 |
The men moved swiftly out of the executive aircraft, their military training being apparent despite the suits they wore. They swarmed around the limo and held the door open as their charge exited the plane. Dale Hammer had inherited more than money from his wealthy petroleum family, he had inherited a legacy. Dale ran for no man or no reason. Every stride he made was a political appearance. At every moment of his life there was destined to be a photographer, either up close or from a distance. Pictures would be taken; subtle gestures that he made would be scrutinized by psychological experts of foreign governments and occasionally competing oil magnates.

Dale smiled a smirk of overconfidence as he strode out of his jet feeling like the king of the world. He did not run for his limousine. Dale didn't even jog. As far as he was concerned, power alone gave him a divine right that made bullets fly around him in times of trouble. In the event this theory didn't pan out, he had professionals. He nodded at his bodyguards in a mocking manner that almost looked like a "thank you" to the untrained eye, but he saw them nothing more as an expendable resource, dedicated to keeping him alive.

Dale slid into the rear of the limo and tossed his trench coat on the seat, looking up to see an unexpected visitor as the door shut behind him. Frank Chase sat across from him, invading the privacy and sanctity of, of all things, his own limousine. Chase's head was swiveled down, only his gaze looking forward towards Hammer. The look was clearly disapproving, if not evil. Hammer become obviously angry but like a true professional, hid it in his own special way. Dale glanced at the wetbar to his left and back at Chase.

"Mr. Chase? You'll excuse me while I fix a drink to THROW IN YOUR FACE?!!!" |
 |
|