MJ felt the hair on his arms rise in response.
Neville continued, lightly but sharply. "I have a personal vendetta against the person you're after."
A collective intake of breath swept through the assembly.
Colonel Vane's head turned to Neville, and MJ could practically see the gears turning behind those calculating eyes. Neville just inserted himself directly into the military investigation with confidence.
"And why," Colonel Vane asked slowly, his tone suggesting he found this interruption deeply beneath him, "should that matter to this investigation?"
The dismissiveness in his voice was obvious.
Neville's expression remained calm, but his eyes held a dangerous glint that MJ had only glimpsed once before.
"I can already tell you that the people you intended to arrest have nothing useful to offer regarding your target. Every single one of them was disposable."
A ripple of whispers spread through the crowd.
