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"Thank you, sir," I said, unsure if that was a compliment

Toe and had brown hair laced with silver There were more lines in his face since the last time I'd seen him, and his blue eyes had an uneasy look that I didn't usually associate with hi the Alcheh decisive action and a fierce work ethic He'd always seeer, fiercely confident and aweinspiring Now, he seery? After all, I was the one responsible for his son being arrested and locked away by the Alchemists

"I appreciate you co all the way out here," he added, once a fewround-trip, especially on a weekend"

"It's no proble I sounded confident "I'm happy to help with

whatever you need" I still wondered what exactly that could be

He studied ave a curt nod "You're very dedicated," he said

"Just like your father"

I made no response I knew that comment had been intended as a compliment, but I didn't really take it that way

Toet this out of the way I really don't want to inconvenience you any more than is necessary"

Again, I got that nervous, deferential vibe Why would he be so conscientious of s?

After what I'd done to his son, Keith, I would've expected rage or accusations Toh

"Can I bring my coffee, sir?"

"Of course"

He took me back into the concrete corridor, toward more of the closed doors I clutched htened than I'd been when first entering this place Tom caht, but hesitated before opening it

"I want you to know that what you did was incredibly brave," he said, notmy eyes "I know you and Keith were - are - friends, and it couldn't have been easy to turn him in It shows just how co that's not always easy when personal feelings are involved"