Page 65 of Carnival Master

I stride across the carnival grounds, nodding at Dukeas he tinkers with the Ferris wheel controls. The old-timer’s been with the carnival before me, and he still thinks we’re just a traveling show bringing joy to small towns. It’s better that way.

Performers practice their routines nearby—jugglers tossing pins in perfect arcs. They’re all good people, honest workers who’d be horrified to learn what really keeps this carnival running. Only Colt and Nash know the truth among the performers.

I spot Gage’s hulking form by the storage containers, his skull mask reflecting the morning sun. He acknowledges me with a slight nod as I approach.

“Start with the main unit,” I tell him, pulling out my keys. “Check every crate, every hidden panel. If Jimmy planted something, it’ll be well-hidden.”

Gage moves silently. His massive hands are surprisingly delicate as they probe for false bottoms or hollow spaces. I take the opposite end, checking behind the legitimate carnival supplies—cotton candy machines, spare parts, maintenance equipment—all the mundane items that make our cover so effective.

“Found something,” Gage’s deep voice breaks the silence. He holds up two bricks of cocaine, which he found behind an air vent.

“Motherfucker,” I mutter, taking them. “Keep searching. There’s probably more.”

Jimmy’s trying to make sure we can’t clear everything in time. Plant enough evidence in enough places, and even a thorough sweep might miss something. One missed brick is all it would take to give the cops evidence we sell and fucking destroy us.

I wipe sweat from my forehead as Gage continues our methodical search. The morning sun turns the storage container into an oven. Another brick appears wedged behind electrical cables—Jimmy’s men got creative with hiding spots.

“That’s number twelve,” I say, adding it to our growing pile.

I wave them over when Colt and Nash return from moving our main supply. “I need your help. Jimmy’s boys planted the product everywhere. Check anything that looks suspicious.”

Nash nods, his graceful movements belying his deadly nature. “Got it, boss.”

I spot Remy near the carnival gates. “Remy! Get over here. Need all hands on deck.”

Remy enters the unit when Cade’s voice cuts through the morning air. “What the fuck are you all doing?”

I turn to see him striding toward us, his face twisted in confusion as he takes in the scene—me, Gage, Nash, Colt, and Remy all huddled around an open storage container with bricks of cocaine in our hands.

“Shit,” I mutter.

No point lying now.

Cade’s eyes lock onto the drugs. “Since when do we move product?”

“Since always,” I admit, running a hand through my hair. “The carnival’s been a front for distribution.”

“And you didn’t think to tell me?” His fists clench at his sides. “I thought we were friends, Ty. Brothers even.But you’ve been running this operation right under my nose?”

“It was need-to-know,” I say, but the excuse sounds weak.

“Need to know?” Cade laughs, but there’s no humor in it. “I’ve had your back since day one. Kept every secret you’ve ever told me. And now I find out you’ve been running drugs this whole time?”

“He’s right,” Nash interjects. “Cade’s proven himself loyal.”

I let out a heavy sigh, meeting Cade’s furious gaze. “You’re right. I should have told you sooner. But this work requires a delicate touch, careful planning?—”

“Delicate?” Cade barks out a laugh, stepping right into my face. His breath hits my cheek as he jabs a finger into my chest. “This kind of fucking work is the kind that needs unhinged, for fuck’s sake. You need someone willing to get their hands dirty, someone who won’t hesitate when shit goes sideways.”

“That’s exactly why I kept you out of it,” I counter, holding my ground. “You’re a loaded gun, Cade. One wrong move in this business gets everyone killed.”

“Oh, and Mr. Careful over there isn’t dangerous?” He jerks his thumb toward Gage, who stands silently watching our confrontation. “The guy who wears a skull mask twenty-four-seven?”

“Gage follows orders,” I say firmly. “He thinks before he acts.”

“And I don’t?” Cade’s voice rises. “I’ve proven myself time and time again. I’ve cleaned up messes, kept secrets, done whatever needed doing.”

I run a hand through my hair. “Look, you’re right. I should have allowed you to prove yourself with this, too.”

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