Page 62 of Twisted Devotion

I cross my arms. “Start with what youdoknow. Who gave the order for the attack?”

His breathing turns ragged. His fingers curl into fists. I let him sit with it, let the weight of reality press down on him.

Then, finally?—

“The—” His voice cracks. He swallows hard. “The man who approached me didn’t say much. Wouldn’t even tell me his name. Just dropped a million dollars cash in my hand and told me I was being paid for my silence.”

I wait. He knows that’s not enough.

“But that night,” he continues, voice unsteady, “before you and your men arrived,hismen were already there. I heard someone call himViper.”

I exchange a glance with Matteo, who nods slightly, confirming that he recognizes the name.

“Go on,” I say, my attention snapping back to the dockman.

“He… I think he oversees their weapons trade,” he says, the words tumbling out in a rush now. “I didn’t know they were planning an ambush, I swear. They just told me to step aside, to let them unload a shipment at the docks. When I asked questions, they said it wasn’t my concern.”

“And the bombing?”

He shakes his head frantically. “I had nothing to do with that. I only heard about it after it happened.”

I study him in silence, weighing his words. His panic feels real, and what he’s saying lines up with what we already know.

Finally, I nod. “Well done.”

The man looks up, his expression a mix of confusion and relief. I clap him lightly on the shoulder before turning to Matteo. Matteo chuckles under his breath, then nods.

I don’t say anything else. I just turn and walk out.

James is waiting near the door, hands clasped behind his back. Now that I knowwhohe is, I see Ken in everything he does—the steel in his stance, the way he doesn’t fidget, doesn’t look away when I stop in front of him.

“Were you close?” I ask.

He frowns slightly. “With Ken?”

I nod. “Were you two close?”

His jaw tightens. “Yes, sir,” he says without hesitation. “Ken was like my brother. I would have taken a bullet for him.”

He means it. I see it in his face.

I pull out my gun, flip it in my grip, and press it into his palm. His fingers curl around it automatically.

“You have some big shoes to fill, son.” I hold his gaze. “Can I trust you with this?”

His spine straightens. “Yes.”

I nod once. “Go to the basement. Matteo will show you what to do. Make itpainful.”

James nods without hesitation, then turns to follow orders.

As I reach for the door, my phone vibrates in my pocket. I pull it out, glancing at the screen.

A message from one of the men.

She’s heading to her brother’s house.

How should we proceed, sir?

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