Shifting Tides (Coastal Fury Book 48) by Matt Lincoln

Author:Matt Lincoln [Lincoln, Matt]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2024-07-22T00:00:00+00:00

19

VARELA

Hector Varela paced the length of his opulent office, his Italian leather shoes sinking into the plush carpet with each agitated step. The Miami skyline stretched out before him through floor-to-ceiling windows, a view that usually filled him with a sense of power and control. Today, it only served as a reminder of how quickly his empire could crumble.

His phone buzzed for the third time in as many minutes. Another update on the MBLIS raid, no doubt. With a growl of frustration, Varela snatched up the device, his eyes scanning the message quickly. His face darkened as he absorbed the information.

“Incompetent fools,” he muttered, tossing the phone onto his mahogany desk. They had one job—to keep those women quiet. And now? Now, MBLIS had them. Who knew what they might have said before his men could intervene?

Varela took a deep breath, smoothing down his perfectly tailored suit. This was a setback, yes, but not insurmountable. He’d built his empire from nothing, navigating the treacherous waters of both legal and illicit business. He wouldn’t be brought down by some overzealous federal agents.

With practiced ease, Varela activated the secure line hidden in his desk drawer. His fingers danced over the keypad, inputting a number he knew by heart but would never dare save.

The line rang once, twice, before a voice answered. “This had better be important, Varela.”

Senator Paxten’s voice was clipped, impatient. Varela could almost see the man’s perpetual frown deepening.

“We have a problem,” Varela said without preamble. “MBLIS raided one of our locations. They got to some of the girls before we could... handle the situation.”

There was a long pause on the other end of the line. When Paxten spoke again, his voice was low, dangerous. “What exactly are you telling me, Varela? That our operation has been compromised?”

Varela ran a hand through his salt-and-pepper hair. “Not necessarily. But there’s a chance they might obtain some... sensitive information.”

“Might?” Paxten’s voice rose sharply. “Might? Do you have any idea what’s at stake here, Varela? My entire political career, your precious empire—it all goes up in smoke if this gets out!”

“Don’t you think I know that?” Varela snapped back, his own temper flaring. “I’ve got just as much to lose as you do, Senator. More, even. You might lose your shot at the presidency, but I’ll lose everything.”

Paxten’s laugh was bitter, humorless. “Oh, believe me, Varela, if I go down, you’re coming with me. Now, tell me about this raid. Who’s behind it?”

Varela moved to his computer, pulling up the files his sources had provided. “It’s being led by an MBLIS agent named Ethan Marston. He’s got a reputation for being... persistent.”

“Marston,” Paxten repeated the name as if testing its weight. “Yeah, I’ve heard of him. He’s a problem, but he has no idea who he’s dealing with.”

“Maybe not,” Varela agreed, “but he’s already caused more trouble than I’m comfortable with. I think we need to... deal with him.”

There was a pause as Paxten considered this. “You’re suggesting we eliminate him?”

Varela chose his next words carefully.

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