Page 26 of Steel Trap
“Smith needs a phone. Not sure where I left mine.” He dug under the pile of magazines. The two-way radio nestled next to Rogue’s thigh crackled into life.
“We have company, boss.” Artie’s distorted voice came through the speaker.
“Tell me.” Rogue grabbed up the unit.
Hatchet tensed, ready to take whatever action was needed.
“Daimler saloon. Expensive set of wheels. Travelling slowly.” Artie paused. “It’s stopped about one hundred yards out. Think he might be waiting for an invitation, boss.”
“Hatch, go round up the others.”
Hatchet stuck his head around the kitchen door. Orlando was making coffee whilst shaking his ass to a tune that was only in his head. “Hey, jive bunny! We’ve got company.”
“Trouble?” Orlandoscampered toward him.
“Don’t know yet. Where are the others?”
“Bull’s sleeping. Artie’s on watch. Teddy’s out there, too, somewhere. Adrian’s not here, he’s working today. Crow and Shelton are in their room doing the dirty.”
Hatchet didn’t ask how Orlando knew everything about everyone. “Go and join Rogue,” Hatchet ordered, and for once, Orlando didn’t argue. He pushed past Hatchet to get tothe common room then curled into a corner of the couch, grabbing a pillow to hug. Hatch strolled across to the bedroom wing. He hammered on Crow’s door. “Whatever you two are doing in there, wind it up. Car approaching.” The door swung open.
“Gimme two minutes,” Crow said.
“Can Shelton lend Smith some more clothes?” Hatchet asked. “He doesn’t have anything to wear.”
“So, he’s naked?” Crow blinked.“Now, there’s a sight I’d like to see.” He grinned.
“Hey!” Shelton’s indignant voice sounded from the bed. “You want to sleep on the couch, big guy?”
Hatchet chuckled. “I should take pictures.”
Shelton appeared at Crow’s shoulder. “Stop encouraging him, Hatch. I’ll bring some clothes around for Smith, don’t worry.”
Hatchet hobbled back to Rogue after waking Bull. Within ten minutes all TheWyverns bar Teddy and Artie were gathered in the communal room. Smith joined them wearing a pair of Shelton’s jeans and an MIT T-shirt.
“Relax, everyone,” Rogue said. “Our visitor isn’t bringing an army with him, but maybe someone could explain why United States Senator Henry Orville Renton is getting dust on his no doubt very expensive shoes, walking down our access road?”
There were variousmutterings of “Huh?” and “What the fuck?” Hatchet gave Smith a long, probing look. “I reckon Montgomery might be able to explain.”
Smith’s cheekbones were tinged with pink. “I…I mean it’s just that…”
There was a sharp knock at the door. Rogue, intimidating glare fixed, opened it, letting in a blast of heat. Senator Renton stepped into the room. He straightened his already immaculate tie beforeholding out his hand to Rogue.
“Rogue Hellaby, I presume. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Rogue was for once at a loss for words. He shook the man’s hand.
“I beg your forgiveness for the intrusion, but I understand my son is a guest here and that he has been injured. I’d like to see he’s okay.”
Teddy and Artie appeared at the door behind the senator, their expressions full of curiosity. Rogueushered them all inside then shut it.
“Dad, I can’t believe you came all the way out here.” Smith took a couple of steps forward. “I’m fine. Just a bit scraped and bruised.”
Hatchet saw the resemblance between father and son. Senator Renton was a good-looking man. His sandy hair was touched with silver. He had the same pale blue eyes as Smith.
“Montgomery, a father is entitled to worry abouthis only son and your tardiness in reporting on last night’s operation didn’t help.”
“I…” Smith blushed a deeper shade of red.
