The Damned Path: Chronicles of Damien

With Marcus and Lena on board, I had muscle and brains. But I needed one more thing—a smooth talker, a con artist, someone who could get us past locked doors without firing a shot.

That someone was Eddie "Silk" Moreno—a name that still made most men check their wallets.

Problem was, Eddie and I weren't exactly on good terms. Last time we worked together, he left me high and dry during a deal gone bad. Still, I knew he had a grudge against Kross, and that was a fire I could use.

I found Eddie in a seedy bar called The Velvet Rope, a place where everyone knew everyone's dirt and no one asked questions. The kind of place that smelled of whiskey, sweat, and regret.

He was at the back, sipping a glass of bourbon, dressed sharp like he owned the city. When he saw me walking toward him, his smile didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Well, well, look what the cat dragged in," he said, leaning back casually. "Damien, alive and breathing. Imagine that."

"Nice to see you too, Eddie," I said, sliding into the seat across from him.

He raised a brow. "What brings you to my corner of hell? Didn't think you'd want to see me again after—"

"After you left me to rot?" I cut in. "Yeah. I didn't. But I'm here because I need you."

His smirk widened. "Is that so? What's in it for me?"

"Kross."

The smile faltered, just for a second, but it was enough.

"I'm listening," he said, swirling his drink.

I laid it out for him—our plan to hit Kross where it hurt. The shipment hub, the inside man we still needed, and how I needed someone to smooth-talk or bribe our way past security checkpoints.

"You always did think big," Eddie mused when I was done.

"Are you in or not?" I asked.

He didn't answer right away. Instead, he took a long sip, watching me over the rim of his glass.

Finally, he set it down. "You really think you can pull this off?"

"I don't think," I said. "I know."

A slow smile crept across his face. "Hell, Damien. I've been waiting for a chance to put a bullet in Kross's empire. You've got yourself a conman."

I nodded. "Good. Meet me at Lena's place tomorrow night. We're going over the plan."

As I stood up to leave, Eddie called after me, "One thing, Damien."

I turned.

"If you screw me over again…" he said, voice low, "I'll bury you myself."

I gave him a cold smile. "Get in line."

Walking out of the bar, I felt the pieces falling into place. The team was complete. Now, it was time to strike.