Page 68 of Carnival Master

“Where are you taking me?” Duke’s voice breaks.

“Somewhere more appropriate.” I lead him across the grounds toward my Mustang. “Can’t have the office getting messy, can we?”

I shove Duke into my Mustang, his body folding into the leather seat like a broken puppet. Turning to Lars, I keep my voice low and controlled.

“Get the guys. Meet me at the storage unit where we moved the stash. Ensure they scan the bricks for any tracking devices or bugs. If they’re clean, bring them to the unit. If not, dump them in the river on the way. I want everyone to see what happens to rats in this family.”

Lars nods. Duke didn’t know about our drug business until Jimmy approached him, but that doesn’t excuse his betrayal.

“On it, boss.” Lars strides away.

Phoenix slides into the back seat of my Mustang, laptop balanced on his knees. His fingers fly across the keys as I start the engine.

“Message Tilly,” I tell him. “Have her monitor ourcyber security while you’re out. Can’t risk any more surprises today.”

Duke stares straight ahead as I pull away from the carnival grounds. We can’t deal with him here—not with the cops due within hours. But the storage unit will serve our purpose just fine. And there’s no way Duke could have told Jimmy about it, as he has no idea we have a storage unit nearby. We have units in every major town and city where we sell, just in case.

Phoenix’s typing provides a steady backdrop to Duke’s ragged breathing. The old man hasn’t said a word since I shoved him in the car, probably realizing that begging won’t save him now.

I grip the steering wheel tighter, focusing on the road ahead. The storage unit isn’t far—just enough distance to ensure no connection to the carnival when the cops arrive.

Pulling up at the unit, I put on gloves and throw a pair to Phoenix. Then, I drag Duke into the dimly lit storage unit, his feet stumbling as he tries to resist. With practiced efficiency, I loop some rope through the rafters and secure his arms above his head, leaving him dangling with his toes barely scraping the concrete floor.

“Please, Tyson. I made a mistake. I wasn’t thinking straight—” Duke’s voice cracks.

“Wasn’t thinking straight?” I tighten the knots. “You led Jimmy’s men right to us. Showed them every hiding spot and set us up to take the fall.”

“He promised me?—”

“What? The carnival?” I circle him slowly. “Thatwas your price? Getting me out of the way so you could finally run things?”

Tears stream down Duke’s weathered face. “You don’t understand. After all those years working alongside Gary, teaching me everything he knew... he just handed it all to you.”

I lean against a support beam, studying Duke’s tear-streaked face. “You want to know why Gary chose me? Because you didn’t have what it takes. Not for the show, and definitely not for the side business.”

“I ran this carnival while Gary was sick!” Duke struggles against his bonds.

“You maintained it. There’s a difference.” I push off from the beam. “Gary needed someone young, someone who could handle both sides of this operation. Someone with the darkness it takes to do what needs to be done.”

Duke’s face twists. “Darkness? Do you mean running drugs behind everyone’s backs? Taking huge paydays while keeping us in the dark?”

“That’s what this is really about, isn’t it?” I step closer. “Jimmy told you about the side hustle and the money I was making, and you got angry.”

“Damn right, I got angry!” Spittle flies from Duke’s mouth. “Twenty-seven years of loyalty, and you’re making millions while I fix rides for not much more than minimum wage?”

“And instead of coming to me, you went straight to Jimmy.” I shake my head. “Why didn’t you ask me about it, Duke? Why betray your family to an outsider?”

“Would you have told me the truth?” His voice cracks. “Would you have let me in?”

“We’ll never know now, will we?” I study his broken expression. “Because you chose Jimmy over family.”

Duke hangs his head, shoulders shaking. “I was angry. Felt like you’d betrayed me first.”

“The difference is, my secrets kept you safe. Your betrayal put us all at risk.”

The storage unit door creaks open, and my men file in individually. All of them are wearing gloves, too, as Lars knows the drill by now. Their faces are grim, and they understand the gravity of the situation. Lars shoulders a heavy bag, and so do Colt and Nash. “The bricks were clean?” I confirm.

Lars nods. “Yep, swept them all.”

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