Being a boss wasn't all it was cracked up to be. He'd found that out the hard way. But it certainly had its perks. And he believed that he was a good employer. He might have had high standards, but he was fair and certainly not the sort of bully his father could be.

In the end, however, they still answered to the Senior Partners. which was a sobering thought. But Fred's words and her presence had given him a renewed resolve. He wouldn't let Wolfram and Hart dictate how he lived his life, or what choices he ultimately made. He'd fight for those moments when his head was above water. And he'd do the same for those around him.

He drank down some more of the now lukewarm tea, waiting for Fred to return. When she did, she didn't have any shoes on, after all. He raised an eyebrow at her, but didn't remark on it.

"Ready? I just need to lock up my office."