"I don't know," Michael says, frustration clear in his voice. "But they do. They've mentioned you in their threats, and it's not just idle talk. They know about your work, your routine, everything."
My mind race, my heart pounding in my chest. The thought that someone has been watching me, learning about my life, makes me feel exposed, vulnerable in a way i didn't expect. "Why didn't you tell me?" i ask, my voice shaky with a mix of fear and anger.
"I didn't want to scare you," Michael admits, his voice softer now. "At first, I thought I could handle it. I thought it was just business, that it would blow over. But then, when they started mentioning you, I knew it was serious. But I didn't know how to tell you without putting you at risk."
"You should have told me," i say, my tone harsher than I intend. "This involves me too, Michael. I deserve to know when my safety is on the line."
