Hellfire Rebellion

6

“So,” said Drakov, leaning back in the velvet upholstered reading chair, “it appears that we have been discovered.”

“It was only by chance that the fugue clocking sequence saved me,” Moffat said. removing his black horseman garb. He was visibly shaken. “How? How could they possibly have known?”

“What difference does it make?” said Drakov. “There are any number of possible explanations. The man with the laser might have been a Temporal Observer stationed in this time period. Or he might have been a member of the Underground or of the Network. In their fear of temporal interference, the fools have so thoroughly infiltrated the past that they are only making our job easier. However, I think it would be best to proceed on the assumption that a commando adjustment team has been dispatched to this temporal scenario. And if that’s the case, then that should make things very interesting. indeed,”

“It’s become too dangerous for you,” said Moffat. “You must leave at once, for your own safety.”

“Leave?” said Drakov, raising his eyebrows. He chuckled. wouldn’t dream of it.”

“But why? There is no need to take unnecessary chances. I can carry on for you here.” Moffat said. “From what you’ve told me of the time Commando units, they won’t rest until they had you. The risk to you is far too great-”

“What is life without the spice of risk’?” said Drakov, interrupting him. “Besides, the risk to me is negligible. They do not know where I am and now that I have been forewarned. I will not be so careless as to frequent public places. The advantage is still mine. I can still act anytime I choose.”

“Then let’s kill Adams and have done with it,” said Moffat. “We can wipe out the entire leadership of the Sons of Liberty in one quick stroke and completely change the course of history. They will be helpless to do anything about it and we can all make our escape.”

“No.” said Drakov, firmly. “I will choose the precise moment when to strike, so that the damage will have the greatest impact. I have planned this operation down to the final minute detail and I will not cheat myself of the opportunity to settle an old score. This time, the odds are on my side. The horseman and his followers are the obvious temporal anomaly that they must deal with first and in doing so, they are certain to reveal themselves. And while they have their hands full with the horseman and our Hellfire Club, thinking that is the main focus of the disruption. I will be free to make my move at the appropriate time. Their presence here changes nothing. Let us see what happens at the meeting tomorrow night.” He smiled. Who knows, we may even have visitors. We shall have to do our best to make them welcome.”

“I don’t like it.” Lucas said after Andre had finished giving her report. “This boy could cause us real problems if he talks.”

“I don’t think he will,” said Andre. “I think we can trust him to keep quiet about me.”

“What makes you so sure?” Lucas asked.

“He’s infatuated with me,” Andre said.

“I see. And you’re willing to trust him on the basis of a kiss and a quick feel?” Lucas said.

Andre gave him a hard look. “I’m just going to pretend I didn’t hear you say that.”

Lucas shook his head. “I’m sorry. That was out of line. But the fact remains that Johnny Small has become a complication. An infatuated seventeen-year-old is completely unpredictable.”

“I can handle him,” said Andre.

“Can you?” Lucas said. “How much experience do you have with teenager: having a crush on you? A seventeen year-old boy with his hormones in full roar can be one hell of a handful, especially if he’s got something to hold over you. What’ll you do if he decides to pursue this infatuation to its logical conclusion?”

“I don’t know,” said Andre, “he’s a cute kid. Maybe I’ll let him.”

“Very funny,” Lucas said. “But suppose he makes a pass. At his age, he probably won’t handle rejection very well. What happens if he threatens to expose you unless you accept his advances?”

“Well, then maybe for the sake of the mission. I’ll just have to make the sacrifice and go to bed with him.” said Andre.

“For Christ’s sake, Andre, I’m serious!”

“What do you want me to do. Lucas?” she said angrily. “You want me to take him out because he’s jeopardizing the security of the mission?”

“No, of course not, but-”

“What then?”

Lucas sighed in exasperation. “Hell, I don’t know. But we’ve got to do something.

“Why?” said Delaney.

“What do you mean, why?”

