Chapter 80

Chapter 80 Summary

Back in his hotel room, Bravo retrieves the two burner phones from the safe and powers on the one that once belonged to Hernandez Cortez, also known as Remington. He is immediately confronted with a text message celebrating Anthony Russell’s arrest, confirming that the Cortez brothers were directly involved in Walter Jenkins’s abduction and the broader scheme to frame Russell. Realizing how easily he could have drawn Roger Cortez out sooner, Bravo wastes no time responding. Posing as Hernandez, he claims Bravo is still at large and proposes a face-to-face meeting with Roger that evening on a trail near the Basilica of Saint Louis, King of France. After sending the message, Bravo monitors the news and notes the authorities still have no clear identity for Remington, confirming the cover remains intact.

At GenaSeed, Roger Cortez is euphoric over Russell’s arrest, already envisioning massive financial gains and company growth now that a key adversary has been eliminated. He ignores his burner phone initially while celebrating with Jeffrey Kruger, the two men indulging in champagne and openly discussing Jenkins’s disappearance with chilling indifference. Their conversation reveals how comfortably they rationalize the abduction and its consequences, with Cortez treating the situation as a strategic victory. Once Kruger leaves, Cortez finally reads the message from “Hernandez” and grows suspicious about the need for a meeting. Despite his hesitation, a brief exchange convinces him to agree, especially after being told the burner phone itself will be important to the discussion.

With confirmation secured, Bravo reads the final message and knows the trap is set. He prepares carefully, removing unnecessary items from his canvas bag and choosing practical clothing suited for mobility rather than appearances. Aware that timing will be critical, he leaves his hotel room well ahead of the scheduled meeting, intent on arriving at the Basilica trail before Cortez and positioning himself for what promises to be a decisive confrontation.