Page 47 of Hardline Torque
Private.
“Secure line requesting contact,” Luca said slowly, eyes narrowing.“Audio only.No video.No origin trace.”
The room shifted.Shoulders squared.Attention snapped tight.
Kael straightened.“Patch it through, I’ll handle it.”
Tane shook his head.“No.”
The word landed heavy.
Kael turned, one eyebrow lifting a fraction.“You want this?”
“Yes.”
Not because Tane wanted the conversation.
Because they did—and he refused to let them frame it.
“Open the line,” Tane said.
A breath of static slid through the speakers, soft and intimate, like someone leaning too close.
Then a voice—cultured, measured, entirely unhurried.“Black Tide.Thank you for taking the call.”
Tane smiled without warmth, rocking back on his heels.“You’re welcome.You rang, so I am guessing you have something you want to say.”
“We’re interested in a discussion,” the voice continued.“About one of our assets currently under your—protection.”
Victor’s gaze snapped to Tane.
Tane didn’t look away from the console.“He ain’t one of your anythings, and I will allow you one time, and this one time only, to say his name in my presence without fear of having your tongue removed through your throat.”
A pause.Fractional.Telling.Tane wanted to keep the caller on edge, and it was also nice to throw a little dominant tantrum and let all of them who were listening know that he was possessive as fuck.
“Victor Dane.”
Tane angled slightly, enough for Victor to catch his eye.“Looks like they called to speak to you?”
Victor stepped in close to the mic.“Lucky for them I’m in a good mood, so will speak with them.”
Good.Victor wasn’t going to play nice either.He was stating his intent, and who he sided with.
Let them hear it.Let them understand exactly where he stood.
“We’re prepared to offer Black Tide compensation,” the voice said smoothly.“Substantial.Compensation.Both for Victor and for the return of the vehicle you took from us, complete with cargo, and have in your possession.”
Tane huffed a quiet laugh.“Money?That’s your opener?”
“We have access to other incentives,” the voice replied.“Autonomy.Resources.A chance to return to work that matters under the Directorate.”
“So,” Tane said slowly, letting his tone soften just enough to sell it, leaning forward as if intrigued.“You’re saying there’s a deal on the table.”
The pause this time was longer.Greed testing the line.
“Yes.”
Victor went still.
