“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 sh
ould 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.”