"A shame," he murmured. Then he smiled. "Well, the holidays are coming. I foresee plenty of opportunities to dredge up some news." He paused. "Or to create some."
He thought it might be amusing to back off for a bit, lull them into thinking the worst had passed ... then slam them over the holidays. When cheer was high, when families were on everyone's mind, and when it would hurt them the worst.
Yes ... that was a very, very sound plan. Maybe they could even plan some larger events. To make their points.