Alexander
Richard Hale isn't a man who wastes time. He knew I wouldn't leave with what I wanted or needed to hear… but I wasn't ready to hear what he had to say.
Hale didn't speak immediately. He went to the bar, poured two drinks without asking if I wanted one, and placed one in front of the chair.
"Sit down, Alexander."
I didn't sit down instantly. I observed him. I assessed his posture, his tone, the way he avoided looking directly at me. That wasn't negotiation; it was preparation.
I took the glass and sat down.
"I want you to calm down so we can talk," he finally said.
I took a small sip… Whiskey, dry, right.
"Speak."
Hale exhaled…
"Clara wants to make changes after the expansion."
I already knew it. Or, at least, I suspected it. But hearing it out loud made it…
