But the thought of one of the three—Ben, Reese, or Marcus—double-crossing him gnawed at his thoughts. He had to stay vigilant, keep his cards close, and ensure he wasn’t being played from any angle.

  27

  Jack navigated the Jeep through the winding forest road, the dense trees forming a dark canopy overhead. The headlights cut through the early morning fog that seemed to dance around them. He glanced over at Reese, who was scanning their surroundings. They had driven for miles, taking an extended route to ensure they weren’t followed.

  They barely spoke on the drive over. Jack had his concerns. Reese did as well. But they both wanted to give Ben the chance to convince them he was still on their side.

  As they approached the cabin, Jack slowed down and turned off the headlights. They coasted the final stretch in silence, the only sound the crunch of gravel under the tires. He parked the Jeep behind a thicket of trees, well out of sight from any potential onlookers. Not that he expected any out here.

  “Ready?” Jack asked.

  Reese nodded. “Let’s go.”

  They stepped out of the Jeep and made their way to the cabin. Jack was on high alert for any sign of trouble. The cabin was small and unassuming, almost blending into the surrounding forest. Jack knocked on the door in a specific pattern, and after a moment, it creaked open.

  Ben stood in the doorway, looking worn and haggard but very much alive. His face lit up with relief at the sight of them. “You made it.”

  Reese enveloped Ben in a tight hug. “I’m so glad you’re okay, Ben. The thought that something had happened to you…”

  Ben hugged her back. It seemed to drain him of his remaining energy.

  Jack closed the door behind them. He cast a quick glance around the room. The cabin was sparsely furnished, with only the essentials: a table, a few chairs, and a small cot in the corner. Maps and documents were spread out on the table, evidence of Ben’s continued efforts to piece together Hennessey’s network.

  “We don’t have much time.” Ben led them to the table. “I’ve gathered as much information as I could while staying under the radar.”

  “Tell us everything,” Jack said as he took a seat.

  “After the accident, I knew I couldn’t stay at the hospital,” Ben said. “Hennessey’s men were everywhere. I managed to slip away during the chaos and found a place to hide in the hospital. A quick change of clothes into scrubs, and I waltzed right out. I’ve been moving from place to place, trying to stay ahead of them, and got myself out here.”

  “I didn’t see another vehicle,” Jack said.

  Ben waved him off and took a deep breath. He winced before exhaling. “I’ve been gathering intel on Hennessey’s operations, trying to figure out his next move. We already know he’s planning something big, but this is something that could solidify his power and make him untouchable. We have to stop him before it’s too late.”

  Reese listened intently, her eyes filled with concern. “What’s his plan?”

  Ben spread out a map on the table, pointing to several marked locations. “Hennessey has been using the development project as a front for his real operations. He’s been laundering money through shell companies, using legitimate businesses to cover his tracks. He’s got connections in law enforcement, local government, even the state legislature. It’s a web of corruption that runs deep.”

  Jack leaned forward, studying the map. “And you think we can bring him down?”

  “We have to,” Ben said. “But we can’t do it alone. We need more evidence, more allies. I’ve identified key players in his network, people who can help us if we can convince them to turn against Hennessey.”

  Jack nodded. He already had one of them in Marcus, possibly.

  They combined their findings, using maps, documents, and notes to create a comprehensive picture of Hennessey’s operations. Jack pointed to a cluster of locations on the map.

  “These are all connected to the shell companies we’ve identified. They’re laundering money through fake construction projects, consulting firms, and other fronts.”

  Ben added his notes to the map. “Exactly. And here, these are the key businesses and people involved. We’ve got legitimate companies mixed in with Hennessey’s operations, making it harder to trace the illegal activities. Some of these folks are good people. I can vouch for them. I’m positive they believe things are on the up and up.”

  “And once they find out it’s not?” Jack said. “Will they side with us?”

  Ben shrugged. “Can only hope so.”

  Reese pointed to one of the documents. “Look at this. These politicians and officials are all linked to Hennessey’s front companies. He’s got influence in places we didn’t even realize.”

  They turned their attention to identifying the key players in the network. Ben pointed to a list of names. “These are the people we need to focus on. Corrupt officials, business associates, enforcers. They’re the ones keeping Hennessey’s operation running smoothly.”

  Reese nodded. “If we can take them down or turn them against Hennessey, we can start to dismantle his network from the inside.”

  Jack’s mind was already at work on how to approach each target. “We need to find their vulnerabilities. Everyone has a weakness we can exploit. It’s just a matter of figuring out what they are.”

  They discussed the vulnerabilities of these key players, brainstorming ways to gather more evidence or disrupt their operations. Some had financial weaknesses, others had personal secrets that could be used against them.

  Reese pointed to one name on the list. “This guy, Councilman Harris. He’s been involved in some shady deals, but he’s got a clean public image. If we can expose his corruption, I bet we can get him to flip. It would be a huge blow to Hennessey’s network.”

  Jack nodded. “Let’s start there. What do you know about him, Ben?”

  Ben sat back and smiled. “Practically raised the son of a bitch when I came back from New York. He was friends with my son. He was shady back then, too. I’ve always had my suspicions about him.”

