The heavy floodlights over the construction site cast sharp, long shadows across the cold dirt ground. The night wind blew steadily off the river, carrying a cool chill through the air.

The hitman lay pinned to the ground under the heavy boot of the tactical security officer. His face was soaked in sweat, dirt clinging to his forehead and cheeks, and his body trembled like a dry leaf in a storm. He stared up at Julian Vance with eyes wide with complete terror.

"Name him right now," Julian ordered in an icy voice that cut through the dark night like a sharp razor. "Give me the exact name of the...