“Just that. Why?” Delaney said. “So what if he tells the Sons of Liberty that Andre is a woman? How does that jeopardize our mission? What’s the worst that could happen? We might encounter some 18th-century sexism’? I’m not sure it would even be a problem. The American colonies are fairly progressive for this time period. Women here own and operate their own businesses; on the frontier, they share in the work, hunt and help defend the homestead. The Sons of Liberty might raise a few eyebrows if they found out that Andre was passing as a male, hull hardly think it would cause any serious problems. Are you sure that’s what’s really bothering you?”

“Just what is that supposed to mean?” said Lucas.

“You tell me.” Delaney said. “Are you quite certain that your apprehensions aren’t based on a more personal reason?”

“Such as?”

Delaney stared at him. “We’ve known each other for a long time, partner.” he said. “I don’t really have to say it, do I’?”

“Yes, I think you do.” said Lucas. “Spit it out.”

“Stop it, both of you!” Andre said. “This isn’t getting us anywhere. Our personal problems can wait until the mission is completed. I don’t want to talk about this anymore. Finn’s right. If Johnny talks, it might do some damage, but it won’t be very serious. Anyway, I don’t think it will come to that. I said I could handle him. It’s my responsibility. Let me worry about it, okay?”

“Okay by me.” Delaney said.

“Lucas?”

“Yeah, yeah, all right. I just hope you know what you’re doing.”

“Are you questioning my judgment?” she said.

Lucas shook his head. “No. it isn’t that, it’s just… hell, forget it. It’s your call. Do what you think best.”

“All right, then,” she said. Now that that’s settled, the question is what do we do about Hunter’?”

“How much did you tell him’?” asked Delaney.

“Everything, except I left out the pan about Steiger, of course. In light of what Creed said, I think we have to assume that he could be double-dealing us. It’s possible. There’s still too much we don’t know.”

“Creed’s been a spook so long, paranoia is a way of life with him,” said Lucas. But frankly, I feel better knowing that he’s keeping tabs on Hunter. It’ll make our job a lot easier. I think we should keep Hunter on a ‘need-to-know’ basis; use him as a liaison with Adams and the Sons of Liberty, but don’t tell him anything that could affect the outcome of the mission. What he doesn’t know can’t hurt us.”

“Hunter’s not stupid.” Andre said. “He’s liable to figure out we’re holding out on him and he isn’t going to like it.”

“That’s his problem. Lucas said. “He doesn’t have to like it. But if he’s being on the level with us, he’ll have to do things our way or he doesn’t get to go back home.”

“ Does he get to go back home?” said Andre.

“Forrester gave his word,” said Lucas.

“I know,” she said, “but Steiger didn’t like it.”

“Creed’s not stupid enough to go against Forrester’s orders.” said Delaney

“Maybe not,” said Andre, “but I’ve been thinking about it and knowing Creed. I wouldn’t, put it past him to find a loophole. Such as the fact that Forrester didn’t say when Hunter would get to go back home. Creed just might decide to put him through interrogation first and find out if he was bluffing about those subliminal triggers.”

“Are you saying we should try to stop him if he does?” said Lucas.

“Are you saying that we shouldn’t?”

“Hunter is the opposition. Andre.” Delaney said.

“That’s not the point.” said Andre, “If Hunter doesn’t play straight with us. okay, all bets are off. but if he lives up to his end of the bargain. I think we ought to live up to ours.”

“Steiger might not see it that way,” Lucas said.

“That’s exactly what I’m talking about.” she said. “I just want to know what we’re going to do about it if it comes to that.”

“Let’s just make sure we understand each other here.” said Finn. “If Creed decides to take Hunter back when this is over and put him through the wringer before sending him back home, are you saying we should try to stop him? Lose the chance of gaining valuable intelligence and take the enemy’s side against one of our own people?”

“We made a deal: Andre said.

“Things aren’t always that simple. Andre,” Lucas said.

“They’re simple enough for me.” she said. “I’m sorry if I’m not sufficiently modern to compromise my integrity for political expediency, but when I give my word, I keep it. We made a deal with that man and we all shook hands on it. That may not mean a lot to Steiger, but it means a lot to me and I’ve always believed it meant a lot to you. Or was I wrong?”

