34. Tyson

34

TYSON

I lean over Phoenix’s shoulder, watching lines of code scroll across his multiple screens. “You sure that’ll work? Jimmy’s hackers need to think they’ve struck gold.”

“Already planted the breadcrumbs.” Phoenix’s fingers tap rhythmically on his keyboard. “Made it look like they broke through our first layer of security. When they dig deeper, they’ll find exactly what we want them to see.”

I pace behind him, my boots scuffing against the trailer floor. “And they won’t trace it back to us?”

“Please.” Phoenix shoots me an offended look. “I’ve got Tilly working on reinforcing our security in my trailer. She’s the best at what she does—nobody’s getting near our real data.”

“How’s she holding up? Still nervous about being involved?”

Phoenix’s typing pauses for a moment. “She’s good. Actually enjoying herself, said something about it being like the ultimate video game challenge.”

I nod, relief washing over me. Having Tilly on our side has doubled our digital defense capabilities. “Ensure the shipping manifests look legitimate enough to pass the initial inspection. Jimmy must think this is the motherload he’s been waiting for.”

“Already done. The documentation shows three times our usual volume through the back channels. His hackers will think they’ve hit the jackpot when they ‘discover’ it.”

I grip the back of his chair, watching the screens flicker with activity. “How long until they bite?”

“Given their pattern of attacks?” Phoenix pulls up a timeline. “I’d say they’ll find it within the next few hours. They’re getting desperate, making mistakes. Perfect time to feed them what we want them to see.”

With a creak, the door opens, and Lars walks in, Nash trailing right after him.

“You wanted to see us, boss?” Lars asks.

“Yeah, come in.” I wave them closer, moving away from Phoenix’s screens. “Got a special job for you two. Time to play the disgruntled employees card.”

Nash’s eyebrows lift. “You want us to flip on you?”

“Exactly.” I pull out a manila envelope from my desk drawer. Inside are shipping manifests, bank statements, and route information—all carefully crafted to match what Phoenix planted for their hackers to find. Take these to Jimmy, tell him you’re tired of my leadership, that I’ve lost my mind over his daughter.”

Lars takes the envelope, thumbing through its contents. “How much of this matches their digital finds?”

“Every detail.” I lean against my desk. “The numbers, dates, locations – it all lines up perfectly. When Jimmy’s people cross-reference what you bring them with what their hackers ‘discovered,’ everything will check out.”

“And our story?” Nash asks.

“Keep it simple. Say, I’ve been cutting your percentages, taking bigger risks, and making you nervous. Hell, throw in that I’ve been unstable since taking Sofia—that’ll appeal to Jimmy’s ego.”

Lars nods. “He’ll eat that shit up. Anything that paints you as the villain in his daughter’s story.”

“Make it convincing,” I stress. “Jimmy’s paranoid, but he’s not stupid. He needs to believe you’re genuinely turning on me.”

“Don’t worry,” Nash says, a cold smile on his lips. “We know how to play our parts.”

I clap Nash on the shoulder. “Thanks. Get it done.”

Leaving him to work, I stride out of the trailer into the early morning air. The carnival is just starting to wake up, workers setting up for another day of cover operations. The scent of cotton candy and popcorn already drifts through the grounds .

I find Colt and Remy by the Ferris wheel, clipboard in hand, as they inspect the machinery.

I approach them.” How’s it looking?”

Colt looks up from his checklist. “Every ride’s got fresh inspection certificates. Maintenance logs are detailed down to the smallest bolt change.”

“Safety permits are all current,” Remy adds. “Even got the food vendor licenses renewed early. Health department won’t find a single violation to nail us on.”

“Good.” I examine the documentation they’ve gathered. “We need everything above board. One slip in the legitimate business could give the cops the excuse to shut us down.”

“Already handled the employee paperwork, too,” Colt says. “Work visas, tax forms, social security—it’s all clean and organized.”

“Insurance policies are paid up,” Remy chimes in. “Got extra coverage on everything, just in case Jimmy tries to arrange any more serious’ accidents.’”

I nod, satisfied with their thoroughness. “Keep at it. If anyone official shows up, we give them nothing to work with.”

They return to their tasks as I head in search of Gage. Near the haunted house attraction, I spot the tall figure of Gage, his skull mask in place as always as I approach.

“Need a word, Gage.” I gesture for him to meet me to one side, leading him to a quieter corner where we won’t be overheard.

His gaze pierces right through me. He waits, silent and expectant .

I study Gage’s masked face, knowing the perfect watchdog stands before me. “I need your eyes on everything. Every stranger lingering too long, every worker acting suspicious, every shadow that seems out of place.”

Gage tilts his head.

“You see anything—and I mean anything—that feels wrong, you sound the alarm. I know you notice things others miss.” I lower my voice. “Jimmy’s going to try something. The question is when and where.”

A single nod from Gage.

“Good. Keep to the shadows; do what you do best.” I turn away, knowing he’ll disappear into the darkness like always. And then, I head toward my trailer, where I find Sofia curled up on the leather couch, her phone clutched in her hands.

“Baby girl, it’s time.” I sit beside her. “We need to make that call to the feds.”

She bites her lip, conflict clear in her eyes. “I know what he is, what he’s done. But he’s still my father.”

“And he’ll keep trying to tear us apart unless we stop him.” I brush a strand of red hair from her face. “You’re stronger than you think.”

Sofia takes a deep breath and unlocks her phone. Her fingers shake as she dials the number we got from Phoenix.

“Federal Bureau of Investigation,” a voice answers.

“I... I need to report organized crime activities.” Sofia’s voice steadies as she continues, “My name is Sofia Moretti. I have information about Jimmy Moretti’s criminal enterprise in Dawsbury. ”

I squeeze her hand as she details years of her father’s illegal operations, providing dates, names, and locations that will give the feds everything they need for tomorrow’s raid. And then she tells them about tomorrow’s meeting. The feds arrange a meeting for the morning beforehand to get more evidence in person.

When she hangs up, tears streak her cheeks. I pull her into my arms, letting her cry against my chest.

I hold Sofia, feeling her tears soak through my shirt. Her body trembles with each sob, the weight of betraying her father hitting her full force. I stroke her hair, letting her process the gravity of what she’s just done.

After a few minutes, her crying subsides. She pulls back just enough to look up at me, her green eyes rimmed red.

“We could never be together with him out there,” she whispers, her fingers clutching my shirt. “He’d never stop hunting us or trying to tear us apart.”

“I know, baby girl.” I cup her face, wiping away a stray tear with my thumb.

She leans into my touch. “Everything I’ve ever wanted was right here, but he’d destroy it all just to keep me in that gilded cage.”

I lean down, pressing my lips to her. She responds with a softness that contrasts sharply with our usual passionate encounters. This kiss holds something deeper.

She breaks the kiss, resting her forehead against my chest. We stay like that, wrapped in each other’s arms, as the distant sounds of the carnival drift through the trailer walls.