Chapter 38

CARLOS’s pov When I entered the house, the fire was still raging behind my eyes. Not actual fire, not the ash and smoke of the past. This was not like the others. There was this one inside. Sweat and secrets filled the air. I didn't knock. didn't need to. They anticipated my arrival. Like they were afraid to touch the handle too quickly, two guards opened the door. The sound of my boots reverberated through the corridor. The old cement walls were tight, and mold was creeping up the corners like tiny fingers. "Is he prepared?" Without pausing, I asked. One of them gave a nod. "He has been holding out." He has, of course. Rats are always aware when the king rat is going to examine his teeth. There were no windows in the back room. Just a long metal table and a lamp hanging on a loose cord. My secret was that he was waiting on top of that. My puppet. The one nobody anticipated. When he saw me, he smiled. "Boss, you took too long." "Stop talking," I said. But I secretly grinned. He remaine