Bad Blood

Unrepentant shyster and mastermind behind the family’s cons, Franklin thrives on manipulating others and staying one step ahead of the mob. His schemes entangle family, partners, and rivals as he tries to salvage money he misappropriated. He reveals a ruthless pragmatism, even at the risk of harming his own kin and father.

Former cop turned protector of his ailing father and brother, Travis carries the weight of a past arrest and prison time for the family’s scams. He remains pragmatic and wary, trying to shield loved ones from the mob while wrestling with loyalty and guilt. His tough exterior hides a complicated sense of duty and vulnerability.

Rhonda is Travis’s ex-girlfriend who reappears amid danger, weaving between past feelings and present loyalties. She hints at Franklin’s trouble and becomes a catalyst for shifting alliances. Her presence complicates trust within the circle, pulling others into conflict.

Lindee is Travis’s current girlfriend who works at the bar and senses the shifting power dynamics. She confronts Franklin and seeks information, risking danger to gain leverage. Her choices surface a love-triangle element and conflicting loyalties.

Chang is the cartel boss known for his sadistic efficiency and calculating cruelty. He commands the underworld with chilling calm, orchestrating abductions and payoffs while keeping rivals in line. His alliance-laying moves push the protagonists toward a brutal showdown.

An old friend who shelters the Blackstone brothers, providing a safe haven amid the escalating danger. He embodies quiet resilience and practical support, offering a stable anchor when violence is close at hand.

A street-level contact who threads through criminal networks, illustrating how the cartel's operations bleed into the everyday world. He hints at the flow of money and the risks of betrayal that keep the protagonists on edge. His presence adds texture to the underworld’s reach into the protagonists' lives.