Cormac stepped forward.

“Leave.”

Cassian laughed — actually laughed, riding the last of his certainty.

“You’re a retired county sheriff.”

“I am,” Cormac agreed, and his voice didn’t rise; it never had to.

“I’m also chairman of the Cabot Medical Foundation, controlling partner of Cabot Capital, and the owner of the company that acquired your employer three months ago.” He let that settle into the silence like a stone into still water.