Page 51 of Blake

"No funny business tonight, guys. Stick to the plan. Keep it clean," Nash hissed, serious as ever.

Blake nodded, glancing down at his tux. He and his brothers scrubbed up well. Their tuxedos were crisp, their appearances immaculate. Despite the sophistication, beneath the tailored suits beat the hearts of warriors ready for battle.

He turned his attention back to the crowd. Amidst the sea of tuxedos and designer gowns, Alderman Anderson stood out like a sore thumb. Somehow, he managed to shine brighter than everyone else, including the mayor himself. He was like a peacock in a flock of pigeons, his plumage of wealth and power almost overbearing. His pristine white hair was slicked back and his piercing blue eyes seemed to size up everyone he looked at. There was a cunning gleam in his eye, and there was definitely something off about the way he whispered to other high-profile guests, exchanging discreet nods and fleeting glances. Blake couldn’t wait to bring the fucker down.

"See that?" Blake muttered to his brothers, not taking his eyes off Anderson. “The way he works the room. It’s not right.”

"Yep," Jax said, following Blake's gaze. "Sneaky bastard."

"Keep your distance," Blake warned. "Let's see what he's up to."

They switched on their earpieces as they shot into action. While Jax and Blake moved through the crowd, observing every tiny detail around them, Nash kept an eye on the cops. He knew a few of them as a former DEA agent, but he’d anticipated that ahead of time and had shaved his head to a buzz cut and wore thick glasses. He’s also worked out a ton since leaving law enforcement so was barely recognizable. If anyone did recognize him, though, he was going to admit to being here for reasons of “private security.”

Blake's military background kicked in as he observed Anderson from afar, analyzing every detail of his behavior. Meanwhile, Jax listened for names or personal details thatwould enable him to steal someone’s identity for the night. What they needed, more than anything, was behind-the-scenes access.

Blake moved close enough to the alderman to hear him talking to two businessmen in gray suits. “Gentlemen, I assure you, the vases you are contemplating are exquisite and rare finds,” he drawled. “Please bid generously. Don’t forget it’s all going to charity.”

Blake clenched his jaw. The children’s charity had been set up by the alderman, and having accessed their accounts, Jax was almost certain that it was a front for money laundering.

The two businessmen nodded eagerly, their eyes gleaming with avarice. “We trust your judgment, Alderman. We will make sure they find new homes where their beauty will be truly appreciated.”

The clink of champagne glasses rang in Blake's ears as he scanned the room, his heart pounding in his chest. He spotted Jax across the gala, giving him a subtle nod. It was time to make their move.

"Got us a way in," Jax whispered into his earpiece as he approached Blake. "Meet me by the east entrance."

"Copy that," Blake replied, his voice low and resolute.

The brothers reconvened at the designated spot, far from prying eyes. Jax held up a barcode for a key card on his phone. His expert hacking skills had paid off once again.

“I’m not even gonna ask how you got that so fast,” said Blake.

“Good work, bro,” said Nash.

As Jax scanned the barcode and they entered the restricted area, Blake couldn't help but think of Savannah. What was she up to right now? He hoped she wasn’t worried about him. He hoped he’d get back to her in one piece tonight.

But first, he had to find proof of Anderson's involvement. He owed it to Savannah and all the other women who’d suffered in the city.

They entered a dimly lit hallway. Nash had shown them a map of City Halls before coming here, so they knew that they were close to Anderson's private office.

"Stay sharp," Blake cautioned as they entered, closing the door behind them.

“I’ll keep an eye out at the door,” said Nash. “There’s at least three cops at this event I don’t like the look of.”

The office was lavish and ostentatious, much like the rest of the gala. An American flag hung over the desk, and there was a cabinet displaying various trophies along the wall. Beneath the room’s polished exterior, Blake knew it housed secrets they were desperate to uncover.

"Start with the computer," he directed Jax, who immediately set to work hacking into the system.

Meanwhile, Blake rifled through drawers, searching for anything incriminating.

"Son of a bitch," he muttered under his breath as he came across a stack of files simply marked “Private.” Flipping through them, he couldn’t believe it. He’d found exactly what they'd been searching for: the logs detailed immigrant numbers, names of girls, and mysterious transactions. “I expect the mayor will be very interested to see this.”

"Jackpot," Jax announced from the computer, confirming Blake's discovery. "Anderson's dirty money is all over this."

"Good," Blake said, his voice laced with anger. He snapped photos of the files with his phone, ensuring they had evidence to expose Anderson. "We need to get out of here and bring this bastard down."

"Right behind you," Jax agreed, wiping the computer clean of their intrusion.

“Good work,” said Nash as they emerged from the office. Blake could see a line of sweat on Nash’s brow. As the brains behind this operation, he took a lot of responsibility for its success.

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