The threat did not arrive with bullets.
It arrived with paperwork.
Matthew was halfway through his morning briefing when the first call came in from the southern docks.
Three shipments—legitimate, documented, clean—had been delayed at port inspection.
No reason given.
No violations found.
Just… delayed.
"Random checks," the official had said.
There was no such thing as random in their world.
Matthew ended the call slowly.
Vinny, sitting across from him with Amara balanced against his chest, watched the change in his expression.
"That was quick," Vinny murmured.
Matthew's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. "He's efficient."
Rafe, leaning against the far wall, didn't need clarification.
"He's testing the perimeter," Rafe said. "Seeing how much weight he can lean without cracking the foundation."
"And?" Vinny asked.
Matthew stood. "We don't crack."
By noon, two more disruptions had surfaced.
A supplier abruptly terminated a contract.
