"Chloe, you can put those bags down," I said, gesturing toward the expensive tea she'd been hunting for. "Agent Scott won't be needing them."
Chloe's eyes widened as she took in the scene. Agent Scott looked like he was about to be sick, while Lucas and Hector stood over him like avenging angels.
"Governor Vance?" Chloe stammered, recognizing Lucas immediately. "What are you doing here?"
"Your future brother-in-law saved my mother's life today," Lucas said warmly. "I came to thank him properly and found this situation instead."
Scott tried one last desperate gambit. "Governor, surely we can discuss this privately. Professional courtesy between government officials—"
"You forfeited any claim to professional courtesy the moment you started abusing your position," Hector cut him off. "Clear out your desk tomorrow. You're done."
Scott's face crumpled. Without another word, he grabbed his scattered papers and fled the room like his clothes were on fire.
