BLOOD OWNS THIS CITY

The Widow's Address

The address led to a small house on the edge of the city.

Marcus stood across the street, watching. The house was modest—white paint peeling, a small garden overgrown with weeds. A woman in her sixties sat on the porch, drinking tea and staring at nothing.

Sergeant James Heller's mother. Marcus remembered James. Young. Eager. A good soldier who'd died screaming in the fire.

Marcus's throat tightened. He forced himself to move.

The woman looked up as he approached. Her eyes were sharp, suspicious. "Can I help you?"

"Mrs. Heller?"

She nodded slowly. "Who's asking?"

Marcus sat down on the step beside her. His leg screamed in protest. He ignored it. "My name is Marcus Webb. I served with your son."

Mrs. Heller's face went pale. "James never mentioned you."

"He wouldn't have. I was his commanding officer."

She stared at him for a long moment. Then her eyes filled with tears. "They told me he died in a training accident. But I never believed it. He was too careful. Too smart."

Marcus looked away. The lie burned in his throat. "He was a good man. The best I ever served with."

"I know." Mrs. Heller wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "Why are you here now? After all these years?"

Marcus chose his words carefully. "Your son's death wasn't an accident. It was a murder. And the men who killed him are still alive."

Mrs. Heller's hands started shaking. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying you're in danger. The men who killed James know I'm in the city. They'll try to use you to get to me."

She stared at him. Her eyes were wet, but her voice was steady. "What do you want me to do?"

Marcus pulled out a burner phone. "Take this. If anyone comes to your door who doesn't belong, call the number programmed into it. I'll be there as fast as I can."

She took the phone. Her fingers were cold. "And then what? You'll kill them?"

Marcus met her gaze. "I'll do whatever it takes to protect you. That's a promise."

Mrs. Heller nodded slowly. "James always said you were the best. The one who cared about your men more than yourself."

Marcus stood up. His leg almost gave out. He caught himself on the railing. "I failed him. I won't fail you."

He walked away before she could see the pain in his eyes.

The next address was across the city. Marcus walked. His leg was on fire, but he didn't stop. He couldn't stop. There were five families to warn. Five homes to visit. Five promises to make.

The sun was setting by the time he reached the second house. A young woman opened the door. She had a baby on her hip and fear in her eyes.

"You're Marcus Webb," she said. "The one who survived."

Marcus nodded. "Corporal Davis's sister."

"He told me about you. Said you were like a brother." She stepped aside. "Come in."

Marcus hesitated. "I can't stay. I need to warn you. Viktor Volkov is looking for your brother's family. You're not safe here."

She nodded slowly. Her face was pale. "I know. My husband works for Viktor. He found out I'm Davis's sister. He's been... watching me."

Marcus's jaw tightened. "Your husband works for Viktor?"

"Security. Low-level. But he knows things." She looked away. "I'm sorry. I didn't know. I didn't—"

"You don't have to apologize." Marcus pulled out another burner phone. "Take this. Call if anyone comes looking for you. And if your husband tries anything—"

"I'll handle it."

Marcus nodded. He wanted to say more, but there wasn't time. He needed to warn the others.

Three more families. Three more promises. Three more chances to fail.

He walked through the night. The city was a maze of dark streets and empty alleyways. His leg was barely functional. His spine was screaming. But he kept moving.

The third family was already gone.

Marcus stood in the empty house. The furniture was still there. The photographs were still on the walls. But the family was nowhere to be found.

His phone buzzed. A text from an unknown number.

*We found them first. Come to the Black Lotus if you want them alive.*

Marcus stared at the screen. His hands were shaking.

They'd beaten him. They'd found a family before he could warn them. And now they were using them as bait.

He should call Darnell. He should call for backup. He should think before acting.

Instead, he started walking toward the Black Lotus.

Viktor wanted him to come. Viktor wanted to trap him.

But Viktor didn't understand. Marcus Webb wasn't afraid of traps.

He was the bait.

And he was about to spring the trap on his own terms.

*Should Marcus go to the Black Lotus alone, or wait for backup from Darnell?*