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I dial the first number from memory.

A voice picks up after four rings, low and steady. “Doc.”

“Conway,” I say. “It’s time.”

He doesn’t ask what I mean, just says, “Send me the radius and the risk profile. I’ll prep the team.”

“You got it.” I hang up without another word.

Next is Teller.

He’s in Nevada now, running a private security firm out of Vegas. Last I heard, he was pulling double duty for some VIP protection work and intel coordination. He picks up quickly.

“Didn’t think I’d hear from you.”

“Didn’t plan on calling,” I answer. “Need eyes immediately.”

“Long or short?”

“Short now. Long if they push.”

He hums, then says, “Send me the names.”

He’ll have them within the hour, and he’ll know exactly what to do.

The third number takes me longer to dial–not because I don’t know it, but because it’s a last resort.

“Jonah.”

“Rico.”

“I heard about Brighton Hills.”

“Family’s dirty,” I say. “And they’re moving fast.”

“Asset recovery?”

“If necessary.”

“You think they’ll escalate?”

“I think they already have.”

There’s a longer pause this time. Then, “Send the info. I’ll start backgrounding.”

I tell him it’s on the way and hang up.

Three calls I didn’t think I’d ever have to make again. Men like that don’t say yes because they’re curious. They say yes because, once, a long time ago, we went through hell and back together. And none of us will ever forget it.

Ani is ours now.

And when they come again—because they will—they won’t find a girl without protection.

They’ll find me.

And they’ll regret that moment for the rest of their lives.

Chapter 27