Mattew leaned back against the seat, his eyes fixed on Director Jackson. His expression remained calm, but there was a quiet intensity behind it.
“Why now?” he asked. “You don’t come looking for me without a reason. So tell me what is really going on.”
Jackson let out a slow breath and folded his hands together. “The Elders want to see you,” he said.
Mattew gave a faint nod, but he was not convinced. “And?”
“One of them is seriously ill.”
Mattew raised an eyebrow slightly. “When the time comes, I will visit the Elder,” he said evenly. Then his gaze sharpened. “But that is not the real reason you are here, is it?”
A small smile appeared on Jackson’s face, as if he expected that response. “You have not changed,” he said. “You are right. That is only part of it.” He leaned forward a lit
