"... I'm not completely sure," Nic replied honestly. "I think Sheng was intending to acquire my contacts."

"Hold up," Missy suddenly butted in. "You sell me out, and I'll kick your ass." Nic didn't dignify that with a response.

Laurel actually glared at Missy, not too dignified to respond, "Shut up. Nic wouldn't tell you his secrets just to turn around and sell you out." she snarled. It seemed some of that aggressiveness was surfacing again.

"Nic can take it," Missy argued back. "I trust that he's not about to sell me out."

"It's not a matter of what he can or cannot take." Laurel replied, a bit too irritated, "He shouldn't have to put up with dirt that like when he needs to focus."

"Focus on what?" Missy asked, "He's not answering any questions this second. There's nothing wrong with trying to lighten the mood to make everyone feel better about talking about something that's uncomfortable to talk about."

"No one needs you to 'lighten' the mood." Laurel retorted, still angry, "Just shut up and listen to what he asks you to do."

"Not until I get more information," Missy snapped back. And with that, she turned back to slightly lost Nic. "I assume you need my help because I don't think like you do, so I might find something you missed all those years ago. But you'll have to tell me everything you can so I have a decent place to start with."

Nic nodded a little, but seemed reluctant to speak.

Laurel's anger seemed to escalate but before she could butt in she winced, her head was killing her. She stared at Nic and Missy for a long moment before she slowly stood, "I need a drink..." she muttered under her breath as she headed towards the door.

Nic watched her leave, but didn't stop her. Maybe it was best if she wasn't here for this part anyway...

Actually, it probably would have been.

Yue's tablet buzzed with an incoming call.

After a few rings, Yue answered. It looked like she was packing.

Laurel's face was visible but she was in a dark room. Her eyes were still furious but there was a hardness to them now. "Do you have a minute?" it wasn't really a request.

"Uh..." Yue replied, taking a seat. She seemed rather worn out, but she listened.

"What did Nic do all those year ago?" she asked with an unusual bluntness.

Yue stared very blankly at the screen. She didn't move or speak for a very long time.

"I would rather hear it from you." Laurel said with a cold tone that wasn't aimed at Yue, "If you wouldn't mind."