of it was due to his own abrasive personality.
That, too, was all in the past. Armstrong's political career was finished. He'd be the one who'd take most of the blame for the disaster here, of that he was certain.
All that remained was to salvage what he could of his own honor.
"I can't undermine Winder, James," he repeated softly. "Until we've formally 中古車査定 replaced him, we have to leave him in charge. At least publicly. Or we'll have pure chaos."
He gave Monroe a long look from lowered brows. It might almost be called an accusatory gaze; it was certainly a challenging one.
"That's because I'm the secretary of war, and therefore his direct superior. You, however, are not." With that, his voice took on a challenging note, and he peered expectantly at Monroe.
Who, in turn, stared back at Armstrong. Then, looked away for a few seconds. Then, looked back.
"Can you keep him distracted?"
Armstrong smiled thinly. "Oh, yes, James. That I can do. With Winder, it's not even difficult."
Monroe nodded. "I'll be off, then."
The secretary of state rose from the table and moved as quickly as he could toward the tavern