Dane

He was in the room he'd been given, sitting in front of the fake fire in a leather chair, just staring at the gas flames and wondering what Lila was doing, what she was thinking, when Felix knocked on the door.

​​

Dane turned as the door opened and Felix looked around it, smiling when he saw him. Dane had to bite back his temper. It was the first hour he'd had to himself—truly to himself, without guards, or his father, or something else going on—since he'd woken from that drugged sleep. But he knew he couldn't let on how tight an edge he was walking.

"Felix?" he said, without getting up.

"Sorry to disturb you, Dane, but I need to catch you up on a project." He walked inside and closed the door behind him, his eyes shooting to three different spots in the room to let Dane know where the hidden cameras were. Dane rubbed his forehead and slowly nodded. He'd already identified them.

"What can I help you with?" he asked carefully.

Felix took the other seat in front of the fire and looked around. "It's not bad in here, is it?" he said. "He gave you one of the nice ones. Terrence and the others are all in those basement hovels," he laughed.

Dane just stared at him.

Felix sighed. "I wanted to catch you up on that project we discussed the other day."

"I told you, Felix—"

"Bear with me, bear with me," he said, smiling and tugging at the French cuff of his perfect, slim-cut suit that Dane imagined probably cost more than the chair he was sitting in. "I know you're reluctant, but I wanted to let you know that a new opportunity is perhaps on the horizon. And I'd be willing to exchange… information, for your cooperation."

"What kind of information?"

"The kind that, I imagine, weighs most heavily on your mind right now."

They stared at each other for a silent minute.

"I'm not becoming a pawn between you and—"

"No, of course not. Dane, listen to me carefully: This entire enterprise relies on some measure of trust between us. Everything we do for your father is act of obedience, and I applaud your desire to ensure that he has no reason to question your loyalty. It isn't just a good thing for your father, it's wise for you as well. But what I'd ask you to do is actually right in your wheelhouse and will keep you in a position to… not have your conscience tweaked."

Dane lifted a single eyebrow, but Felix wasn't smiling anymore.

"I have reason to believe," Felix said quietly, "that there is a credible threat on your father's life. Now of all his people, you are not only the most experienced in sniffing out threats but you're also not… caught up in the politics of this place. Your loyalty is to the man, not his money or his power. That makes you a safe bet for playing bodyguard. Or at least, organizing our increased efforts to ensure your father's safety. And what would better spotlight your desire to show your father you can be trusted? It's a win-win, really."

"I'm listening."

"We have a series of meetings with what I would call a rival faction this weekend, and early next week. I have information that indicates there might be something afoot. But we can't afford to skip the negotiations, just in case. I'd like you to head up security for your father. He doesn't need to be distracted by that while he's… consulting with these people.

Dane rubbed his jaw. "I don't know your systems, or your people. I don't think—"

"I do. They'll all be more careful when they're under the eyes of the boss's son. Plus, you'll notice things we don't, because you don't have assumptions about anyone."

"Oh, I have assumptions."

Felix laughed. "Well, maybe that's what I meant. I think fresh eyes on this whole area of our business would be a good idea. It will give you something to do that you're comfortable in, and also reintroduce you to everyone. As well as keep you close to your father so you can prove your worth. I can't see a downside."

Dane held his gaze for a minute, but didn't speak. Then he brushed non-existent lint off his thigh and said, "I suppose you're right."

"Very good. We'll have a briefing in the morning to cover the threat, and everything we're trying to achieve. Then you'll have a day to look at how you want to approach it."

"A day? Felix, I can't make an entire strategy in twenty-four hours. The blueprints of any buildings alone will take—"

"Twenty hours, actually, once we've gotten through the brefings. But don't fear, Dane. We have a substantial support network and resources. Anything you need you'll have, quickly and efficiently."

Dane glared at him. Was this a set up within a set up? Possibly within another set up? His head spun with the web of lies and deceit that he might be being dragged into. But it did solve one problem: Chances were that if his father couldn't find a job for him quickly he'd be put on an operation team. And that was how he'd end up becoming a criminal. Again.

No, Felix was right, this gave him a chance to prove himself without breaching his conscience.

"Fine," he said through his teeth. "But you have an entire team ready. I'll have them running."

"I wouldn't expect anything less," Felix said with a smile.

They sat there a minute longer before Dane sighed. "Was there something else then, Felix?"

"No. I was just enjoying the fire."

Dane kept staring at him, until the man grinned and put his hands up. "Okay, okay, fine. I'll leave you to your brooding."

"I'm not brooding. I'm relaxing."

"Is that what kids these days call it?"

Dane glared and Felix just laughed again. "I'm so glad you're back, Dane. I'd forgotten what fun it was to push your buttons. I'll see you in the morning."

"Goodbye, Felix."

"Happy brooding."

Dane waited until he'd gone, then dropped his face into his hands. Hidden cameras be damned.

*****

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