"I don't think I would be happy taking orders from some one else."
"We all have a boss, Brandon."
"I haven't."
The Secretary grinned. "You can head your own department. The President and myself will be the only ones you will have to answer to, I promise."
"That's what I mean," Brandon answered softly.
The Secretary felt his face flush. "You are insinuating that you are above working for the President, Mr. Brandon!" he said stiffly.
"You're twisting words." Brandon's voice was determined. "It's just that I like to work alone. I like to put my hat on and go, whenever, and wherever I please."
The Secretary shook his head "Brandon! I happen to know that you haven't been off this estate, this property of yours, in the past five years."
"That doesn't alter a thing. I can go, anytime I please. I have no reason to leave now. But when I do, I won't feel obligated, I won't have to ask permission."
The Secretary relaxed. "You can do that in the department anytime you wish. Visit the conservations, then, when you are tired of traipsing around, you can come back and write up a report or two." The Secretary cleared his throat. "Just for the records, of course."