Page 64 of Carnival Master

For now, we’re caught in this perfect, passionate moment, our bodies still buzzing with the aftermath of pleasure. And tomorrow? Well, we’ll face the complexities of our situation then. But for tonight, we’re simply Tyson and Sofia, two people deeply in love, and that’s all that matters.

31

TYSON

Ipace Phoenix’s trailer, scanning his latest security report. The mounting pressure from Jimmy shows in every line. Three more suppliers canceled contracts this morning alone.

“He’s getting creative,” Phoenix mutters from behind his wall of screens. “Had to fight off another breach attempt last night. These hackers he hired are good.”

I rub my temples. “How’s our digital fortress holding up?”

Tilly clears her throat. “So far, we’re secure, but they’re probing constantly. One slip from me and Phoenix, and they could get in.”

A crash outside draws my attention. I see one of our newly installed lighting rigs lying in pieces through the window—the fourth “accident” this week.

“Another coincidence, I’m sure,” I growl.

Lars bursts in, waving a stack of citations. “Healthinspector’s back. Says our food storage temperatures are off by half a degree. Threatening to shut us down.”

“Jimmy’s flexing,” I say. “Want to show us he can make life difficult without breaking our agreement.”

“The suppliers are killing us, though,” Lars continues. “Can’t feed crowds without food vendors. He’s trying to strangle us slowly.”

I nod. “Keep working alternate supply chains. And Phoenix—double the security protocols. No chances.”

“Already on it. But boss, this is getting expensive. All these workarounds, new security, repairs...”

“I know.” I stare at the shattered light fixture. Jimmy’s playing a smart game. Death by a thousand cuts rather than open warfare. But I won’t let him win. Not when Sofia’s finally free.

A message flashes on Phoenix’s screen—another attempted breach. “Tilly, they’re trying again. Help me fight it.” His fingers fly across the keyboard, reinforcing our digital walls. While Tilly helps him. Without Tilly, I’m not sure Phoenix could have held up the cyber security alone.

The carnival has survived worse. We’ll weather this storm, too, no matter what Jimmy throws at us. I just have to stay one step ahead.

I lean against my desk, the weight of Jimmy’s constant attacks bearing down on me.

“We can’t keep playing defense,” Lars says, pacing the trailer. “Every time we patch one hole, he finds another. We need to hit back, show him we’re not just going to roll over.”

I’m about to respond when Phoenix clears histhroat, his eyes fixed on one of his monitors. “We’ve got a problem.” He swivels his chair to face us. “I’ve been monitoring Jimmy’s communications. He’s told the cops about our operation. There’s a drug bust planned for tonight.”

“Fuck.” I slam my fist on the desk. All these little attacks were a distraction, keeping us scrambling while he set up the real blow.

Lars waves his hand. “So they know. Big deal. We’ll clear everything out before they arrive.

“Yes, move the product to the backup location.”

“Already messaging the crew,” Phoenix says, fingers dancing across his keyboard. “Nash and Colt can handle the transfer. We’ll be clean by midday.”

I nod, but something doesn’t sit right. Jimmy wouldn’t play this card unless he was certain it would work. He’s too smart for a simple drug bust that we could dodge.

“Have someone sweep every inch of storage,” I tell Lars. “Check for planted evidence. Jimmy might try to leave us a surprise.”

Lars pulls out his phone and starts texting. “I’ll get Gage on it. We’ll make sure there’s nothing for the cops to find.”

I snatch my jacket, making my way to the door. “I’ll help Gage sweep storage. Four eyes are better than two.”

Lars raises an eyebrow. “You sure? Usually, you delegate the grunt work.”

“We can’t risk missing anything. There’s too much at stake.”

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