Another folder.
PROJECT SILK — HUMAN TRAFFICKING COURIER
Another.
PROJECT WOLF — GAMING COMPANY EXPLOITING DATA MINORS
Knight’s arms drop from his chest.
Bingo.
I tap the top sheet. “These are predators who hide behind non-profits, charities, and corporate boards. You go after the scraps—the low-hanging fruit. Meanwhile, I’m tracking the ones who know how to erase their trails.”
His voice is gravel. “How did you get these?”
“Public record. Private servers. One secure Department of Justice database that definitely needs better encryption.”
His eyes widen. “You hacked the DOJ?”
“Relax. I didn’t break anything. I just borrowed information they weren’t using.”
Knight pinches the bridge of his nose, muttering something that sounds suspiciously likeI need holy water.
He takes the folder from my hand and starts flipping through, scanning the intel. A muscle jumps in his jaw. He realizes something.
My intel isn’t surface level.
It’smission-ready.
He closes the folder slowly. “You shouldn’t have access to any of this.”
“I do.”
“You shouldn’t be tracking criminals alone.”
“I’m not. I’m tracking criminalswith you.”
He looks up sharply.
I slide the USB drive across the table. The little bow bounces.
“What is that?” he asks.
“My application to the team.”
He stares at me like I handed him a time bomb. “We don’t take applications.”
“You do now.”
“No.” He shoves the drive back. “Absolutely not.”
I shove it right back. “Watch it.”
“I don’t work with civilians.”
“I’m not a civilian.”
“You’re not trained.”
