One hour later, the iron gate opened. Lola stepped out first, followed by Ray—carrying a stove.

"Ray!" Bruce ground his teeth, fury coiling in every line of his face. He wanted to tear Ray apart with his bare hands.

Ray paid him no mind. He set the stove down, placed burning charcoal inside, and pulled a pot from the room. Placing it on the stove, he snapped on the light. In the pot, red-hot oil churned and bubbled, and faint outlines of ingredients could be seen.

The sight of it made everyon