CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE – THE INFORMANT

"Mr. Preston," the voice said, the words clipped and precise. "I have information that could change the course of your war with the von Beckers. But I can't discuss it over the phone. We need to meet in person, somewhere safe and secure." Julian felt a flicker of doubt, a sense of unease that he couldn't quite shake. But he pushed it aside, his desire for revenge and his need to protect his family overriding his better judgment. "Where and when?" he asked, his voice steady and calm. The informant rattled off an address, a nondescript warehouse on the outskirts of the city. "Come alone," the voice said, the words heavy with warning. "And come armed. The von Beckers have eyes everywhere, and they won't hesitate to strike if they suspect a trap." Julian nodded, even though the informant couldn't see him. "I'll be there," he said, his voice filled with a sense of grim determination. "And I'll be ready for whatever the von Beckers have in store." As he hung up the phone, Julian felt a s