Department office.
Elliot Vaughn stood hands behind back at window, soft ask. “Kid gone?”
“Already left.” Victor nodded.
“I sat chief seat long—never rise higher, biggest reason no want mix specific relations, specific things.” Elliot slight tired. “But this time stance—hard stay out.”
Desk side—Julian heard Elliot words, sudden closeness. Tone no official, words direct. Mean Elliot no longer treat Julian ordinary leader—treat own people.
Change good bad.
Good—Julian finally organization, above relation. Future work opportunities others no fight.
Bad obvious—thorough offend Vale family. Future anything—possible revenge pressure. Current Elliot attitude no optimistic—visible Vale background not surface simple.
“Future time—maybe some clash Vale family.” Elliot turned, soft instruct
