Hitman's Creed - 54

 

"Job well done."

Glenn refrained from snorting when the man across the desk said that.

"Better than well done actually because the lab's security guards took the responsibility for the kill." He studied Glenn thoughtfully. "You've done much better than I'd envisioned."

"No faith in my skills?" Glenn smiled slightly.

"Believe me Mr. Tanner, your skills were never in question, but your loyalty was."

With a shrug, Glenn replied, "I came to you, not vice versa."

"True. Several of my compatriots were, shall we say, less than enthusiastic about your request, as you know well. You're very lucky you're not sitting in a federal penitentiary right now."

"A trade off, my expertise for my freedom. It was worth it to me to take the chance."

The man nodded. "I understood that from the day you first contacted me. Now I have something I need to discuss with you. Before you say anything, hear me out. As of this last job, your contract with us is fulfilled. You're free to walk away knowing that you can never be arrested for your past crimes. I know," he held up a hand to stop Glenn from stating the obvious. "Tying you to what you used to do would be virtually impossible but as you pointed out when you asked for my help, there are people who could have turned on you and ratted you out as you put it. If they tried that now they'd be laughed at to put it mildly. And that said, I have a proposition for you, continue to work for us, freelance and on your own terms."

Glenn leaned back, tapping his fingers on his thighs. "An interesting offer," he finally said. "No strings?"

"No strings."

"I can turn down a job if I want to?"

"I said freelance. Off the books, no way to tie you to us, so of course you may."

"I don't work for peanuts."

"How 'bout cashews?" the man asked with a chuckle.

"Macadamias."

The man laughed. "Macadamias it is, figuratively speaking. Will you consider it?"

Glenn nodded. "I have, and I will, as long as there are no written, auditory or visual records of our agreement. This is between you and me, how you arrange payment is your problem."

"This room is secure."

With a tight smile Glenn said, "I know. I've checked it several times."

The man's eyebrows rose in amusement. "Why am I not surprised?" He held out his hand. "So we have a deal?"

Glenn shook it. "We do."