I go back to the chair.
The pressure left by the cane still lingers in the room. Rahul Sharma lifts the glass tip from the floor and rests the cane in his lap.
I sit without hurry. "My apologies, Mr. Sharma. I misread the reason for the meeting."
Rahul accepts it with a discreet motion of his head. "No need to turn a small error into ceremony, Mr. Sands. You received information you already held and reacted accordingly. I'd have found it strange if a man like you faked gratitude just to keep up appearances."
Rae settles back in his chair. His expression stays controlled, though it no longer carries the satisfaction it held when I walked in.
Rahul runs his fingertips along the cane's handle. "I spoke a little with Dean before coming to this room. I also heard Rae explain the complicated history between the two of you. I believe I understand both sides."
"And which side looks less bad?"
