Kade's office was immersed in half-light, illuminated only by the amber glow of whisky resting in crystal glasses. The smell of old wood, leather, and dense alcohol mixed with the heavy air surrounding the two brothers. Kade remained seated behind the desk, elbows resting on the surface and fingers interlaced in front of his face, while Nolan settled into the armchair across from him, slowly rotating his glass, watching the liquid swirl as if it were hypnotic.

They drank for long ...