He scoffed at her suggestion, but she was not deterred. She mollified him with a gentle smile and soothed his ego with a compliment. She contemplated how to persuade him to join her cause, knowing he had the influence and resources she needed. She spoke imperiously, as if he had no choice but to agree. He lumbered to his feet, feeling cornered and resentful. He brusquely grabbed his coat and hat, and made a pantomime of checking his watch. He said he had to go, but she knew he was lying. She realized this was a critical juncture, and she had to act fast. She followed him to the door, stepping over the debris of their argument. She saw him glance at the recumbent figure on the couch, his brother who was dying of a rare disease. She knew that was her trump card, and she played it without remorse.
