Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Andre understood the jargon instantly.

The Dark Web was a shadowy underworld where anonymity was king. Identities were hidden behind layers of secrecy, making it nearly impossible for anyone to track you down, no matter how persistent. This place was a haven for the world's most sinister characters, including hitmen. Freelancers, however, like the guy Andre was talking to, had talent but stayed away from the bloody business of contract killing. They made their dirty money without getting their hands dirty. Betraying an employer here was a surefire way to invite retaliation from unseen forces.

"When did they contact you?" Andre asked.

"After that trending fiasco. No one could find a trace of you online. That night, the Walker family reached out to me privately, offering big money to dig into your family history."

"Do you know a guy named Tom?" Andre pressed further.

The man replied, "Heard of him, never met him. We only connect through secure channels. I've worked with the Walkers before, so they trust me. This time, they wanted me to find Tom here, but the guy's a ghost." A complicated expression crossed Andre's face. He was past the point of keeping secrets. "Take him to the hospital."

"Yes, sir."

Stepping outside, the cold wind began to wash away the stench of smoke and blood from his clothes.

Andre got into his car, handed off the wrap-up tasks to his team, and then detoured to a hotel halfway home.

After taking a shower at the hotel, with his hair still damp, Andre drove back home.

"Where have you been gallivanting, Andre? Getting all cleaned up before coming home, but still in the same clothes?" Jenny, his little spitfire, cradled their chubby baby at the doorway, her tone dripping with mock jealousy. Andre took the baby from her arms. "Had a smoke. Didn't want you or the baby to catch the smell, so I took a detour for a shower."

"And the business from this afternoon?"

"Handled."

"Did you catch the guy?"

"Yes."

"Did he talk?"

"Yes."

growing impatient, said, "Andre, do you have any other words

Andre replied, "... Yes."

marriage hit a playful rough patch as Jenny jokingly accused

was sharing his day as a junior assistant with Anya, even showing her photos on his phone. "Here's Aunt Molly's wedding dress pics. I didn't want you to miss out, so I

puzzled, asked, "Then whose would you like

ever the provocateur,

Uncle Andre doesn't have wedding photos, and to get

knew her limits. She wasn't about to suggest such

called the man from

Leo and Anya looked up as Uncle Chad cradled the little one

Anya worried, hoping Chad wouldn't end up in

sign of his guilt, before

in a whisper, "Don't

followed Andre to

held the baby dressed in a onesie, its tiny feet kicking playfully

know Anya's hacker

up, "I

penetrating gaze

Leo admitted, "But Anya mentioned

Anya are close. Through her, get in

you can't handle yourself?" His tone

had a remarkable gene, passed

Molly and Leo

sharpened. "You want

shook his head quickly, "No, sir. What do you need from

Web-heard of

course, I mean, I've heard bits

Dark Web to locate