“You don’t understand what you’re dealing with,” Masters whispered, fear evident in his voice.“These people...they’re beyond anything you can imagine.They have reach everywhere.”
“Then imagine what they’ll do when they discover you led us straight to their operation,” Axel suggested silkily.
“What do you mean?”He looked around frantically.“There’s no way you could’ve pinpointed their operation through—”
“Think again.”Rex’s smile was grim.“It’s amazing how many people are still ignorant of the digital footprint they leave behind every time they use the web.You all reacted to bait, Colin.One I planted to gain an advantage.I suggest you consider your options very carefully.Either you’re on the winning side from this point forward or...”
Masters looked from face to face, finding no sympathy.Finally, his shoulders slumped.“I only know the names of the secondary founders.The others...they operate in complete anonymity.”
“Start talking,” Rex commanded, pulling out his cell to record the rest of the interrogation.“And since I can see that my friend Max’s patience is running out, I suggest you don’t leave anything out.”
The lake’s dark waters lapped at the boat’s hull as Masters began to speak.His words carried the doom of sealed fates—both his own and those he was about to betray.
“Fuck me,” Dexter said as he named eight of the most prominent men in the country, including a police chief, a state senator, law enforcement directors, and fellow billionaires.
“So, are you trying to convince us that for a global syndicate the size of The Consortium, there are only nine founding members, including you?”Rex scoffed angrily.“In the position you’re in at the World Bank, I’d say you are one of their key founders, so let’s try again.Who are theprimaryfounders, Masters, not the twittering noise makers you just named, who fool themselves in believing they have the power.We want the real leaders at the top.”
Masters remained stubbornly silent, but fear was evident in his eyes.Max stepped forward with obvious menace radiating from his large frame.“Your demise can be pleasant and quiet, or loud enough to destroy everything you’ve built, including your family’s safety.”
“Give us what we need,” Camden added in a more measured and cajoling tone, “and I’ll personally ensure you and your family get into WITSEC.You’ll disappear so thoroughly, even The Consortium won’t find you.”
“WITSEC won’t save me from them,” Masters whispered hoarsely.“You don’t understand their footprint.”
“No one but the six of us will know where to find you, Masters,” Camden continued with steel in his gaze.“That’s a reach no criminal will ever breach.”
Max leaned in, his massive frame blocking out the moonlight.“What you don’t understand is that right now, we’re your only chance at survival.Those eight names you gave us?They’re middle management at best, and you know it.It’s there in your eyes.You know something they don’t.”Max smiled grimly as Masters flinched.“So, here’s what happens next.Either you give us everything, and I mean everything, or tomorrow’s headlines will detail the tragic boating accident that claimed the lives of a prominent banker and his entire family.”
“You wouldn’t—” Masters faltered.
“Try me,” Max’s voice carried the strength of countless operations where he’d made similar threats.“I’ve spent a big part of my life protecting people from bastards like The Consortium.I have no problem removing those who enable them.”
Camden stepped forward, his usual military bearing softened slightly.“Or you can make the smart play, Colin.Full witness protection—new identities, new lives, for all of you.Your kids can grow up without looking over their shoulders.But that only happens if what you give us is worth the resources we’ll expend protecting you.”
Sweat beaded on Masters’ forehead despite the cool night air.His hands fisted until his knuckles went white.
“They call themselves the Council of Nine,” he finally said, his voice barely audible over the lapping water.“Three from Asia, three from Europe, three from Canada and America.Each controlling different aspects of the operation.”
“Names,” Rex demanded.
“Viktor Petrov runs the European contingent.Old Russian money, but he’s based in Switzerland now.Then there’s...”He paused, swallowing hard.“Christ, they’ll kill me for this.”
“They have to find you first, and I promise you, they won’t,” Camden assured him.“Keep talking.”
As Masters continued to name names, connecting the dots between some of the world’s most powerful and criminal figures, Rex recorded everything.The scope of what they were uncovering grew with each revelation, painting a picture of corruption and influence that reached the highest levels of global finance, law enforcement, and politics.
“And Drake?”Rex interrupted suddenly, deciding to take a wild chance.“Where does Dominic Drake fit into all this?”
“How do you know about him?”Masters’ head snapped up, genuine surprise crossing his features.
“We’re resourceful.So?”
Masters sighed in defeat.“Drake’s Petrov’s protégé.He showed up in Switzerland about eighteen years ago and worked his way into the inner circle faster than anyone I’ve ever seen.He’s the one who...”He stopped abruptly, color draining from his face.
“He’s the one who what?”Rex pressed, a cold feeling settling in his gut.
“He’s the one who has been driving the global banking fraud and identified all five of you as potential threats if we embark on it.He warned that you had the skills and connections to unravel everything if you ever started pulling the right ropes.He’s been pushing and planning this project for years, waiting for the perfect moment to...”Masters trailed off, looking sick.
The six men exchanged dark looks as pieces started falling into place.Their old friend hadn’t just fallen in with the wrong crowd—he was the architect of their current nightmare.
