“Ms. Dortch,” Governor Fernandez said as if regarding a favored team member. “So good of you to join us,” she added with all the sincerity of a hostage. “Since you feel so strongly about knocking down someone else’s contribution, why don’t you provide us with something you deem worthy of our consideration? Something that doesn’t trigger such irrepressible boredom in you.” There was no doubt the governor’s saccharine words were meant to embarrass, but they gave Mila a rush. With pale cheeks flushed pink, she stood to speak, even though no one else had. Nothing like a challenge.
