Page 77 of Ringmaster

“Are you going to read the article or keep us in suspense?” Marek asks from Silas’s side.

“Haven’t you foreseen it?” Logan teases him.

Marek huffs but doesn’t reply.

I pull out my phone and load the short article.

“Be quiet now and listen. I’m not reading it twice,” I mutter.

I need to get back to Jules and see that she’s doing okay. Getting revenge can bring up dark emotions to the surface.

I clear my throat. “Okay, here it is…”

Local Business Owner Dies After Son’s Fatal Crash

Ashford Gazette Staff Report

Graves County residentPreston Caldwell, 62, died late Tuesday evening after suffering an apparent heart attack shortly after learning of the death of his son earlier that night, according to local authorities.

Emergency responders were called to the Caldwell residence shortly before midnight. Despite efforts by paramedics, Mr. Caldwellwas pronounced dead at the scene. Officials say the cause appears to be cardiac arrest.

The tragic development follows a single-vehicle accident involving his son,Richard Caldwell, 34, which occurred several hours earlier on County Route 17. According to the Graves County Sheriff’s Office, Mr. Caldwell’s BMW left the roadway and plunged into a wooded ravine before striking several trees.

First responders arrived shortly after the crash was reported by a passing motorist. Mr. Caldwell was pronounced dead at the scene.

Preliminary reports from investigators indicate alcohol and narcotics may have been contributing factors in the accident. Toxicology results are pending.

The Caldwell family has long been known in the Ashford area through their real estate and agricultural holdings. Friends describe the double tragedy as “unimaginable.”

“It’s just heartbreaking,” said one neighbor who asked not to be named. “No matter what’s been said about anyone lately, nobody wishes something like this on a family.”

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

“Nice,” Logan says, the first to comment as usual. “But not bloody enough for me.”

“Nothing’s bloody enough for you,” Cole drawls. “But he’sright, El. I’m fucking overjoyed we arranged this for Blue, but I’m itching to get back to our mission.”

I exchange a look with Silas. His face is set in stone, but his eyes are determined.

“It’s time,” I murmur.

Si nods decisively, then grabs a thick folder. He throws it onto the low table between us, pictures spilling out.

“Indeed,” he says gravely. “Our next target is Malachi Voss.”

Our brothers still as tension fills the trailer. Silas’s gaze meets mine.

“It’s time for El and me to kill our father.”