In the book "Fire and Ice" by Julie Garwood, a tense moment arises when Jack engages Alec in conversation about a recent incident involving a man's death. Jack, curious about deeper motivations and context, leans toward Alec, hinting at the unsettling nature of the situation. He seems to be probing whether Alec has any lingering questions or is grappling with the repercussions of his actions.

Alec responds to Jack with a tone suggesting familiarity with the chaos surrounding them, implying that perhaps the slain man simply failed to follow orders. This exchange highlights the complexities of their circumstances and sets a tone of dark intrigue as both characters navigate the aftermath of violence and their moral responsibilities.