Death Dealer: Knight Agency, #6

By Cay Reet

“I am a hitman only to be matched by few.”

Having taken out two of the leading numbers is not enough for the Knight Agency. Even though she is technically the wrong gender, Jane Browne is sent out to pretend to be a budding hitman to get closer to the American branch of the Syndicate. In the guise of stoic Alex Stone, she does what she has to do to convince her possible future employer that she is the person he is looking for - a hitman with the abilities he wants. Two American colleagues have already blown their job interview, but Jane will do better, even if it kills her - or several other people. Not all is well in the American office, either, but that is only a matter on the side, as is the return of the monster-in-law.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Cay Reet
• Release date: Nov 29, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386877950

Book preview

Death Dealer

A Knight Agency Novel

by Cay Reet

© Copyright 2017 Text: Cay Reet

© Copyright 2017 Cover Design: Holz Vanderhuetten

All rights reserved. No part of this may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems - except in case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews - without permission in writing from the author.

This book is a work of fiction. The characters, events, and places portrayed in this book are products of the author’s imagination and are either fictitious or used fictitiously. Any similarity to real person, living or dead, is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

In memory of Jeff Zahn and Holz Vanderhuetten

You shall never truly die.

Table of Contents

One

Two

Three

Four

Five

Six

Seven

Eight

Nine

Ten

Eleven

Twelve

Thirteen

Fourteen

Fifteen

Sixteen

Seventeen

Eighteen

Nineteen

Twenty

Twenty-One

Twenty-Two

Twenty-Three

Twenty-Four

Twenty-Five

Twenty-Six

Twenty-Seven

Twenty-Eight

Twenty-Nine

Thirty

Thirty-One

Thirty-Two

Thirty-Three

Thirty-Four

One

––––––––

Okay, brat, now I want to see. Steven glanced at Jane.

She sighed and put her cards down. Rubbish.

He shook his head. You should have folded, Jane, either at the beginning or after you’d gotten your exchange cards. This isn’t anything at all. I only have a pair of twos and I actually take the pot with it.

I know, old man ... but I thought you were just bluffing, too, and I have an ace.

You really need to work on your tendency to spring traps and call people out. It will definitely cost you money when you’re playing poker.

She glanced at the table and did a little math in her head. If we were really playing for money, you’d have my salary for the next couple of years by now.

He smirked. Until the middle of your active time, I should say. But then, I used to win their wages off several soldiers while I was still playing often.

Why did they play against you more than once?

Well, I lost sometimes ... usually to make them think they could beat me.

She laughed at that. Good strategy.

I always made sure to win more than I’d lose.

You could have played poker professionally, I guess.

He mustered her. So could you ... once you’ve managed to avoid bluffing for the bluff’s sake. You certainly have your poker face down and you are learning quickly how to judge your chances. He gathered the cards. New round?

She pulled the chips together, sorted them, and pushed half of them back towards him. Yes, please.

Then place the ante.

She did so and received her cards. I can’t believe that ... I actually have the best part of a flush, only one card which doesn’t fit. I’ll risk that. She pushed a chip into the middle of the table and he did the same. He placed two cards face-down on the table and she put down the one misfit she had herself. Calmly, he pushed one card in her direction and took two for himself. She lifted her card and strengthened her poker face. I have a flush. Not straight or royal, but a flush. She decided to raise the bet a little and pushed two chips into the middle of the table. He glanced at her and matched her bet. She kept it at the two chips and glanced over at him. He calmly raised the bet by one chip. She went along with it.

Okay, brat, I want to see.

She spread the cards on the table. Flush, old man.

He grinned and did so as well. You were lucky, I only have three of a kind.

You didn’t manipulate the cards, then?

No. I don’t say I couldn’t do that ... there are quite some tricks I could teach you with the cards ... but I didn’t do it.

What kind of tricks?

He gathered the cards and put them back into one deck. Then his long fingers started moving. First, he split the pack into two and then shuffled them back together on the table. Afterwards, he spread the pack on the table and turned it over in one swift movement, making a wave of cards. He pushed the deck together, fished out the four aces, placed them on top, and shuffled the deck four times in his hands. Then he pulled off the first four cards and fanned them out - he held all four aces.

