Kermit's POV
The sixth bottle sat empty beside me on the desk.
This wasn't like me. I prided myself on control, especially when it came to alcohol. But tonight, control felt like a luxury I couldn't afford. The burning liquid was the only thing keeping the rage from consuming me entirely.
Hours had passed in my office. The same thoughts circled through my mind like vultures, each replay more torturous than the last. The alcohol dulled the edges, but it couldn't erase what I'd seen.
Maximus appeared in the doorway, his expression carefully neutral. "It's late. You should get some rest."
The concern in his voice grated against my nerves. This was exactly when I missed having Ryder around. He would have sat here and drunk himself into oblivion alongside me, no questions asked. Instead, he was out handling business while I was left with Maximus's well-meaning lectures.
Still, exhaustion was creeping up my spine. Maybe sleep would offer some escape from this hell.
