Page 53 of Final Sins

She rolled her eyes. “Cute. No, I’m going to show you how to access secure databases without leaving a trace. Pay attention, this could save your life someday.”

As she delved into the intricacies of digital infiltration, Jason found himself genuinely impressed. Her fingers flew across the screen, explaining complex concepts in ways that even his tech-challenged brain could grasp. Though quickly his mind filled up. The steps started to blend together. Not that he’d admit it.

Luckily, Mason texted.

Strategy session in the main house. Now.

“The team’s up and ready to roll,” he told her, leading her toward the house.

As the group settled into the ranch house’s cozy living room, the atmosphere shifted from playful to focused. Tai leaned against the fireplace, watching his friends interact. The scent ofcoffee mingled with the faint aroma of pine from the crackling fire.

“Alright, folks,” he began, “we need a solid plan to take down Seven-Five. Any thoughts on our next move?”

Jason sank down in the closest chair, totally tapped out. They’d been up against this group for years now, ever since its first incarnation as the Consortium. The never-ending whack-a-mole was getting seriously stale.

Tai rubbed the back of his neck. “Going after another low-level player is too risky. We need to aim higher.”

“What about Gravy’s father?” Fenn suggested. “The general might be our ticket to unraveling this whole mess.”

Kate frowned, her fingers drumming against her thigh. “That could take too long. Whether he disappeared on his own, or Seven-Five grabbed him, we’ll be lucky to get a bead on him quickly. Assuming he’s even still alive.”

Jason nodded, trying to ignore the dull ache in his side. “Agreed. We need a more immediate target. Someone we can squeeze for serious intel. Someone the organization might even want back.”

“I’ve got something,” Cody called from his position at the computer. With a few swift keystrokes, the wall-mounted monitors flickered to life.

Three faces appeared on the screens, each exuding a chilling sense of wealth and arrogance. Or maybe that was just his take.

“Meet our potential targets,” Cody announced. “All former higher-ups in the Consortium who’ve managed to hold onto their positions during the transition to Seven-Five.”

Jason stepped closer, examining each face in turn. Cody would know. He’d spent years trapped into working as a Consortium operative. He’d managed to work as an effective undercover agent, sending out valuable intel on the organization, until he was able to break free a few months ago.

“First up, Yuki Tanaka,” Cody began. “Japanese tech mogul, rumored to be a significant Seven-Five’s financial backer. Currently in Tokyo.”

Jason’s gaze shifted to the next image. “And this sketchy dude?”

“Aleksandr Volkov. Russian oil tycoon with ties to several government officials. Last known location: Moscow.”

“Not exactly in our backyard,” Jason muttered. “Who’s our third option?”

Paige took over, her lips curved into a small smile. “That would be Charles Ellison Winthrop III. Old money, new corruption. And currently ...”

“In San Francisco,” Alex finished, her eyes lighting up with recognition.

The entire room stared at her. Jason, too. He couldn’t help it. “And you know this, how?”

She rolled her eyes. Hard. “Much as I hate to admit it. He’s my people.”

Jason’s jaw dropped. “You’rerelated?”

Paige snorted. “No. Duh. Alex means he’s high society. Right?” The pink highlights in her hair caught the light as she turned to Alex.

“Bingo.” Alex caught his eye. “I do venture out of the bat cave on occasion to keep up appearances. Which means I have to pretend I have some idea what other trust-fund baby socialites are up to.” Her sheepish grin could have melted butter. “The price of doing business.”

No doubt. He grinned back and scrutinized the doughy-faced rich dude. Adrenaline surged. “That’s doable. What’s his story?”

As Paige and Cody told them about Winthrop’s background, Jason found his attention split between the information andAlex’s reactions. She clearly had no idea Winthrop Three was involved with Seven-Five.

Why would she? She’d clearly crossed the organization’s path in her work, but they weren’t her focus. Her mind was clearly racing, connecting dots he couldn’t even see yet. It was ... impressive, if he was being honest.

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