Chapter 67: The Battle of Revenge
A red Jeep Wrangler turned off 20th Street into the Palisades neighborhood. Miller Collins was at the wheel, his right hand resting on Kevin’s leg.
The two exchanged a warm, knowing smile.
Trailing behind at a careful distance was Edward in a black van, with Hawk in the passenger seat.
“It’s almost certain he’s headed for the house he rents,” Hawk remarked.
He had prepared multiple contingency plans depending on the location: beach, park, house, or hotel. The house was a middle-ground option; hotels were the least desirable.
Since Kevin couldn’t directly suggest an outdoor location without arousing suspicion, the rented house was their best bet.
As the Jeep turned into a driveway, Miller pressed a button on the remote, opening the gates.
While the car stopped inside, Kevin glanced at his phone to check a vibrating notification—a new text from Eric. He quickly read it before pocketing the device and stepping out.Looking at the sparkling blue pool in the front yard, Kevin exclaimed, “Wow, what a beautiful pool! Can we swim later?”
“Of course,” Miller replied, pulling Kevin along. “Come on, I’ll give you a tour of the house.”
Outside the House
Edward parked the van a short distance away.
Eric stared at the high black walls and the thick trees surrounding the property, frustration etched on his face. “How are we supposed to record this? Should we break in? What if he has a gun? Maybe I should go in alone with the camera.”
“Relax,” Hawk said calmly.
“I can’t sit still!” Eric snapped. “What’s the plan?”
Edward grinned. “Don’t worry, our boss is the master of climbing poles. His nickname’s ‘The Lamppost Warrior!’”
Eric, intrigued, asked, “What, like stringing someone up there?”
Edward gestured exaggeratedly. “No, climbing up and down until the pole’s worn smooth. That kind of skill.”
Ignoring the banter, Hawk observed the surroundings. Spotting the lift truck nearby, he said, “Turn around and head for that lift truck.”
Eric looked at the towering trees and the lift’s height, then grabbed Hawk’s arm. “You’re a genius!”
The Lift Truck
Hawk approached the workers, speaking loudly, “Who’s in charge here? I have a business proposition.”
One of the men yelled back, “This is a dangerous work zone. Stay back!”
Edward joined, hands on his hips. “Want to make some money? Then step forward.”
From behind the cones, a burly man with a safety helmet and reflective vest strode over. Spotting Edward, he exclaimed, “Savior! You troublemaker!”
Edward, recognizing the man, laughed. “Bull Daddy! Didn’t expect to see you here.”
The man known as Bull Daddy crossed his arms. “Still causing chaos with those women, Savior?”
“I’m rescuing them,” Edward retorted. “Without me, they’d wither away in their loneliness.”
Hawk cleared his throat, refocusing the conversation.
Edward introduced the two. “This is my boss. And this is my former boss, Bull Daddy. Used to be in landscaping—looks like he’s switched careers.”
Hawk cut to the chase. “I need to borrow your lift truck for two hours. Name your price.”
Bull Daddy thought for a moment. “$1,000—and that’s a discount for the Savior’s sake.”
Eric didn’t hesitate, pulling a wad of cash from his pocket and handing it over. “For the next two hours, you’re working for us.”
Bull Daddy grinned, pocketing the money. “Pack it up, boys. We’ve got a side gig!”
Hawk requested uniforms for everyone. Bull Daddy obliged, pulling reflective vests, helmets, and work clothes from the truck.
Setting Up the Operation
Three vehicles—the lift truck, Bull Daddy’s pickup, and the van—pulled up near Miller’s house.
Hawk noticed a black-and-white patrol car approaching. He warned his team, “Look busy. Don’t talk.”
The three donned their safety gear and started placing cones around the lift truck.
The patrol car slowed as the passenger window rolled down, revealing a middle-aged Black officer.
“Bull, working faster today?” the officer asked.
Bull Daddy laughed. “Trying to stretch out the job, officer. If I finish too quick, I’ll go broke!”
The officer chuckled and drove off.
Once the patrol car was out of sight, Hawk handed the camera to Eric and pointed to the lift. “Think you can handle it? If not, don’t push yourself.”
Eric, buoyed by the adrenaline of revenge, grinned. “I’ve shot from rooftops before. This is nothing.”
Hawk cautioned, “Safety first, no matter what happens.”
Eric climbed into the lift basket, which rose steadily under Bull Daddy’s guidance.
“Position it behind the treetops,” Hawk directed.
The lift ascended, its basket hidden by the tree canopy, offering Eric a clear view over the high walls.
Capturing the Scene
Inside the walls, a private pool sparkled under the sun.
Eric steadied the camera, the lens aimed squarely at the scene below.
The house’s side door opened, and Miller emerged with Kevin, both dressed in swimsuits.
They moved toward the pool, and Eric adjusted the zoom to capture clear close-ups.
The two men jumped into the pool, splashing and playing before suddenly embracing.
Kevin retreated to the pool’s edge, sitting on the rim as Miller leaned in, his head lowering—
Eric’s camera recorded it all.
As Miller pulled back, wiping his mouth, something caught his eye. He turned sharply toward the trees, spotting the reflection of Eric’s lens.
“Hey! Stop filming me, you bastard!” Miller shouted, pointing furiously.
Eric panicked slightly, shouting down, “Lower me! He saw us!”
The lift descended slowly.
Inside the yard, Miller grabbed Kevin’s arm. “Let’s get inside!”
Kevin, playing his part perfectly, stumbled and fell dramatically on the way.
Damage Control
Inside the house, Miller threw on clothes and frantically made phone calls.
Kevin, feigning panic, paced nervously. “What do we do?”
Miller reassured him, “Don’t worry. I’ll handle it.”
He handed Kevin a gift box. “No matter what happens, don’t say a word.”
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