  “What’s our best plan of attack?”

  “Head on, I’d say.” Ben placed his index finger on the map. “That’s his house. Reckon if we get there in the next hour, we can catch him.”

  “Let’s get moving then.” Jack felt his phone buzz against his thigh. He nodded at Reese. “Help him out.” Then he hurried outside. He pulled his phone out and looked at the screen.

  Marcus Wade.

  28

  The fog began to lift as the early morning sunlight filtered through the dense trees surrounding the cabin. The air was crisp, carrying the fresh scent of pine and damp earth. Taking a deep breath, he answered the call.

  “Noble.” Marcus’s voice came through the line, steady and serious. “I have something for you.”

  Jack decided to throw the Harris information out there. “So do I. What do you know about Councilman Harris?”

  Marcus didn’t even wait a beat. “Harris has been laundering money through a series of shell companies linked to Hennessey’s operations. We’ve got financial records, emails, and a few recordings that tie him directly to the network. But he’s slippery. He’s got a clean public image, so you need to corner him with irrefutable evidence.”

  “Got it. Any advice on how to handle him? And what can you send me that will shake him up?”

  “I do and will send it in a moment. Go in hard. He’ll deny everything at first, but once you start presenting the evidence, he’ll crack. Focus on the financial records and emails. They’re the strongest pieces of evidence we have. And be prepared for anything. He might try to run, or worse, he might get desperate.”

  Jack’s grip tightened on the phone. “Understood. We’re heading there now.”

  “One more thing,” Marcus added. “Keep an eye on Reese and Ben. Trust is in short supply right now, and we can’t afford any mistakes.”

  Of the three—Reese, Ben, and Marcus—Marcus was the one he trusted least. “I know. We’ll get it done.”

  Marcus ended the call without another word.

  Jack slipped the phone back into his pocket and turned to help Ben out of the cabin. Together, he and Reese got Ben in the Jeep and they set off.

  As they drove towards Councilman Harris’ house, the forest gave way to suburban streets. The houses here were larger than the ones closer to town. Each one was a testament to the wealth and influence of its occupants. Harris’ house was no exception—a sprawling two-story home with a well-maintained lawn and extra touches that spoke of affluence.

  Jack parked a few houses down, out of sight from Harris’ windows. They approached on foot. The lawns were wide and empty of trees and offered little cover. Jack felt the adrenaline coursing through his veins.

  “Ready?” Jack asked.

  “No better time than now,” Reese said.

  They walked up to the front door, their footsteps almost silent on the stone pathway. Jack knocked firmly, the sound echoing in the quiet morning. There was a long pause before they heard movement inside.

  The door opened to reveal Councilman Frank Harris. His expression shifted from curiosity to nervousness as he recognized Ben. Perhaps he had been expecting the paperboy or the milk man.

  “Ben, what’s going on?” he asked. His eyes darted between the trio.

  “We need to talk.” Jack pushed the door open farther and stepped inside.

  Harris tried to stop him but had no chance. “Talk about what?”

  “About your involvement with Hennessey.” Jack glanced around the foyer which led to a great room with a long island down the middle. Couches and TV on one side, kitchen on the other.

  Harris took a step back in an attempt to place himself between Jack and the rest of the house. His eyes roamed all around the room as if looking for an escape route. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Yeah, sure you don’t.” Jack nodded at Reese.

  Reese stepped forward. She held up a folder filled with documents. “We have evidence, Councilman. Financial records, emails, recordings. All linking you to Hennessey’s operations.”

  Harris’ face paled as he glanced at the folder. “This is ridiculous. You have no proof. I’m a respected member of this community.” He glared at Ben. “Ben, you know me. You know I would never do anything illegal. Tell these assholes you know that.”

  Ben shrugged as he walked past Harris. “You’ve always been a little shit, Frank.”

  Jack moved closer. “Respected or not, you’re involved. And it’s time you came clean.”

  Harris shook his head, his denial growing more desperate. “You’re making a mistake. I have nothing to do with this.”

  Reese opened the folder and began laying out the evidence on a nearby table. “We have detailed records of your financial transactions, emails discussing laundering money through shell companies.” She opened her phone and placed it in front of him. “And we even recordings of your conversations. There’s no point in denying it anymore.”

  Harris slumped in his chair as he saw the evidence. His hands trembled as he set them on the table. “This … this isn’t what it looks like.”

  Jack leaned in and stuck his finger in the guy’s face. “It’s exactly what it looks like. You were bought off. Made a deal with the devil good for as long as he has a use for you. Pretty soon, the only use he’ll have is to bury you. You’re going to cooperate with us, or we’ll make sure every detail of your involvement goes public. You’ll lose everything. This house. Your family. Your job. Your power. Everything you’ve worked for will be gone. How does that sit with you?”

  Harris said nothing.

  “You were raised better than this,” Ben said. “I don’t know where things went wrong with you. But this isn’t how you were taught to conduct yourself. Hell, I remember how excited you were for this position. How it was going to lead to better things for the town and for you. How you wanted to ride this into the state legislature, maybe even be governor one day. The hell happened, Frank?”

