Always There

GIOVANNI'S POV Robert's study smelled of leather and old books. I sat across from him at his massive oak desk, the map I brought with me rolled out on top of the table. "We hit twelve locations simultaneously," I explained, pointing to marked positions on the map. "Their main warehouse in the industrial district, three safe houses, two weapons depots, and six businesses they used for money laundering.” I leaned back and cleared my throat. “Total assets seized are estimated at forty-three billion dollars." Robert nodded slowly, his eyes scanning the papers. "Any casualties?" "On their side, seventeen dead, twenty-three arrested.” I eyed the map, glimpses of the battle flashing through my mind. “ And nothing fatal on our side. It was clean, considering the scope." Robert reached for the map, trailing his fingers through it. "And the leadership?" "Most of them are dead or in custody. But…” I hesitated. "Some escaped. We're still tracking about six high-ranking members who went undergroun