Chapter 24

Keres arrives with Ace and Romeo at Nathan James’s ultra-wealthy law office in New York, noting the imposing setting and Nathan’s controlled demeanor. Inside his office, Keres is unexpectedly moved by a seascape painting Nathan reveals was painted by his mother, briefly softening the meeting’s edge.

Nathan produces an envelope received from a client and explains that his elite hacker sourced intel tied to Mia’s disappearance. Ace opens it to find photos and documents on Mason Michaelson, a former Los Angeles container yard owner with contracts linking him to Oscar Lang and the Santangelos, now residing in Michigan. The team concludes Michaelson likely coordinated trafficking transport and becomes their next target.

Amid subtle friction—Ace bristling at Keres’s attention straying toward Nathan—they confirm neither Keres nor the men recognize Michaelson from sight. The lead nonetheless offers a concrete path forward, shifting their investigation’s focus from New York toward Michigan.

Before leaving, Romeo presents a DVD taken from Jeremiah’s apartment: footage that may be either an amateur porn or a snuff film. Nathan agrees to have his hacker, Jessie, examine it and report back. With fresh coffee drained and a destination set, the trio departs, intent on pursuing Michaelson in Michigan.