Chapter 5: Into the Lion’s Den

5

When we left Maple Heights Church, a young man in a black suit brushed past us.

My heart skipped a beat. I grabbed Caleb and whispered, "Doesn’t he look like someone?"

Caleb said, "I noticed too. He looks like Marcus Delaney."

Marcus Delaney—the eldest son of mob boss Richard Delaney. We’d been investigating that crew for two years, but they were too cautious, leaving no trace, and we couldn’t find an opening.

And now, Marcus Delaney had walked right to us. How could I let this chance go?

I told Caleb, "You go back first. I’ll follow him and see what he’s up to."

Caleb knew my stubbornness. Once I made up my mind, I wouldn’t listen to reason. He could only say, "I’ll wait for you at the bottom of the hill. Be careful—don’t confront him directly."

I followed Marcus into the church.

I saw him kneel before the altar, lighting a candle with great devotion, murmuring prayers.

What, did he want to turn over a new leaf and find redemption?

Impossible.

Marcus Delaney was the Delaney Crew’s number one—a ruthless madman. A devil like him, even the church wouldn’t take.

After lighting the candle, he got up and left.

I couldn’t follow him further, so I bought a few candles myself and casually asked the pastor, "That handsome man just now, does he come here often?"

The pastor replied, "Yes, two or three times a month. The timing isn’t fixed."

A bold idea formed: approach Marcus Delaney, infiltrate the Delaney Crew.

Caleb was adamantly opposed. I threatened that if he didn’t let me do this, I wouldn’t marry him, forcing him to agree.

I said, "Caleb, this is the last time. After we take down the Delaney Crew, I’ll quit the force, work at the courthouse, marry you, and have kids, okay?"

Caleb didn’t answer. He was still angry.

I waited at Maple Heights Church for half a month before seeing Marcus again.

When he was lighting a candle, I stood not far off, watching him.

After he finished, he turned, his sharp gaze locking onto me.

Our eyes met. He walked straight over.

Very good, girl. You’ve caught his attention.

"You seem to be watching me. Do we know each other?" he asked bluntly.

"Can we get to know each other?" I replied just as directly.

"Why?"

"Because... you’re handsome." I probably blushed as I said it.

"You’re kidding." Marcus turned and left.

After that, every time he came to light a candle, I’d approach him and strike up a conversation.

Finally, one day, he said, "So, gorgeous, you wanna grab a bite with me?"

Under the soft neon glow of the church sign, I felt both triumphant and afraid. I wasn’t a rookie, but the idea of dining with the devil himself felt almost cinematic. I caught my reflection in the glass door and reminded myself—this is for justice. This is for all the families out there who’d never see their loved ones come home.