Page 2 of Code Name: Grit

Our headquarters at Kane Mountain Great Camp, nestled in the Adirondacks, near Canada Lake, had become our primary base of operations since establishing the newest division of K19 Security Solutions. The sprawling property, with its massive stone fireplace and walls of windows overlooking the lake, had an elaborate boathouse, where we’d set up a command center that provided the security and isolation we needed for the kind of missions we were given.

Alice, known to be one of the world’s best hackers, albeit an ethical one, glanced up at Chiara. “Once you’ve reviewed them, I’d appreciate your insight on the surveillance targets.”

“Of course,” she responded, color touching her cheeks. The woman’s quiet strength, evident in the way she carried the weight of her unusual upbringing with dignity, was immediatelyadmirable. More so now, given she was walking straight into the path of the people who represented the most danger.

When Dante led our takedown of the Castellano family, resulting in his and Chiara’s half brother receiving several life-term prison sentences, we believed the impact on eradicating organized crime had been significant.

After receiving almost immediate intel suggesting the Belcastros were rapidly expanding into territories previously controlled by Vincent Castellano, we knew we’d made fewer inroads than we thought.

This morning’s briefing represented the launch of a new mission—or part two of the previous one—per the request of the Department of Justice.

“The Belcastros are systematically killing anyone with connections to the Castellano family,” Tank explained, highlighting incident reports and deferring to Chiara for her comments.

She stood, approaching the main display. “It’s methodical. They’re starting at the top and working down. When they can’t convince someone to shift loyalty, they eliminate them.”

The room fell silent as she continued, pulling up case files and revealing the positions held by the victims. “The timing, the method—they’re not just eliminating rivals; they’re sending a message. This is more than territory acquisition. It’s a complete takeover of the Castellano empire. The first victim ran protection rackets in the Bronx. The second controlled gambling in Queens. The third managed drug distribution in Brooklyn. They’re methodically targeting every revenue stream.”

“The messages we’ve intercepted support this theory,” Piper Drago, code name Dragon and a new addition to our team, noted. “It took seconds to decode them, given their communications are very old school.”

“While I agree, their current methodologies are rooted in the past, I predict, as new families emerge and grow more powerful, that will change.” Chiara’s gaze met mine. “Now, if we overlay the former Castellano territory boundaries with Belcastro’s…”

“We can predict their next moves,” I murmured.

“Exactly.”

“There’s more,” interjected Mason Finch, code name Atticus. “We’ve identified at least three FBI units that may be compromised—organized crime, financial crimes, and narcotics. Which gives the Belcastros coverage across most of their criminal activities.”

Corruption among the ranks of any law enforcement agency was a bane to everyone who’d taken the oath to protect and serve. The idea that a person in a position of trust could sell themselves to the highest bidder burned in my gut like acid.

“Sadly, most of these relationships with certain precincts and departments have existed for decades. I’m sure Vincent could attest to that.” Chiara’s voice was steady despite the rigid set of her spine.

“Your knowledge and understanding of mob power structures is such an asset,” said Alice, who was seated beside me.

She was right. Combined with Dragon’s communications intelligence, Tank’s strategic assessments, and Alice’s ability to hack into anything, anywhere gave us advantages few other firms could boast of.

“Rather than merely accumulating physical territory, the Belcastros are building a diversified criminal portfolio, just like any corporate takeover,” Chiara noted.

“We’ll need to move quickly,” Admiral said, studying the presented material. “Grit, you’re running point on field operations. Chiara, you’ll work directly with his team.”

“I’m going to suggest everyone make use of Chiara’s code name if she’s about to move into undercover work,” said Dragon.

Dante had been the first to refer to her by what he said was the loose translation of her given name—Luminous.

“Good point,” said Tank. “Chiara, you’ll need to get used to answering to it.”

“Yes, sir,” she responded.

Tank continued pulling up surveillance photos of increased activity around several Castellano properties in Queens—assets still undiscovered as belonging to the former head of the family. It would be our job to alert the DOJ to seize them before the Belcastros took them over.

Dante leaned forward and rested his elbows on his knees. He’d had support in his yearslong investigation, but without him, putting his brother behind bars wouldn’t have happened. I’d watched the aftermath take its toll on the man who’d become one of my closest friends. That another mafia organization was gaining such a rapid foothold had to feel like a defeat.

When Luminous, as I’d have to remind myself to refer to her, took a break and walked to the coffee station, I followed. “You’re sure about taking this on?—”

“Stop.” She turned, resolve burning in her expression. “I spent my entire life watching my mother on constant lookout, never able to relax. I can’t continue living that way. I’m determined to fight against organized crime rather than being a victim of it.”

The intensity in her voice struck a chord deep inside me. “All right. But we do this smart. No unnecessary risks.”

A dimple appeared in her right cheek as she fought a smile. “Worried about me, Agent Harrison?”

---