Rain poured over the boathouse hard as Richard Vance stood between us and the road. Heavy rain. He didn't move or speak. He simply watched us from the window.
I climbed through the small window despite Xander's attempt to stop me. He grabbed my arm.
"If he wanted us hurt, we'd already be hurt," I whispered to Xander. "I have to try. Let me try talking to him."
I walked toward Richard, my clothes soaked by the rain. Wet and cold.
"You know what Harrison plans to do at sunrise," I said to him, looking up. "You signed the agreement, but did you know he'd go this far? He's willing to destroy people, destroy a building with us inside, just to protect his secrets."
Richard looked away, into the rain.
"I made a promise to protect the family name," he replied, his voice low. "No matter the c
