Kennedy had been in the house for hours now, but it still felt like the tension never left the room. Adrian sat across from him, his expression unreadable. They had moved to the library just the two of them. But Adrian knew Trent and the others were watching them on camera.
In front of them on the table was a flash drive—small, silver, and seemingly innocent, but the air around it felt charged. Kennedy had placed it there, almost like it was a peace offering, but neither man truly believed that.
Adrian broke the silence. What’s on that thing?
Everything. It has files, videos, documents—proof of what Lockhart has been doing behind the scenes. Illegal arms deals, money laundering, and the death's of our dads. Things that could put him away for life. Kennedy said as he ran a hand through his hair, his voice low and tense.
Adrian’s eyes flicked to the flash drive, his mind racing. If what Kennedy was saying was true, this could be the key to everything they needed to finally take down General Lockhart. But there was something off, something Kennedy hadn’t mentioned yet.
So why haven’t you given it to someone? Adrian asked, his tone accusatory. If this could take him down, why is it still sitting in front of us?
Kennedy’s expression hardened. Because I can’t access it. The drive’s encrypted—like, seriously encrypted. It’s protected by multiple layers of security—firewalls, biometric locks, and some kind of advanced AI algorithm that changes the access codes every time you try to break in.
Adrian leaned back in his chair, frustration evident. So you’re telling me we have the key to taking him down, but no one can use it?
Exactly, Kennedy replied, his jaw tight. I’ve tried everything. I’ve taken it to hackers, specialists... even military-grade experts, but it’s no use. It’s locked down with a level of protection I’ve never seen before. The kind of thing only high-level government or black-market organizations could afford to install. I’m guessing Lockhart or someone close to him had it done. I don't even know how my investigator got it, or why Lockhart had something that contained everything that could take him down.
Adrian stared at the flash drive, the sense of helplessness weighing on him. The room was silent for a moment, both men lost in thought.
Why bring it to me, then? Adrian asked finally. His voice was quieter now, more measured. Why not just keep trying on your own?
Kennedy looked at him, his gaze intense. Because I can’t do this alone. And despite everything that happened between us, Ad, you’re the only person I can trust with this. Lockhart is your family’s mess. This is your fight too. You deserve to know what he’s been doing.
Adrian exhaled slowly, feeling the weight of Kennedy’s words settle in. We’re not friends anymore, Ken. You made sure of that. I’m only here because I want to stop him, and because you’re the only lead I have. And the only one who came up with a sane and legal plan. I was ready to drop bombs on the son of a bitch.
Kennedy nodded, pain flashing in his eyes. I know. I don’t expect us to go back to how things were. Not after what I did.
He looked down, his hands tightening into fists. But I’m trying to make it right. At least give me that.
Adrian looked away, his emotions conflicted. He wanted to lash out, to tell Kennedy that he couldn’t just fix everything with an apology. But there was something else—something deeper gnawing at him. The truth about their fathers, the way Kennedy had been dragged into this twisted web of lies just like him. It wasn’t just about them anymore. It was about bringing down the man responsible for all of it.
