Page 95 of Forged

“There’s a marriage now,” I say. “That changes the dynamic.”

Sera watches me carefully.

“Yes,” she replies. “I am aware.”

“That complicates things,” I continue. “It changes the way they move. The way they protect each other.”

“That was going to happen eventually,” she says. “The Marchetti Syndicate is built on family structure. Marriage strengthens loyalty. Loyalty strengthens power.” Her gaze holds mine steadily. “That’s why I selectedyouto be there.”

I exhale slowly and rest my forearms on the desk.

“You still haven’t explained why this matters so much,” I say. “You have contacts all over Chicago. There are easier financial targets than the inner circle of the Marchetti estate.”

When she speaks, her tone remains measured, but there is something sharper beneath it now.

“Because the Marchetti family is protecting something that can’t remain in their hands.” She pauses. “The Blackwater Key.”

She watches my reaction carefully, her eyes narrowing.

“You’re closer to it than anyone else we’ve ever placed near them,” she continues. “This opportunity won’t come again.”

I lean back in my chair. “You still haven’t told me what it actually is.”

Her expression doesn’t change. “You don’t need the specifics yet.”

Sera shifts in her chair, and for the first time since the call began, I see the flicker of impatience in her posture.

“Gabriel,” she sighs, “the Blackwater Key is powerful enough to alter the balance of several syndicates at once. It was designed for one purpose, and one purpose only.”

“And that purpose is?”

“To ensure that no one man ever gains permanent control over the financial arteries running through the Central US.”

I study her through the screen, waiting to see if she will elaborate, but she doesn’t.

“You believe Enzo Marchetti has it?” I ask.

“I know his family is guarding it.”

“And if you’re wrong?”

She gives a small shrug. “Then you’ll confirm that for me.”

“And if you’re right?”

Sera’s eyes hold mine with steady calm. “Then we retrieve it before someone decides to use it.”

Her gaze darts to the right as she reads something on another screen beside her.

“You said you’ve built trust with them,” she continues. “How close are you?”

The memory of last week flashes across my mind before I can stop it. Closer than you realize. I don’t say that, though.

“They’ve invited me to dinner,” I reply instead.

Sera’s expression remains neutral, though I see the flicker of satisfaction in her eyes.

“Good.”