It was time to ram that lesson home.
"To the Five Pointers here today, you ought to know you’re only alive by my mercy. I warned you last month what I’d do to traitors, and I consider each of you to be one of those." I allowed that to settle among them: the threat, the dread. I let it fester. Let it rot. Then, I continued, "Letting you live is an act of benevolence, and I will expect twice as much from you as I do a regular Five Pointer."
"I think that’s fair," Keegan rumbled.
"I don’t care if it’s fair or not," I snarled, jerking to my feet and knocking my fists against the table. "However, we have work to do and I need all hands on deck."
Keegan clapped me on the back. "He’s promised us Sparrow blood, my fellowcheiles."
"I have," I agreed. "But first, I want to knowwhyyou’re anti-NWS, and I want to know what plans you have in motion."
"All in good time," Keegan intoned calmly. "Before any of that, there’s the initiation. No brother can be acheilewithout it."
I tipped up my chin. "As you wish."
He smirked. "Oh, I do wish it, O’Donnelly. I do."