I walked to the sink and poured myself a glass of water.

My hands were shaking slightly.

“If Hannah Brooks sees this news report, she will have no choice,” I said.

“She will have to take them.”

“Even if it is just to protect her agency from a lawsuit.”

“I know,” Ryker said.

He stood up and walked to the window, looking out into the dark yard.

The security lights cast long, distorted shadows across the wet lawn.

“We have six hours before the sun comes up,” he said.

“We need proof of Marissa’s blackmail before Hannah arrives.”

“Otherwise, we lose.”

We spent the next hour in silence.

Ryker sat at his laptop, answering urgent emails from his board of directors.

The news was already affecting his company’s stock price.

It was a coordinated attack.

Marissa knew exactly where to strike to make Ryker back down.

But she did not know my brother.

He did not retreat when threatened.

He only became quieter, colder, and more focused.

I went upstairs to check on the children again.

The hallway was carpeted in thick wool that muffled my footsteps.