Chapter 4

As James was leaving, he paused at the door and glanced back at Richard.

There was a lot in that look—sympathy, resignation, and above all, a silent "Good luck, bro. You're on your own now."

He gave Richard a pat on the shoulder and murmured something I couldn't make out from where I was standing. But whatever it was, I saw Richard's shoulders just sag, like all the fight had drained out of him.

After the door closed, it was just the four of us left in the living room.

Richard lingered by the entryway, hands shoved deep in his…