Ice forms in my veins as I process this information. For years, I’ve been the outsider in an organization I helped to build.
“When did this start?” I ask.
“After you brought in the Westcott acquisition. Jax said anyone who could orchestrate a hostile takeover that clean would eventually come for his position.”
I slam my fist into the wall, leaving a dent in the plaster.
Kevin flinches.
“I never wanted his fucking position,” I snarl. “Not once.”
The irony burns like acid. For years, I’ve declined opportunities to challenge Jax’s leadership. I built Reed Technologies specifically to have my own separate power base—not to threaten the Vipers hierarchy.
“You believe him?” Penn asks.
“Why wouldn’t I?” I pace the room, rage building with each step. “Jax took me in when I had nothing. Taught me everything about power, control, loyalty.”
Loyalty. The word tastes bitter now.
“I respected him,” I continue, my voice dropping to something dangerous. “When others questioned his methods, I defended him. When opportunities came to split the organization, I refused.”
Every decision I’ve made has been about strengthening our position, not undermining Jax. My work brought the Vipers into legitimate business spheres we would never have been able to access otherwise.
“And this is how he repays loyalty,” I say, gesturing to Kevin. “With paranoia and betrayal.”
Penn remains silent, watching me process this revelation. He knows me well enough to give me space.
“I built an empire that made us untouchable,” I say, my voice eerily calm. “And while I was doing that, he was plotting against me.”
I turn back to Kevin, who’s still sitting on the floor, wary of my next move.
“Jax’s paranoia will be his undoing,” I say. “He made an enemy where there was none. And now he has what he always feared—me, genuinely coming for him.”
I check my watch. Aurora has been missing for three hours and seventeen minutes.
“Where would he take them first?” I ask Kevin. “You may not know the exact location, but the type of property. What’s his pattern?”
Kevin’s eyes dart between Penn and me, desperation creeping across his face. Good. Fear makes men compliant.
“I’ll ask again,” I say. “Where would Jax take them first?”
When he hesitates, I calmly walk to the toolbox Penn brought in. I select a pair of pliers and test their grip.
“You have ten fingers, ten toes, and various other appendages,” I explain, approaching him. “I’ll remove them one by one until you give me useful information.”
Kevin’s face pales. “Wait—Jax usually starts at the riverside property. Old industrial building.”
I place the pliers against his pinky finger. “You’ve already listed that one. I need something you haven’t told me.”
“I swear, that’s his pattern! Start at the riverside, then move them within forty-eight hours.”
Penn watches silently as I press the pliers into Kevin’s flesh.
“Please,” Kevin whimpers. “I’m telling you everything I know.”
I release his finger and instead grab his hand, extending it with the palm down on the table. In one quick movement, I drive a knife through his hand, pinning it to the wood. His scream is satisfying.
“I don’t have time for half-truths,” I explain, watching blood pool around the blade. “Aurora has been missing for three hours and twenty-two minutes. Every minute you waste, I’ll add something new to your pain.”
