Leon hadn't spoken since he left Ayla's apartment. He rode in silence, his eyes cold as they scanned the city lights flashing past the window. Matteo, his second-in-command, didn't dare ask questions. He could feel the storm brewing in Leon's stillness.
They pulled up to the warehouse—one of Leon's lesser-known safehouses, used for jobs that never made it into the books. Two of his men were already inside. And so was their guest.
Jonas Kane. A mid-level player in Daniel's crew. Cocky. Loose with information. Too stupid to realize he'd just been fed to wolves.
Leon stepped into the room, the heavy door echoing as it slammed shut behind him. Jonas turned, face bruised, shirt torn.
"Leon. This—this is a mistake," he stammered. "I don't know why I'm here—"
"You helped cover for Daniel," Leon said quietly, approaching. "You knew what he had on Ayla."
Jonas flinched. "I—I didn't tell anyone. I swear."
"But you knew," Leon repeated, his voice calm, terrifying. "You knew, and you said nothing. You let her live in fear."
"I was just following orders."
Leon's fist cracked across Jonas' jaw before he could finish the sentence. He stumbled, blood spilling from his mouth, but Leon grabbed him by the collar before he could hit the floor.
"Where is he hiding now?" Leon hissed.
"I don't—"
Another punch. This time, a rib cracked. Jonas choked on air.
"I'll ask again."
"I don't know where Daniel is," he gasped. "But he's moving. He knows you're coming."
Leon released him, stepping back as he pulled out his phone. "Then we move faster."
He dialed.
"Matteo, full lockdown on every route out of the city. No one in Daniel's crew leaves without my permission. I want his lieutenants tracked, tapped, and crushed."
He ended the call and looked back at Jonas.
"Tell Daniel he should've stayed in the shadows. He made this personal."
Jonas swallowed hard. "And Ayla?"
Leon's eyes darkened.
"She has nothing to fear now."