~~Young~~

Chapter Twenty

   The men startled at his appearance and quickly aimed their guns at him. But just as fast they stood down, realizing that he was what they were waiting for. Not a one actually answered him though, instead the one to the left spoke into his cuff announcing that their guest had arrived. Gage kept his gaze locked on his while he spoke, watching for any inflection of animosity or anticipation, something to give him a hint of what to expect. He was indifferent though, right up until he averted his gaze. Well wouldn’t that make Gage the big dog in the room as such an action would dictate in any animal on this earth. Wolf, lion and human included.

   And with no other takers Gage helped himself to the-he gave the bottle a sniff-brandy sitting in the crystal decanter perched between two of the high backed chairs. Not that it would really affect him, but he had come to enjoy certain mortal luxuries. He gave it another sniff, no, no odd odors that would indicate poison. Not that a mortal toxin would kill him but it would tell him exactly how the Senator felt about him. Attempts on one’s life are usually a good indication someone wasn’t happy with you.

   He tipped his glass to the man he had matched eyes with and threw one back before pouring himself another. He had it to his lips when footsteps began echoing across the floorboards outside the study. He grinned as the man stood rigid straight as the Senator came to a stop just inside the doorway. Out of surprise maybe, or in insult that Gage didn’t have the respect to turn around? Either way it was part of the plan, Gage showed respect for no one, most especially a mortal. Even so he paused before downing his second glass, placing it back on the tray in exchange for the empty tumbler.

   “Care for a round Senator?” Gage asked as he poured. Respect was one thing, manners were another and it wasn’t like it was his booze.

   Again he received no response, and upon turning around he saw that it was insult on the man’s face.

   “A drink amongst friends,” Gage continued as he approached the Senator, “surely you cannot refuse that?” he grinned.

   The Senator gave Gage a good long looking over before he reached for the glass. If he wasn’t impressed then that made two of them. Gage was honestly expecting more of a man who had this half of the country under his thumb. But no, he was an average looking man, of average height and average build, Gage being taller though he did not meet the mortal man’s girth. He looked like any other politician, all perfect posture and head lifted just enough to look down on the little people. He even had that touch of grey in his hair as if to say he had experience but was still youthful enough to be around a while. Gage wondered how much he paid his hairdresser for that “natural look”…even the Senator’s perfectly tailored suit couldn’t get him above ho-hum in Gage’s eyes.

   “Friends you say?” he finally spoke, “If that is the case then you can drop the senator bit, call me Bobby.”

   “Bobby then,” Gage held out his hand and introduced himself out of habit. Because he obviously knew who he was, how many other demons did he know that could just pop in and out of reality, “it feels like this meeting is long overdue.”

   He fought the urge to give him the squeeze. There was no need to intimidate him. He didn’t need Bobby to be afraid of him he needed him to be bleeding in front of him…

   “Indeed,” Bobby gestured for them to take a seat in front of the fire, “but business is business and as I’m sure you understand there are just some matters that cannot be put off.”

   “Very much so,” Gage gave him a considerate nod before sipping his brandy, something Bobby had yet to do.

   He dropped his gaze to the glass in his hand and rolled the liquid around in a few lazy circles before looking back to the Senator from under his lashes, “Should I be concerned that I’m the only who has indulged?”