She gestured to the chair, then placed her hands on the table again. “You’d never do that to me, and we both know it. Now please sit down. I’m sure you’re curious to hear what I’ve come to say—I flew here all the way from London, despite the million things I need to get done. I’m sure you’re curious why I’ve used my power to Lift you out of the VirtNet without following protocols. I’m sure you’re even wondering why I didn’t just come in here and end your life while you lay there, helpless in the Coffin.”

“Or send that weasel Agent Scott to do it,” he replied.

She only nodded, as if the idea had occurred to her.

Michael had to admit, he was curious. As he always was. He stepped over to the chair, pulled it out, then walked around the table and placed the chair close to her. He sat down, his knees almost touching hers. A small act of defiance, not sitting where she wanted him to. Pathetic, but it was all he had.

“Power?” he asked. “Your power? Sounds to me like you’re enjoying this ego trip. Your head does look a little bigger, now that I think about it.”

Weber turned to face him. “How many times have we met like this? How many times have you looked at me and thrown accusations like a child? It’s time for you to grow up, Michael.”

The laugh that burst from his chest was genuine. “And how many times have I been exactly right? It doesn’t matter what you say or do or show me. I’ll never trust you again.”

She appeared troubled and shifted in her seat, straightening her skirt. “Fair enough,” she said. His words had obviously struck a nerve, but she quickly recovered her composure. “I didn’t come here to ask for your trust. Or even your cooperation. We don’t…need you, Michael. I believe you’re the one with the ego, not me. How quickly you assume that we can’t accomplish a damn thing without your help.”

Michael shook his head and dropped his eyes to the floor. “Whatever, Agent Weber. Just…I’m not the one who made me sit at this table and listen to you.”

“You’re right. That was me. And as you said yourself, I didn’t have to do that, did I? I could’ve had Agent Scott walk in here, open up your Coffin, and end it. But I didn’t.” She suddenly leaned toward him. Michael looked up—her face was only a few inches from his. “Despite what you may think, you mean a lot to me, Michael. I don’t want you dead. That’s ridiculous. A lot of trouble could’ve been avoided if you’d just done as you were asked and worked with me from the very beginning.”