Jonathan walked down the hall toward Trenton's office. When he reached the door, he knocked and quickly entered without waiting for a reply. Trenton was sitting at his desk, studying his agenda. Trenton looked up and nodded at his advisor. "How can I help you, Jonathan?" he asked.

Jonathan's eyes strayed to the corner where the mink cage used to sit and he felt his good mood sour at the fact that the little witch had escaped. "I've come to ask about our shipments, Sa'han," he said, returning his gaze to Trenton.

"Ah yes," Trenton replied, flipping through the agenda to study the next few days. "We have a brimstone shipment tonight and Friday as well."

Jonathan's foot set to tapping, "What about the biodrugs, Sa'han?"

Trenton shrugged, "There's no need for a biodrug shipment this week. There'll be one next Wednesday. That's plenty enough."

Jonathan scowled, unimpressed with Trenton's decision. "If there's no need for the biodrugs, then why the brimstone shipments?" he asked.

Trenton shrugged, "In order to keep the IS and FIB off our scent, Jonathan, it's important to keep the brimstone shipments coming in, whether there is a biodrug shipment or not. That way, they won't be connected easily."

Jonathan wondered if this was the real reason. "Or are you more interested in supplying the city's underground with the drugs they crave?" he asked.

Trenton looked up from his agenda once more, "Excuse me?" he asked, his voice icy cold.

Jonathan glared at him, "With all due respect, Sa'han, I feel like you're abusing the system that your father has set up. The man was a visionary, and you're just meddling with the hard work he put in to establish such a fine institution. I sometimes wonder if you're really capable of living up to him."

Trenton stood from his desk, and Jonathan realized he had gone too far. He backed up a step, but refused to break eye contact.

"I am running this business as I see fit, Jonathan. And if you don't think I'm doing a good job, then perhaps we should discuss your terms of employment," Trenton said, coming around his desk and facing Jonathan.

Jonathan's blood ran cold. "No, no, Sa'han. There is no need. I was only stressing the differences in how you and your father have run this business."

Trenton raised a pale eyebrow, "If that's all, then you may go."

Jonathan nodded, and quickly slipped from the office, closing the door softly behind him. His heart beat a quick cadence as he marched back down the hall. He realized he had gotten off easy that time. But if he continued to question Trenton's authority, he knew he wouldn't be here for much longer.