Page 48 of Carnival Master

“Blackmail?” Nash’s lips curve into an appreciative smile.

“Better. Insurance.” I straighten up. “We leak just enough to make him nervous. Then I walk in alone, unarmed. Show him I’m not there for war.”

“He could just kill you,” Lars points out.

“He won’t. Because the moment anything happens to me, everything goes public. His empire crumbles.” I turn to Phoenix. “Set it up so if I don’t check in every hour, it drops automatically.”

“Already on it,” Phoenix’s fingers dance across the keyboard.

“Jimmy’s smart. He’ll see reason.” I roll my shoulders. “He loses his daughter but keeps his empire. Or he loses everything trying to keep her caged.”

“And our business with him?” Colt asks.

“We’ve got other clients in Dawbsury. And all over the fucking state and neighboring states. Jimmy may be big here, but we’ve got the Blackwood brothers, who are still our biggest clients..” I meet their gazes one by one. “This isn’t about business. It’s about Sofia.”

Lars nods. “No bloodshed. No war. Just leverage.”

“Exactly. Jimmy’s a businessman first. He’ll make the smart play.” I check my watch. “Phoenix, start the countdown. If I don’t make contact, I want those files ready to drop in two hours.”

“At least let us wait outside,” Nash says, his usualgrace replaced with tension. “You shouldn’t go in completely alone.”

I shake my head. “The whole point is to show Jimmy I’m not there for war.”

Colt steps closer, his muscled frame blocking my path. “Having backup doesn’t mean starting a war. It means making sure you walk out alive.”

“He’s right,” Nash adds. “We can stay in the shadows. Jimmy won’t even know we’re there unless things go south.”

I run a hand through my hair, knowing they have a point. The thought of Sofia keeps me focused, but they’re not wrong about needing a safety net. “Fine. But you stay completely out of sight.”

Phoenix’s chair scrapes against the floor as he stands, reaching into a drawer. “Here.” He pulls out several small earpieces. “Latest tech. Clear sound, encrypted channel. You’ll be able to hear everything happening inside, and Ty can signal if he needs help.”

I take one of the devices, studying the sleek design. “These are new.”

“Been working on them.” Phoenix hands the others to Nash and Colt. “Range is good for about half a mile.”

I slip the earpiece in, and the fit is perfect. “Testing.”

“Crystal clear,” Nash’s voice comes through the earpiece.

“Let’s move,” I grab my keys. “Time’s ticking on those files. And Lars, you step in for me tonight for the show, got it?”

Lars nods in reply. He’s the only one with the charmto pull it off. And he’s already filled in for me countless times.

We head out to my Mustang, the muscle car gleaming under the carnival lights. Nash and Colt slide into the back while I take the wheel. I can’t help but think how different this drive might be from the return journey.

I guide my Mustang through the quiet streets of Dawsbury, the engine’s purr matching my heartbeat. The further we get from the carnival’s neon glow, the more residential mansions appear. Jimmy’s neighborhood reeks of old money and power.

“There it is,” I murmur, spotting the wrought iron gates of Jimmy’s estate. I ease the car to a stop behind a row of trees about two hundred yards from the entrance.

Nash leans forward between the seats. “Those cameras sweep the perimeter every thirty seconds.”

“Guards change rotation every two hours,” Colt adds. “Phoenix sent the schedule to our phones.”

I kill the engine and turn to face them. “Stay in the car. I mean it.”

“Let us at least check the grounds,” Colt’s jaw sets stubbornly. “Find the weak spots in case you need backup.”

Nash nods. “We can stay invisible, map out entry points and blind spots in their security. Could make the difference if things go wrong in there.”

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