Hearing that the governor had arrived, Marvin promptly stayed silent and beckoned to his deputy.

Together, they stood up to welcome Arlo, who just happened to enter the office at the same time.

As soon as they saw each other, Marvin's lackey bowed so deeply his back arched at a ninety-degree angle. "Governor Griffin! Mr. Doakes!"

While Marvin was a special envoy, he was still not important enough to meet a governor. Even when it came to Reuben Sarkies, whom he often worked with, he had only ever heard the man's voice and never seen his face.

As such, even Marvin couldn't be sure that Arlo was who he claimed he was, and he said respectfully, "Envoy Doakes, at your service… May I see your Tigerhead Badge, Sir?"

Arlo didn't waste any time and whipped out a small plate forged from pure gold from his pocket with his right hand.

There were no words inscribed on it, but it was sculpted in the shape of a lifelike tiger head.

Then, as Arlo traced his fingers over the distinct fur on th