Pankey's refusal was exactly what Iger had expected.

Of the three companions they had lost contact with, Pankey cared only about Annan. No one else truly mattered to him. Anything that threatened to interfere with her rescue would never win his approval. Initially, Pankey had headed toward the gaming floor because he assumed Annan would meet up with Ashe. But now, with Annan missing and Ashe trapped, Pankey saw no reason to take unnecessary risks.

If Ashe and Annan were both drowning, Pankey would ruthlessly ensure that Annan used Ashe as a stepping stone to reach safety.

The young butler had spoken at length to the group only because he wanted to persuade the two new recruits to help him search for Annan. Her current situation was completely unknown, and it was highly likely that she had encountered enemies. In a crisis...