Page 35 of Doyle

Michael's smile widened, and for a moment, everything felt perfect. We walked to a small café nearby, our steps in sync.

As we settled into a booth, I could see the tension in Michael's shoulders start to ease.

"You've been working with your dad?" I asked, genuinely curious.

"Yeah, it's been... okay,” Michael said, playing with a sugar packet. "A lot has changed, but some things haven't. It's comforting and strange at the same time."

I nodded, understanding the complexity of Michael's emotions.

"And how's the second day going?" I asked.

"Better now that you're here," Michael said, his voice soft but sincere.

Our food arrived, and as we ate, our conversation flowed naturally.

I found myself laughing more than I had in a long time. Being with Michael felt right, like a missing piece had finally fallen into place.

As we finished our meal, I reached across the table, taking Michael's hand in mine.

"I'm glad I came," I said, my thumb brushing over his knuckles.

"Me too," Michael replied, his eyes shining with gratitude and something deeper. "I missed you, Doyle."

“Same here.” I cleared my throat. “Actually, I came here for another reason. I wanted to ask you more questions about Liliana, but only if you’re comfortable with it.”

“So you really didn’t come here to see me, but to grill me?” Michael asked.

For a moment, I panicked, thinking I’d already blown this. But then I saw the small smile playing on his lips.

It was nice to see he’d gotten a sense of humor.

“Kidding,” Michael said, his smile widening. “That’s fine. I’ll tell you everything I know, but it’s not like she kept me in the loop or anything.”

I let out a relieved breath.

“You had me worried there for a second,” I said.

Michael chuckled softly.

“You should’ve seen your face. But seriously, I understand why you need to know. Anything I can do to help bring her down, I’m all for it,” Michael said.

I nodded, appreciating his willingness.

“I know it’s not easy talking about it. If there’s anything you don’t want to share, just say the word,” I said.

Michael’s expression grew serious.

“There are some things that are still hard to talk about, but I’ll do my best. Liliana was... meticulous. She had this way of making you feel completely powerless. Most of the time, I was kept in the dark. But there were moments when I overheard things, snippets of conversations,” Michael said.

I leaned in, listening intently. “Anything you remember could be helpful. Even the smallest detail,” I said.

Michael took a deep breath, his gaze distant as he spoke. “She had a network. Other black witches, warlocks, even a few shifters who weren’t familiars under her control. They all worked for her, but out of fear, not loyalty. I think that’s why she’s so hard to track. Everyone is too scared to talk.”

“Did you ever hear anything about her plans? Where she might go if things went south?” I asked gently.

I recalled asking him the same question when we first met but at that point of time, Michael probably still in shock from everything that had happened.

“She mentioned a safe house a few times,” Michael said, frowning as he tried to remember. “Somewhere remote. I nevergot the exact location, but she always referred to it as ‘the sanctuary.’ It sounded like a place she could disappear to if things got too dangerous.”

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