Chapter 5
The manila folder felt heavy in my hands as I slid it across Callahan's desk. Inside were the formal complaint against Rocco Mendoza on behalf of Sylvia, along with the evidence I'd gathered against Dakota's unethical dealings.
"Are you sure about this?" Callahan asked, his dark eyes studying me. "Once we file, there's no going back."
I nodded, my resolve hardening like concrete. "I've been living in the shadow of these men long enough."
Callahan's lips curved into a slight smile. "Then let's burn their world down."
We filed the lawsuit that morning. By afternoon, the financial press had caught wind of the State Bar complaint against Dakota. I watched from my office as the stock price of Scott & Partners plummeted in real-time on my computer screen.
"Zoe Reynolds," Callahan's voice came through my intercom, "you should see this."
I switched to the financial news channel. The ticker at the bottom told the story: SCOTT & PARTNERS DOWN 32% AMID ETHICAL CONCERNS.
"They're calling it a bloodbath," Callahan said, leaning against my doorframe.
I should have felt vindicated. Instead, I felt hollow. "It's just beginning."
---
The pounding on my apartment door started at 8:17 PM. I was alone, having sent Elena home early. The sound echoed through my sparse new space—a temporary sanctuary I'd rented after leaving Dakota's penthouse.
"Zoe!" Dakota's voice was slurred, desperate. "Open this fucking door!"
I approached cautiously, peering through the peephole. Dakota's face was contorted with rage, his usually perfect appearance disheveled. His tie hung loose around his neck, and his eyes were bloodshot.
"Zoe!" He pounded again, harder. "You've ruined everything! Do you understand? Everything!"
I reached for my phone to call security when the door across the hall opened.
"That's enough," Callahan's voice cut through Dakota's tirade like a blade.
Dakota spun around, his face darkening when he saw Callahan standing in the doorway of the adjacent apartment—my neighbor, it seemed.
"This doesn't concern you, Ward," Dakota spat.
Callahan stepped forward, his presence filling the hallway. "She's my partner now."
The words hung in the air between them—ambiguous yet loaded.
"Partner?" Dakota laughed bitterly. "Is that what we're calling it?"
"Leave," Callahan said quietly. "Before I make you."
Dakota's eyes darted between us, calculation replacing some of the drunken fury. "This isn't over," he said finally, backing toward the elevator.
---
The text came at 11:42 PM. Unknown number.
*I have proof of Rocco's other victims. Meet me at the old Riverside Industrial Park. Come alone.*
Below it was a video—grainy security footage of what appeared to be Rocco with another young woman.
My phone buzzed again almost immediately. Another message from a different number.
*Zoe, I need to talk to you. I have evidence that can clear my name. Please. The old warehouse on Pier 34. Come alone.*
It was Dakota's number—one I'd blocked but would recognize anywhere.
I called Callahan immediately.
"It's a trap," he said after I forwarded the messages.
"Then why are we going?" I asked, already pulling on my coat.
His smile was grim. "Because traps work both ways."
---
The warehouse loomed against the night sky, its windows dark and broken. Callahan insisted on driving separately, parking blocks away and approaching from the rear.
I slipped through the rusted side door, my heart hammering against my ribs.
"Hello, Zoe."
Lana stood in the center of the cavernous space, her silhouette backlit by a single industrial light. Her movements were jerky, erratic. In her hand, a silver lighter flicked open and closed.
"You came," she said, her voice higher than usual. "Good girl."
I noticed her pupils—pinpricks in the dim light. She was high.
"Lana, put that down," I said carefully, eyeing the pile of old chemical drums behind her.
"Down?" She giggled, waving the lighter dangerously close to the drums. "Oh, you mean this? Rocco says it's special. Flammable."
A shadow moved behind her, and Rocco Mendoza stepped into the light.
"Welcome to my little reunion," he said, his voice dripping with false warmth. "I was just explaining to your young friend here how easily accidents happen."
The warehouse door slammed open behind me. Dakota stood there, his face pale as he took in the scene.
"Ah," Rocco smiled. "Now we're all here."
He held up a small flash drive between his fingers. "Your career, Scott. Your reputation. All here." He gestured to Lana. "And your little plaything."
Lana's eyes widened as she realized what was happening.
"Choose," Rocco said simply. "Save your career and your mistress, or try to help your crazy wife."
Dakota's eyes met mine across the warehouse floor, conflict written across his face.
The moment stretched like a rubber band pulled to breaking point.
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