Chapter 50 Summary

Jennifer woke up early after a night filled with unsettling dreams about Tony being attacked. Her growing concern for his safety and the slow pace of the police investigation left her anxious. Looking for a distraction, she checked her emails and found a message from FBI Special Agent Javon Morris. His update on the Jenkins case explained that Jenkins had been traced to Italy but disappeared after leaving a hotel in Galliano. Reading the message gave her an idea; maybe Javon could help with Tony’s situation.

When Jennifer called Javon, she thanked him for the update before changing the subject to Tony’s situation. She explained that Tony’s friend had been assaulted and that a cryptic message was found at the scene: “The living delivers a warning; the dead will reveal the consequences of a warning ignored.” Javon was stunned; he’d received the same message in an envelope at his FBI office just days earlier. The revelation linked the two incidents, suggesting the threat was not local but part of something bigger, possibly national.

Jennifer encouraged Javon to get involved in the Austin investigation, concerned about Tony’s safety and annoyed that police couldn’t provide 24/7 protection. Javon agreed to discuss the matter with his supervisor and promised to give her updates as soon as he could, assuring her that the FBI would now work with Austin authorities on the case.

Meanwhile, Bravo prepared for his mission. In a St. Louis hotel, he examined a dangerous collection of weapons and gear he had recently acquired: guns, grenades, smoke bombs, knives, and tactical supplies. He carefully sharpened his blades and finalized his plan: use a cell phone as bait to lure Remington, uncover Hernandez’s true identity, and then eliminate the real target behind the operation. Flipping through a local real estate guide, he found an ideal spot for confrontation: a vacant warehouse in Granite City, Illinois, just across the bridge from downtown St. Louis, and set out to inspect it, his anticipation evident in his stride.

Back in Austin, Tony visited Steven at the hospital. To his relief, Steven announced that he had decided to take the apartment Tony had found near the rehabilitation clinic. Tony confessed that he had already leased it for a year, confident that Steven would choose it. The new home would be fully furnished and ready by August 1st, ensuring a smooth transition once Steven was discharged. Sincerely grateful, Steven thanked Tony for his unwavering support, though he admitted feeling guilty about his current condition. Tony brushed it off with humor and reassurance, emphasizing that Steven’s only job was to heal. As they spoke, Steven revealed that, despite progress in therapy, his memories of the attack remained buried—a troubling gap that both men hoped would soon be resolved.

Chapter 49 Summary

Tony returned to his hotel after visiting Steven at the hospital. Steven was making progress in his recovery and was close to deciding which apartment to move into, although he hadn’t fully committed yet. Tony called Jennifer to catch up and update her on the situation. During the call, he explained Steven’s progress, the apartments he had found, and the one he had already leased for a year, confident Steven would choose it in the end.

Their discussion shifted to the recent unsettling incident involving the cryptic note found in Steven’s apartment: “The living delivers a warning; the dead will reveal the consequences of a warning ignored.” Tony explained how the note had triggered a violent reaction from Steven, requiring sedation, and how authorities were handling the case carefully. Jennifer expressed concern for both Steven and Tony, sparking a conversation about potential danger and Tony’s need to stay alert. Tony reassured her that he was prepared to protect himself and Steven while letting law enforcement handle the investigation, though he admitted frustration over having no leads.

The conversation also uncovered additional security measures Tony had put in place for his staff in Newport, showing the ripple effect the threat had triggered. Jennifer asked Tony to check in at least twice a day, and he agreed, adding a bit of humor to ease the tension. The call wrapped up on a reassuring, positive note, highlighting their strong bond and mutual concern for safety amid the ongoing threat to Steven and Tony.

Chapter 48 Summary

Javon returned to the office after meeting with Helen Chan and found an email from Angelina, but there was still no new information on Walter Jenkins. The update confirmed that the lead had stalled; without travel records or credit-card activity, tracking Jenkins beyond Galliano would be challenging under the Schengen freedom of movement. Javon felt the case tightening into frustrating unknowns.

Across town, tensions increased among Cortez’s hired operatives. Roger Cortez finally reached out to Bravo with a new task: eliminate Special Agent Javon Morris. Bravo sharply refused, saying he wouldn't target an FBI agent, and the call quickly turned into threats and bluster from both sides. Bravo warned Cortez that disobedience would be costly, then he hung up.

