Page 437 of Black Reign

“No.”

“Fine.”

Xavier and I both stop.

Senior looks irritated that the word escaped.

“Fine what?” Xavier asks.

“Your own division.”

“No,” I say.

Senior turns.

“You haven't heard the terms.”

“Still no.”

“Your own floor.”

“No.”

“Independent operations budget.”

I pause.

Xavier notices.

Traitor.

Senior notices too.

“How independent?”

Xavier laughs.

I glare.

“I'm gathering information.”

Senior steps closer.

“Separate client acquisition.”

“Continue.”

“Operational autonomy.”

“Interesting.”

“Your own staff.”

“Obviously.”

“Blackwell legal, infrastructure and global security support.”

I glance toward Xavier.