C516 The Search For Ann Smith

At the warehouse, Frank Potter was furious when he realised that Hanna had not come to meet him personally. He had expected to deal directly with Ann Smith, the woman who had arranged the shipment. Instead, she had sent Tiger and his men to deliver the merchandise. Frank looked at the men standing before him, his expression darkening. "Who are you people? My deal is with Ann Smith, not with you." Warner remained silent for a moment. He had no intention of explaining Hanna's decisions to a man he barely knew. Eventually, Tiger spoke. "Our boss sent us to deliver the merchandise." He gestured towards the shipment. "Everything you ordered is here. Our job is done." Without waiting for Frank to respond, Warner and Tiger turned and left with the rest of their men. Frank stood still, watching them disappear. His hands clenched in frustration. "Just as I thought," he muttered. "This Ann Smith is smart and dangerous." He had expected her to attend the exchange personally. That would have given him an opportunity to study her, learn more about her behaviour, and perhaps arrange an ambush during their next meeting. Instead, she had sent her subordinates. It was a simple decision, but it had ruined his plans. Frank pulled out his phone and called the Mayor. When the call connected, he spoke immediately. "Grandpa." "My child," the Mayor replied warmly. "Did everything go well?"

Frank hesitated. "Not exactly. This Ann Smith is unpredictable." The Mayor's expression changed slightly. "What happened?" "I thought I could use the first exchange to study her. If she came personally, I could observe her and use what I learned to prepare an attack. But she never showed up. She sent her subordinates instead." The Mayor listened without interrupting. "And?" she asked. Frank took a breath before continuing. "Grandpa, I tried searching for her background, but I couldn't find anyone by the name of Ann Smith who matched the person I'm dealing with. There's nothing useful about her identity. I think she's using a false name to fool us." The Mayor smiled faintly. "And you want me to take care of this?" Frank nodded, even though she could not see him. "Yes, Grandpa. I want to know who she really is, who she's working with, and where she lives. I can't deal with someone when I don't even know who I'm dealing with." The Mayor leaned back in her chair. "That should be easy. I have people who can investigate her for us. Leave that part to me." He paused, considering the information Frank had provided. "You said her name is Ann Smith?" "Yes." "And she's the new boss of the Harris Cartel?" "That's what I've been told." The Mayor's smile disappeared. "That's strange. I don't know anyone by that name. From what I understand, Charlie Kinlore is the one rebuilding the Harris Cartel. I know she's involved, but I wasn't aware that she was not the boss. She told me the last time I went there that Ann. Was her partner not her boss."

He fell silent for a moment. "You're the one who has been dealing with them, so you may know more than I do. But don't worry, Frank. I'll have my people look into her identity. If she's hiding something, we'll find it." Frank felt a little more relieved. "Thank you, Grandpa. I knew I could count on you." "Of course, my child. Leave this to me." After ending the call, the Mayor remained seated for a few moments, thinking about the situation. The Harris Cartel had been weakened following Willy Harris's death, Just as they were planninh to snatch it, someone stronger was now rebuilding it. Charlie Kinlore was involved, but Frank's information suggested that another person was directing the operation. Who was Ann Smith? And why was she so careful to conceal her identity? The Mayor intended to find out. She picked up her phone again and dialled Mark Mooney's number. "Mr Mooney," the Mayor greeted when Mark answered. "It's been a while." "Indeed, Mr Litchfield. Have you been well?" "I have, thank you. But let me not waste your time. I have something important to discuss with you." Mark immediately became attentive. "What is it, Mr Litchfield?" "I want you to inform your daughter that I have a new mission for her and her team. It's an important matter, and I need them to handle it." Mark considered the request. "Understood. What exactly do you need them to do?" "I'll explain everything when you come to my office tomorrow morning. As we've agreed, this arrangement involves only two parties, you and me. I don't want unnecessary people involved, and I expect the same level of discretion we've maintained until now." "Of course, Mr Litchfield. I'll be there tomorrow morning." "Good. I'll see you then."

The Mayor ended the call, satisfied that the arrangements had been made. The following morning, Mark arrived at the Mayor's office as requested. After exchanging greetings, he took a seat opposite her desk. "Mr Mooney," the Mayor began, "You were right about the Harris Cartel. They have indeed begun rebuilding their organisation." Mark listened carefully. "My sources have confirmed that the cartel's new boss is not Charlie Kinlore. Charlie is involved, but she's not the person directing everything." The Mayor paused before revealing the name. "Her name is Ann Smith." Mark frowned. "Ann Smith?" "Yes. She's the person I want your daughter and her team to investigate. I need them to discover her real identity, identify the people working with her, and determine where she's operating from." The Mayor leaned forward. "This mission is urgent, Mr Mooney. The Harris Cartel is becoming active again, and I don't intend to wait until they've regained their former strength before we act. Your daughter and her team have the skills necessary for this assignment. I want them to begin as soon as possible." Mark nodded slowly. "I understand. I'll inform Alicia." "Good. I expect regular updates once the investigation begins. We cannot afford to underestimate this woman." "I'll make sure she understands the urgency." The meeting concluded shortly afterwards. Mark left the office with a great deal on his mind. The Harris Cartel was rebuilding, and a mysterious woman called Ann Smith was apparently leading it. The Mayor wanted Alicia and the Lions to uncover her identity before the organisation became an even greater threat.

It was an important assignment, and Mark knew his daughter would take it seriously. There was just one problem. Alicia had not yet returned from the Gupta family residence. Mark paused as he considered the situation. He needed to contact her and explain the new mission, but he could not be certain when she would be available. With everything happening at the border and within the Gupta family, he would have to find a way to reach her without compromising her current responsibilities. He continued towards his vehicle, already thinking about his next move. Somewhere out there, a woman calling herself Ann Smith was rebuilding the Harris Cartel. And the Mayor had just made finding her Alicia's next mission.