"I wish I knew," Maddie says. "I vetted the job like I always do. The client checked out. Either I missed something, or..."
"Or you were betrayed," Ghost finishes for her. "By someone who knew your movements and connections."
She nods. "It's the only explanation that fits."
"And the watch?" Reaper asks. "Where is it now?"
I pull the case from my pocket and place it on the table. "Right here."
Reaper opens it, examines the watch briefly, then closes it again. "Looks like a normal smartwatch to me."
"That's what I thought too," Maddie admits. "But apparently it's worth a lot to someone."
"Or it was bait," Wilder suggests, speaking for the first time. "To lure you out."
The room falls silent as we all consider this possibility. If the watch itself wasn't the target, if Maddie was, then we're dealing with something much more complex than a theft gone wrong.
"Who would want to grab you badly enough to set up an elaborate sting?" Blade asks her directly. "You piss off someone powerful?"
"I've accumulated enemies," she acknowledges. "But no one who would go to these lengths. This was... personal. The man knew my full name. And they specifically mentioned James."
"And Dice," Ghost adds, giving me a pointed look. "He said they mentioned him too."
"Which means they've been watching her," Reaper concludes. "Possibly watching you as well, prospect."
The thought sends a chill down my spine. How long have we been under surveillance? Since Maddie arrived in Pine Haven? Earlier?
"We need to secure James," I say, the realization hitting me suddenly. "If they know about him, know he's getting out soon—"
"Already on it," Reaper interrupts, nodding to Ghost, who pulls out his phone and steps away to make a call. "We'll have someone watching the prison, make sure no one makes a move when he's released."
Relief floods through me. This is why I brought us here. The club takes care of its own.
"What about the men who tried to grab her?" Ace asks. "Dice put them down, but they're still out there. They could identify both of them."
"I don't think that's going to be a problem," Viper says, looking at his phone. "Police scanner's blowing up. Three men found at the abandoned gas station on Miller Road. All dead."
My blood runs cold. "Dead? That's impossible. I hurt them, yeah, but not fatally."
"Someone cleaned up loose ends," Reaper says grimly. "Whoever is behind this is thorough."
Maddie has gone pale beside me. "You're saying someone executed them after we left?"
"Looks that way," Viper confirms. "Execution style, according to the chatter. Single shots to the head."
The implications are staggering. These weren't just hired thugs. They were disposable assets in a larger operation. One that has resources, planning capabilities, and a frightening willingness to kill its own people.
"So, what now?" I ask, looking to Reaper. "What's our play?"
"First, we figure out what's so special about this watch." He slides the case toward Ace. "Then we put our ears to the ground, see what we can learn about who's behind this."
"And in the meantime?" Maddie asks, her voice neutral.
"In the meantime, you stay here. Under club protection. Both of you." Reaper answers.
"Both of us?" I repeat, surprised. "I can go back to my apartment—"
"No, you can't," Ghost cuts in, returning from his call. "If they've been watching you, your place isn't safe. Neither is anywhere else in Pine Haven."
