Don’t let them.” Alistair’s fingers hovered over his comms.

“Authorize the London desk to absorb the first wave.

Let the bonds fall another four percent — let it sweat the cowards out.

When it hits the floor, we execute a sweeping buy through the shadow accounts.

We stabilize the market, and Valerius walks away holding a controlling stake in three major European banks by sunrise.”

“Understood, Director Pembroke.” Alistair was already turning away, relaying it into his earpiece, to desks in London and Zurich and Tokyo.

I handed back the tablet and turned, at last, to my parents.