I knew what I was doing, I swear. I was just feeling so overwhelmed that I had to do something. Might as well shoot Andy here down.

He hit the ground with a satisfying thud. From the look on his face, he probably thought I was going to go through with burying him in the woods. It would have been fun, ngl, but I knew even before he said it, that backup was only a call away. In fact, I bet his whole team is watching our convo with baited breath. People like him tend to be covered in cameras.

"Don't look so disappointed. The pigsty is still an option."

I stalk down the hall, leaving Andy to splutter behind me. "Wha--I--Hey! Come back here!"

"This is my house, buster, you come to me."

The kitchen is the last door on the right, and Ezekiel deserves some top brand dog food for his help in protecting the house. As soon as I set the plate down, his beak is full. (He's just growing, I swear. I fed him this morning.)

There were loud running steps in bursts Andy himself. TBH, I was a little bit worried. He looked like he was about to pop.

"Ok, missy, let's get one thing straight. I am this close to calling my crew, but, if you can answer a few questions about Mission X, no one gets hurt. Are we clear?"

Ugh, adults.

"Look, you've made your point. But now I have a question. How do you know my name, Andy?"

When I tell you the color drained from his face. "How do you know my name?"

"Turd brain, that's why you don't show off that shiny badge everywhere. Someone's going to figure out who you are one of theses days."

There is a noticeable change as he relaxes. Wait--oop, there it goes.

"Well you think you're so smart, but I know who you are...uh, what?"

Inwardly, I am on the floor, rolling. Outwardly, I smirk and calmly explain, "Reverse psychology is great, isn't it?"

"Well then, what is your name?"

"I think, sir, that if you are really here for Mission X that you know better than anyone that names are dangerous."

I study his face, his posture. I honestly didn't want to be involved in...Mr. Thunders line of work. That was why I burned those files in the first place.

But what harm could be done in telling him? I mean, it's not like he knows my name or anything. And things have been a little quiet around here, so...

"I'll tell you what you want to know. But first, tea."

"TEA?"

"Yes, tea. What kind do you want?"