No Rest for the Wicked

Briggs sat on the couch, pretending to be invested in a conversation while his eyes flickered to the TV in the corner of the room. The news was on, volume low. His face tensed.

"Breaking News: Victoria Quinn, known as 'Viper,' has escaped from high-max prison. Authorities are investigating how—"

Briggs' jaw clenched. He glanced at Rina still chatting with his wife, completely unaware.

He exhaled slowly. Not now. Not here.

The party was too peaceful. Kids were laughing. Rina, for once, was relaxed.

But he knew the moment she found out, all of this would be over.