“No. you weren’t wrong: said Lucas, “But I don’t think Creed will understand.”

“What about it. Finn?” she said, looking at him anxiously.

“Well, I guess we’ll just have to make him understand, won’t we?” said Delaney. There was a soft knock at the door. They exchanged quick glances. Delaney reached for his laser and held it out of sight. Lucas and Andre both took out their dueling pistols.

“Who is it?” Lucas said.

“A friend,” came a soft voice from beyond the door.

Lucas glanced at Andre. “Let him in, but stand clear the moment you open the door.”

Andre went to the door and slipped the bolt, then quickly opened it and stepped out of the way. The man who came in with his hands held out to his sides and slightly raised was Carruthers, the Tory who’d been sitting with John Hewitt.

“Easy,” he said. “I’m unarmed.”

Andre closed the door behind him, then quickly patted him down.

“He’s clean.”

“Lt. Paul Carruthers. Col. Priest, I presume?” Carruthers said, looking at

Lucas.

“Who sent you?” Lucas said, still covering him with the pistol.

“Col. Steiger,” he said. “It is all right if I put my hands down?”

Lucas nodded. “Steiger sent you from H.Q.?” he said.

Carruthers frowned. “No, this is my permanent post. Col. Steiger’s here in Boston. You didn’t know?”

Lucas loward his gun. “Yeah I knew. But you can’t he too careful.”

“I understand. I reported a temporal anomaly and was told that a team had already been dispatched. Steiger briefed me about Hunter. Unusual situation.”

“Yes, it certainly is.” said Lucas.

“I’m sorry to come so late, but I just got my orders.” Carruthers said. “Col. Steiger told me to report to you.”

“Why did Steiger know there was an Observer stationed here and we didn’t?” said Delaney.

“Because my commission’s not in the Observer Corps.” Carruthers said. “I’m Temporal Intelligence, section chief in this sector.”

“Section chief?” said Lucas “That implies you have a fully staffed field office here.”

“That’s right.” Carruthers said, sitting down in one of the chairs. “I’m in charge of thirty field agents spread throughout the thirteen colonies.”

“How come we didn’t know about it?” Lucas said. “There was nothing in the briefing tapes about a field office here.”

“That’s because we’re deep cover,” said Carruthers. “The C.I.S. has already raided our data banks once, so the I.S.D. established undocumented, deep-cover units in a number of high risk temporal scenarios. Besides, there’s also another reason. We’ve discovered that the Network has a very active branch here.”

“Terrific.” said Delaney. “Steiger sets up his own deep. cover operation and doesn’t even tell Forrester about it. Anyone else involved in this scenario that we don’t know about? The Girl Scouts, maybe?”

“What about the Network?” Lucas said. “What’ve you got on them?”

“Not very much,” Carruthers admitted. “We know they’ve infiltrated the East

India Company and we have good reason to believe they have some influence in the British Parliament, as well. They’re involved in the colonial smuggling trade, but we haven’t been able to establish exactly how or with whom. There are so many smugglers in the colonies that it’s been difficult to get a line on their activities. But we know they’re here.”

“And so is Drakov,” Delaney said. “Or maybe the C.I.S. Or maybe both Drakov and the C.I.S. And we’ve got a temporal disruption going down in the middle of the whole damn thing. Jesus, what a mess.”

“Yes, it could get a little sloppy,” Carruthers agreed. “That’s why Col. Steiger ordered me to put my entire section at your complete disposal. We can’t predict what the Network’s going to do, but by now, they probably know that an anomaly is taking place in Boston. The question is, how will they respond? A temporal disruption threatens them as much as it threatens us. The trouble is, they’re not very likely to offer us their help, for obvious reasons.”

“In other words, we could easily wind up working at cross purposes.” said Lucas. “That’s just wonderful. If Drakov is behind this, he couldn’t have picked a more ideal situation.”

