Samuel hesitated only half a second, then admitted, "Mr. Matthew Hartman. He gave his directive only after considering how best to minimize fallout. Once this blows over—"

She waved a hand, cutting him off. "No, Samuel. Once your family’s matters blow over. What happens to me beyond that point will bear no resemblance to interest from your masters."

Disarmed by her words and her unflinching refusal to play her part as a pawn, Samuel could only stare. ...