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The words hurt more than I expect.

"I didn't come here to hurt you."

Her expression softens for half a second. Then disappears.

"That's what everyone says."

Behind her, Morrow watches us. Like he is waiting for something. Like he knows something we don't. I have the uncomfortable realization that Carys and Morrow are connected in ways I don't understand.

Not yet. But I will. Because whatever happened 15 years ago…

Whatever secrets Carys has been carrying…

Whatever brought Morrow to her door...

The answers are here. And I am not leaving until I find them.

The silence after my declaration is almost worse than an argument. Carys has never been someone who lets silence win.

When we were younger, she filled every empty space with questions, theories, opinions, and observations. She had a talent for finding the one thing everyone else overlooked. It's part of what made her good at what she does now.

It's also what made losing her so difficult. Because Carys didn't just know me. She saw me. And there is nothing more dangerous than being known by someone you can no longer reach.

"You're staying."

It's not a question. I nod.

"For now."

Her eyes narrow.

"No."

I blink.

"No?"

"It’s not up to you to decide that."

"I think I do."

"Of course you do."

The bitterness in her voice lands harder than I expect.

"You walk into my house after 15 years, and suddenly you're giving orders."

"I didn't give an order."

"You said you're staying."

"Because something is happening here."

"Something is always happening somewhere, Rhett."

Her voice rises slightly.

"People disappear every day. Strange things happen every day. You’re not in charge just because you have some investigator instinct and decide you are suddenly part of my life again."