Chapter 21
With his back to the sea, Ryan sat across from Jacob at the dining table. Maclean was to his side. The men had iced tea and lemon drinks. Ocean breezes spilled into the room from open windows.
"Ryan, I trust you studied the images and articles on Nathaniel Balder during your trek from Palm Springs," Jacob said.
"Yes, sir," Ryan answered.
"While I appreciate your vocalizations of respect, they are unnecessary. You may call me by my first name and I do not need to be addressed as 'sir' or anything else."
"Very well."
"Tell us what you read about Balder."
Ryan summarized the background information he found online during the drive from Palm Springs. He included information about Nathaniel's upbringing and hockey to his success with fighting. He also mentioned that he le
