“You recognize them? They all have one thing in common with you. They hurt someone under my protection.” Someone very important to me, I thought. Lisk remained silent, almost stoic. I shifted closer, placing a hand on his shoulder, leaning close. “I know your secret,” I said, my fingers tightening, digging into his skin. “If you harm one hair on her head, I’ll end you.” I took a step back, holding his gaze. It was as though his crimes had suddenly caught up with him. They pulled at his face, aging him. “And just so we’re clear, that’s not a threat. It’s a promise.”