“What are your plans’,” Carruthers asked. “We’re supposed to be patriots from New York, working undercover as Tories for the Sons of Liberty,” said Andre. Your friend, John Hewitt, promised to take us to a meeting of some kind of secret Tory organization that’s behind this headless horseman.”

“The Hellfire Club.” Carruthers said. “I know about it.”

“I seem to reall something about the Hellfire Club.” Delaney said. “Wasn’t that-”

“A society of sexual libertines, in England, headed by Sir Francis Dashwood and John Wilkes,” Carruthers finished for him. “This isn’t quite the same thing. though it’s apparently modeled on that group. I’ve managed to get a few people on the inside, but it hasn’t helped much.”

“What do you mean?” said Andre.

“Nobody seems to know who started it or who’s behind it.” Carruthers said. “It’s almost as it’ it all sprang up spontaneously, practically overnight. Ask too many questions and you get frozen out, suspected of being a radical. They meet at a small abandoned church outside of Boston. The property belongs to a local Tory. They all know one another and the times of meeting are passed informally by word of mouth. It’s impossible to track down the source. They put on black robes and masks and have themselves an orgy with booze and naked women, also wearing masks. It’s a nice touch. You know who’s there, but because everyone is masked, you can’t tell just who is doing what to whom. I suppose it keeps their Puritan sensibilities from being offended. And at some point during the festivities, they receive their orders from the horseman.”

“You mean he actually shows up?” said Finn.

Carruthers shook his head “No. only his voice is heard. With the dim candlelight and the weird acoustics in that place, there’s no way of telling where it comes from We’ve searched that chapel after they all left, but we didn’t find anything unusual. Whoever he is, he’s probably among the crowd, wearing a robe and mask, and he leaves with them.”

“What about the women’?” Lucas said. “It’s widely assumed that they’re all prostitutes,” said Carruthers. “but we’ve found out that a good number of them are young local girls from good families and even a few prominent Boston wives. Makes things rather interesting. In that dim light and with all those robes and masks, they could be doing it with their neighbors’ wives or their own daughters and not even know it. Swinging Boston. eh? And it gives them all something in common. Booze, politics, and sex. Half the Sons of Liberty are liable to defect just to join the party.”

“Well, so much for my attending the meeting,” Andre said.

“Yeah. I guess that leaves you out.” said Lucas.

“But you and Finn are still going. I suppose.” she said dryly.

“I’m afraid we’ll have to,” Lucas said. But you’ll try to bear up under the strain.” she said sarcastically.

“Very funny,” Lucas said.

“I wonder if Johnny Small is busy tomorrow night,” she said.

Lucas gave her a wry look, but said nothing.

“Exactly how many of your people are in Boston at the moment?” asked Delaney.

“An even dozen, myself included.” said Carruthers. “Six are stationed in New York, three in Virginia, three in Rhode Island, three in Pennsylvania, and three in Carolina. I can mobilize the entire section at any time. Want me to bring them all here?”

Not yet.” Delaney said. “For all we know, the opposition could have disruptions planned in the other colonies, as well. Leave your men where they are for the time being. Don’t take this the wrong way. Carruthers, but how certain are you of your men?”

“I picked them all myself and every one of them has been cleared,” Carruthers said. “Col. Steiger has personally taken charge of the section. He’s assigned two of my men to keep Hunter under surveillance so he could have maximum mobility. He just left to brief the rest of my people. He said to tell you he’ll be difficult to get in touch with, so my orders are to coordinate things at this end. I’m to report directly to you. I’ve already established my cover as a Tory sympathizer, so under the circumstances, our being seen together shouldn’t raise any suspicions.”

“Where can we get in touch with you’?” asked Lucas. “It’ll be easier for me to get in touch with you,” Carruthers said. “You can leave word with the bartender downstairs, a man named Horace Stedwell. He’s not one of my men, he’s a local, but I pay him under the table to can”, messages for me. I’ve been infiltrating the smuggling trade here in Boston, trying to get a line on the Network. But if an emergency comes up and you need me in a hurry, you can get in touch with my men in that apartment Steiger rented to keep an eye on Hunter. Just don’t go clocking over there. We’ve established security procedures so that nobody makes transition directly to the surveillance post, just in case the Network gets a line on the place and attempts to drop some people in on top of us. If anybody clocks in over there, my people are under orders to shoot first and ask questions later. Use the back stairs, instead. The password is ‘counterstrike.’ okay?”

