Oh, Liam wanted to be right there with Mike. On top of him. Not letting him forget for an instant who was in control here. But part of this was catching him off guard. Letting him think it was all fine, then tearing the rug out from under his feet. So he let Mike be comfortable. Probably the only time he'd allow it in his presence. Because he needed that comfort. Comfort loosened tongues. It would allow the story to flow more smoothly, to let certain details slip out.

It was going so well, and Liam actually looked impressed. Then a name slipped out. That's all it took. A name. And his face went completely blank. A mask sliding into place to hide a strange mix of eagerness and irritation. After a moment, he nodded, as if thinking it all over.

"Billy," he repeated finally. "He's the one who you mentioned before. That you saw Tim with." No questions, just repeating facts. "So it was all three of you at once, then."