Logan was reviewing the Micro-Dash outlines when Scott called. Scott's voice was urgent."Logan. One of the PI firms dropped out."Logan set down his pen. "Which one?""The local firm. The one Gordon hired first, they just withdrew. Cited conflict of interest."Logan leaned back in his chair. "That doesn't happen unless someone made them.""That's what I thought. So I traced it, soomeone made an anonymous payment. It was much larger than Gordon's budget. Enough to make the firm walk away."Logan was quiet for a moment. "Who?""I can't trace the payment. It came through multiple shell accounts. But someone spent a lot of money to cut Gordon's resources."Logan's expression hardened. "The real player. They're cleaning the board, cutting Gordon's tools and making him weaker."Scott paused. "That doesn't make sense. If the real player is pulling Gordon's strings, why weaken him?""Because Gordon is becoming a liability. He's too emotional and too reckless. The real player wants control, G

Logan arrived at the restaurant fifteen minutes early. The maître d' led him to a private room in the back with a long table and soft lighting. The seven engineers were already waiting for himThey stood up when he walked in, he shook each hand and introduced himself. They looked nervous but also excited and that was a good combination.They sat down, the waiters brought out appetizers and wine but the engineers barely touched anything because they had questionsOne of them spoke first, his name was Dr. Chen and he was the lead on the project. He leaned forward with his hands on the table."We appreciate the opportunity Logan, but we have concerns about direction and independence."Logan nodded and set down his glass "Tell me everything."Another engineer spoke up, her name was Maria and her voice was sharp but not rude "We need to know who we're reporting to and what happens if our work conflicts with your other interests."Logan looked at each of them one by one and he could see the

Scott called the next morning with the forensic results. The laptop was clean, military-grade wiping on every drive. No usable prints, no metadata. No trace of where it came from or who set it up.Logan listened and said nothing. He expected as much, someone with access to capital and capital connections would know how to cover their tracks."Keep looking," Logan said. "There's always something. Find it."Scott agreed and ended the call.Logan drove to Kyle's office that afternoon. He didn't call ahead, he just showed up. Kyle was at his desk going through papers, he looked up when Logan walked in."Logan. This is unexpected."Logan closed the door behind him. "I need to talk to you about something."Kyle set down his pen. "What's going on?"Logan sat across from him. He chose his words with care. "There's a situation developing. I can't give you all the details right now, but I need you to prepare temporary relocation options for your family."Kyle's expression shifted. "Relocation.

Roman called in the morning and asked for a second private meeting. He said Peter Carlisle wanted to be there. Logan agreed and set the time for early afternoon.The meeting took place at a small law office on the outskirts of the city. Roman was already there when Logan arrived. Peter Carlisle sat across from him with his hands folded on the table.Peter spoke first. He was direct and he didn't waste time."I know you control Springlife, Logan. I know you've been building something bigger than people realize. I've been paying attention."Logan sat down. His expression gave nothing away. "And?"Peter leaned forward. "I'm offering you something. An exclusive long-term partnership on the import channels, no competition from anyone I control."Logan waited.Peter continued. "In exchange, I want political cover. Protection against outside interference. Anyone from the capital who tries to meddle with my operations, you shield me. You use your influence, your connections and resources."Lo