Page 40 of The Payment

“Jesus Christ.”Nevil drained his glass.“We didn’t even know about this twist.Just how long have you been planning this?”

“Since the day I decided to use Tatiana eight years ago.”Jarek’s shoulders tensed.“I needed contingencies with multiple ways to destroy him, depending on how things played out.”

The fire’s warmth didn’t reach the cold fury in his chest.He had spent years building this trap, layer by layer, contact by contact.The Irish prison gangs alone had cost him millions in bribes and favors, but they would ensure Polov’s suffering lasted decades.

“The meeting will be set no later than three weeks from today.”Jarek returned to his desk and pulled up surveillance photos.“The cartel’s representative will insist on Polov’s presence.The deal’s too big for him to say no.Over fifty million in pure heroin.His ego won’t let him delegate.”

“And the FBI?”

“They’ve already been watching him.This digital trail will have their cyber division working overtime.”Jarek’s fingers traced the keyboard.“They’ll intercept communications about the meeting within the week.By the time Polov shows up, half of Atlanta’s FBI field office will be waiting.”

Nevil leaned forward.“What if he suspects a trap?”

“He won’t.”Jarek's voice hardened.“Because the cartel rep will be one of his most trusted allies.Someone who’s been feeding him intelligence for years.”He paused.“Someone who will soon work for me.”

The silence stretched between them.Through the underground office’s sophisticated ventilation system, they could hear the distant sound of waves hitting Castle Island’s shore.

“You’ve thought of everything.”Nevil shook his head.“Still doesn’t explain why you’re avoiding home.”

Jarek’s jaw clenched.The mention of home brought unwanted images—Tatiana embracing her mother with tears streaming down their faces, how her father’s hands had trembled as he touched her cheek.The raw emotion that had filled the room once again threatened to crack his carefully maintained control.

“I have work to do,” he said flatly, effectively ending the conversation.

Nevil stood, knowing better than to push.“Don’t bury yourself too deep, my friend.Some things can’t be solved from behind a desk.”

After Nevil left, Jarek stared at the monitors, but his focus had shattered.The real reason he didn’t go home had nothing to do with giving the newly reunited family privacy.It was the way Tatiana’s presence made him feel.Too vulnerable, exposed...and human.All the kind of emotions he had buried decades ago threatened to surface whenever she was near.

Jarek

Five a.m., a week later, Blockhouse warehouse, Long Wharf, Boston...

Sitting quietly at a steel desk among stacks of shipping containers, Jarek waited in the darkness with his team.The musty scent of salt water mixed with diesel fumes hung thick in the air.

In his usual forceful manner, Jorge Martinez stormed through the door, flanked by four armed men whose hands never strayed far from their weapons.His expensive suit couldn’t hide his cartel background, especially not bedecked with gold chains, a flashy watch, and moving like a street fighter dressed up for church.

“You better have a good reason for this midnight meeting, Dark One.”Martinez’s accent cut through the silence.He blinked as the lights went on.His eyes glimmered as they found Jarek sitting at a desk in front of the window.“I don’t appreciate being summoned like some fucking errand boy.”

“And you seem to forget who you’re talking to.”Jarek’s voice sounded grating and ominous, courtesy of the voice changer unit connected to the prosthetic mask covering his face.The usual sixty-year-old man with silver hair stared the syndicate leader down until he lowered his eyes.

Declan’s hand twitched toward his holster as their men spread out, covering the exits while the trusted enforcer, LuckyDead-EyeHolden, remained a silent shadow behind Jarek.

“Take a seat.”Jarek’s voice carried the strength of a man used to being in charge.When Martinez remained standing, his eyes turned glacial.“I said sit.”

Martinez’s jaw clenched, but he dropped into the chair.His men shifted uneasily at his compliance.

“You’ve been moving products through the U.S.at the peril of the business I prefer to run in this territory.”Jarek leaned forward.“That ends now.”

Martinez barked out a laugh.“You think you can dictate terms to me?Do you know who I represent?”

“I know exactly who you represent.”Jarek pulled out his phone, scrolling through messages.“I also know about the shipment coming in next week.The one your boss doesn’t know about.”He looked up.“The one I’m going to help you double-cross him with.”

Martinez’s hand shot toward his waistband.In an instant, every weapon in the room cleared leather.The cartel leader froze as Dead-Eye’s laser sight painted a red dot on his forehead.

“Careful,” Jarek's voice remained level as his lips twitched in an evil Dark One grimace that was a warning in itself.“My friend here earned his nickname by never missing.”

“What do you want?”Martinez spat the words.

“You’re going to set up a meeting with Gregor Polov.Face to face.Your boss wants an alliance—you’ll make it happen.”

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