Realizing Bravo posed a genuine threat to their plans, Cortez panicked and shifted tactics, redirecting his resources and instructing Hernandez/Remington to concentrate on Bravo instead. The conversation with Remington revealed family tension: Remington, who had long protected his younger brother Roger, admitted he was tired and wary of further unquestioning obedience. He warned Roger that Bravo was different from previous hires and could be dangerous to face.

Instead of backing down, Cortez doubled down, insisting that protection was essential and barking orders to hunt Bravo using the GPS tracker linked to Larry’s phone. Bravo, sensing he was now the target, turned off his phone, slipped out of the hotel, and began planning a counterstrategy, intending to use the tracker as bait to lure the hunters into a trap.

By the chapter’s end, the balance shifts: quotes of fear, loyalty, and family obligation collide. Cortez is frantic and reactive; Remington is reluctant but bound; Bravo is determined and proactive; and Javon keeps chasing dead ends in the Jenkins investigation, unaware that the violence around him is about to intensify.

Chapter 47 Summary

Special Agent Javon Morris exited the Met building and took a cab back to the FBI office after he met with Roger Cortez. Although the meeting had gone smoothly, Javon couldn’t shake the feeling that Cortez’s polished demeanor, expensive suit, and subtle charm concealed something deeper. He decided to proceed with following up on the four unfamiliar names on the media event visitors’ list.

Before doing so, he examined the photocopy of the note from the envelope: “The living delivers a warning; the dead will reveal the consequences of a warning ignored.” Javon pondered its meaning, wondering whether it implied that Jenkins was alive and sending a warning, or that the warning had been ignored and Jenkins was dead. The lack of updates from Angelina in Italy increased his frustration.

Javon grabbed his notepad and started researching the first of the four unfamiliar names: Helen Chan from The Labor Gazette, the official labor newspaper for Greater St. Louis and Southern Illinois. He called the newspaper, and Helen agreed to meet him at a café halfway between their locations. Even though he felt the meeting might be a waste of time, Javon decided to go ahead with it to ensure a thorough investigation.

At the café, Helen arrived promptly, a slim, attractive Asian woman in her late thirties. Javon introduced himself, and she ordered a Chai Tea Latte while he got himself a coffee. During their conversation, Javon asked if she had noticed anything unusual at the media event. Helen recalled two attendees who seemed eager to leave early, chatting and giggling throughout, then shuffling to the back at the end. She identified them as Sandra Brown and Roger Cortez. She also mentioned two local reporters, Tom Barker and Tom Halloway, who are known for their casual and procrastinating approach to assignments.

Their discussion remained cordial and professional, with Helen sharing her observations and Javon quietly noting the details. Once they finished their drinks, they parted ways, with Javon reflecting that the meeting, while unlikely to yield significant evidence, had confirmed some behavioral patterns among key attendees and brought greater clarity to his ongoing investigation.

Chapter 46 Summary

Special Agent Javon Morris arrived at GenaSeed’s executive reception area on the twenty-second floor of the Met building to follow up on last week’s media event. Sandra Brown greeted him, apologized for the delay, and confirmed that she, Daniel Bruner, and Roger Cortez had attended the event. While she could explain her own attendance and Bruner’s within their official roles, Sandra admitted she was unsure why Cortez had been present, suggesting his participation was personal rather than professional. Javon asked that Sandra escort him to Cortez’s office for his scheduled meeting.

While waiting outside Cortez’s office, Javon was offered a cup of Cortez’s specially blended coffee and was impressed by its exceptional flavor. Cortez soon emerged, greeting Javon with confidence, charm, and an air of sophistication, then invited him into his office. Cortez explained that his presence at the media event was to offer physical and emotional support to Bruner and Sandra rather than for any official company business. He clarified that his relationship with Walter Jenkins had been limited to occasional professional interactions.

During their conversation, Cortez also explained GenaSeed’s role in revitalizing a coffee plantation, enriching the soil, improving irrigation, and protecting the land, all of which contributed to the exceptional coffee Javon had tasted. Despite Javon’s questions, Cortez provided little new information about the event or any personal involvement with Jenkins.

After Javon left, Cortez went back to his office, locked the door, and grabbed a burner phone. His actions showed he was taking steps to make sure the FBI agent’s questions wouldn’t interfere with his plans.

Chapter 45 Summary

Special Agent Javon Morris began following up on the GenaSeed executives who attended the media event. He first tried to reach Daniel Bruner but found Bruner unavailable for several days. Javon then scheduled meetings with Sandra Brown at 10:30 a.m. and Roger Cortez at 11:00 a.m. that same morning, hoping to gain insight into the mystery envelope and the executives’ involvement.