“Counterstrike.” said Lucas. “Got it. Who are your people on the inside in the Hellfire Club?”

“That’s not going to help’ you,” said Carruthers. “Everyone’ll be disguised, so you won’t be able to spot them in any case and they won’t be able to spot you. However, just in case anything goes wrong and you have to shoot your way out of there or something, they’ll use the same password to identify themselves. Just remember that if you’re going to the meeting, you’ll be badly outnumbered and on their home ground. They also keep guards posted outside. Their number varies and they move around. It’s not a good place to start anything.”

“We’ll keep that in mind, thanks.” Delaney said. “Just to keep the record straight, what orders do you have concerning Hunter?”

“We’re to keep him under close surveillance: said Carruthers, if he makes contact with anybody and we can’t absolutely verify who it is, we’re to take him into immediate custody and await further instructions from Col. Steiger. He doesn’t want to take any chances that Hunter might be contacting a C.I.S. team if there’s one in the vicinity.”

“All right: said Lucas “but you are not to clock out anywhere with Hunter unless you’ve had specific instructions from me, is that clear? Regardless of what Col. Steiger says.”

Carruthers gave him an appraising look. You mind explaining that?”

“Col. Steiger is not in charge of this mission. I am,” Lucas said. “I just don’t want anybody doing anything unless I know about it. Any questions’?”

Carruthers shook his head. “No, sir, but suppose the situation should come up and Col. Steiger decides to take custody of the prisoner personally. I have no authority to prevent him, and with all due respect. I’m not going to put my ass in a wringer just because two senior officers might disagree on how to conduct a mission. I just want to make sure you understand that. I don’t want to get caught in the middle of anything.”

“Noted,” said Lucas. “In that case, you are to report directly to me and inform me immediately of Col. Steiger’s action.”

“Yes, sir,” Carruthers said. “Is there anything else?”

“Just make sure your people understand that I don’t want anyone taking any direct action whatsoever unless they’ve been cleared by one of us to do so,” Lucas said. “And if Col. Steiger issues any orders to the contrary, I am to be informed of it at once. Understood?”

“Understood,” Carruthers said. “Colonel, you mind telling me what this is all about? Is something going on between you two that I should know about?”

“Like you said, Carruthers, you don’t want to get caught in the middle,” Lucas said. “If you’ve got a problem with any of my orders, I want to know about it now.”

“No. sir, no problem.” said Carruthers.

“Good. That’s all, then.”

Carruthers came to attention and saluted. “Yes, sir.” he said, a touch stiffly. “I’ll be in touch.”

“He didn’t seem very happy about that.” Andre said when he had left.

“Well. I’m not either.” Lucas replied. He sighed. “We’ve got enough to worry about without having Steiger running his own operation in the middle of all this. We’re all supposed to be on the same team, for God’s sake.”

“Steiger’s never been much of a team player.” Andre said. “Maybe we’d better have a talk with him.”

“Won’t do much good.” Delaney said. “For one thing, we don’t know where the hell he is right now and for another, if he feels strongly enough about it. he’ll just go ahead and do it his way. You’re not going to convince him that he’s wrong.”

“We could have Forrester order him off the mission,” Andre said.

“No. that’s not the way to handle it,” said Lucas. “There’s already too much friction between the I.S.D. and the regular personnel. I’m not going to exacerbate the situation just because of Hunter. We’ll handle Creed ourselves.”

“Can I make a suggestion?” Delaney said. “Why not just clock Hunter out of here right now? Let’s take him to the confluence point we brought him through and send him home ourselves before he becomes a problem.

“We’ve been over that already.” Andre said. “You know how he’s going to respond to that suggestion.”

