The look on her face made Thomas feel even worse. He frowned a little deeper. "Nothing that will harm. I just need to listen. I need to know if they're dealing with the Winter Soldier." He did not lower his voice, nor did he raise it to make it carry. He was matter of fact about the statement, and no one in the room looked over twice. "If they do not, I must. You come and go in the Tower at will."
Thomas glanced sideways at the rattle of power in the cup by his elbow, but he made no direct move against it. He stared several seconds, and then slowly transferred that gaze to her once more.
"You'll forget what I said, when you're gone. It's part of the set of symbols on the floor under our feet."