If he took personal responsibility for Frazer's being here beyond an honest appreciation of raw talent, Talbot might have felt some embarrassment at the lack of polish she shows at the table. Instead he's smug, his hands laced together at his chin once the meal is cleared. He would never think to question Marlowe's recruiting practices--it's the same eye that brought him into the fold, after all--but underneath his professional exterior, he is always conscious of threats against his standing as the favorite child.

"You're an intelligent woman," he answers coolly. "We think you can appreciate what this sort of job security offers."