“Security,” he says. “Private.”
My shoulders go rigid. “Why?”
“Because they came to me,” he says, voice low. “And because they’re going after Dad.”
The world narrows.
Riley glances over at me, immediately reading the shift in my face.
“Dad’s dead,” I say automatically. It’s not a denial. It’s the truth I’ve lived with for years.
“That’s what we thought,” Nash replies. “But Maddox Security thinks… he might not be.”
My grip tightens on the phone. “Say that again. Maddox Security?”
“They’ve got intel,” Nash says. “Something old. Something that didn’t add up back then. They think he’s alive, Crewe. And in trouble.”
Every muscle in my body goes still.
Maddox Security. I’ve heard the name. Enough to know they don’t chase ghosts without reason.
“What are you talking about?” I ask, keeping my voice level because Riley’s watching and I won’t bleed this into her panic.
Nash exhales. “I’m saying… I’m in. They’re forming a team. They want me because of what I know, and because I’ve got a reason to care.”
I stare at the shattered lab and feel the ground tilt under my feet.
Because suddenly, everything feels connected in the way bad things connect—threads you don’t see until they tighten around your throat.
Riley’s program. The sabotage. The threats. A shadow organization. And now my brother telling me Dad might still be alive?
“Where are you?” I ask.
“Can’t say on an open line,” Nash replies. “But I needed you to know.”
I swallow, forcing air into my lungs. “We’ll talk when I get Riley secured back at the safe house.”
“Yeah?” Nash says, voice softer. “You staying with her?”
My eyes flick to Riley. She’s watching me carefully now, worry sharpening her features. She’s trying not to ask.
I lower my voice. “I’m keeping her alive.”
Nash huffs a quiet laugh. “That’s not what I asked, brother.”
“Later,” I say. “I’m serious. Later.”
“Fine,” Nash replies. “But, Crewe?”
“Yeah.”
“Be careful. If this is bigger than her lab… it’s bigger than you think.”
The line goes dead.
I stand there for a beat, phone still against my ear, jaw clenched.
Riley steps closer, her voice soft. “What happened?”
