Michael's hand trembled as he signed his name at the bottom of the contract, the ink flowing across the paper like blood sealing a pact with the devil. He hadn't read past the first paragraph. In fact, he couldn't focus on anything else as his mind raced with questions about how his life had spiraled so completely out of control in the span of thirty minutes.The moment his signature was complete, North clapped his hands together excitedly."Welcome to the family, Consigliere," North said, standing and opening his arms wide. Before Michael could react, he found himself enveloped in a bear hug that sent fresh waves of pain through his bruised ribs. "You have no idea how long we've been waiting for someone like you."The other men in the warehouse had stopped their work entirely now, gathering around the improvised office area with expressions of genuine curiosity. "Boys," North announced, keeping one massive arm around Michael's shoulders, "I want you to meet our new legal counsel. Mr

The tension in the room began to ease as Martinez seemed to accept Michael's explanation, though his occasional glances suggested he was still trying to place where he'd seen that face before. Michael forced himself to project the calm confidence."Before we begin," Martinez said, his tone becoming more businesslike, "I want to understand exactly what authority you have to negotiate on behalf of Brother North's organization."Michael reached slowly into his jacket pocket and withdrew the contract he'd signed the day before, placing it on the table. "This contract gives me full legal authority to represent their interests in territorial negotiations and dispute resolution."Martinez picked up the contract and scanned it. His expression shifted slightly as he took in the details."Interesting," Martinez murmured. "Very thorough. And very expensive." He looked up at Michael. "Brother North clearly values your services highly.""Quality legal counsel is an investment in long-term stabilit

Michael stumbled up the stairs to his apartment. His clothes were wrinkled, his hair disheveled, and there were grease stains on his knees from the previous day's chase. The adrenaline had finally worn off, leaving him feeling hollow and shaky.Lizzy was waiting by his door, pacing anxiously. The moment she saw him, her eyes widened."Michael! Jesus Christ, what happened to you? You look like you've been..." She stopped mid-sentence, taking in his appearance more carefully. "Are you wearing a gold chain? And what is that smell? Is that... gasoline?"Michael leaned against the wall, his hands still trembling slightly. "It's fine, Lizzy. Everything's fine.""Fine?" Her voice rose an octave. "You disappeared for two days! I've been calling you non-stop, texting you, I even called the police to file a missing person report, but they said I had to wait a complete forty-eight hours.""Lizzy, please. I just need to rest.""No, don't you 'please' me. I've been worried sick. I thought somethin

The abandoned auto shop leaned to the side like it was tired. Its zinc roof was filled with rust and its walls decorated with over a hundred graffiti. Broken windows stared out like dead eyes, and the concrete foundation had cracked so badly that weeds pushed through in aggressive green clusters. "This is your secret location?" Wagner asked, pulling off the blindfold as they stepped out of the car. "It looks like a tetanus infection waiting to happen.""It's private," Michael said, " and that's all that matters."Wagner's team emerged from their vehicle, Agent Morrison scanning the perimeter while the other agents checked their equipment. Diego hung back. He wasn't with the original team but had joined them few hours ago. Apparently he's been gathering more equipment they'd need to fix Ava. But Michael found it all suspicious, though he forced down his fears. If they could get Ava fixed, then he'd do anything."Michael," Professor Nakamura's voice called from the shadows near the ent

The private study felt different this time. Smaller, more intimate, and somehow more dangerous. Frank sat behind his desk without the wheelchair, without the oxygen tank, without any of the medical equipment that had accompanied him in previous meetings. His color was good, his posture straight, and his eyes held a sharpness that made Michael's stomach clench with suspicion."The third assessment will be conducted differently," Frank announced to the assembled siblings. "Each of you will present to me privately. The others will wait outside."Michael glanced at Ava, who stood slightly behind him and to his left. She'd been glitching constantly since Wagner's "assistance," but she was keeping it together for now. The rage that filled him when he thought about Wagner's virus still surprised him with its intensity."Phillip, you're first," Frank said.As Phillip rose and straightened his suit, Michael studied his adoptive father more carefully. The man who had claimed to be dying looked