Time is trickling down on how long he can remain out of sight, and it will take time for the power to return to him. Balancing this, stalling for enough time, is going to be key. So it's best if they do it his way.

There are more dramatic ways certainly, but his ways are efficient. Brutal and swift. And Felix always said to tell the best lies, you build them on a foundation of something that is true. To be believed, he can act no differently than normal. That they will naturally expect the worst of him works to his advantage in this instance.

So from the shadows, he takes aim.

There was a time that he gladly would have taken this shot with real rounds, to wipe Washington's shadow from his mind and keep to his path with a clear mind, if not a clear conscience. That he extends him this opportunity at all speaks volumes as to how far they've come since those days...first, that Washington would trust him that far, and second? That Locus wouldn't take the opportunity to immediately stab him in the back. He is a faithless traitor, after all.

What would be a shot between the plates of Washington's armor at his lower back rings out from his position. Good news, Washington. It's a false round after all.

But now? He has to sell it, as Locus fades into view as though entirely on purpose, stepping up to claim his 'kill'.