Keller nods, that scheming glint in his eyes sharpening. “Consider it handled. He won’t take a step without us knowing, between Wells and me.”
Keller might not have been our father's go-to for the day-to-day operations, but he was already watching, tracking the movements of everyone in our orbit. He knows Tripp’s contacts, his habits, and his weaknesses. If anyone can make sure we know Tripp’s movements offline, it’s Keller. He’s been three steps ahead of guys like him for years.
“We’re not losing ground on this. We’ve got a plan for tonight and for Tripp. We limit exposure until verification clears.”
They both nod, and as Rocco’s truck pulls into the lot, the weight settles heavy but certain on my shoulders.
I watch Vin and Keller walk off, their footsteps fadinginto the fog rolling in from the water. Once they’re gone, only the low rumble of the diesel engine fills the space, thick and insistent.
I take a breath and let it out slowly. My father’s death. Tripp’s possible betrayal. The shipment tonight. None of it is going to wait.
Rocco stays in his truck, phone to his ear, so I head for my car and slide into the driver’s seat. The leather is warm against my back, a stark contrast to the cold tension still sitting in my chest.
My hand goes to the ignition, but before I press the button to start the engine, my mind slips to her. Coco. There’s something about her that keeps her on the edge of my thoughts, even with everything else going on.
I pull out my phone and dial Gabe.
He answers on the first ring. “Yeah, boss.”
“Status?” I ask nonchalantly.
“Everything’s fine,” he says. “She’s locked in her room. Last I checked, about six minutes ago, she was sitting on the bed playing solitaire.”
“Good.”
“I brought her some cheese crackers when she asked. She’s quiet for the most part. Doesn’t talk unless being talked to.”
“That’s what I want to hear,” I say, maybe a bit too quickly. I clear my throat. “I’m going to be a little longer than I had planned. You good?”
“Not a problem,” Gabe replies without hesitation. He’s got it under control. Still, something keeps me on the line for an extra second, listening to the quiet before I finally hang up.
I can’t help but wonder why my mind keeps wandering back to the cabin. She’s fine, and I’m needed here.
SIX
Coco
Marie Laveau’s Legacy:Known as the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans, Marie Laveau’s influence remains strong, with visitors still leaving offerings at her tomb for blessings.
I tryto fall back asleep, but my body refuses.
I don’t know how much rest I managed before he came back in and secured the restraints again. The discomfort is constant, a low burn that makes it impossible to settle. If this keeps up, sleep will never come.
The smaller man, the one I heard the other call Gabe, checked my arm ties about an hour ago. He tightened them with quick, efficient movements, muttering an apology as he worked. Something about not wanting to doze off and risk me slipping free.
As if that should make any of this easier to accept.
My hands are numb again, my fingers tingling where the circulation has been cut off. The rest of my body achesfrom being held in one position for too long. Every muscle craves rest I cannot give it.
My mind, on the other hand, will not slow down. It jumps from one question to the next, fear tangling with calculation, possibility stacking on top of possibility. There must be something I can do to get myself out of this situation.
I lie here staring into the dark, knowing there is no chance of sleep until I find some way to quiet it.
I hear the front door creak open, then click shut. Low voices follow, muffled and indistinct, travel up the hall and through the closed door from the other room. Baritones, controlled, careful.
I hold my breath and strain to catch a word, but it is useless. Whatever they are saying stays just out of reach, swallowed by the distance they had to travel to get to me.
The straps are tight enough to burn, digging into skin that is now raw and tender to the bone. The position forces my shoulders back against the mattress, tension radiating from my neck down my spine.
