"The term 'insult' is too harsh," Samuel Smith replied, "You must understand, Hank Clegg, that my admiration for you is greater than my hostility. Compared to Lucas Douglas, I actually prefer to be on the same side as you...but, our temperaments, principles, and positions are too disparate..."
"So, that's why you designed a deception that lasted for so many years?" Hank Clegg's words were devoid of intonation, but the depth of sarcasm in them was unmistakable.
Samuel Smith sighed slightly again.
"I didn't wish to deceive you, after all, the price to pay if you found out it was a hoax would be quite high, wouldn't it?"
At this point, Samuel raised his hand slightly to indicate his current passive position.
Hank Clegg, standing behind him, didn't respond. His gun remained firmly in place.
Samuel Smith let out a bitter laugh.
"Hank, have you ever wondered why we have ended up in this situation?" He asked Hank Clegg.
"No." Hank Clegg responded curtly.
