"What do you mean, Rick? Haven't I done things for this organization? Isn't there a significant change and shift now, both in methods and available tools, than in the last two years?"
Alvarez turned to Athena next, desperation dripping from his tone. "Weren't you impressed when you stepped in here weeks ago and saw the improved state of operations? What else could feasibly run this place if not money?"
Athena didn't bother to respond.
Whatever Alvarez said today, whatever ploys he attempted, the final decree was that he would be cooling his heels in the black cells by the end of the day. Nothing was going to change her mind.
Meanwhile, Rick let out a humorless laugh, a dry chuckle that sent tendrils of fear, snake-like, down Alvarez's spine.
"You think I don't know that our old Boss from the CIA funnels running funds to us every month? Enough money to cover operational costs and then some? You're just too greedy!"
