The Ultimate Return of Carlos

51

Stepping into his office, Carlos felt the weight of the morning bearing down on him. His shirt clung to his back, still damp with sweat from the mad dash he'd made to the office. He could feel his pulse in his throat, the remnants of adrenaline still coursing through his veins. His breathing was heavy, but what greeted him inside made his chest tighten even further.

Alisha and Tommy stood by his desk, their faces tight with impatience. Alisha’s arms were crossed, her eyes boring into him, while Tommy leaned casually against the desk, but his relaxed posture didn’t fool Carlos. His gaze was sharp, waiting.

Carlos felt the walls closing in. The air in the office suddenly felt stifling, suffocating. He swallowed hard, forcing a weak smile as he tried to ease the tension.

“Morning,” he said awkwardly, running a hand through his damp hair. "What brings you two in here so early?"

He knew exactly why they were here. He could see it in their faces, feel it in the way the atmosphere bristled wi