Whitney waved his hand dismissively. "Don't be so stiff," he told Merks. "Given Trina and Monroe's relationship, you're practically family. There's no need for formalities." His tone grew serious. "I need you to keep today's events strictly confidential. I have deep-seated grudges that my wife and daughter can never know about. If anyone asks, just say the Holtz family got what was coming to them—that people from Washington cleaned house."
Merks nodded eagerly. "You have my word, General. Not a soul will hear about what happened today!"
A sudden thought struck Whitney. "Oh, by the way," he said, turning to Merks, "once we wrap things up here, I'm heading to Seattle. Do you want to join me? The Swift family's influence in Philadelphia has reached its peak. It's time we show some real ambi
