Page 35 of The Silencer

I shrug."As ready as I can be.You?"

He lets out a humorless chuckle."Meeting with Henry Gallagher?Yeah, I'm fucking thrilled."

The flight is tense, with Jer going over our strategy one last time.We're to present the information we've gathered, warn the Gallaghers about the potential threat, and offer our assistance in dealing with it.Simple in theory, but I have a feeling the reality will be far more complicated.

We land at a private airstrip just outside of the city.A sleek black car is waiting for us, driven by Jason, Jer’s go-to car thief.Jason gives us all a nod but doesn't say a word as we climb in.

The drive is quiet and filled with heavy silence.Everyone is focused on the meeting ahead of us.Finally, we pull up outside a restaurant in the heart of the city.This is the restaurant the Gallaghers own.

Standing outside waiting is Stephen, his dark eyes watching everyone.He doesn’t miss a thing; he takes in everything.That’s why he’s the best at what he does.He’s the Eraser.He uses a woodchipper to get rid of his enemies and makes sure there’s nothing left of their bodies to be identified.He’s one of Jer’s most trusted men.He’s been by his side for years now, slowly working his way up the ranks alongside his best friend, Freddie Kinnock, A.K.A the Thief.

As we step out of the car, I can't shake the feeling we're walking into the lion's den.Jer leads the way, his face a mask of calm determination.Maverick and I follow, with Stephen bringing up the rear.

Inside, we're led to a table where an old man in a sharp suit is sitting with a wide smile and holding a glass of whiskey.

He's older than I expected.His hair is completely gray but his eyes are sharp and calculating as they sweep over our group.This is a man who has seen and done things that would give most people nightmares.

"Jerry," he says, his voice a low rumble."It's been a while."

Jer nods respectfully."Thank you for seeing us on such short notice, Henry."

Gallagher's gaze shifts to me, Stephen, and Maverick."And these must be your young protégés.The Silencer, the Eraser, and the Cleaner, if I'm not mistaken."

I feel a chill run down my spine.The fact that he knows our code names is unsettling, to say the least.

"You've done your homework," Jer says without missing a beat.“We’ve a problem, Henry.”

He waves his hand for us to take a seat.“Would you like a drink?Anything to eat?”

As we take our seats, I can feel Henry Gallagher's eyes on me, assessing.I meet his gaze steadily, refusing to show any sign of intimidation.

"No, thank you," Jer replies to Henry's offer of drinks."We're here on urgent business."

Henry leans back in his chair, swirling the whiskey in his glass."So I gathered.What's this problem you've brought to my doorstep, Jerry?"

Jer launches into an explanation of what we've discovered—the Boston Elite Syndicate's attempts to infiltrate various criminal organizations, including the Gallaghers.As he speaks, I watch Henry's face carefully, looking for any reaction.But the old man's expression remains impassive, giving nothing away.

When Jer finishes, Henry is silent for a long moment, his eyes distant as he processes the information.Finally, he speaks.

"And you're certain of this information?"he asks, his voice low and dangerous.

Jer nods grimly."We lost one of our own over it.He was turned by the Syndicate, but we...handled the situation."

Henry's eyes flick to me at this, and I have a feeling he knows exactly who "handled" Lawrence.I keep my face neutral, meeting his gaze evenly.

"I see," Henry says slowly."And you've come to warn me out of the goodness of your hearts, is that it?"

There's a hint of sarcasm in his tone that sets me on edge.Beside me, I can feel Maverick tensing slightly.

"We came because this affects all of us," Jer says firmly."If the Syndicate succeeds in turning even one of your people, it could spark a war that would engulf us all.I’m guessing you had no idea that they tried to turn one of your men?”

He shakes his head.“No, but I’ll be ensuring that whoever it is they’ve spoken to is dealt with.”

Jer sighs.“Not just one, Henry,” he tells him, pushing the document with every name they contacted on it.“We’re talking at least a dozen of your men they’ve spoken to.”

Henry Gallagher's eyes narrow as he scans the list of names.The calm demeanor he's maintained throughout our meeting starts to crack, a dangerous glint appearing in his eyes.

"A dozen of my men," he says, his voice low and menacing."A dozen traitors in my organization."

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