Moon watched the smile on Tom's face disappear.
Moon had been waiting for this moment. This was exactly why he had asked the Association for a physical contract. Not because he was really considering the offer. Nothing they could put on paper would be worth surrendering his freedom.
Being tied to an organization, answering to faceless superiors, carrying out orders he had no say in. That wasn't a life Moon wanted to pursue.
But Tom didn't need to know that.
The contract's real purpose was leverage. By walking into this room holding an offer from the Association's Special Squad, Moon was sending a message that didn't need to be spoken aloud.
'You've been generous, Tom. But you're not the only one interested. And if the competition is raising their offer, perhaps you should consider raising yours.'
Moon knew that a man like Tom Glassy didn't get to where he was by letting valuable people walk out the door unsatisfied with his offer.
"I have been invited. Yes." Moon nodded.