How did you do that?

I only pretended to shuffle the first few respectively the last few cards.

You’re really good at that.

I can also do party tricks ... although I rarely did so in the past. I originally learned most of those tricks for an undercover mission in a casino.

As a gambler?

No, as a dealer at the blackjack table. He smirked. It was fun to learn them.

She could easily imagine him in that job. Can you teach me?

Of course. It might help you one day, after all.

In case I ever need to play a poker game to save my life, old man?

You do not need to play a poker game to save your life, brat. If anything else fails, you’ll simply kill everyone around you and we both know that.

She grinned. You have a point there.

He handed her the pack. The first thing to do is to get used to feeling the cards. You need to learn to shuffle them without looking. Let your fingers read them instead.

She shuffled the pack several times, feeling the cards glide through her fingers. They move very easily.

They also separate well. I prefer decks which do that ... they’re easier to manipulate. Try to shuffle them on the table, fusing the two packs.

She did so, but she needed several tries until it looked good. It’s more difficult than it looks.

Of course it is. It takes a while until it looks that easy. Train your fingers, get your muscle memory up to par. Learn to shuffle very quickly ... that’s the only way to hide when you don’t really shuffle part of the deck.

I will.

And stop trying to call people out on their bluffs. While you’re at it ... also learn not to walk into every trap you see just to spring it.

But that’s a good way to draw out who is behind the trap. She pouted.

He glared back, knowing his glare didn’t faze her. It’s a risk you should avoid. There are other ways to draw people into the open.

They’re less efficient, though.

Also much less risky, Jane. Your job is risky enough as it is, you don’t need to add any more risks to it.

There’s my mentor peeking through. Yes, you’re right.

He lifted his brows. Of course I am. Do you want to play another round of poker?

Yes, definitely.

He took the cards back and shuffled them so quickly she could hardly see his hands move, despite her quick reaction and trained reflexes.

* * *

So you spent the whole afternoon playing poker? With that question, Cedric made himself comfortable in the passenger seat of Jane’s light-blue mini.

Well, I spent the whole afternoon losing at poker, if you want to be precise.

He laughed. Against whom?

Steven. The man who was born with the perfect poker face. Not to mention he’s also patient and cold-blooded, which makes him an ideal player. But then, so am I.

Why did you do that?

It’s another chance for me to train my reading abilities. Sir Howard told me poker and backgammon are similarly difficult strategy games as chess is. I don’t know anybody who plays backgammon, but Steven’s been playing poker for a long time already.

Yes, I can imagine him at a poker table.

He used to win money off the soldiers in the compound.

He sniggered. Cementing the idea that a Branch Two agent can’t be trusted, I’m sure.

She laughed. Yes, pretty much.

She parked the car and they both went to Hannah’s flat. The game master of their role-playing group opened the door herself and beamed at them.

She grabbed Jane’s arm. Good thing you’re a little early, I have plans with you.

Should I start begging for my life now? Not that I ever would...

No, it’s nothing horrible. Hannah pulled Jane in the direction of the kitchen.

They took a seat at the kitchen table. Jane shot Hannah a grin. What is it you want from me, then?

Well, for the new mission we’re going to start today, I’d like you to play someone else. I don’t have much use for Lydia on this mission, to be honest.

She is a very specific character. Jane went silent for a moment. What would you like me to be instead?

Someone they won’t fully trust, someone dangerous.

Jane grinned. How about a professional killer?

A professional killer?

An agent trained to assassinate people. Like I was. Cold-blooded, calm, never showing feelings. Not a people person at all.

That’s good ... yes, they’d be weary of a person like that. Hannah smirked. Do you think you can play a professional killer?

Why would I play one? I am one. We’ll see ... it’ll be a nice challenge, I think.

Then we should make a character for you. Hannah pulled out a new character sheet. First of all, male or female?

Male, I think.

Hannah nodded. Good idea ... they’d be more weary of a man. She pushed a few dice in Jane’s direction. Let’s see about your basic stats.

