“But not yet...”he whispered, savoring each word like fine poison.“First, we let them feel safe in their little paradise.Let them believe their power is absolute and their kingdom unassailable.Once they believe the threat is gone...I’ll strike.”His eyes glittered with malevolent anticipation.“After all, destruction tastes sweetest when it shatters the illusion of invincibility.”
The laugh that echoed across the moonlit gardens was devoid of humanity.It was a sound that would have chilled the blood of those who truly knew what Master DD had become.It carried promises of calculated cruelty, meticulously planned ruination, and a darkness so complete, it would leave nothing but hollow shells where five mighty men once stood.
“Sleep well, old friends,” he murmured, raising his glass in a mock toast.“Your time of reckoning approaches, and when it comes...”His voice dropped to a whisper that seemed to make the very air shiver.“I will ensure your fall is as spectacular as it is absolute.”
Chapter Fourteen
Rex
Four days later...CyberCo Tech Enterprises, The Oliver Tech & Energy Centre, New Orleans...
“Morning, Colonel,” Rex said as he shook the large man’s hand.“Thank you for making the trip out here.”
“You’re not in my regiment, Rex, so drop the colonel.My name’s Camden.It’s a pleasure meeting with you, and besides, I didn’t have to make the trip.I was already here since I didn’t go back home after the opening of your club.”
Rex gestured to the informal seating area in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows.“I took the liberty of ordering lunch from my favorite restaurant.It should arrive momentarily.”
“Good, I am feeling rather thin.”He settled on the sofa and stretched out his long legs.“We never had the opportunity to discuss your problem over the weekend.Max is alarmed over your safety, and since I always trust his instincts, I suspect it’s serious, so let’s have it.”
“Before we start...”Rex settled into the chair opposite Camden, his fingers drumming briefly on the armrest.“How much has Max filled you in on?”
“Just that someone’s trying to breach your banking software.And that they know things they shouldn’t.”Camden’s eyes narrowed.“Intimate details about all of you.”
The arrival of lunch interrupted them.The aroma of pan-seared salmon with roasted asparagus and fingerling potatoes filled the room.Along with it was a pitcher of blood orange sangria.As Vee arranged the plates, Camden inhaled appreciatively.
“This looks exceptional.”He sampled the salmon, eyebrows rising.“And tastes even better.Where’s this from?”
“Le Petit Jardin,” Vee replied, pouring them each a glass of sangria.
Rex smiled.“Chef Marcel is my go-to for business lunches.He makes this maple-bourbon glaze that’s impossible to replicate.”
“I’ll need the address before I leave.”Camden took another bite.“This could convince me to extend my future stays in New Orleans.”
Rex nodded.He watched Vee leave.As the door closed behind her, his expression grew serious as they returned to the matter at hand.
“The Consortium.I’m sure you’ve heard of them.They’re a well-known white-collar crime syndicate that’s been making waves for the past decade.They’ve been sending me threats for months now, demanding access into QuantumSecure.”
