"You've been expecting me."
Marcus's voice was flat and dangerous as he stood in the doorway, and his hand remained near his concealed weapon while he processed James's greeting.
"Of course I have," James said, and he gestured casually to a chair across from his desk. "Please, sit down. We have a lot to discuss."
"I'll stand," Marcus said, and he moved further into the living room without taking his eyes off James. "Catherine, step away from him."
Catherine looked at James uncertainly, and conflict showed clearly on her face.
"She stays where she is," James said, and steel entered his voice. "Catherine made her choice four years ago, Marcus. She chose me. Accept it."
"I'm not here to win her back," Marcus said coldly. "I'm here for answers. Why did you do this to me? Why the elaborate deception, the fake death, the years of lies while pretending to be my friend?"
James stood from his chair slowly, and he moved to the bar across the room with deliberate calm.
