Page 33 of Doyle

The idea of visiting Michael made my heart skip a beat, but I kept my expression neutral.

"You think he'll be ready?" I asked, more to gauge Zane's thoughts than to voice my own doubts.

Zane shrugged. "Only one way to find out. Besides, it sounds like he could use a friend right now,” Zane said.

I nodded, my mind already racing ahead to seeing Michael again.

"Alright, then I’ll drive up there tomorrow,” I said.

"Good," Zane said, clapping me on the shoulder. "Just remember, don't let your feelings cloud your judgment. You’re there to find answers.”

"I won't," I promised, though I knew it would be a challenge.

My feelings for Michael were growing stronger every day, and I couldn’t deny I was excited to see him again.

The next day, I woke up early, intending to drive to Oak Meadow, Michael’s hometown.

It was a six-hour drive, so I'd get there around lunchtime. I hadn’t told Michael, but I planned to surprise him at his new workplace.

Maybe I could take him out for lunch at the same time.

After getting dressed and showered, I headed downstairs for a quick breakfast.

My mood soured a little when I found Ivan in the kitchen.

"What are you doing here?" I asked, moving around him to brew some coffee.

Ivan had made himself a peanut butter sandwich and was quickly devouring it.

"This is also my brother's house, and I'm welcome here too," Ivan said between bites. "Zane mentioned you're heading out to see your little fox."

I couldn’t help but let out a growl at that.

"I should tag along with you. Your head's not in the right place when it comes to him, and you might not ask the right questions. I've been working closely with the bears since the operation," Ivan pointed out.

Those were good points, I knew that inwardly, but all I could think about was being stuck with Ivan in my truck for six hours.

It would be unbearable, and we would undoubtedly bicker the entire time.

Flying wasn’t usually an option, especially during the day, and besides, we still needed to keep a low profile.

Apart from that, if Ivan tagged along, Michael would surely be uncomfortable around him.

It would also ruin the private time I had planned to have with Michael.

"I appreciate the offer, Ivan, but I can handle it. Besides, Michael might not be comfortable with too many people showing up unexpectedly," I said, trying to keep my tone neutral.

Ivan raised an eyebrow.

"You sure about that? We need to get information about Liliana, and you might be too distracted,” he said.

"I'll be fine. I know what I’m doing," I insisted, pouring myself a cup of coffee.

Ivan sighed and shrugged.

"Alright, but don’t say I didn’t warn you. If you mess this up, it’s on you,” he said.

"I won't mess it up," I replied, a little more forcefully than intended.

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