“That was the original plan,” I agreed.

“Of course, it would appear that you got a bit overzealous in your search and deviated just a bit.”

“Maybe so, but if you…”

He interrupted me again, “Gant, just agree with me and call it good, okay?”

I paused as what he said filtered through to my temporarily dense grey matter, and then I nodded. “Yeah. Okay.”

“So, after his understandable initial reaction to my more recent call, he calmed down and had a change of heart about havin’ me throw the book at you. Actually, he even asked if I could do him a favor and cut you some slack.”

“And you said?”

“I told him I’d think about it, but I wanted to have a one-on-one with you first.”

“Which, I take it, we’ve pretty much just had.”

“Pretty much.”

“How did I do?”

He shrugged. “You proved to me you’re a bit of an asshole, but under the circumstances I think I’m willing to understand why that might be the case.”

“Reach any other conclusions?”

“Yeah, actually I have.”

We sat staring silently at one another for several heartbeats. Finally, I cleared my throat and asked, “Do you plan to share?”

He flipped the folder shut then scooped up my wallet and sat back in the chair. While he fiddled with the clasp on the toy badge, he said, “Storm said you told him you have a return flight to Saint Louis Saturday afternoon.”

“That’s true.”

“I’d suggest that you exchange your ticket for a flight leaving today. The earlier, the better.”

“So, you’re telling me to get out of town?”

“Pretty much,” he said with a nod as he stood up and tossed the empty wallet in front of me. “You can pick up the rest of your personal effects at the desk.”