13.

The docks were dark and quiet, the air thick with the smell of salt and diesel. Zee slipped through the shadows, her footsteps light as she made her way toward the meeting spot. Every nerve in her body was on edge, her senses heightened. She knew she was taking a huge risk, reaching out to someone outside K-Boss's circle, but this was her only chance. If she didn't make a move now, Breezy would corner her, K-Boss would tighten his grip, and she'd lose any control she had left.

She reached the end of the pier, her eyes scanning the darkness. A figure stood by the water, tall and broad-shouldered, silhouetted against the faint glow of the city lights in the distance. Zee's hand drifted to the Glock tucked in her waistband as she approached, her fingers brushing the cold metal. She wasn't planning on using it, but she wasn't about to walk into this unarmed, either.

The man turned as she approached, his face hidden in the shadows. He wore a dark coat, his posture relaxed but alert. Zee could tell right away that he was someone used to power, someone who wasn't easily rattled.

"You're the one who called me?" he asked, his voice low and steady.

Zee nodded, keeping her expression blank. "I heard you're looking to make moves. I've got something that might help."

He raised an eyebrow, his gaze sharp. "Is that so? And what makes you think I need your help?"

Zee held his gaze, refusing to be intimidated. "Because I know this city. I know the people who run it, the ones who think they're untouchable. K-Boss, he's got everyone on lock. But I've got something he doesn't."

The man watched her for a long moment, sizing her up. Zee felt the weight of his scrutiny, the intensity of his gaze, but she didn't flinch. She'd come too far to back down now.

"And what's that?" he asked, his tone skeptical.

Zee reached into her bag, pulling out one of the switches she'd printed. She held it up, the small piece of plastic and metal catching the dim light. "This. It's a switch that turns a Glock into an automatic. K-Boss doesn't know about it. Nobody does, except me. I've been printing them, selling them on the low. But I need a partner—someone who's got the resources to move them."

The man's expression shifted, a flicker of interest in his eyes. He took a step closer, reaching out to examine the switch. His fingers brushed over it, his gaze intent. "Impressive. Dangerous, too. You know what happens to people who try to play both sides of the game?"

Zee met his gaze, her voice steady. "I know the risks. But I also know the rewards. This isn't about survival anymore. It's about power."

The man studied her, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "You're ambitious. I like that. But ambition has a price."

Zee held her ground, her heart pounding in her chest. "I'm willing to pay it."

He slipped the switch into his pocket, his eyes never leaving hers. "Alright, Zee. You've got my attention. But if you're going to run with me, there are rules. First rule: loyalty. If you cross me, if you even think about playing me… I'll end you. Understood?"

Zee nodded, feeling a surge of excitement mingling with the fear. This was her chance, her way out. But she knew it came with a cost. She was trading one boss for another, one set of rules for a new one. But this time, she'd be on the inside, a part of the power, not just a pawn.

"I understand," she said, her voice firm.

The man nodded, a glint of approval in his eyes. "Good. Now, let's talk details. How many of these can you print?"

"As many as we need," Zee replied, her mind already calculating the logistics. "I've got the equipment, the materials. But I need discretion. No one can know it's me."

He smirked, his gaze approving. "You've got guts, Zee. I'll give you that. But guts only get you so far. You want to move these switches? You follow my lead. I'll handle distribution, connections. You just keep them coming."

Zee nodded, a sense of relief flooding through her. She'd done it. She'd made her move, secured her way out. But as she looked at the man standing before her, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was trading one danger for another.

"Got it," she said, her voice steady. "When do we start?"

He glanced over his shoulder, his gaze sweeping over the dark, empty docks. "Tonight. You've got a batch ready?"

Zee nodded, her mind racing. She hadn't expected him to move this quickly, but she was ready. She always had a few switches printed, stashed away just in case. This was her chance, and she wasn't about to waste it.

"I've got a few. I can get more by the end of the week."

"Perfect." He turned to her, his face serious. "And remember, Zee—this isn't just a business deal. This is a partnership. You're in, or you're out. No halfway."

Zee felt the weight of his words, the finality of what she was committing to. But there was no turning back now. She'd made her choice.

"I'm in," she said, her voice unwavering.

He nodded, a satisfied look crossing his face. "Good. I'll be in touch. And, Zee… keep this between us. I don't need K-Boss sniffing around, trying to get his hands on my new product."

Zee smirked, feeling a surge of confidence. "K-Boss doesn't know a thing. And he won't. Not unless I want him to."

The man chuckled, a dark, approving sound that sent a chill down her spine. "I like you, Zee. You're smart. Just be careful. In this game, the smart ones don't always survive."

With that, he turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Zee standing alone on the pier, her mind buzzing with the possibilities. She'd done it. She'd found a way out of K-Boss's grip, a new partner who could help her take control of her own fate.

But as she walked away from the docks, the weight of her decision settled over her. She was in deeper than ever now, tied to a new power, a new danger. This wasn't just about survival anymore. This was about winning, about building something bigger than K-Boss, bigger than anything she'd ever known.

And she was ready.

As she headed back into the city, the streets dark and quiet around her, she couldn't help but feel a spark of excitement, a thrill she hadn't felt in a long time. This was her chance, her game. And for the first time, she felt like she was truly in control.

But deep down, she knew the truth: control was an illusion. And in this game, illusions could kill.