For a moment, Elias didn’t move, nothing moved except the crackle of the first behind them. Of course Jon told him. Of course Tim knew.

And of course Tim would be difficult. Sometimes Elias thought that was all Tim knew how to be, especially in his later tenure at the Institute. Early on, he had been rather…useful. A rather effective assistant. He had been an appropriate hire with decent performance reviews.

Now, well…

The smile slowly crossed his lips as he started to walk away.

“I would like to remind you that you are not alone, Tim. I would hate for something to sour the reunion with your coworkers. Absolutely disappointing to think about.”