Betrayal at the Pier

For years, Max has ruled Hallahan City as its ruthless harbor tyrant, a man who kills without blinking. He believed his fiancée, Jules McKenna, died taking a bullet meant for him on the pier, and he has spent five years grieving her, expanding his territory like a man punishing himself. On the anniversary of her death, he carries a bottle of poison to the pier where she fell.

Then a wedding boat arrives, and aboard it stands Jules, alive, kissing Nicolas Bernstein, the sworn brother he trusted most. His own men—Carter Robinson, Travis Kress, Ace Munroe, Ruby Sandler—close ranks around the couple, and Jules makes clear that faking her death was the only way to escape his control. When Max levels his gun, a dozen barrels press to the back of his skull.

Betrayed by everyone he ever saved, Max is shoved into the sea. He swims back to the harbor and gives one order: burn it all down.