"Substantial," Ghost answers. "Minimum two weeks of surveillance, coordinated team of twelve brothers, potential conflict with Canadian territorial interests. Financial commitment approximately three hundred thousand plus Griffin's extraction cost if we accept his terms."
Murmurs ripple through the assembly as members calculate the implications. The club has resources to support such an operation, but not without significant commitment that would limit other activities for months.
"And Griffin's deal?" another brother questions. "We're really considering helping a Reaper escape justice?"
"Information broker, not ally," I clarify. "His intelligence potentially saves lives, disrupts international trafficking. The moral compromise is significant but pragmatically justified if his information proves as valuable as initial verification suggests."
Debate erupts, perspectives divided between those focused on immediate club interests versus broader justice considerations. Some argue for securing our current victory without additional risk. Others advocate for the expanded operation despite the costs. Positions don't fall along predictable lines—longtime members and newer patches found on both sides of the debate.
"What about witness security?" Zip asks, voicing concern shared by many. "Griffin claims they're specifically targeting our people."
"Security protocols are being enhanced regardless of our decision," I confirm. "But Griffin's intelligence suggests the network has resources that make conventional protection potentially inadequate long-term. Best security comes from dismantling their operational capacity directly."
"And if we fail?" The question comes from a veteran member whose caution has saved the club from overreach in past conflicts. "International operation against an organization with these resources—if we don't succeed completely, we expose ourselves to retaliation beyond anything we've faced."
The concern is legitimate and reflects my own calculations during sleepless nights since Griffin's revelations. Half-measures against an organization of this sophistication could prove worse than no action at all.
"That's why this requires full commitment or none," I acknowledge. "There's no middle ground with an enemy of this caliber."
Vulture, who has remained silent throughout the debate, finally speaks. "This decision affects every member, every family connected to this club. The risk is substantial. The potential impact is significant. Before we vote, I want to hear from our VP, whose investigation brought us to this point."
All eyes turn to me, the weight of the club's future resting partially on my assessment. I take a moment to organize my thoughts, drawing on everything we've learned through months of conflict with Hargrove's operation.
"When we began this fight," I start carefully, "it was personal. Cara's rescue, her captivity, the connection to Kane and debts from the past. We pursued justice for specific wrongs against people connected to our club."
Nods of agreement ripple through the assembly.
"What we discovered was larger than personal vendettas. A systematic evil that destroys lives far beyond our immediate circle. Women like Sophia, murdered for daring to testify. Like Miranda, targeted for elimination even now. Like dozens of others we've rescued who represent hundreds still captive."
I pause, making eye contact with brothers around the table.
"The evidence suggests that taking down Hargrove's operation, while satisfying and justified, leaves the system intact. New managers replace those we've removed. New victims replace those we've rescued. The machine continues with different operators but identical function."
The room remains silent, brothers listening with full attention.
"I believe we have responsibility proportional to our knowledge," I continue. "Knowing what we now know about the scope of this operation, limiting our response to local justice feels inadequate. Not just morally, but strategically. An enemy of this sophistication won't simply accept partial defeat and leave us in peace."
"So you're advocating for the Vancouver operation," Vulture clarifies.
"I'm advocating for the approach that disrupts the entire system, not just its local manifestation," I confirm. "With full recognition of the risks and costs such commitment entails."
Vulture nods, then addresses the assembly. "You've heard the options. The evidence. The assessment. This vote requires two-thirds majority given the resources involved." He looks around the chapel, meeting each brother's gaze. "Show of hands for continuing current approach, focusing on Hargrove conviction without expanding to international operation."
Hands rise throughout the room—approximately one-third of members, by my quick count. Those preferring the conservative approach, securing the victory at hand rather than pursuing uncertain expansion.
"Show of hands for expanded operation targeting Vancouver hub based on Griffin's intelligence."
More hands rise—a narrow but clear majority.
"The vote carries for expanded operation," Vulture announces. "Preparations begin immediately. Griffin's deal is authorized conditionally based on the operational value of his intelligence." He pauses, looking around the room with the gravity the decision deserves. "This club was founded on the principle that we stand against evils others ignore. Today we honor that legacy, regardless of cost."
With the decision made, the meeting shifts to operational planning—teams assigned, resources allocated, intelligence analyzed. Throughout the discussion, I feel the weight of responsibility settling across my shoulders. The club has chosen the more difficult, more dangerous path based partially on my recommendation.
If we succeed, dozens of trafficking operations could be disrupted, hundreds of women potentially freed from captivity. If we fail, the club faces retaliation from an international criminal network with resources and reach far beyond our previous enemies.
As the meeting concludes, Vulture pulls me aside. "You're leading the Vancouver operation," he says without preamble. "Your investigation, your mission."
I nod, accepting the assignment as a natural continuation of my role throughout this conflict. "Ghost and Ice Pick for tactical and intelligence support?"
