Chapter 22: A CAGE OF SHADOWS

SMOKE'S POV

The weeks following the takedown of Miguel and Renzo had been surprisingly quiet. Too quiet. Business was running smoothly, the crew was focused, and Lena was beginning to smile again, albeit cautiously. But I knew better than to let my guard down. Silence, in my line of work, was often the loudest warning.

Miguel’s cousin, Daniel, had ties to the Feds, and I figured it was only a matter of time before they came sniffing around. I kept my movements clean, my crew under the radar, and my hands as clean as a man like me could manage. But some things were inevitable.

It started one morning at the weed store. Charles and I were going over inventory when Jimmy burst through the door, pale as a ghost.

“Boss,” he said, panting. “The Feds are asking questions. Word is, Miguel’s cousin is poking around. They’re saying you might be involved in his disappearance.”

I nodded, not showing any fear. “Let them ask. They’ve got nothing.”

Charles frowned. “You sure about that? Miguel and Renzo didn’t just vanish on their own.”

“Relax,” I said, though the knot in my stomach tightened. “We covered our tracks. No bodies, no witnesses. They’ve got nothing.”

But the Feds always find a way to make noise. That evening, as I was leaving Lena’s apartment after checking in on her, two black SUVs pulled up. Four agents stepped out, badges in hand.

“Smoke, we need to talk,” one of them said.

I knew better than to resist. “What’s this about?” I asked, playing dumb.

“You’re a suspect in the disappearance of Miguel Vargas and Renzo Torres,” the agent said, his tone sharp. “We’re taking you in for questioning.”

The ride to the station was tense. They didn’t cuff me, but the air was thick with suspicion. I kept my mouth shut, knowing anything I said could be used against me.

At the station, they led me into a sterile interrogation room. The walls were gray, the table metal, and the chair uncomfortable. Across from me sat a stern-looking agent.

“Let’s cut the crap,” he said, leaning forward. “We know Miguel and Renzo didn’t just vanish. You had a feud with them. Witnesses say there was tension. So, where are they?”

I leaned back in my chair, keeping my expression neutral. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t play games,” he snapped. “Miguel’s cousin is with the Bureau. He says Miguel was last seen near your territory. That’s not a coincidence.”

I smirked. “I don’t keep tabs on everyone who wanders near my business. Maybe Miguel got himself into trouble. He wasn’t exactly a saint.”

The agent’s eyes narrowed. “You think this is a joke? We can make your life hell, Smoke.”

“Do what you have to do,” I said calmly. “You’ve got nothing on me.”

The questioning dragged on for hours. They tried every tactic—intimidation, coaxing, threats. But I held my ground, giving them nothing. Eventually, they realized they were wasting their time.

“You’re free to go,” the agent said reluctantly. “But don’t think this is over. We’re watching you.”

When I stepped out of the station, the first thing I saw was Lena pacing near her car. She looked up as I approached, her face a mix of relief and anger.

“Smoke!” she said, running to me. “What the hell happened? Why were you arrested?”

“They think I had something to do with Miguel and Renzo disappearing,” I said, keeping my voice low.

Her eyes widened. “And did you?”

I looked at her, my expression serious. “You know the answer to that, Lena.”

She bit her lip, glancing around nervously. “This is too much, Smoke. The danger, the lies—it’s suffocating me.”

I placed my hands on her shoulders. “Lena, listen to me. I’m handling it. The Feds have nothing. Miguel’s cousin can dig all he wants, but he won’t find anything.”

She pulled away, her eyes filling with tears. “You say that, but I can’t help feeling like this is going to destroy us.”

“It won’t,” I promised. “I won’t let it.”

Over the next few days, the tension only grew. The Feds started tailing me everywhere I went, their unmarked cars a constant shadow. My crew was on edge, and even Lena began avoiding me, scared of what might happen next.

But I wasn’t going to let them win. I doubled down on security, moved sensitive operations to new locations, and made sure every loose end was tied.

One night, as I sat in my apartment going over plans, there was a knock at the door. It was Lena.

“I’m sorry,” she said, stepping inside. “I didn’t mean to push you away. I just… I’m scared, Smoke.”

I pulled her into my arms. “I know,” I said softly. “But I need you to trust me. I’ll protect you, no matter what.”

She looked up at me, her eyes searching mine. “Promise me this won’t destroy us.”

“I promise,” I said, meaning every word.

The next morning, I got a call from Charles. “Boss, we’ve got a problem,” he said, his voice grim.

“What now?”

“Daniel, Miguel’s cousin. He’s asking around again. He’s not letting this go.”

I clenched my jaw. “Keep an eye on him. If he gets too close, we’ll deal with it.”

But deep down, I knew this was far from over. The Feds were relentless, and Daniel wasn’t going to stop until he found out what happened to Miguel.

I glanced at Lena, who was sitting on the couch, sipping her coffee. She deserved peace, safety, and a life free from this chaos. And I was determined to give it to her—even if it meant going to war

with the Feds and Miguel’s cousin.

The storm was coming, but I wasn’t afraid. I was ready.