Prior to the meeting, the members meticulously combed through the chosen venue—an opulent hall tucked away in the heart of the city. Every nook and cranny was searched for clandestine devices, hidden cameras, and transmitters. Nothing could be left to chance.

From his perch atop a lofty rooftop, Deadshot maintained a vigilant watch over the surroundings. With his trusty sniper rifle in hand, he scanned the perimeter, eyes sharp and senses heightened. His purpose was to thwart any unforeseen interference or hidden motives that threatened to disrupt the proceedings. Each guest's arrival was scrutinized as they pulled up to the hotel, surrendering their keys to the valets before venturing inside.

Curiosity piqued, the valet approached a guest and respectfully inquired, "Sir, may I ask what the word of the day is?"

The guest pondered for a moment before responding, "Um... The word of the day is... Boo!" A ghost reference.

A subtle nod of approval from the valet confirmed the guest's legitimacy, and he was promptly ushered into the premises. This unique passphrase served as a safeguard, distinguishing those who belonged from those who did not.

Commanding the lobby area with an air of authority, Captain Cold donned an all-black ensemble, complemented by a navy blue trench coat that concealed his potent cold gun. His role involved verifying the identity of each arriving member, ever watchful for any signs of suspicion. The lobby became his domain, vigilant against any untoward incidents.

As the guests approached the entrance to the meeting hall, Deathstroke meticulously conducted full-body searches, ensuring none of them were concealing wires or transmitting devices. Moreover, each attendee was permitted only one bodyguard, discreetly stationed outside the meeting room. Once the meeting commenced, no one would be allowed to pass through that heavily guarded area. The security measures were unparalleled—a testament to Deathstroke's expertise.

With each member taking their seats around an expansive table, the atmosphere brimmed with tension. Each individual represented a crime boss from Gotham City's seedy underbelly, united under the formidable wing of Ghost. A silent exchange of nods conveyed greetings and an unspoken understanding of their shared purpose.

At precisely 9:00 PM, Deathstroke strode into the room, a laptop in hand. Placing it at the head of the table where Ghost's imposing seat remained vacant, he tapped a key, bringing the screen to life. A figure materialized before them, dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit. His white shirt, devoid of a tie, provided a stark contrast, while a mask concealed every aspect of his face, leaving only his piercing eyes visible.

"Now," the mysterious figure intoned, his voice laced with authority, "shall we begin?"

The room fell into an anticipatory hush, every gaze fixated on the screen, brimming with equal parts curiosity and trepidation. The stage was set for a clandestine convergence of underworld power, where alliances would be forged, jaw dropping information exchanged, and the city's future hung in the balance.

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