“Then we do it right,” Viper said.
“Together,” Titus agreed.
They regrouped at the SUV parked down the block, half-hidden beneath a line of bare trees.
Memphis leaned against the driver’s side, arms crossed, watching the street. Law stood near the rear, tablet tucked under one arm, eyes up.
Viper checked his weapon by feel, not looking at it. Magazine seated. Chamber clear. Muscle memory doing the work. “How are we planning to do this?”
Titus didn’t hesitate. “I’m knocking on the front door.”
Memphis let out a low sound. “Well. That’s one way to announce yourself.”
Law’s gaze sharpened. “You sure that’s smart?”
Titus met Viper’s eyes. “I know him.”
That stilled the space.
Viper studied him for a beat. “Define know.”
“Family acquaintance,” Titus said. “Friend of my parents. Dinners. Fundraisers. Vacations where nothing bad wassupposed to happen.” His jaw set. “He’s known me since I was a kid.”
Memphis straightened. “So, he’ll recognize you.”
“Yes.”
“And that helps us how?” Law asked.
“It gets me inside without alarms,” Titus said. “Without forcing anything. Without tipping him off that we’re onto him.”
Viper weighed the angles, eyes never leaving Titus. “And if he is dirty?”
“Then he won’t call the police,” Titus said. “He won’t run. He’ll try to control the situation.”
Memphis’s mouth tilted. “Because that’s what men like him do.”
“Exactly.”
Viper checked the street once more, then locked his gaze back on Titus.
“If he’s clean, we walk,” Titus said. “No blood. No mistakes.”
Law nodded slowly. “That tracks.”
“You ever drop by before?” Viper asked.
“Not since college,” Titus said, tucking his Ruger up under his shirt. “Before that? Often.”
Viper didn’t answer right away. He stepped closer, lowering his voice just enough to keep it private without excluding the others. “You’re not doing this alone.”
“I know,” Titus said.
Viper held his eyes a second longer, then stepped back. “Memphis, you’re overwatch. Law, you’re with me.”
Titus turned toward the house, already moving. “Give me ten minutes.”
Viper watched him go, tension tight but controlled.