Meanwhile, Steven Schroeder continued his emotional and physical recovery at the hospital. He regained confidence in feeding himself despite his casts, showing gradual progress in dexterity and coordination. Tony Russell visited Steven and showed him pictures of a two-bedroom, wheelchair-accessible apartment with modern amenities, conveniently located near an occupational health center and recreational facilities. Steven expressed interest and asked for time to consider the move, unaware that Tony had already finalized a year-long lease.

Dr. Laura Anderson arrived to check on Steven’s progress, noting his improving independence and emotional stability. She allowed Tony and Steven to continue their discussion uninterrupted, reinforcing Steven’s sense of agency and self-reliance as part of his rehabilitation. The chapter highlighted Steven’s ongoing recovery, the thoughtful planning of his environment for optimal healing, and Javon’s ongoing pursuit of leads regarding the GenaSeed executives.

Chapter 44 Summary

Javon Morris checked his email and received a message from Angelina Bernardi confirming that Jenkins had stayed at Villa Medicea for two days, departing on June 21. Although it offered some reassurance that Jenkins had been in a safe location, his ultimate whereabouts remained unknown. Javon shifted focus to the mystery envelope delivered to the bureau during the media event. Reviewing the attendee list, he discovered several GenaSeed executives, Sandra Brown, Daniel Bruner, and Roger Cortez, were present. While he could understand Brown and Bruner’s attendance, Cortez’s presence seemed unusual. Javon planned to follow up with the company the next day and began eliminating known media personnel, narrowing the list to four unfamiliar attendees for further investigation.

At the hospital, Tony checked on Steven Schroeder, who was making steady physical progress, regaining basic motor skills, such as using a fork and spoon. Doctor Rosenthal had arranged for psychiatric support to address Steven’s emotional trauma. Laura Anderson, a soft-spoken psychiatrist in her early forties, arrived to meet Steven. After a brief introduction and clearing the room of Tony, she began working with Steven to address the lingering emotional effects of the previous day’s traumatic event.

Meanwhile, Bravo received a call from Roger Cortez. The conversation underscored the high-stakes, manipulative nature of the organization Bravo was dealing with. Cortez attempted to assert control and demand compliance, but Bravo remained defiant, emphasizing his priority of personal survival over allegiance. The interaction reinforced Bravo’s understanding that Hernandez and Cortez were dangerous, impulsive, and manipulative individuals with traits consistent with antisocial personality disorder, confirming the chaotic and perilous nature of engaging with them.

Chapter 43 Summary

Officer Kate Williams stood outside the police lab, waiting anxiously for the test results on the mysterious note she had found in Steven Schroeder’s apartment. The technician finally delivered his report—there were no foreign chemicals on the paper, and the only fingerprints found belonged to Kate herself. Disturbed by the implications, she made a photocopy of the note, logged the original into evidence, and left the station determined to speak with Steven directly.

At the hospital, Kate entered Steven’s room, where he was speaking with Tony. After a brief exchange, she explained the situation and showed Steven the copied note. Realizing his injuries made it difficult for him to hold it, she read the message aloud: “The living delivers a warning; the dead will reveal the consequences of a warning ignored.” The words triggered a violent reaction in Steven—he began shaking uncontrollably, screaming, and thrashing in panic. Tony tried to calm him as Kate rushed out to find a nurse. Moments later, a sedative was administered through Steven’s IV, gradually easing his distress.

Kate apologized for provoking the episode, while the nurse noted that such a reaction likely stemmed from severe trauma tied to the incident that had hospitalized him. Tony then asked to read the message himself. After hesitating, Kate allowed him to look at the copy. Reading the line, Tony’s expression darkened. He asked to speak privately with Kate in the hallway, where he offered his interpretation: someone still alive had issued a warning, and those who ignored it would die. If Steven’s attack had been that warning, Tony might now be the intended victim.

Kate listened carefully and agreed that the possibility couldn’t be dismissed. She promised to bring the matter to her supervisor, noting her concern that the attackers might also know where Tony and his team lived. Tony explained that only he and Steven were public-facing members of their company, which targeted environmentally harmful corporations, giving potential enemies a motive. Kate urged him to take the threat seriously, warning that ignoring it could prove fatal.

The chapter closes with Kate leaving the hospital deep in thought, realizing this was no ordinary assault. The cryptic message hinted at a larger, calculated scheme, and both she and Tony now faced the unsettling truth that the next move might come without warning.