Money Trail
"I don't understand these numbers," Torres said, spreading financial records across the planning table. The rest of the team had retired for the night, but Torres had stayed behind, something about the cartel's finances nagging at him.
Kasper glanced up from cleaning his weapon. "What numbers?"
"These transfers." Torres pushed several documents toward him. "Montoya's operation is moving more money than makes sense, even for their distribution network. Look at these offshore accounts—they're receiving regular payments from shell companies I can't trace."
Kasper set his weapon aside and studied the records. Columns of numbers, account codes, transaction dates. Most of it looked like standard cartel money laundering, but certain transfers stood out—precise amounts at regular intervals, always to the same final destinations.
"These aren't random," Kasper said, tapping a sequence of transfers. "They're scheduled. Contractual."
Torres nodded. "That's what caught my attention. Cartels don't operate like this—they're erratic, opportunistic. This looks more like..."
"Corporate," Kasper finished. Something about the pattern was familiar. He pulled up his personal terminal, accessing encrypted files he'd brought from the Academy. Records of ATA financial activity that had been compiled during their investigation of Sarah and her connections.
He overlaid the patterns, and the match was unmistakable.
"It's the same," he said quietly. "The ATA used identical transfer protocols when funding their cells. These aren't just cartel accounts—they're funding ATA operations."
Torres's eyes widened. "The terrorist group from Mirage City? Here?"
"Not just here." Kasper pointed to several transactions. "These are supplies. Equipment. Enhancement technology." He looked up at Torres. "The cartels aren't just dealing drugs and trafficking people. They're funding the ATA's research—probably the same research happening at the Altamira facility."
"But why would cartels support techno-terrorists? Their ideologies are completely opposed."
"Money," Kasper said. "And technology. The ATA needs research facilities and test subjects the cartels can provide. The cartels get enhanced soldiers and advanced weapons in return." He studied the patterns again. "And somewhere above both of them, pulling the strings..."
"The Director," Torres concluded.
Kasper nodded grimly. "This isn't just about Costa del Sol anymore. It's the same enemy I've been hunting since the Academy. Different face, same operation."
Torres gathered the documents. "I'll tell Chen. This changes our approach."
"No," Kasper said. "We stay focused on the current mission. But now we know—taking down Montoya isn't just about cleaning up Costa del Sol. It's about cutting off the ATA's funding and research capabilities."
Torres gave him a long look. "This is personal for you, isn't it? More than just the job."
Kasper didn't answer immediately. The financial records had connected dots he'd been trying to align since Mirage City. Since Javier. Since Sarah.
"It's always been personal," he finally said. "But now it's also necessary."