M.J. was the first through the warehouse doors. “I got the SOS,” he said, dropping his bag by the door. “What’s wrong?” Frankie was already pacing. “My mom thinks Mrs. Diez is in deep shit.” “How deep?”

Before Frankie could answer, Seth and Phoenix stepped in, Phoenix already talking. “Whole Blue Faction’s fucked,” he said. “Started when Mrs. Diez nearly shipped a hundred million in coke to the wrong people.”

Phoenix’s family was from the London Red Faction through his father, Caspian Slade. His dad handled wet work for the syndicate, so no one asked too many questions. As far as anyone was concerned, Caspian was just a well-paid pathologist. “Fuck,” Frankie breathed, running a hand through his hair. “This is bad.”

“Worse,” Phoenix said. “Dad says the Blues are circling the drain.” Seth nudged him. “Babe, shut up a little, okay?”

Phoenix just shrugged. “I’m not saying anything that isn’t already moving through every house in the syndicate.”

Daria and Madison came in a minute later. Daria’s face was tight. Frankie crossed the floor and pulled her in without asking, arms locked around her. “Hey,” he said softly, “You okay? We heard what happened.” “I don't know yet. My mom fixed the mistake, but grandfather is still furious.” Daria said. Seth glanced around. “Where’s Z? “It seems like no one has good news,” Madison sighed, “because Zion got a letter of consideration and his parents are entertaining it. He's with his dad going to get his suit pressed.

“I'm sorry, Maddy,” Frankie said while still holding Daria.

“It is what it is,” Madison said flatly.

Everyone knew that Madison wasn't truly as calm as she pretended to be but no one said a word.

Frankie stayed quiet. He still had the unexpected visit from Andrea Hallett sitting in his chest, and he knew Daria would hear it eventually. Just not while she was already standing in the middle of a family crisis. For now, he kept his mouth shut and held her.