Part 22 (1/2)
”So what's the verdict for tonight? Rest or recreation?”
”Recreation, definitely. After supper, though.”
”Bradford and Illyanov have been making it pretty clear they'd like in, if you're willing.”
'Willing' seemed like a pretty weak word too, Cortin thought. It didn't seem her drive was any stronger than it had been, so maybe it was the length of time she'd had to abstain, but the idea of as wide a variety as she could get--and as much--was overwhelmingly attractive.
”I a.s.sume you told them I would be?”
”Not exactly, though I did say you'd enjoyed men from outside your team in the past. Sweet Mother, I couldn't even be sure you'd want me, after what the Brothers did to you!” Until he'd been told this morning that she would, and he'd only become positive when she'd claimed him . . .
”There's a major difference between an enemy a.s.sault and a friendly tussle,” Cortin said drily. ”I was a little nervous at first, I can't deny that, but it didn't last long. I didn't notice you having me held down, or using broken bottles, or gun barrels along with threats to blow my head off from the inside.”
”You never told me that!” Odeon exclaimed, horrified.
”I . . . had a hard time talking about it until now. Even during debrief, with all of Colonel Bradford's skill. I still do, a little.”
Odeon embraced her, swearing to himself. What he had known was bad enough--but he hadn't imagined rape with a gun barrel, and he didn't want to imagine any parts she'd still have trouble talking about. Brad was right--they had to get Joanie out of the field, somewhere she'd be safe, before the Brothers had a chance to get hold of her again, off limits or not, and maybe do something even worse. Between himself, Brad, and Ivan, they should be able to find some way to get her into a safe job willingly! ”It's okay, Joanie,” he said softly. ”We'll take care of you.”
Cortin started to pull away, protesting that she could take care of herself, then she settled back into his arms. Mike meant well, she was sure, and it was nice having him hold her. ”We'll all take care of each other,” she agreed. ”And yes, do invite Ivan and Brad along--we'll make a real party of it.”
”That sounds like fun.” Odeon gave a theatrical sigh. ”Which I suppose means I should get up and call them.”
”No need,” Chang said, startling them both; they hadn't realized she and Tiny were back until she spoke. ”We will do so, though that will give you only a few more minutes.”
”Every little bit helps,” Odeon said. ”Thanks, Sis--Tiny.”
11. Dinner
Supper was a festive affair. The meal was sent from the Manor, with Prince Edward's compliments, and Princess Ursula sent Cortin a silk-lined brocade evening robe with a note expressing the royal couple's pleasure at the Captain's recovery. The robe was nothing like the utilitarian one Cortin usually wore, but it was attractive, and proved more comfortable than she'd thought it could be. It had seemed too showy when she first saw it, but when the men appeared in full dress uniforms, it seemed entirely appropriate. Only the two from the capital appeared completely comfortable in their finery at first, since they were the only ones who wore dress uniforms regularly, but by the time the group sat down to eat, her team looked more relaxed.
When Bradford finished saying grace, Cortin looked at him, letting her curiosity show. ”A catered dinner from the Crown Prince, a robe from Her Highness, and everyone in dress blacks--what's going on?”
”Attempted bribery,” Bradford said cheerfully. ”For which I can't be prosecuted, since I'm operating under His Majesty's orders.”
Cortin stared at him, her mind momentarily blank. ”What?”
”You may not realize it, but since until recently you were St. Thomas's only female Enforcement officer, His Majesty follows your career with considerable interest. Try your soup; it's much better hot.”
Cortin obeyed. ”It's delicious . . . I know I was, and I suppose that's reason enough for curiosity--G.o.d knows I've run into more of it than I like!--but why bribery? I took the same commissioning oath you did, to obey His Majesty's lawful orders.” If she didn't like them, well, she could go rogue after all . . . ”And why so suddenly? Before the operation, everything was strictly routine.”
Bradford shrugged. ”That's what I thought, until this morning. One thing you'll learn, if you take the bribe, is that His Majesty asks for information and advice, but he keeps his own counsel and makes his own decisions. He won't make this an order because I told him what you were likely to do if you were kept from your revenge.”
She'd been certain he knew; she nodded. ”And?”
”He's always been impressed by the loyalty you inspire in those who work with you, and he was also most impressed when he saw the films of your training interrogations.” Bradford smiled. ”Not as impressed by the films as Ivan and I were, but His Majesty isn't an Inquisitor; he couldn't see the subtleties that can make such a difference. Still, what he could see, combined with your truthsense, not to mention the reputation you've earned from your work at Middletown, have convinced him that you're the one he wants for a new position. It's a major part of the increased anti-terrorist campaign, and it won't require you to leave the Strike Force or give up your team. There'll be less field work, though--probably a lot less--and you'll be headquartered in a new building near the Palace compound. This is a small sample of the life you can lead there, one both His Majesty and I hope you'll find tempting.”
”I do,” Cortin admitted. It would be hard not to be tempted by the thought of living close to the Palace compound, eating this sort of food, and keeping her Strike Force status and team as well. ”What's the position? And, with all due respect to you and His Majesty, what's the catch?”
”The position is High King's Inquisitor, which carries members.h.i.+p in the Royal Household as well as the rank of Colonel, to match your counterparts in other Kingdoms.” Bradford grinned at her expression of disbelief. ”I don't joke about His Majesty, Joan. Or about a prospective member of the Royal Household, who'll outrank mere members of the King's Own if she accepts the job, and might take offense.”