Minister Telius met Kyle’s leveled glare evenly before speaking with a sense of finality. “Resignation is out of the question. Instead, I shall grant you an extended leave of absence. The Edmant Provincial Manager shall assume the role of acting chief until your return.”
“Minister—”
“I have made considerable concessions already, so do not argue. This is my way of looking out for you,” he continued firmly. “Do you really believe you could give up being a detective forever?”
At those words, Kyle wavered for the first time since entering the minister’s office, prompting a chuckle from his superior. Indeed, Kyle Leonard was not motivated by money, power, or fame. While his involvement with the imperial army and the bureau had originally been driven by the old notions of noblesse oblige and a desire to further his brother’s influence in the empire, the primary reason he had remained a detective for all these years was something far more simple—he loved it.
