Shadows Of Deceipt

Chapter 7

Tom Delano wasn’t just a name in the business world. He was a brand, a force, and a ghost. To the world, he was a legitimate tycoon—owner of multiple companies, a generous donor to charities, and a face seen at prestigious events. But behind the glitz and glamor lay an empire built on secrets, power, and fear. Tom’s main legitimate business was Delano Industries, a multi-faceted corporation dealing in everything from real estate to logistics. It was a thriving venture, boasting major contracts with government institutions, international trade partners, and private businesses. He was admired for his business acumen, respected in elite circles for his philanthropy, and feared by those who knew the real Tom Delano. But beneath the surface, Delano Industries was the perfect front for his more sinister operations—drug trafficking, money laundering, and a vast network of black-market deals. This dual identity was the essence of his empire. He walked in two worlds, seamlessly blending them without a single crack in the facade. As Tom sat in his penthouse office overlooking the city, he reviewed the reports Rico had compiled. His criminal operation was built on information. Rico, his tech genius, was the mastermind behind keeping Tom one step ahead of his enemies—both on the street and within the law.

“We’ve got shipments coming in through the docks tonight,” Rico said, standing by Tom’s desk, his fingers flying over his tablet. “Usual routes. Security’s tight. No snags so far, but I’ll keep a close watch.”

Tom nodded, his eyes on the sprawling skyline, reflecting the weight of his empire. He controlled the flow of drugs into the city, using his logistics company to transport them across borders, hidden in plain sight among the legitimate goods. His competitors had tried to take him down before, but none had succeeded. Tom always found a way to stay untouchable.

“How’s the network?” Tom asked, turning his attention back to Rico.

“We’re good. Our encrypted channels are still untraceable, and I’ve planted a few bugs in key places—police stations, the mayor’s office, even some private homes of our rivals. I’ll know if anyone so much as breathes your name.”

Rico was more than just an internet guru; he was the pulse of Tom’s criminal operations. Without him, Tom’s empire wouldn’t function as smoothly. Rico’s hacking abilities ensured they had leverage on every possible threat. From police officials to rival gangs, no one was beyond their reach.

“Good,” Tom replied, satisfied.

He needed everything to run like clockwork. Especially now, with his eyes on Anna. Lucas, Tom’s trusted enforcer, walked in, his broad figure a commanding presence in the room. Lucas had been with Tom since the early days, back when their business was smaller, more chaotic. He was the muscle, the enforcer who made sure anyone who crossed Tom ended up regretting it—if they survived at all.

“We’ve got word from the Russians,” Lucas said, taking a seat across from Tom. “They’re interested in expanding our arrangement, but they want a meeting to ‘finalize’ things. I don’t trust them.”

Tom smirked, his cold eyes sharpening. “Neither do I. But we’ll hear them out. Schedule a meeting for next week. And make sure we’re prepared in case they try something.”

Lucas nodded, but there was a hesitation in his eyes. “I’ve been meaning to ask—what’s with the Greenfield girl? Is she really part of the plan?”

Tom’s expression remained unreadable. He was never one to share his true intentions, even with his most trusted men. “She’s exactly where she needs to be. Don’t worry about her.”

Lucas frowned but didn’t press further. He trusted Tom’s judgment, even if he didn’t always understand the moves.
As the conversation continued, they were interrupted by a knock on the door. It opened to reveal Natalia, Tom’s lawyer and confidante. She was sharp, calculating, and fiercely loyal—a key part of keeping Tom’s businesses, both legal and illegal, untouchable. With her, no one could trace anything back to him.