But something doesn't add up.
"Why do you care about a federal witness, sir? Most MCs wouldn't touch this situation."
Reaper leans back in his chair. "Because what she knows goes beyond corrupt officials. Their plan affects Pine Haven directly. They've been orchestrating property seizures, manipulating water rights, setting up for a major land grab that would push out half the town. Our town."
Now it makes sense. Outlaw Order might operate outside the law, but we protect what's ours.
"Her name is Beth Carter. She's working as the new bookstore owner, but she's actually a court stenographer. Recorded conversations she wasn't supposed to hear. Been in protective custody for months."
"When do I start?"
"Now. Today. You're going to need a cover. Can't have you hanging around a bookstore in your prospect cut."
I nod, already planning logistics in my head.
"I've set you up as a contractor. You'll be renovating the apartment above the shop. Gives you reason to be there daily. You'll stay nights too. Ghost got you a truck with a contractor logo, tools in the back. It's parked out front."
Everything thought through. This is why Reaper leads.
"One more thing," he says, his voice dropping lower. "She doesn't know we know who she is. Far as she's concerned, you're just a handyman hired by her landlord. Keep it that way until you're sure she can be trusted."
"Understood."
"The federal marshals check on her daily. Around noon. Be invisible when they come but watch them. I need to know which ones we can trust, if any."
I stand, ready to move out. "I won't let you down, sir."
"Knight." Reaper stops me as I reach for the door. "This goes against everything they taught you in the service. Protecting someone from the feds? Breaking federal laws? You sure you're the man for this?"
The question hits a nerve. My past flashes before my eyes: following orders that got my team killed because some brass sitting miles away made a call without all the information.
"With all due respect, sir, following institutional authority got good men killed under my watch. I won't make that mistake again."
A small smile forms on Reaper's face. "That's why I picked you." He tosses me a key. "Apartment above the bookstore. Back entrance. Go meet your new roommate."
I catch the key and slide it into my pocket.
"And Knight? Leave your cut here. From now until this is over, you're just Samuel Davis, contractor."
I nod, shrugging out of my prospect cut. The weight lifts from my shoulders, but a heavier one settles in its place. As I hang it on the hook by the door, I feel naked, exposed.
"How do you want me to report?"
"Burner phone. Only to me. Daily."
"Yes, sir."
I walk out of his office, stopping at my locker to change into regular clothes. Jeans, work boots, and a plain gray t-shirt. I grab my go-bag—always packed for emergencies, and head for the door.
The contractor's truck sits in the lot, a magnetic logo on the side reading "Davis Renovations." Clean, professional, nothing flashy. Perfect cover.
As I climb in and start the engine, I can't help thinking about Beth Carter. Some small, frightened woman thrust into the middle of a dangerous game she probably never wanted to play. I know that feeling. Doing what you think is right, only to find yourself trapped in a situation with no good way out.
I pull onto the road, heading toward Main Street, mentally preparing for the mission ahead. Protect the witness. Watch the feds. Save the town.
Simple objectives. Complex execution.
Just another day in the life of a man caught between worlds.
