Page 114 of Forged

“The Blackwater Key controls a set of financial access points tied to both the Marchetti and Maravilla Syndicates,” she reveals.

“That doesn’t sound like something that if it’s unearthed, would give you freedom,” I reply.

Her voice sharpens.

“It will give me control.”

I lean forward, resting my forearms against the desk.

“Control of what?”

There’s amusement in her tone when she answers.

“The arteries of their money.”

The meaning clicks with ease now. Banking channels, transaction routing and escrow systems. Every financial pathway those two organizations rely on to move money without drawing federal attention.

Financial infrastructure.

“You’re talking about financial warfare.”

Sera’s voice remains perfectly calm.

“The most effective wars rarely involve bullets.”

I run a hand through my hair in frustration. “You didn’t mention that when you hired me.”

Her response comes without hesitation. “You didn’t ask.”

“That’s convenient.”

For a moment neither of us speaks.

Then she says, “I hired you to retrieve something, Gabriel.”

“And if retrieving it collapses half the criminal economy in the country?” I counter.

She takes a second before answering. “Then perhaps it becomes a safer place. And that money can go back to the citizens they took it from.”

The words are spoken without emotion. I shake my head knowing how dangerous this plan really is.

“You’re running a bigger operation than you told me.”

“Possibly.” Her tone doesn’t change. “Are you still capable of finishing the job?”

“Of course I am,” I answer, annoyed.

“Good.” There’s a rustle on the line. “Then continue doing exactly what you’ve been doing.”

“Which is?”

Her voice sharpens. “Gaining their trust.”

The line goes dead a moment later.

I lower the phone and set it on the desk beside the laptop, my attention drifting back to the schematic still glowing on the screen. The blank section of the diagram stares back at me like an unfinished thought, a quiet reminder that the goal—the one Sera actually cares about—is a ticking time bomb.

I knew this assignment involved something dangerous when I accepted it. Sera made it clear why I was chosen, but I had no idea it would run this deep. She’s trying to gain control of something powerful people pay obscene amounts of money to protect.