The butler opened that next-to-last door and peered through it. Without thinking, Patrick slammed it just as Stephen pulled his head out. The butler jumped back, his eyes wide. He regained his composure and demanded, "What do you think you're doing?"

Patrick tried to block his view of the office door and raised his voice. Hopefully Michael would hear them and get the hell out of there. "I don't want to wait for a decision. Yes or no?"

Stephen bristled. "In a word, no. ...