Quintus nodded at the bouncer as he strode into Bait as if he owned the place, which, in fact, he did. Partially, anyway. He and Tiberius had purchased the abandoned three-story fish cannery and turned it into the hottest nightclub around. Even midweek, the place was packed.

He acknowledged a few patrons with smiles and nods and responded to several invitations with a wink and a promise to return shortly. He had pressing business to take care of first.

He made his way through the crowd, looking for one woman in particular. He found her at the bar, loading up her tray with an assortment of colorful cocktails.

Her eyes widened when she saw him, her questioning expression one of hope.

Quintus leaned close enough to be heard over the pulsating music. “It is taken care of. Jose will not be attempting to sell controlled substances to children again.”

Janelle blinked, then slid her tray onto the bar and wrapped her arms around him. “Thank you,” she whispered. “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

He hugged her back. “My pleasure. Tell your son, if he ever sees Jose or anyone else skulking around the school again, to let us know immediately.”

When she pulled away, there were tears in her eyes. “I will. Thank you.” She nodded upward. “Tiberius is waiting for you upstairs.”

Quintus walked toward the back, feeling both particularly buoyant and somewhat irritated. He was glad to be of service, but where were those who were supposed to be protecting these people? Protecting these children?

Sugar, Spice, and a host of others had imparted quite a few truths over the last year, many of them troubling. Among them: that some citizens were considered worthier than others, and that much of that worthiness was not based on the persons themselves, but on the amount of currency they possessed. Money, as they called it, was a major factor in determining everything from where one lived to what level of education was available to them. Those without sufficient funds went without food, shelter, and medical care, and were often forced to desperate measures.

The tales had resounded with both men, but they had especially hit close to home with Quintus.

Tiberius, being the wise prince that he was, negotiated a deal. If the locals imparted their knowledge and helped them find their place in this new world, all would share in the resulting bounty.

It had been a risk, exposing themselves as they had to those select few, but in the end, it had worked in everyone’s favor. Sugar, Spice, and Jay were fiercely loyal and had been invaluable in helping them assimilate. They knew the rules, knew the players. With their help, more like the odious Marcel had met their demise over the subsequent weeks and months. The spoils of those vanquished were confiscated and converted into funds, which in turn were reinvested in their quickly growing community of supporters.

Bait became not only a place of employment, but a home to many of them. While Tiberius and Quintus hadn’t trusted their secret with anyone else, they had promised that anyone who worked for them would be well cared for.

Quintus considered this “paying forward,” as Jay would say. Years earlier, Tiberius had given him an education, a place to live, and the freedom to choose his own path. Now, together, they were doing the same for others.

Quintus emerged on the top floor to find Tiberius waiting for him. “Ah, there you are. Everything went smoothly, I presume?”

“It did,” Quintus confirmed.

“Excellent. Another problem has been brought to our attention, and this one, I fear, will require a more decisive action.”

For all intents and purposes, Tiberius appeared just as calm and regal as always, but Quintus knew him too well to be fooled. He could sense the anger radiating from just beneath the surface; see the promise of pain in the prince’s dark eyes. That level of rage was reserved for the worst of the worst. Quintus mentally girded himself for what he was about to hear.

“Tell me.”

“Spice received word of a man named Ricardo Marzione attempting to abduct females in the area. The man has ties with a known human trafficker based in Miami. The latest attempt occurred last night, only two blocks away. The woman escaped, but not without harm.”

Quintus scowled. They had both seen their share of heinous crimes, though Quintus had seen far more than Tiberius. He tried to shield his prince from the worst of it, but that wasn’t always possible, especially in this new world. One thing they both agreed on—crimes against women and children were the least tolerated.

“She is safe?”

“Yes. Spice has given her a room in the women’s quarters.”

“Good. Do we know where to find this abhorrent male?”

“Jay has employed his network of extensive connections. I have no doubt we shall have a location posthaste.”

Quintus nodded. Jay did, in fact, seem to have eyes and ears all around the Golden Beach area. His connections and his ability to gain access into digital media had proven invaluable time and time again. “You will let me know immediately?”

“I shall. And Quintus,” Tiberius said, his dark eyes glistening with determination, “this time, I shall join you.”