Abomination (37 page)

“What’s that?”

“I really think they’re staying.”

“They could,” said Steve, “And so could you.”

“I wish that were true. We all needed this little
getaway and thank you for offering this place, but I have a little explaining
to do back on the mainland.”

“You have a lot of explaining to do if you plan on
trying to keep your job. But if you decided to resign, I don’t think anyone in Washington would try to stop you. In fact, I’m sure they’d prefer it. You’re about to blow
the lid off a project they’ve sunk almost a billion taxpayer dollars into. You
may even win a few favors with some powerful Congressmen if you just quietly
went away. Favors which would come in handy for a guy like, oh, I don’t know,
me.”

“After everything that’s happened, you want me to keep
my mouth shut about Didache?” asked Ryan.

“Easy, rejuvenated lawman,” said Steve, handing Ryan a
cocktail. “It wasn’t too long ago you turned your back on the system and kicked
in a few doors. And I must say you’re pretty good at it.

“Listen, you and I both know Didache is finished. But we
also know another program just like it will sprout wings in a matter of weeks
or less,” continued Steve. “You close that ugly door behind you, and a bunch of
other ones are going open. And I’m one of those doors.”

“You really do want me to come work for you, don’t you?”
asked Ryan.

“I really do. And now so does Dallas.”

“Dallas?”

“Yeah, he’s looking forward to having you as his boss
again.”

“And you’re looking forward to being mine?”

“I wouldn’t be your boss. We’d be more like partners.”

“I had a funny feeling you’d pull something like this. I
mean, getting me and my team down here to taste the good life. Giving Derek and
Jennifer their dream vacation, proving to me we did the right thing by crossing
the line. You’re very predictable and very diabolical, my friend.”

“Did I mention we have a great dental plan?”

“When can I start?”

The End