"Since shortly after Papa died. JJ reached out through mutual contacts, asked if I'd be willing to help with a humanitarian operation that required discretion. I said yes, and it grew from there." She refills her coffee with studied casualness. "You're not the only Pascal who wanted to make a difference. I just found a different way to do it."
"JJ knows?" I ask, remembering mentions of Fitz's wife in conversations with Remy.
"JJ and I have worked together on dozens of operations. She runs her Orpheus network coordinating trafficking rescues across Europe and Africa, and I provide the logistics infrastructure that makes those rescues possible." Margot straightens. "We're very good at what we do. Those girls who made it to safe houses, who got new documentation, who disappeared before their traffickers could find them again—that was our work. JJ's courage and my logistics, keeping people alive."
"Then Rapier Strategic has its logistics coordinator," Luc says, decisiveness in every word. "Margot handles supply chains, documentation, transportation coordination. I handle client acquisition, financial systems, legal infrastructure. Remy runs tactical operations. Isabella provides consulting on chemical threats and maintains academic cover."
"A family business," I say softly.
"The Pascal way," Margot confirms. "We've always been better together than apart. Maybe it's time we actually acted like it."
Remy's hand finds mine under the table, thumb brushing across my knuckles. Claiming the connection. Making it real.
"Then let's prove the model works," he says. "We need a test run. Something moderate-stakes that demonstrates we can deliver results without complications."
"I might have something," Margot says, surprising all of us. She pulls out her phone, scrolls through messages. "One of my restaurant suppliers has been having problems with shipment theft. High-end ingredients disappearing from their warehouse, security footage mysteriously corrupted, local police investigation going nowhere."
"Organized theft," Luc says immediately. "Professional crew, probably inside help."
"They asked if I knew anyone who could handle it discreetly." Margot looks at Remy. "Corporate investigation, potential surveillance work, maybe some strategic pressure on the right people to make the theft stop. Exactly the kind of assignment that would test your operational model."
Remy and Luc exchange glances, some wordless communication passing between brothers.
"Timeline?" Remy asks.
"They want it handled soon. They're losing thousands per month in stolen inventory."
"Payment?"
Margot names a figure that makes my eyebrows rise.
"For a theft investigation?" I ask.
"For discretion and results," Margot corrects. "They can't afford to have this become public knowledge. Bad for business if their clients think their supply chain is compromised. They need this handled quietly, professionally, and permanently."
Remy's already running scenarios, tactical assessment playing across his features. "What are they losing?"
"High-end proteins mostly. Wagyu beef, premium seafood, specialty game. Things with significant black-market value in restaurant circles." Margot pulls up her supplier's inventory on her phone. "Also wine. Cases of expensive vintages that should be in climate-controlled storage."
"Inside job," Luc says, no question in his voice. "Someone with access to inventory systems and security protocols. They know what's valuable, when it arrives, and how to bypass surveillance."
"We'll need surveillance equipment," Remy says, tactical mind already building the operation. "Background checks on warehouse personnel, analysis of shipment schedules and theft patterns, coordination with local law enforcement if we need official backing."
"I can handle equipment acquisition," Luc says. "I've got contacts who provide that kind of gear without asking questions."
"And I can provide the supplier's complete personnel files," Margot adds. "They've already authorized background checks for anyone I recommend."
The planning continues through the afternoon. Luc pulls up background information on the supplier, analyzing data with the same precision Remy applies to demolitions. Margot coordinates logistics, arranging surveillance equipment andsecure communications through contacts she's used for her Cerberus work. I listen, learning how this world operates now that Rotterdam's immediate crisis is behind us.
"The Wagyu and game can be moved quickly," Margot says, studying the stolen inventory list. "Standard restaurant supply chain stuff. But the premium seafood? That requires specific temperature control during transport. They'd need refrigerated trucks, proper storage at the destination. Limits who can receive it."
"High-end restaurants or distributors with the right infrastructure," Luc says, making notes. "Someone in the supply chain with access to that kind of equipment."
"Someone our supplier probably does business with," Remy adds. "Competitor trying to undercut their market position."
Margot nods. "I can pull client lists from the supplier, cross-reference with restaurants that have the capacity to receive stolen goods. That'll narrow our suspect pool significantly."
The pieces fall together with satisfying precision. This is what we're good at: analysis, planning, execution. Building something instead of just destroying targets.
