The Deal

Dean waited in the same dimly lit alley where he and Garrett had first met. His watch read 11:55 PM. Just five more minutes, and the next phase of his plan would begin.

Dean knew the risks of this meeting. If Garrett was setting him up, if Thalia's people were onto him already, this could go sideways in an instant. But if he wanted to make it into her inner circle, he couldn't afford to hesitate. The stakes were too high.

As the clock struck midnight, Garrett appeared from the shadows, looking more agitated than before. His leather jacket was tightly pulled around him, and his eyes darted around, constantly checking for anyone who might be watching.

Dean stood tall, watching him approach with a neutral expression. "You're late," he said, his tone casual but firm.

Garrett grunted, his voice tight with tension. "Had to make sure no one was following me." He stopped in front of Dean, his eyes narrowing. "You sure this is gonna work? I'm not some charity case, Ross. Don't think I'll just roll over for you."

Dean raised an eyebrow, unconcerned. "I'm not asking you to roll over. I'm asking you to be smart. If you want to get ahead, you need to get close to Thalia. And the way to do that is through me."

Garrett shifted his weight, clearly still skeptical. "Yeah? And what makes you think I trust you? You've got no reputation around here. You're just some guy who thinks he can waltz in and change everything."

Dean took a slow breath and leaned in a little closer, his voice dropping. "I'm offering you a chance, Garrett. A chance to get out of Thalia's shadow. If you help me, I can help you climb the ladder. But you need to trust me."

There was a long pause as Garrett stared at him. Dean could see the wheels turning in his head. The tension was thick, but it was also a familiar feeling. This was how things were done in the underworld—no one trusted anyone, not unless they had something to gain.

Finally, Garrett spoke again, his voice less hostile but still filled with uncertainty. "What's in it for me, Ross? What makes you so sure I'm gonna help you?"

Dean smirked, stepping back a little and crossing his arms. "I've got something Thalia wants. Something no one else can give her. You know how she's been looking for a way to expand her territory? I know the people who can help with that. But she's not gonna listen to just anyone."

Garrett looked intrigued but still unconvinced. "And you think you can make her listen?"

Dean's smile widened, though it was more of a calculated expression than a genuine one. "I don't think. I know."

Garrett's eyes flicked around again, and for a brief moment, Dean thought he might walk away. But then Garrett's lips parted as if he was about to speak, and Dean stepped forward, reading the situation perfectly.

"I'll help you," Garrett finally said, his voice lowering to a near-whisper. "But you need to prove you can pull this off. If you fail, I won't be the one taking the fall. Understand?"

Dean nodded, a glimmer of approval in his eyes. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

Garrett met his gaze for a long moment before turning on his heel. "Alright. I'll set it up. You'll meet me tomorrow night at Gino's. It's a place where Thalia's crew hangs out. You'll need to make an impression. Don't screw this up."

Dean watched Garrett disappear into the shadows once more, the promise of something bigger on the horizon. He knew the next step wouldn't be easy—he had to prove himself to Thalia's crew, gain her trust, and work his way deeper into the gang's inner circle. But with Garrett now on his side, the first obstacle had been overcome.

It was time to take the next step and make sure this identity of Daniel Ross would become more than just a name—it had to become his life.