The Underdog Turned Kingpin

Chapter 35: Playing with Dynamite

Next in his list. Burke.

Mason flipped Burke's business card between his fingers. The edges had gone soft, worn down like the man's principles.

Eve watched from her position, cataloging the minute changes in Mason's posture - the tightening around his eyes, the way his jaw worked.

Burke's had his hand in Leo's pocket for years. Time to remind him who signs his real paychecks.

Mason's phone blue glowed as he dialed. Three rings, then a gruff voice: "Burke."

"Commissioner." Mason let ice coat the word. "Word is you broke bread with Ricardo Ramirez today. Must've been quite the conversation."

Silence crackled across the line. Then: "Who is this?"

"Playing dumb doesn't suit you, James." Mason's voice dropped lower, dangerous. "Neither does betrayal."

"King?" Burke's voice went wobbly, uncertainty bleeding through. "Look, that lunch wasn't what you think-"

"Stow it." Mason sliced through the excuses. "I want Carlos in my custody by sundown."

Burke sucked air. "That's... complicated."

"Unco