Page 139 of Magic or Madness

An idea forms, but I know everyone will push back on it. It’s the reason why Max left, and we tried so hard to keep things under wraps.

In our world, murdering your leader is a huge risk, especially if the circle is so tight that there are never any rumors as to why. That’s what happened when Max called a mutiny on Doc, and why it had to stay hidden. We’d never be respected again, but that’s a risk I’m willing to take.

That day is one I’ve wished a million times that I could forget, but today, I’m grateful that I have every detail memorized.

It has to be the perfect execution, and I need the group majority before I can put a plan in motion. We won’t tolerate blackmail, and we’re getting Fallon back.

Once Max is showered, and Oliver is back from bringing the girls breakfast, I sit everyone down and update them on the latest.

“We can either go public or let this be used against us, held at someone else’s mercy for who knows how long. I say, we follow this plan, and slowly let the news of Doc hit the streets. Who is against it?” I ask, my plans written out on the infamous whiteboard.

Everyone is silent, and I didn’t expect full cooperation without a little pushback.

“I’m doing whatever you want, Ozzy. Anything to get Fallon, and our lives back,” Oliver interjects, and all the guys nod along with his words, Max included.

“Do it. I can’t live with this over my head anymore,” Max says, and I know exactly how he feels.

It’s settled, Doc is officially dead. The least important part of this plan, but the biggest obstacle.

“As for the money, who’s willing to take a ride?”

Immediately, Max volunteers, with Journey calling shotgun. I didn’t expect Max’s full allegiance, but maybe this is his way of making amends, for everything.

“Go, and get it all. It doesn’t do us any good in a storage unit,” I order, and they both hustle, grabbing their essentials and heading toward the door.

Within an hour, everything is in motion, with the option of working with this client still up for negotiation. That, I keep to myself, saving it for when I see him in person.

“This is good, Oz. She’s coming home.” Oliver slaps my shoulder, but I shake my head, not even close to convinced that this is going to work.

“The parts are in motion, but I’m not handing anything over until there’s proof of life,” I say softly, and the room goes silent, my voice cracking as the words escape my lips.

Proof of life.

I can’t move forward, hand anything over, or blow up our lives until I know she’s alive. That’s the hardest part about this. I don’t know if she’s okay, and although I’ve tried to keep focused on getting her back, pushing the endless possibilities out of my mind, I can’t help but wonder what’s happening to her.

Lex types away on his laptop, drafting a reply I assume, and when he swings the screen in my direction I read it over carefully.

He kept it simple, demanding a one-minute phone call with Fallon, setting a deadline for four hours from now.

This is a negotiation, and the first one to agree to terms – loses.

He’ll counter and probably argue for less time to avoid any interference or call tracing, but we’ll accept that. I’m letting him think he has the power before we blindside him with the information leaking about Doc’s death.

It’s a big risk, but one I have to take to fight for our freedom, and my girl. Everything is in place, the dominos slowly cascading in a line, toppling one after another, and when the client least expects it, every piece of leverage he has over us will be gone, rendering him powerless. The clock startsnow.

Twelve hours until the final piece is in place.

“You’re doing the right thing. It’s time to come clean.” Oliver pulls me out of my thoughts, his presence bringing a sense of calm over me.

“I fucking hope so. If not … it means nothing without her.”

His hand rests on my shoulder, and he offers me a cigarette, something I rarely partake in, but I could really use an outlet right now.

“Let’s go outside, get some air,” he suggests, holding his hand toward the door.

I look back at Lex, and he waves me on, his way of letting me know he’s on it all.

The sun is blinding, and I can’t help but let my mind wander.

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