Heartprints in the Void
Epilogue

**Keegan** [

Six years.

Six years of playing the long game, of carefully maneuvering myself into position.

And finally, it's about to pay off.

I stand in Cade Sinclair's opulent office, my face a mask of professional concern as I listen to James deliver the news about David's disappearance. The tension in the room is heavy, thick enough to cut with a knife. The scent of expensive leather and polished wood fills my nostrils, not exactly the grimy back alleys and smoke-filled rooms I've spent my most of my life in.

I've been in this game for nearly half my life. The mafia has been my only family since I was eighteen, a scared kid with nothing to lose and everything to prove. Now, twelve years later, I'm Levi Carter's right-hand man, trusted with the most delicate operations.

Like this one.

"What do you mean he's disappeared?" Cade's voice is low, dangerous. I've seen that look in his eyes before it's the look of a man ready to burn the world down to protect what's his. It's a look I know well, having seen it in Levi's eyes countless times.

James shifts uncomfortably, the leather of his expensive chair creaking. "The prison transport was hit. By the time backup arrived, David was gone. We've been trying to track him, but..."

"But nothing," Cade snaps. He turns to me, his gaze piercing. I can feel the weight of his scrutiny, searching for any sign of deception. But I've spent years perfecting this mask. "Keegan, what have your sources turned up?"

I keep my voice steady, my expression neutral. "I've relayed everything to Levi. His men, along with mine, have been searching, but we've come up empty-handed so far. It's like he's vanished into thin air."

Cade slams his fist on the desk, the sound echoing. James jumps, but I don't flinch. I've seen far worse in my years with the Carter family. "Not good enough! I want more men on my family. Round the clock surveillance. No one gets near them without me knowing about it."

I nod, my mind already racing with the possibilities this opens. "My sister, Maisie. She's moving to the city for grad school. She's... stubborn. Doesn't want my help. But I need eyes on her too."

I raise an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "You want me to watch her personally?"

Cade nods, his eyes meeting mine. "Find a way to get close to her. Protect her without her knowing. Can you handle that?"

"Consider it done, sir," I say, my face carefully blank even as excitement surges through me.

*This is it. This is the opening I've been waiting for.*

As I leave the office, it takes every ounce of self-control not to let my triumph show. I make my way to the parking garage, my steps echoing in the concrete.

Once I'm in my car, safely hidden behind tinted windows, I finally allow myself a small smile. My reflection in the rearview mirror shows a man with hard silver-gray eyes and a scar running along my jaw-a reminder of my first job for Levi, back when the Carter family was still fighting for control of what was left of the ruins of the Saldívar mafia empire.

I pull out my phone, dialing a number I know by heart. It rings twice before the familiar gruff voice answers.

"Yes?"

"It's done," I say, my voice low despite the privacy of my car. "I'm now his sister's *personal* protection detail. I'm in."

There's a pause, then a chuckle. "Good," David says, his voice filled with satisfaction. "Just get the job done, Keegan. Don't let me down."

"I won't," I promise, ending the call.

As I start the car, the powerful engine purring to life, I can't help but feel a thrill of anticipation. Six years of patience, of careful planning, all leading to this moment. Six years of watching Cade Sinclair take over his father's empire, of learning his weaknesses, of earning his trust.

I think back to the day Levi introduced me to David Sinclair. I was fresh off a job, my hands still stained with blood, when Levi pulled me aside. "I've got a special assignment for you," he had said, his eyes glinting with ambition. "Long-term. Deep cover. You up for it?"

I didn't hesitate. In this world, hesitation gets you killed. "Whatever you need, boss."

And now, here I am. Cade Sinclair thinks he's protecting his family, but he's just handed me the key to his downfall. He has no idea that the man he trusts to protect his sister is woking for the very person he's trying to protect her from. And Maisie? David's illegitimate daughter, the sister Cade didn't know about until six years ago? Well, there's always collateral damage in this game. I've learned that lesson the hard way, over and over again.

As I pull out of the parking garage, the city sprawls before me. The setting sun paints the sky in shades of orange and pink, a beautiful backdrop for the ugly business that's about to unfold.

As I merge into traffic, I can't help but wonder about Maisie. Is she naive, sheltered from the darker side of her family's legacy? Or is she sharp, suspicious, a challenge waiting to be overcome? *I'll replace out soon enough.*

The game is on, and I intend to win. No matter the cost.