The threat ended three days later.
The firm’s investigation traced the attacks to a rival investor who had lost a fortune when Ryan’s last acquisition closed. The man was arrested quietly, the remaining contractors scattered, and the official assessment declared the danger neutralized. Denver received the call while still in the clinic, shoulder heavily bandaged, arm in a sling. The director’s voice was brisk and final.
“Assignment complete, Kane. Once medical clears you for light duty, you’re free to rotate off. Vale’s detail will transfer to a standard team. Good work.”
Denver ended the call and sat staring at the blank wall of the recovery room for a long time.
Ryan was in the shower down the hall. When he came back, hair damp, wearing the soft clothes someone from the firm had brou
