With a serious expression, he finally revealed the troubling information, "Payton got away."
Confused, I asked, "What do you mean?"
"She managed to escape," he clarified.
"Escape from what? The fire?" I inquired, trying to grasp the situation.
Ace's explanation was chilling, "From both the fire and the guys who firebombed your house, intending to smoke her out."
My realization hit me like a ton of bricks. "Oh, shoot."
As if to assure me, he pointed out, "My car was parked right outside your house."
I still couldn't fully comprehend it, so I questioned further, "So?"
With a hint of frustration, he retorted, "Do you honestly think I would let anyone in that house perish?"
I couldn't help but stare at him, arms crossed over my chest, and responded with a mix of admiration an
