Chapter 37

Headphones in place,the beat of the music thumping through his skull, Mason pounded the heavy bag in Bridger’s trendy home gym like it owed him money. He’d been up all night, pouring over the files that Paige had dug up on Ryan Goshiro, and the more he read, the more his blood boiled. He’d been at it for over an hour, his muscles burning with exertion and his skin slick with sweat. But he couldn’t stop, not until he’d worked out every last ounce of rage and fury.

Whether Goshiro planned to help take down Rain Bay or not, the man was a liar and a cheat, and Mason was going to make sure he paid for his crimes, which were multiplying quickly.

Paige had finally heard back from the lab. All three pills were counterfeit. No huge surprise, but the evidence served to tighten the noose. Once they could prove that Rain Bay knowingly distributed fake meds, Avery could get a real investigation relaunched.

But first, he needed to work off some of the pent-up frustration and anger that had been building inside him all night. The gym was empty and quiet, save for the sound of his fists hitting the bag and the steady thump of his heart in his chest.

Finally, when his arms felt like lead and his lungs were screaming for air, he stepped back from the bag, his chest heaving with exertion. He grabbed a towel from the bench and wiped the sweat from his face, his mind already racing with plans for the day ahead.

It was time to get boots on the ground, to confirm or deny Goshiro’s sob story about being a gambler in debt to Stenberg. Thanks to Paige’s online sleuthing, Mason knew just where to start.

He headed upstairs, taking the steps two at a time. He needed to grab a quick shower and some breakfast, and then he’d track down Avery and Paul.

Half an hour later, he found Avery in the kitchen, nibbling on a piece of toast and looking like she hadn’t slept a wink either. Her hair was pulled back in a messy ponytail, and there were dark circles under her eyes that even her makeup couldn’t hide.

“Eat fast,” he said, grabbing a banana from the fruit bowl and peeling it with quick, efficient movements. “We’ve got work to do.”

She raised an eyebrow, her mouth full of toast. “And what work would that be?” she asked, her words muffled by the bread.

Mason grinned, taking a big bite of his banana. “We’re going to confirm the info I dug up on your SAC,” he said, his voice low and conspiratorial. “The team’s going to keep tabs on Stenberg, figure out the best way to keep tracking him. You and I are going to check out Goshiro’s story about being a gambler.”

Avery’s eyes widened, and she swallowed her toast with an audible gulp. “And how exactly are we going to do that?”

“Underground card room. We’re bringing Paul.”

Avery blinked, her mouth falling open in surprise. “Paul? Your brother Paul? The one who just got kidnapped and held for ransom?”

Mason shrugged, taking another bite of his banana. “We need the sleeze factor. He’s a big boy. He can handle it.”

Just then, Paul walked into the kitchen, his hair still damp from the shower and his eyes bright with excitement. “Did I hear something about an underground card room?”

“Copy that, little brother. You’re coming with me and Avery on a little field trip.”

Paul’s eyes widened, and he practically bounced on his toes with excitement. “Seriously? You want me to come with you guys? On a real mission?”

Mason’s grin widened, and he leaned in close. “We’re gonna need your poker skills.”

“Sounds like you need my ‘sleeze factor,’ too.” Paul stared him down. “Yeah. I heard that.”

He swiped a hand over his mouth. Whoops.

“No worries. I’m actually kinda flattered. I won’t disappoint.” Paul’s face split into a huge grin. He punched the air with his fist. “Oh yeah. I’m totally in. When do we leave?”

Mason tossed his banana peel into the trash. “As soon as we gear up. Avery and I will hang out, but I want you to slip into a game. Goshiro claims he was a regular at the place. Supposedly lost himself a lot of cash there.”

Paul nodded, his expression serious now. “Can do. Whatever you need.”

“Get yourself ready. We’re going for a down-on-his-luck-dude-looking-to-make a-fast-buck vibe. You feel me?”

Paul snorted, rolling his eyes. “You mean loser vibe,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “I get, it. I’m supposed to lose.”

Mason slung an arm around his brother’s shoulders. “People don’t wanna talk to guys that take their lunch money.”

Paul considered that and grinned, his eyes sparkling. “Let’s do this.” He hopped off the stool and headed back toward his room, Avery trailing behind.

Mason watched them disappear down the hallway, his cheerful fa?ade turning serious. He and Avery couldn’t risk entering the club. Unless they were willing to play, it would seem odd. But they’d be close enough to run interference if something went sideways. He didn’t love the idea, but it was the best he could do.

If Paul needed rescuing, Mason would make sure he was the most dangerous man in the room.