The silence that followed had lasted a few seconds before Xavier broke it.
The general's jaw tightened. He glanced to his left, then his right, scanning the place before saying his carefully chosen words.
"As a form of respect for the former general, I can make some compromises," Xavier said as if he were the one on the higher moral ground.
Pete watched Grayson's subtle, satisfied expression. Grayson had gotten what he expected: not a promise, but an opening.
"Well then, have some of my people join the investigation," Grayson said. His tone remained conversational. "Lilianna was under our protection when she was taken. That makes this our responsibility as much as yours."
Xavier's eyebrow raised half an inch; on someone less disciplined, might have been a full-blown scowl. Colonel Vane, who remained after Lt. Hawn escorted Catalina, also found Grayson's demands absurd.
