Daly's emotions gradually calmed. Hobart could sense that her grief seemed to be turning into hatred.
She sat in the chair in a daze for a while before saying expressionlessly to Hobart, "Captain Thomas wants to see you alone later. Tell him the truth—that Zachary was the source of the information."
Hobart nodded. "All right."
Daly slowly rose to her feet and left step by step, her back looking desolate and powerless.
Watching Daly leave, Leonard turned to Hobart.
Hobart said, "Sorry, but this involves a confidentiality agreement. I can't explain it too clearly to you."
It was not that he could not explain it clearly—it was that there was simply no way to explain it at all. For instance, regarding "0-08" and Ince Zangwill's source of information in Tingen City, Hobart could only make something up. But this was the Beyonder World, where lies could easily be exposed.
The more he said, the more mistakes he might make. It was better to say nothing.
Leonard realized that Hobart might have known something in advance, but since it involved a confidentiality agreement, he could not press further.
Hobart changed the subject. "What are your plans for the future?"
"I'm going to take the Red Gloves assessment. No matter where Ince Zangwill runs, I'll find him!" Hatred flashed in Leonard's eyes as well.
Hobart nodded. "If there's any news, we'll write to each other."
Leonard gave a quiet "Mm."
At that moment, Borgia, the scar-faced Nighthawk standing at the entrance to the Stone Chamber, said, "Hobart, Captain Thomas wants you to come over."
Hobart climbed down from the Stone Platform and followed Borgia to the first floor.
As he walked ahead, Borgia suddenly said, "We've more or less reconstructed what happened in the battle. You all did well!"
Hobart merely replied