The first blinding sweep of headlights cut across the pier like a blade, pinning Jackson in their glare. Engines roared behind the light, black SUVs eating up the dock until the wooden planks rattled under their weight. Victor had arrived.Jackson’s pulse slammed in his throat. The bodies of the masked men lay scattered around him, their blood slicking the boards. Elena clung to his arm, her wrists raw from the ropes he’d cut, her face pale but streaked with determination.He had seconds, only seconds, before Victor and Carlo saw everything. Jackson’s mind fired like a machine: Hide the truth. Twist the story. Turn this into advantage.He shoved Elena upright, whispering through clenched teeth, “Play along or we’re both dead.” Her eyes burned into his, fear and defiance, but she nodded.The SUVs screeched to a halt, doors bursting open. Victor stepped out first, cigar glowing like a red coal, his wolfish grin already plastered across his face. Carlo flanked him, eyes sharp, suspicious