If true, that explains a lot. This sort of response appears deranged to outsiders, but would be completely logical if you rationalize it as calling in a favor

If true, that explains a lot. This sort of response appears deranged to outsiders, but would be completely logical if you rationalize it as calling in a favor from your former colleagues. For someone like that, it's not a vulgar display of force-- it's just another Tuesday. Optics are overlooked in favor of ease.