"Mr. Brooks, do you understand what it means to be an employer?" Elian asked.
The Chamber was tense, the air heavy with anticipation. Silas stood in his enclosure, shoulders relaxed, chin lifted as if he were the one in control.
"Yes," Silas replied.
"Please explain to us what it means," Elian said, his voice even, measured, the kind of calm that came before something sharp.
Silas tilted his head, lips curling faintly. "You don't know what it means? And you're a judge?"
A murmur rippled through the Chamber, but Elian didn't react. His expression hardened just enough to be noticeable.
"Mr. Brooks, answer the damn question," Elian said.
"An employer is someone who employs someone," Silas replied.
"Is that all?" Elian asked.
"I have a business and I need someone to work in that business. I employ you to come work for me if you need a job," Silas said.
He spoke as if this were common sense. His gaze flicked briefly toward Holland before returning to Elian.