  “Once you get in with Hennessey,” Haris said. “There’s no getting out. It started small. A favor. He came to me, said he could help me out. It wasn’t anything big, but I was young and inexperienced in this position. I hadn’t learned the importance of patience, that sometimes you have to negotiate a little bit to get what you want. He promised he could get it done, and he did. Then I found out his help comes with strings. He does you a favor, you do one for him. And then he just starts butting in, taking over. Taking more and more from you. You try to get out, and you receive threats against your family. So, you do what he says. And once you start digging that well, it just goes deeper and deeper until it’s your body found in there.”

  “Is that what happened to Brenda?” Jack said.

  “Her conviction is what happened to her. She should’ve backed off. If she had, she’d be alive now.”

  “Who did it?”

  Harris shrugged. “I’m not privy to any of that information. Might as well assume any and all of them.” He buried his face in his hands. “I wish I never fell in with these people. I just couldn’t worm my way out.”

  “And I’m sure you got nothing for your trouble these past few years,” Jack said.

  Harris shook his head. “It’s not like that. Yeah, he pays me, but I can’t just walk away.” He looked across the room where family photos adorned the mantle. “I’ve got a family. He’d have no problem making sure they disappear. I mean, look at what happened in the hospital the other night.”

  “What do you know about that?” Jack asked.

  “Nothing, really. But it’s obvious. He disposed of Mark and probably would have done the same to Ben had he not disappeared in the chaos.”

  “How do you know about how it all went down?” Reese asked.

  Harris swallowed hard. He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could say anything, a gunshot rang out from outside the house, shattering the sliding glass door ten feet from them.

  Jack, Reese, and Ben dropped to the floor. Another shot rang out. Jack’s heart pounded. He crawled to the nearest window, pistol in hand, and peered out to see if he could spot the shooter. The sound of the gunshot echoed in his ears. Bushes set at the edge of the property rattled.

  “Everyone stay down. Find cover. I’m going out.”

  “Jack,” Reese said.

  “What?”

  “Look.”

  Jack turned his head and saw Harris on the floor, unmoving, in a puddle of his own blood.

  29

  Jack burst through the door and into the yard, his heart pounding as he spotted the shooter through the bushes sprinting away. The shooter glanced back, his face hidden by a mask. He picked up speed, darted around the side of the house and into the neighboring yard. Jack didn’t hesitate. He sprinted after him, his adrenaline pumping.

  The shooter moved quickly, weaving through backyards, dodging between trees, and leaping over low fences. Jack followed, his breath coming in sharp bursts as he pushed himself to keep up. He barely avoided tripping over a garden gnome. He vaulted over a wooden fence just in time to see the shooter disappear around the corner of another house.

  Jack’s legs burned with the effort, but he kept his eyes locked on his target. The chase took them through a narrow alley, where trash cans and discarded furniture created a minefield of obstacles. The shooter knocked over a stack of boxes, trying to slow Jack down, but he agilely navigated through the debris, never losing sight of the fleeing man.

  As they burst into the next yard, Jack saw the shooter head straight for a house. The guy threw open the back door and barged inside. Jack followed without a second thought. He slammed through the door and into the kitchen. A woman screamed and dropped a bowl of cereal as she saw the two men tear through her home.

  “Sorry!” Jack shouted as he raced through the kitchen, the living room, and up the stairs after the shooter. The homeowner’s confused shouts faded behind him as he focused on closing the distance between him and his target.

  The chase continued up and down narrow hallways, through bedrooms and bathrooms, the two men barely avoiding crashing into walls and furniture. Jack could hear the panicked breathing of the shooter just ahead, and he pushed himself harder, determined to close the gap.

  As they rounded a corner, Jack briefly lost sight of the guy. He heard a crash from the next room and charged forward, but as he entered, he saw no one. He paused, scanned the room, his senses on high alert. That’s when he felt a sharp pain explode at the back of his head. The shooter had been waiting behind the door and had swung a heavy lamp with all his might.

  Jack stumbled forward, his vision blurred from the impact. He barely managed to catch himself on the edge of a dresser. He fought against the black edges surrounding his vision. His mind reeled. The shooter bolted from his hiding spot, throwing a shoulder into Jack and then heading for the stairs. Jack shook his head, trying to clear the stars from his eyes, and forced himself to give chase once more.

  The shooter’s attempt to delay Jack had bought him precious seconds. Blood trickled down the back of Jack’s neck, but he ignored it. The adrenaline pushed him forward. He burst out of the room, taking the stairs two at a time, and followed the shooter through the kitchen. The woman was on the phone and yelled at them that she was calling the police. Jack ignored her and ran out the back door.

  He had regained his footing. They raced across the yard, and Jack saw the shooter head straight for a neighboring house. Without hesitation, the shooter kicked open the back door and barged inside, startling the family within. Jack was hot on his heels, apologizing quickly to the bewildered homeowners as he barreled through the kitchen and living room.

  The chase took them up and down more narrow hallways, through bedrooms and bathrooms, the two men barely avoiding crashing into walls and furniture. The shooter threw obstacles in his path—chairs, lamps, anything he could get his hands on—but Jack navigated through the chaos.