Payton considered that, and nodded.
"Yes, you do. Unfortunately, you chose a public forum for this discussion. You have set yourself up in the eyes of anyone who cared to watch as my enemy. As understandable as your reasons might have been, the fact that you have publicly defied me remains. I cannot let that go without response, regardless of my personal feelings, without inviting more of the same. I must maintain control. It isn't personal, Mr. Banks. It's business."
I tightened my jaw, and my grip on my blasting rod, and made sure my shield was still there, ready to go.
"So what are you going to do about it?"
"Nothing," he said.
