No name.
No number.
Just one sentence.
YOU CAUGHT THE FOOT SOLDIERS.
Then another message appeared.
NOW COME FIND THE KING.
Daniel stared at the screen.
For the first time in months, he felt something close to excitement.
The investigation wasn't over.
It had just reached the top.
CHAPTER 6 — THE KING
Three days later, Captain Hale agreed to cooperate.
Daniel met him inside a secure interrogation room.
Hale looked exhausted.
"You wanted information."
Daniel sat across from him.
"Talk."
Hale leaned forward.
"The person above me isn't the mayor."
Daniel listened.
"He isn't even a politician."
"Who?"
Hale smiled.
"Someone who controls the politicians."
Daniel's eyes narrowed.
"Name."
Hale hesitated.
Then pushed a piece of paper across the table.
Daniel looked down.
One name.
EDWARD BLACKWOOD.
Daniel knew the name.
Everyone did.
A billionaire businessman.
Owner of several logistics companies.
Major donor to the police foundation.
Close friend of the mayor.
And chairman of the city's largest private security corporation.
Daniel looked up.
"Why would he need corrupt cops?"
Hale answered:
"Protection."
"For what?"
Hale stared at him.
"Human trafficking."
Silence.
Daniel's expression hardened.
Hale continued.
"The police weren't just taking bribes."
"They were protecting shipments."
"Moving witnesses."
"Destroying evidence."
"And intimidating anyone who asked questions."
Daniel stood.
"Where?"
Hale gave him an address.
An abandoned warehouse near the harbor.
"Tomorrow night."
Daniel looked at the paper.
"Who's going to be there?"
Hale smiled.
"Blackwood."
The next evening, Daniel arrived at the warehouse.
He wore the same faded green jacket.
The same old watch.
The same tired expression.
The same disguise.
He walked inside.
Edward Blackwood stood in the center of the warehouse.
Perfect suit.
Silver hair.
Calm smile.
He looked at Daniel.
"I've been expecting you."
Daniel stopped.
"You know who I am?"
Blackwood smiled.
"Of course."
He looked toward the green jacket.
"Nice disguise."
Daniel remained silent.
Blackwood continued.
"You've been chasing my people for eighteen months."
"Your people hurt innocent people."
Blackwood shrugged.
"Business has costs."
Daniel stepped forward.
"And now those costs are coming due."
Blackwood laughed.
"You think arresting a few officers changes anything?"
"No."
Daniel looked directly at him.
"I'm here to arrest you."
Blackwood smiled.
Then slowly applauded.
"Very brave."
Daniel's phone vibrated.
A notification appeared.
LIVE RECORDING ACTIVE.
Daniel looked at Blackwood.
"You should be careful what you say next."
Blackwood's smile faded.
CHAPTER 7 — THE LAST RECORDING
Blackwood suddenly realized the warehouse was surrounded.
Police vehicles.
Federal agents.
Investigators.
Every exit was covered.
Blackwood looked at Daniel.