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I looked up at Teo, who shook his head slightly. I got the message: don’t tell Jace anything about the Viper. Not yet, anyway.
“So he’s been building this empire for years,” I said, my mind reeling at the implications. “And we’re just discovering him now.”
Jace sighed. “My best guess is that he’s been working with other criminal organizations, exchanging favors and information for cash. He’s managed to stay under the radar for years, but we’re finally starting to piece together the puzzle. Since most gangs won’t work for someone without another gang vouching for him, it makes sense that the Viper would have teamed up with Captain Monroe and his men.”
I looked up at Teo, my brows knitted.
“The police is the perfect place to find men connected to gangs,” Teo replied, shrugging his shoulders. “They work their beats and are frequently friends with bosses or captains, looking away from minor crimes for a small fee. It’s just a business expense.”
I nodded, understanding the logic behind it. But the thought of my father working with someone like Captain Monroe made me sick to my stomach.
“What about Monroe?” I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. “What’s his role in all of this?”
“He’s definitely involved,” Jace said. “I found evidence linking him to several of the Viper’s operations, including some of the more violent ones.”
“So he’s not just being blackmailed,” Teo said.
“Doesn’t seem like it,” Jace agreed. “We’re still trying to piece together how he got involved with the Viper in the first place, but it’s not looking good for Monroe.”
“That means he’s more dangerous than we thought,” I said.
“Absolutely,” Jace replied. “We need to be careful around him. He’s not someone to be underestimated.”
I looked at Teo. “What does that mean for my brother?” I asked.
For a second, his expression darkened. “Nothing,” he replied. “I told you. I’ll kill anyone who tries to hurt him.”
“Teo...”
“I’ll call you later, Jace,” Teo said. “Good job.”
He hung up the call and looked at me, his jaw hardening. “If you want to protect him, you’re going to have to tell him, Sof,” he said. “It’s the only way.”
I shuddered. I wanted to tell him he was wrong, but he wasn’t. I knew he was right.
I just didn’t want him to be.
Chapter Two: Victor
Istood in the physical therapy room, sweat dripping from my brow. The pain was there, but it was a good kind of pain – the kind that reminded me I was alive and fighting. Sofia hovered near me, a mix of concern and admiration written on her face.
“Victor, don’t push yourself too hard,” she warned, her voice filled with worry. “You’ve come so far already.”
I nodded, grateful for her presence as I continued stretching out my injured leg under the watchful eye of my physical therapist, Emily. She had been working with me since my accident and knew exactly how far to push me without causing further injury.
“I’m fine,” I reassured both of them, gritting my teeth against the discomfort. “Just trying to get back to 100% as soon as possible.”
Emily gave a small nod before packing up her equipment. “You can have the room for as long as you need, Victor,” she said softly. She was an older woman with an easy smile and a plumpbody. With her help, I’d managed to regain most of my mobility. “But your friend is right. Do the exercises but stop when they get too hard. Resistance is good, pain isn’t.”
She gave us a small nod and left the room. As soon as she was gone, Sofia stepped closer to me and gently placed a hand on my shoulder.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” she asked, her eyes full of concern.
“Never been better,” I lied, the words tasting bitter in my mouth. But I couldn’t let her see how much I still hurt. She had enough to worry about already with the bounty on her head and her brother, and whatever had happened with the Viper. She hadn’t said a damn thing about it, but we knew the Viper was plotting his next move against us. No, I had to be strong for her, even when I was at my weakest.
“Good,” she said, nodding. “Just remember that I’m here for you, Victor. Whatever you need, I’ll do everything I can to help.”
“You just want me to owe you a favor.”
