Thud!
The metal door shut softly behind Stephanie.
Her footsteps faded down the corridor.
Silence settled over the interrogation room.
Taylor kept his head lowered, water still dripping from his hair onto the concrete floor. His shoulders trembled faintly—not from cold anymore.
Riley remained where he stood for a moment, watching him.
Then he pulled the empty chair opposite Taylor and sat down slowly, careful of his remaining minor injuries.
Even bandaged, even still slightly bruised, his presence filled the room.
Taylor couldn't bring himself to look up.
"I know you hate me," he said hoarsely.
Riley's voice came calm and flat.
"If I hated you, this would be a different conversation."
That made Taylor finally glance at him.
Riley leaned back slightly.
"I only need facts."
Taylor swallowed.
Riley's eyes hardened.
"When did Viper first contact you?"
Taylor looked down again.
