Mark remained silent as Warren continued to talk, rehanging up the chart once he'd finished reading it. Warren finally noticed that Mark didn't seem to be paying him much attention and snapped at him.

"Well, Slate? Don't you have anything to say about that 'partner' of yours?"

Eyes unusually dark, Mark looked down at Warren.

"Yes, I do. Touch my partner again without first gaining her express permission and I will not be as gentle with you as she was."

"You threatening me, Slate?"

"Perish the thought, old boy. That was no threat. That was a promise."