"What can I get you, sir?"
Ryan smiled. He hadn't allowed himself a drink in over a year. There had been too much to do, with no time for relaxation or the risk of being caught off guard. He didn't really enjoy the effects of alcohol, but over the years he'd learned how to appreciate the taste. Now, the situation demanded that he seem casual and relaxed, and he didn't mind what he had to do.
"Double Remy, heated."
He watched the big man gracefully pour scalding water into the crystal snifter, to warm the glass. Then he drained the water and poured in a generous amount of the amber liquid. Ryan took it and raised the glass to his nose, suddenly aware of someone standing directly behind him.
He didn't turn, but merely inhaled the heady scent of his drink, savoring the rich smell. He took a sip of the hot cognac, letting it steep down his throat.
"A fine brandy, if you like that kind of thing."
Just a bit a head of schedule, Ryan thought, recognizing the voice.
He turned, feigning surprise, and noticed that Knight had left his aide, Gerrold Watkins, with the rest of the Ares contingent. So this little conversation is going to be off the record.
"Mr. Knight," Ryan said. "I'm sorry, you've caught me enjoying one of my secret vices." He grinned, and Damien Knight's return smile was well-practiced enough to seem genuine.
"Oh, Mister Mercury, we all have our little secrets, don't we?"
Ryan shrugged. "You appreciate a fine cognac, Mr. Knight?"
Knight's smile softened. "Actually, about a year or so back, I stumbled onto a hidden reserve of a brandy called Germain Robin. They stopped production sometime around the turn of the century. Twenty-five bottles of the closest thing to heaven on this planet. You should stop by some evening. We'll pop one."
Ryan forced a wide smile. "That would be wonderful. I happen to have some fat Honduras cigars that go so well with a good brandy."
Damien frowned. "Actually, if you have a few minutes, I'd like to talk to you."
Come to me, you little fly. Come, step into my web.
Ryan kept his face neutral, hiding his relief.
"Of course. Would you like to sit?"
It had been a calculated risk, showing up here and displaying his and Nadja's relationship so openly. However, the idea had occurred to Ryan because he knew that the only way to get anything from Knight was to make the man come to him.
Under normal circumstances, Knight would have kept half the room between himself and Ryan. A snake doesn't slither too close to the mongoose unless it wishes to do battle. Or, unless the viper thinks it's fast enough to kill the mongoose with one quick strike.
Ryan knew Knight wasn't here to kill, he was here to do a little dance, to try and hypnotize the mongoose. Knight wanted to use Ryan. For someone so dangerous, Knight, you 're refreshingly predictable.
Damien led him to one of the small, unoccupied tables. Ryan noticed how several people shifted to get out of their way. Some of them were frightened by Knight, and the others knew just a bit too much about Ryan Mercury to feel safe without some distance.
They sat, and Ryan took another sip of his cognac. "What can I do for you, Mister Knight?"
Knight propped his elbows on the table and leaned forward. "I'm surprised to see you here, Mercury. Especially coming as Miss Daviar's escort. Don't you realize you could cost her the nomination?"
Ryan smiled. "Well, I'm not so sure she really wants it anyway. She's got so much on her hands right now, the VP would only add to a schedule that's already over-full."
Knight sat back, and his expression grew thoughtful. "You know, I've always had a difficult time reading you."
Here it comes, thought Ryan. Draw me in, then cut me off at the knees.
"What's to read? Nadja's busy, and might not even have the time for this whole political gig. Dunkelzahn left her to stir quite a few pots, so to speak."
Knight's smile was tight. "Yes, he did. That doesn't seem like it would leave much time for a romantic life, does it?"
Ryan shrugged. "We both have tight schedules, but that just makes the time we have together that much more special."
Knight looked as if he were going to be ill.
"Yes, I can see how it would. However, with such limited time in the day, I could see where Nadja might be unable to give her attention to some of the finer details."
Ryan gave him a questioning look. "I'm not sure I follow?"
Damien smiled like a shark. "Well, she's been left quite a few different positions to fill. Not a problem for a dragon, but somewhat overwhelming for a simple metahuman, wouldn't you agree?"
Ryan followed his lead. "Oh, yes. In fact, she and I were just talking about all the company stock she now has to vote. She's not even that familiar with the workings of quite a few of them. I mean, she's got a pretty good hang on stuff like the Gavilan stock, but other things are a bit esoteric."
And the fly lands, thought Ryan, watching Knight's eyes light up.
"Exactly," Knight said. "In fact, I have a meeting with her in about half an hour to discuss that particular stock."
"Really, I was unaware."
Knight said nothing and for just a moment Ryan thought he might have been a bit heavy-handed. Knight leaned back, and his face went still.
Knight seemed to be thinking hard, and Ryan could see when he reached a decision. "Ryan, just between you and me, I'm worried about Miss Daviar. Especially in relation to her dealings with Gavilan. There's so much political back-stabbing going on there right now that I'm afraid it might be a bit much for her."
Ryan leaned forward, doing his best impersonation of a little kid being told a secret. "Really? I guess that's not so surprising after what happened to Dunkelzahn."
Knight nodded, playing his fatherly role to the hilt. "You know, I just thought of something. In my meeting with Daviar, I'm going to suggest that she give me temporary proxy rights to Gavilan. Just until she comes to know who all the main players are and where they stand. That way, she won't do anything she might regret later."
Ryan smiled. "That's very kind of you."
Knight's face turned conspiratorial again. "However, you, better than anyone, should know how strong-willed she is. I'm just afraid she'll misinterpret my offer. I would hate for her to refuse me, then kick herself for it later."
"How can I help?"
Knight actually leaned over and patted his arm. "Just talk to her. I'm sure she trusts you, and if you give her a gentle nudge in the right direction, we might just be able to avoid a big mess."
Ryan smiled. "You got it. I'll do anything for her."
Knight smiled and stretched out his hand. "It was a pleasure talking to you."
Ryan took the offered hand, but didn't release it. He let his face turn thoughtful. "You know, I heard your name come up in conversation the other day."
Knight, realizing he wasn't going to get his hand back, sat. His smile faded, replaced by a cautious look. "Oh, really? In what context?"
Ryan grinned and turned loose of Knight's hand. "Oh, I think it was an ex-employee of yours."
Knight's grin was thin, strained. "Someone you 'helped' relocate?"
Ryan shook his head. "No, no, no. It was someone you worked with before my time."
Knight's thin smile turned positively painful. "I hope this person had good things to say."
Ryan's smile grew predatory. "Oh, good and bad. She said you had some secrets, but she also said you were good in the sack."
It was a shot in the dark-something in Alice's tone when she'd talked about "David"-and Ryan was pleased with the results.
Knight turned white. "Her name?"