Deferred Action

"By the way, about Henry Brown." Ezekiel Sims recalled the assignment.

"Well? Mentioning that name makes me doubt whether the persuasive skills you pride yourself on are really as useful as you claim. I remember this matter was entrusted to you quite a while ago, wasn't it?"

"It has not even been a month. After so many people failed to accomplish it, what kind of results did you expect me to achieve in such a short time?"

"Stop. I do not want to hear your complaints. You brought up his name again, which means something has changed?"

Dr. Warren Vidic was no bookworm who stayed cooped up in a laboratory all day. Of course he could hear the tone in the man before him. It meant there was unexpected trouble.

"I saw that man at a Mellon family banquet."

"At... a Mellon family banquet?"

Ezekiel Sims nodded heavily and emphasized, "Yes. And from what I observed, he had a very good relationship with Mrs. Mellon. Givenchy was very likely the one who introduced them."

"So what are you trying to say?"

Ezekiel Sims adopted a composed expression and said casually, "You know what methods I usually use. I cannot guarantee I can make him obedient without offending anyone. So, are you prepared for that?"

"You think the Mellon family might protect him?"

"I do not know whether that is possible, but anyone could see that his performance showed considerable value. The question is whether he is valuable enough for them to offend others for his sake."

Resting his chin on his hand as he thought seriously, Warren Vidic asked, "I remember the Mellon banquet was an art appreciation gathering. What role did Henry Brown attend in?"

"He brought a very interesting crystal. When light was shone on it from different