Chapter 45

• Karl was silent for a long moment. His eyes bore into me as if he could see straight through to my soul simply by the intensity of his gaze alone.
• Finally, he gave a curt nod, apparently accepting my words as the truth for now.
• "I believe you...this time," he said in a clipped tone. "But let this be a lesson to you about lying and trying to pull one over on me. I don't tolerate deception of any kind, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. If you ever go behind my back again, if I catch you in a lie, there will be severe consequences. Are we clear?"