I wasn’t even surprised when Thomas showed up with a small army. Of course, he came waving a white flag.
“Parley,” he called, his voice smooth enough to cut. “Talk before blood,” Ray snarled while I glared at him.
“He wants time. He wants to shape our fear,” she said.
“He wants a stage,” I answered.
“Inside, now!” my father roared. “Daisy, Owen, Liora,” he added. Then he glared at Thomas. “You and one, that’s it,” Thomas chose Kody. A man who stood at his shoulder like a shadow with an edge. Kody’s eyes were dull iron. He smiled, as if he was pleased Thomas had chosen him. My father led us into his office, and as soon as the door shut, I struck Thomas. The slap was loud in the silence of the room, and the sting on my hand only satisfied me for a split second. Owen pulled me back, and
