If I hadn't just witnessed the imposing dominance radiating from Samuel moments ago, I would never have guessed this was the same man. The transformation was seamless, unnervingly casual.

"Mr. Scott," I said reflexively, my voice polite, deferential, as if the sheer weight of his presence demanded careful words. "I apologize for interrupting your work." The honorific slipped out instinctively, a tacit acknowledgment of the mile-high divide between us.

Secretary ...