Chapter 7

Merrick sat on my couch, pale-faced, for about five seconds.

Then he pushed himself up slowly, knees shaky, gripping the armrest for support.

He moved like he could barely stand, steadying himself with the couch.

"You hired a lawyer?" he asked.

"Yes, last month," I replied.

He stared at me, his eyes flickering with anger, panic, and something I'd never seen before.

Maybe it was regret. Or maybe it was just a look.

But that's all it was.

"Sam, when did you start planning all this?" he asked.

"Mr. Foster, that's not important. What matters is you should be back…