Page 27 of Steel Trap
“Perhaps you’d like to introduce me to the rest of your friends? No, wait, I think I can work it out from what you’ve told me. Rogue is the leader—easy enough. You’re the tallest—you must be Teddy?”
Teddy’s hand engulfed the senator’s. “That’s me.”
“The spectaclesmean you have to be Shelton.” Shelton nodded, edging behind Crow. “Which makes you Crow?”
“Uh-huh.”
“I’m Orlando.” Orlando bounced over and gave the senator’s hand a shake. “I’ve seen you on the TV.” He grinned.
“Ah, the infamous Mr. de la Peña. It’s a pleasure to meet you, son. Still happy to be away from that father of yours?”
“Uh, yes, sir. Very happy.” Orlando cozied up to Rogue.
“Bulland Artie, I presume? First class marksmen, both of you. I’m afraid I don’t know which of you is which.”
Bull and Artie made their introductions.
“And last but not least…you must be Nelson Hatchet. The man my errant son appears to have fallen for.”
“Dad!” Smith protested.
“That’s right.” Hatchet gave the senator’s warm, dry hand a firm shake. “And you, Senator, are Horatio Trap.”
“You workedit out.” The senator’s gray eyes twinkled. “It had to happen sooner or later, though, I must admit I thought Shelton might have been first.”
Shelton frowned then groaned. “The name’s an anagram, isn’t it? A patriot. HOR. I’m such an idiot. Though the initials might have taken some working out.”
“Why don’t we all sit down?” Rogue suggested. “Orlando, would you mind bringing coffee for everyone?”
“Sure.” Orlando skipped in the direction of the kitchen.
“I’ll give you a hand.” Shelton went to join him.
The others all took seats on the large couches. Rogue remained standing, his expression unreadable. Hatchet studied his friends, picking up some hostility as well as curiosity.
“I understand I’m not likely to be flavor of the month around here,” Senator Renton said. “All of you have reasonto hate me. But I owe you my thanks for keeping Montgomery alive. He should never have been in the field, but he’s picked up a rebellious streak—I can’t imagine where from.” His tone was dry. “And I’m here to tell you that all your contracts are now null and void. Your records are clear and you are all free to do as you please. It’s little enough reward for all you’ve accomplished over the lastfew years.” He paused, making eye contact with each of them in turn.
Hatchet met his gaze, unflinching.
“However…if any of you decide you’d like to keep working for me under rather more favorable terms, I would be very happy for our arrangement to continue.” He smiled. “I don’t expect an answer right now. You’ll all need time to think about this, I’m sure. There are one or two conditions.”
“Of course, there are,” Rogue grumbled.
“Firstly, Montgomery remains behind the scenes. He is not qualified to be out there like the rest of you are. He puts you in danger when you have to consider his safety.”
“But, Dad!” Smith protested.
“He’s right,” Hatchet growled. “You already deserve a good spanking for risking your life the way you have.”
Smith gaped. The senator chuckled. “I can seemy son has chosen a good man. He’s always been something of a precocious brat, Nelson. I’m sure you are well-equipped to take him in hand.”
Smith put his head in his hands. “Oh, my God, this is so embarrassing.”
“That would be my pleasure, sir.” Hatchet put his arm around Smith’s shoulders.
“Call me Henry.”
“And the second condition?” Rogue asked.
