"Sign it, Leo."
Roosevelt's voice echoed in his mind.
'When Caesar crossed the Rubicon River, he didn't bring all his friends with him. Some paths are destined to be walked alone.'
'Murphy is a relic of a bygone era; he can't keep up with you anymore. Leaving him behind would be a release for him, too.'
'After all, this is all happening because of this election. If it weren't for this election, you wouldn't even be facing this problem.'
'Take that five hundred million US dollars and go back to Pittsburgh. That is your battlefield.'
Leo put down his phone.
He stood in the hallway, watching the White House Chief of Staff drinking coffee in the distance.
The man sat there, perfectly composed, as if he had already seen the outcome.
He was certain Leo would compromise.
Because it was the rational choice.
Leo adjusted his collar.
He strode back into the dining room.
Stern looked up, set down his coffee cup, and glanced at his watch.
