but he’s clearly satisfied with the organisation since he’s nodding to one of his goons.
President Joe’s full name is Joseph Taylor, late fifties, and self-made. He’s the type of bastard who sells drugs and owns places like this underground gambling and fighting ring.
I thought the nightmare was over when he was arrested and charged for tax fraud three years ago. It wasn’t the best revenge but I accepted it. However, the rat came out so soon. The court couldn’t hold enough evidence to implicate his business. Now he’s back to said business without the least worry in the world.
When he was arrested, I joined the police force and decided to stop the likes of him in lawful ways. Like Liam.
But actual justice didn’t exist in the world. Not in the conventional sense, anyway.
If lawful ways can’t stop President Joe, I’ll play as dirty as he is.
They say you can’t fight a monster unless you become one.
When Elle and I were children, before we met Liam, we had an abusive foster family. The eldest sister would deliberately break something in the house and then go crying to her parents that Elle did it.
What did I do? I spent a whole day in the dirty swamp and gathered as many frogs as possible. Then I decorated her room with them.
Of course, I was beaten. Of course, I smelled like the swamp for days. But that foster sister’s horrified crying was worth it. After that, she never crossed us again.
I was never afraid to get dirty in order to have justice.
President Joe did a lot more than blame someone else for his doings. His punishment will be worse than frogs.
“Zoe?”
I turn to face Liam, and he’s considering me with furrowed brows. “You completely erased me just now.”
I laugh it off. “No, I didn’t.”
He motions at my hand. My forefinger is twirling a strand of my hair.
I drop my hand to my lap. The habit still gives me away even as an adult.
“You nervous?” Liam cocks his head to where President Joe is.
“Course not, Li. Don’t be ridiculous.”
And yet, my finger is itching to twirl that strand again. I’m not scared. I’m not. I’ve been plotting this for months. I’ve dreamt about doing it for years. No. Decades. I’ve been obsessing over this since I woke up to find my parents dead and I’m twenty-five already.
It’s that I’m scared about losing Elle and Liam. Maybe I won’t survive this and never see them again.
The thought brings nausea to the back of my throat.
“Just take care of Ellie once I’m gone. Yeah?” I try to sound as casual as possible, but my voice comes out emotional. It’s a slim chance Liam didn’t notice that.
“You can always stop this.” Liam’s eyes bore into mine as his index finger taps his thigh.
“Come on, Li. This is the best chance the Metropolitan Police have to investigate Le Salon up close and personal.”
“You’re doing this illegally.” He blows a frustrated breath. “You’ll never graduate if they find out you’ve gone undercover without permission. You can even be charged. I can’t believe you’re risking your future for this.”
“Guess we should never let them find out, huh?” I grin.
“Zoe.” His scowl holds a warning that makes criminals crack under his questioning.
“You promised to purge all these mafia wannabe arseholes. I’m helping out here.” He opens his mouth to say something, but I cut him off. “We already argued about this a thousand times. I just want to know that you’ll be there for me.”
“Of course I will.” His jaw clenches. “But there are rumours and reports about a new drug production factory. Whenever a new drug vein comes to light, gangster wars become nasty and knife crime increases.”
“It’s one more reason to stop them. I’ll do everything in me to bring the factory down.”
He taps his index finger on his thigh. “What can I do to make you change your mind?”
“Nothing. I had an interview and I was accepted into Le Salon. It’s already done.”
“If I suspect you’re in danger, I’ll report this. I don’t care if you have to be permanently suspended from the forces.”
“Fine.” But that will also mean he’ll be brought down as an accomplice. I’ll have to make sure I’m not in danger. I won’t have Liam pay for my choices. His job means the world to him.
He looks behind me and pauses. “Your new people are here.”
My eyes stray ahead as another group of people dressed in black approach where President Joe is sitting.