“I don’t think we can afford the luxury of giving him a choice. Andre.” said Finn. “The situation’s changed. There are simply too many ways it could go wrong. Carruthers is Steiger’s man. I’d rather risk annoying Steiger now then get into it with him when it’s already hit the fan. Frankly, Hunter simply isn’t worth it.”

“I agree,” said Lucas. “We don’t really need him anymore and if we allow him to remain here, he’s going to be a liability. We’ve given him more than a fair shake already. I say we send him back.”

Andre nodded. “Okay. I guess he’s got no right to expect any more than that.”

“Right.” said Lucas. “Let’s get it over with.”

“Right now?” said Andre.

“Right now Let’s clock over there and do it before Carruthers decides he doesn’t like his orders.”

Moments later, they materialized inside Hunter’s house on Long Lane. Moving silently, they made their way up to his bedroom and woke him up. He came awake instantly.

“What the. oh, it’s you! Christ, you scared the hell outta me! What’s up?”

“Get dressed,” said Lucas. “Quickly.” Hunter wasted no time in getting out of bed. Andre stepped out into the hall while he got dressed.

“What’s going on” he asked, quickly tucking his shirt into his breeches and sitting on the bed to pull on his stockings and his shoes.

“You’re going home,” said Lucas.

Hunter glanced up at him. “What are you talking about?”

“Just what I said. Go on, finish getting dressed. We’re taking you back through the confluence.”

Hunter remained sitting on the bed. He glanced from Lucas to Delaney. “What is this? I thought we had a deal.”.

“That’s right.” said Lucas, “and now we’re living up to our end of it. Come on.”

“Hold on a minute. pilgrim.” hunter said. This wasn’t our agreement. I thought we’d been through this already. You promised me a crack at Drakov. What’s happened to make you change your mind?”

“Not that it’s any of your business,” said Delaney. “but something’s come up and we have good reason to believe that some of our people might decide to put you through interrogation and see if you were on the level about that conditioning of yours. They figure it’s worth taking a chance to get some information out of you and if you happen to fall into a coma in the process, then it’s your hard luck.”

“It’s Steiger, isn’t it?” said Hunter.

“Look, you want to get home in one piece or don’t you?” Lucas said. “We’re trying to be fair about this. We’ll take you back ourselves and send you through. from there you’re on your own. It’s the best we can do. Take it or leave it, but stop wasting our time. You’re being watched.”

Hunter grimaced tightly. “Damn it to hell,” he said. “All right. I appreciate what you’re doing. I’11-”

“Hold it right there,” said a voice from behind them. “Don’t anybody move.-“ Shit.” said Hunter, looking past them.

Finn and Lucas froze. “Slowly now, put your hands on top of your heads and clasp them,” the voice said. All three of them complied, being careful not to make any quick movements.

‘“Now turn around, very slowly.” They turned. There were two men standing behind them in the darkened bedroom. They were both holding laser pistols aimed straight at them.

‘“It’s a good thing we had a mike aimed at this place, in case our boy talks in his sleep,” one of them said.

‘“Are you guys crazy?” Lucas said. “Put those weapons down. That’s an order. The password’s counterstrike.”

“Sorry. I’m afraid we don’t take orders from you. Colonel.” one of the men said.

“I think you’d better do as he says.” Andre said, standing in the doorway behind them. “I’ve got a gun aimed right at your backs, gentlemen. Drop your weapons on the floor. Now.”

The two men hesitated, then dropped their pistols at their feet. “That’s just fine,” said Andre. “Now kick them over-”

She stopped suddenly as she felt the barrel of a laser pistol press against the back of her head. “Hold the gun out to your side, Lieutenant.” Carruthers said, standing in the hall behind her, “Two fingers, please.”

Andre tensed. “Don’t do anything stupid.” said Carruthers. “I don’t want to kill you.”

Her shoulders slumped. She held the laser out from her side where Carruthers could reach around and take it from her.

“Carruthers, what the hell do you think you’re doing?” Lucas said. “Put the gun down

“Sorry. Colonel.” he said. ‘“I can’t do that.” He pushed Andre ahead of him into the room. “You should have left well enough alone. We were going to try to work with you on this, but you had to go and blow it, didn’t you?”

