[CW: Some abuse-of-power themes.]

Christopher’s smile did not falter for a second.

“Mr. Hurley,” he corrected, like a king graciously reminding a serf of their place.

“I did not have much in it,” Zechariah tried to dismiss. “Do you two know each other?”

There was a note of hope in his voice.

“One of the fishermen,” Christopher said dismissively.

“Must build a lot of strength,” Zechariah blurted out glowingly.