CHAPTER FIVE HUNDRED AND THIRTY FIVE – FINAL STAKE-OUT

As night fell on the eve of their planned raid, Jasmine and Raquel decided to do one final reconnaissance of the area surrounding the mission. They needed to verify their intel and ensure there had been no unexpected changes to the cartel's security measures. They chose to blend in with the nightlife crowd, figuring it would be the least suspicious way to move around the city outskirts. Dressed in clubwear that concealed their weapons and surveillance equipment, they made their way to a popular nightclub not far from their target. The club was a riot of pulsing music and flashing lights. Under normal circumstances, Jasmine might have enjoyed the energy of the place. But tonight, her senses were on high alert, scanning the crowd for any sign of cartel presence. They had been there for about an hour, nursing drinks and casually observing, when Raquel suddenly stiffened beside her. "Don't react," she murmured, her lips barely moving. "Three o'clock. By the bar. Cartel enforcers." Jas