“You’re not I.S. D..” Delaney said, with sudden realization. ‘You’re with the Network.”

“That’s right,” Carruthers said. “And I’m afraid that knowledge is going to cost you.” He glanced at his men. “Don’t just stand there, you idiots. Pick up your weapons.”

As the men bent down to retrieve their pistols. Hunter lunged across the bed and reached under his pillow. Carruthers quickly shifted his aim and fired, but Hunter was already on the floor and rolling. As Carruthers aimed again, Lucas disappeared. He reappeared instantly, standing beside Carruthers, and knocked his arm up. The shot went wild. Hunter’s silenced 9 mm. semiautomatic coughed twice. The two Network men went down with slugs through their foreheads. Lucas drove his fist into Carruthers’ solar plexus, threw him back against the wall, and punched him again. Carruthers slumped down to the floor, the wind knocked out of him.

Delaney reached for his gun.

“Don’t do it!” Hunter said sharply.

Delaney froze.

“Come on. Hunter, take it easy.”

“Hands back on your head.” said Hunter. leveling the automatic at him. “All of you, right now!”

“Reese. listen-” Lucas said.

“Shut up! I’ve got to think, damn it!”

Carruthers sat on the floor, clutching his middle and gasping for breath.

Hunter moved back against the wall, his gun moving back and forth, keeping them all covered. He centered his aim on Andre. “Don’t try anything. Priest, or I’ll put one right through her, so help me.”

“All right. Hunter, take it easy… “

“There could be more of them.” he said. “Carruthers said he had only two men in that apartment…” Delaney’s voice trailed oil as he realized what that meant. “Damn it! They’ve got Steiger!”

Ignoring Hunter. he bent down over Carruthers and dragged him to his feet. “Where’s Steiger, you son of a bitch? Where is he? What’ve you done with him?”

Carruthers couldn’t talk. He was still struggling to get his breath back. Delaney slammed him hard against the wall.

“Talk, you bastard!”

“Hold off, Finn,” said Lucas. ‘Give him time to gel his breath back.”

“Get his warp disc.” Hunter said.

Delaney grabbed his arm and pulled the warp disc off his wrist.

“Toss it here.” said Hunter.

Delaney glanced at him. “Like hell I will.”

Hunter fired. The pistol coughed and Andre cried out, grabbing at her shoulder where the bullet had just grazed her flesh.

“Do as he says, Finn.” Lucas said quickly.

“Toss it on the bed,” said Hunter.

Scowling, Delaney threw the warp disc on the bed.

“Stay right where you are. Priest,” Hunter said, keeping his gun steady on Andre. “Please. Don’t force me to do something I don’t want to do.”

“All right, Reese.” said Lucas. “Stay cool. You’re calling the shots for now. We had a deal, remember?”

“Yeah. I remember,” Hunter said, edging over carefully and picking up the warp disc without taking his eyes off them. “I just want sonic insurance.”

He fastened the warp disc around his wrist.

“When you deliver me safely to that confluence point, you’ll get this back,” he said. “Meanwhile, I’m not going anywhere until I’m good and ready. Now I believe you wanted to ask that man some questions. Go ahead. I’ll wait.”

Delaney and Lucas exchanged glances. Lucas nodded.

“All right, Carruthers.” Delaney said, holding the man up by his shirtfront. “Talk, Where’s Steiger?”

“You go to hell.” Carruthers gasped.

Delaney brought his knee up sharply into the man’s groin. Carruthers made a brief, high-pitched keening sound and sagged in his grasp. Delaney lifted him up effortlessly and slammed him against the wall again.

“You tell me what you’ve done with Steiger or I’ll break every bone in your body.” he said.

Carruthers shook his head. Delahey brought his fist back and smashed it into his face. Blood splattered on the wall behind Carruthers as his head snapped around with the force of the blow. His nose was broken.

“Your ribs are next,” Delaney said. “And then your kneecaps. Where is he?”

