Adrian Hawthorne's eyes flickered, but he didn't say a word, just looked at Preston Thorne. He had approached Preston Thorne's family for the simple reason that Preston was the village chief. As long as he was on board, the higher-ups would have no way of knowing if they were engaging in speculation or profiteering.
Shane Thorne scoffed. "If you don't talk, and I don't talk, how the hell would the higher-ups know? Even if they investigate, it'll be fine. We'll just insist we're making clothes for our own family. Who can tell us otherwise!"
Preston Thorne still looked hesitant. As the village chief, he had to consider every angle. If things went wrong, losing his position would be a small matter; he was more afraid it would implicate the entire Thorne family.
