The man seemed to realize it too, but he didn’t feel apologetic. Nevertheless, he did try to explain in a soothing tone, “I thought Brendan would make you bite the bullet, so I took the risk and did whatever I could so that Brendan had no time to deal with you while I got someone to take you out. After all, I should be giving you something good in return for your work for me.”

Charlene wanted to laugh, but she appeared obedient when she replied, “When the incident happened, Brendan was indeed v