Carruthers coughed and drew a ragged breath. “If I tell you. I’m dead.”

“You’re dead if you don’t tell me.” said Delaney. “Did you kill him?”

Carruthers shook his head. “No… we’ve got him…

“ Where?”

Carruthers shook his head again.

Delaney drew his fist back once more and drove it with pile driver force into the man’s chest. Something cracked. Carruthers made a grunting, wheezing sound and sagged down once again. Delaney let him fall. He knelt over him, his knee over the man’s leg, his hand grasping the back of his calf.

“Okay, hard guy, your knee goes next. I can keep this up all night.”

“Do your worst, damn you,” Carruthers said in a croaking voice. “But if you kill me. Steiger’s had it.”

Delaney was about to yank up on the man’s leg when Lucas stopped him. “Finn, wait! Forget it. Let him go.”

Delaney stood up. “I’ll make the bastard talk,” he said.

“No. It’s no use. We’re not going to get anything out of him this way.” Lucas said. “Let’s clock him back to headquarters and let the I.S. D peel back his mind and take a look inside.”

Carruthers suddenly lunged toward the bodies of his two men. His fingers closed around one of the pistols they’d dropped Hunter shouted a warning and fired. Carruthers collapsed to the floor, a bullet through his shoulder. Before any of them could respond, he pulled the pistol toward him, put the barrel in his mouth, and squeezed the trigger. His cheeks seemed to light up and a thin beam of light came up through his skull. He fell down, dead.

“God damn it!” Delaney swore.

“I’m sorry.” Hunter said. “I couldn’t get a clear shot at the gun …”

“It wasn’t your fault.” said Lucas.

Hunter shook his head. “Yes, it was. It’s my fault all this happened in the first place. I wanted a crack at Drakov and now I’ve got you in a real mess.” He sighed. “I’m sorry about the shoulder, Andre, You all right?”

She nodded. “It’s just a minor flesh wound. But I’m glad you’re a good shot.”

Hunter grimaced. “What happens now?”

Lucas gave him a long look. “I guess that’s up to you.” he said. “You’re the one who’s got the gun.”

Hunter glanced down at the gun, then tossed it on the bed with disgust. “What the hell are we doing?” he said, a note of genuine confusion in his voice. He shook his head. “You’re supposed to be the enemy and here I’m trying to help you. You don’t trust me and meanwhile your own people are trying to kill you. This whole thing is a fucking joke.”

“Nobody’s laughing,” Lucas said, “Except maybe Drakov.”

“Look,” said Hunter. “you’re up against both Drakov and the Network now. They’ve already got Steiger. Frankly, far as I’m concerned, they can keep him, but if we don’t work together on this, Drakov’s going to win and then everybody loses. We can’t afford not to trust each other. The bottom line is you’re going to need my help, whether you like it or not”

“He’s right. Lucas,” said Delaney. “We’ve got no choice now. We have to find Steiger, fight the Network, and stop Drakov. We’re spread too thin. We’re going to need all the help we can get.”

“Yeah,” said Lucas, nodding. “It’s time to send for some reinforcements. Andre, you clock back to headquarters and tell Forrester what’s going down. Get him to send as many teams as he can spare. We don’t know for a fact how many Network people there are back here, and they know about this place and our rooms back in the Peacock Tavern. Hunter, we need a secure location for a transition point. You got any suggestions?”

“Yeah.” Hunter said. took the precaution of arranging a safehouse for myself, just in case you people tried to double-cross me. It’s where I had the gun stashed and a few other things, besides. I always clocked directly there from this place, so I don’t think that Steiger or anybody else watching me could’ve known about it. It should be fairly safe.”

“All right, where is it?”

“I’ll give you the coordinates. It’s a small house near Hudson’s Point, on Lime Street, by the cemetery and the foundries. And speaking of-coordinates…” He took off the warp disc and tossed it to Lucas. “Call it a gesture of good faith.” He picked his gun up off the bed and tucked it in his breeches. “Now I strongly suggest we dispose of those bodies and get the hell out of here before the Network finds out that three of their people have been wasted.”