Voss pressed, "Governor, with all due respect, none of the other four were ever 'supposed' to be involved either, and yet they were. You've seen the news."
"I've seen manipulated confessions and media hysteria," Wycliff barked.
There was a pause. Then Samir, calmer now, took a different tone.
"Governor… we're not asking for your permission. We're asking for your cooperation."
Wycliff's eyes narrowed further.
"What exactly are you proposing?"
"That we go to your son. Immediately," Samir said. "Talk to him. Ensure his safety. Rule him out, if need be."
Wycliff exhaled, a tight breath that betrayed his growing unease. After a few seconds, he stood and reached for his blazer draped over the chair behind him.
"Fine," he muttered. "Let's go."
But just before they stepped out of the room, he turned slowly toward Samir, his voice dropping low and deadly.
