Franklin didn’t hesitate the second the call connected. He tapped the screen, switching it to speaker, and instantly the atmosphere in the room tightened, everyone leaning in without even realizing they were doing it, like whatever was about to be said had already started pressing down on their chests.He pulled Cassie closer, guiding her onto his lap as he sat on the sofa, his arm wrapping around her from behind in a quiet, protective hold, his palm settling against her side like he needed to keep her anchored right there with him. His presence felt steady, solid, but there was tension beneath it, something controlled and watchful.“Go on,” he said, his voice calm, though there was a quiet edge in it that made it clear he expected answers, not excuses.On the other end, the investigator cleared his throat, the faint sound crackling through the speaker before his voice followed. “I had to spend a lot to pull all of this together. You still owe me.”Franklin didn’t even blink. “Money is
Read more