The Crimson Seal and the Shadow of the Obsidian Lounge
My breath caught in my throat.
“Derek did this,” I said, my voice shaking as I clutched the edge of the mahogany desk. “He knows the transport schedules. I saw those files on his computer weeks ago, before I ran.”
Vincent did not look at me.
He picked up a heavy black radio from the desk and pressed the button.
“All teams, this is Moretti,” he said. “Initiate lockdown protocol three. Guard the perimeter of the estate.”
A static hiss replied, followed by a brief confirmation from his security captain.
“We need to move you, Clara,” Vincent said, finally turning his dark eyes toward me.
“But what about your men at the docks?” I asked.
“They can handle themselves,” Vincent said. “But you are the target.”
Before he could say more, Leo’s tablet chirped again.
A harsh, buzzing sound filled the room.
“Boss, we have a second breach,” Leo said, his face tightening. “Route nine. The armored van carrying the overseas shipments just went dark.”
Vincent’s jaw clenched so hard I heard his teeth grind.
“He is hitting us systematically,” Vincent murmured. “He is trying to choke our distribution.”