CHAPTER 152: Requesting Entry

The names hit me like a punch to the gut. I can feel my face drain of color, and from the corner of my eye, I see Desiree’s hand tighten on her armrest.

“You… you called them here?” My voice comes out a strangled whisper, barely able to comprehend what he’s just done.

He shrugs. “You said I should focus on the present, didn’t you? Well, here it is. The truth, right at our doorstep.”

“Mike,” Desiree says, her voice low and dangerous. “What the hell were you thinking?”

“I’m thinking it’s time we get some answers, don’t you?”

I don’t know what’s worse—the fact that he went behind my back, or the smug satisfaction on his face, like he’s just accomplished some grand feat. He’s playing with fire, and he knows it. He wants to see us squirm, wants to force our hand in a way that’s as petty as it is destructive.

“Listen to me,” I say, keeping my voice steady. “You think you want answers, but trust me, some things are better left buried. These people… they’re not here to help you, Mike.”

“Then