“Let’s skip the pleasantries, shall we? You and I both know we’re not here for small talk.”

I could hear his grin through his silky voice, the same voice that had tricked many before.

A small press on my shoulders, rocking the rickety chair.

“I’ll ask again,” I grumbled, gritting my teeth. “What are you doing here?” I said, trying to conceal my boiling frustration.

He chuckled.

“Why, nothing.”

I could feel his whisper slithering close into my ear.

“Just here to take what’s rightfully mine.”