“An alliance, then,” I said, stepping forward to take the drive.

“An uneasy one,” Vincenzo corrected. “Get my ledger. Bring Tony down.”

I pocketed the drive, its hard edges pressing against my thigh.

“We need to move,” I told Victor. “Before Miller realizes we’re coming.”

Marcus stepped toward us, his coat rustling.

“I’m coming with you,” he said.

“No,” I said. “You stay with Vincenzo. Keep him alive.”

Marcus looked like he wanted to argue, but he nodded.

We left the office and headed back out into the storm.

The drive to the coastal shipping terminal took twenty minutes through back roads.

The city was a blur of neon lights and grey mist.

Beside me, Victor kept his eyes on the side mirrors.

“Do you trust Marcus?” he asked, his voice low over the sound of the wipers.

“I trust that Marcus wants revenge,” I said. “That’s a strong motivator.”

“And the old man?” Victor asked. “He’s dying, Elena. He has nothing left to lose.”

“That makes him dangerous,” I said. “But we have no other choice.”

I looked at my hands on the steering wheel, my knuckles white.