Page 70 of Carnival Master

I pause, keeping the pliers in place. “Start with the first meeting. When did Jimmy approach you?”

Blood continues dripping from his mangled fingers as Duke starts spilling his guts. Three nails was all it took to break him. Amateur.

“Three days ago,” Duke gasps, his fingers twitching. “Jimmy came to my trailer after hours. Said he knew about the drugs, knew you were making millions while keeping me in the dark.”

I twist the pliers, drawing another whimper. “And?”

“He offered me a cut. If I helped frame you, he’d let me take over the carnival.” Duke’s words tumble out between ragged breaths. “Wanted me to show his men the best places to plant evidence.”

Lars steps forward. “What exactly did you tell them about our route?”

“Everything.” Duke’s head hangs low. “Where we’re headed next—Burlington, then Cedar Rapids. Showed them the maintenance schedules, when security would be lightest.”

“The bricks?” I press.

“Jimmy’s men brought them last night, as you saw on the feeds. I showed them the best places to hide them in the main storage unit.” His voice cracks. “They said the cops would find them during inspection tonight.”

Cade snarls from behind me. “You fucking piece of?—”

“Quiet,” I snap, keeping my eyes on Duke. “What else?”

“That’s all, I swear.” Blood drips steadily from his exposed nail beds. “Just the routes and helping plant the drugs. Jimmy said that would be enough to take you down.”

I share a look with Lars. We’ve already seen the security footage confirming Duke’s story of him leading Jimmy’s men through our grounds and accepting an envelope that could only be payment last night.

“Please,” Duke whispers. “That’s everything I know. I told you everything.”

I set down the pliers. His confession matches what Phoenix caught on camera. There’s no point in dragging this out further. We have what we need, and it won’t be long until the cops return to the carnival.

The men stand silently.

“Who wants the privilege of ending him?” I ask, meeting each of their eyes in turn.

Cade shifts forward, a sinister grin on his face. “I do.”

I smirk, unsurprised. Cade’s always been the most unhinged among us—a primal force yearning for release.

“Go on, then. Make it quick.” I reach into my toolbox and pull out a hunting knife, handing it to Cade by the blade. “Do it right.”

Cade’s eyes light up as he takes the knife, his fingers wrapping around the handle. Without hesitation, hesteps forward and slashes Duke’s throat in a swift, brutal move that sends blood spurting across the floor.

Duke’s body jerks, his eyes wide. A gurgling sound escapes his throat as his life spills into a red geyser. He twitches once, twice, then goes still.

As his life slips away, silence descends on the storage unit. The only sound is the soft patter of blood dripping from the body onto the concrete floor. I eye each of my men, judging their reactions.

Cade’s eyes glint with sadistic satisfaction.

Lars is unreadable, his face a carefully neutral mask. He’s seen enough death to know the importance of staying steady.

Gage remains silent, his features hidden behind his skull mask. Only his eyes are visible, icy pools that give nothing away.

Remy’s breath quickens. Nash’s jaw is set with determination as he watches the light fade from Duke’s eyes with a dark glint in his own.

Colt shifts, his fingers curling into fists, but he holds his ground. He knows the price of weakness, of showing hesitation.

I nod with satisfaction. “Well done.” I turn to Lars. “Clean this up, boys, and get rid of the body. I’ll take care of the carnival.”

Lars nods, already reaching for the duffel bag. We’ve dealt with enough bodies that the process is routine now.

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