flash

The melody slipped past Nina’s lips before she could censor herself—a low, wandering tune her father used to hum while patching bicycle tires in the fading evening light. It was an old folk song with no lyrics, just a winding, repetitive rhythm designed to calm a restless child or a frightened animal. / Chapter 14 / 15

Chapter 14 - The Price of Sovereignty

Nina looked down at Grimm. The dog stopped growling, his amber eyes shifting from Agent Vance up to Nina, as if waiting for her command.

"You want me to be your asset," Nina realized, a cold, dangerous smile touching her lips.

"I want you to be our partner," Vance corrected. "The keys to the city, full federal immunity for your brother's medical fund, and complete operational autonomy. In exchange, you use your network—and your dog—to keep the international syndicates out of our borders."

Nina walked over to the edge of the terrace, looking out over the sprawling empire of lights below her. She had started this journey with a five-thousand-dollar tip, a broken heart, and a burner phone that had ruined her life. Now, she held the entire city in the palm of her hand.

She turned back to face the federal agent, her posture straight, her eyes clear and unyielding.

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The sterile white light of the Denver General maternity ward felt harsher than the neon flashing of the New Year’s fireworks outside. On the heart monitor beside my bed, a steady, rhythmic beep assured me that my little girl was safe, her heartbeat strong despite the violence of the evening. But inside my chest, my own heart hammered like a trapped bird.

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"Tell Washington," Nina said, her voice echoing coldly through the penthouse, "that the catering girl doesn't take orders anymore. If the cartels want New York, they'll have to go through me."

Agent Vance stared at her for a long, silent moment, then gave a single, respectful nod. She turned and walked back toward the elevator, leaving the manila folder on the table.

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