Jane did well with the dice and build a solid character with them. Now the abilities, I guess.

The doorbell buzzed and Hannah rose. In a moment ... take a look at the book while I’m letting the others in.

Jane did so and sheaved through the list of abilities. Marksmanship is a must for a killer ... I’ll have to invest in a good pistol and a sniper rifle. Close-quarter combat is also important ... tricks to take people out quickly. Ooh, there’s an ability called ‘dirty tricks’ ... I’m so taking this one. Garrotting is a specific skill? I’ve got to have that one, too. Easy to smuggle a garrotte into a place or just improvise with a piece of rope or cord...

Hannah came back. You look like you’ve just fallen in love...

Jane laughed. I’m discovering a world of possibilities here.

For a few minutes, they worked out the abilities. Hannah glanced at Jane. Okay, you can take one more ability, since most of yours are of the same sub-set. So far, you’re highly specialised, so I suggest you should take something different, too.

Jane sheaved through the list again and spotted something interesting in the back. How about playing card games?

A killer who is also a card shark? Hannah laughed. That’s a great idea.

I think so, too. He’d be cold-blooded and have a great poker face. Like Steven, who has those abilities, too ... and several others, but then, he’s not at level one.

Hannah noted the ability. I’m going to level you up a little now ... with Lydia, it made sense she wouldn’t have any experience above level one, but your new character is a seasoned agent already.

Okay.

And you still need to give me a name.

Jane refrained from naming her new character Steven Quinn, but the thought did cross her mind. Alex Stone.

Perfect. Hannah did a few calculations, made a few corrections, and handed Jane the new character sheet. Welcome to my agency, Mr. Stone.

Jane laughed. This will be an interesting mission, I’m sure. But you don’t want me to really betray them, do you?

No. I just want to make them weary of their new colleague. See what that does to their teamwork.

You are an evil mastermind deep in your soul.

Hannah sniggered. You might be on to something there. How do you wish me to describe you?

I’ll be of average height and wear a dark suit. Light-brown hair, green eyes, I think. Work out the fact that I wear black leather gloves ... I think that’s a staple for killers.

You leave no fingerprints.

And you can catch the casings without risking to burn your fingers.

Hey, that’s right. Hannah grinned. I can see you’re getting into character.

I’m already deep inside that character ... I’m a trained assassin, after all. I’m trying my best.

They walked into the living room together. On Cedric’s face, Jane could see a curious expression. She sat down next to him and shot him a smile.

What was that about?

She grinned. You’ll see.

Hannah made herself comfortable and glanced at the group. We’re starting with a new mission today, so you all file into your superior’s office, apart from Lydia Townsend. That made Cedric, Alice, Trevor, and Bill look at Jane in surprise. Your superior explains to you that Lydia will not be on this mission, she will return to her work in the technology department for a while. Instead, another colleague will join you. As if on cue, there’s a knock on the door and a man comes in. He’s of average height and wearing a dark suit. You all spot the black leather gloves which cover his hands. His green eyes muster you for a moment, but his face remains impassive. Your superior introduces him as Alex Stone, but he doesn’t say much about your new colleague’s qualifications. Afterwards, he gives you the basics of your new mission. You are supposed to find out more about a criminal group which also seems to sell dangerous information. You are given a first destination, an old factory, then you are dismissed.

Alice smiled. Orwell will introduce himself to Alex.

Jane grinned. Alex simply mutters his name and nods once, there is no change in his facial expression at all. It remains devoid of feelings.

Tough one. Trevor grinned as well. I suggest we start our mission. The longer it takes, the more damaging information those people can sell to the highest bidder.

Good idea, Bill agreed.

Alex picks up a metal briefcase he has brought along. He’s still staying silent and he doesn’t give any explanation for the briefcase.

Spooky. Alice exchanged a glance with Cedric who was smiling.

He leaned forward. We should get moving. We’re all getting into our car and driving to the factory in question. Right? The others nodded.

Hannah glanced at Jane for a moment. You arrive at the factory and see that it’s abandoned. But even though the building is derelict, you can also see a light behind one of the upper-storey windows.

We have to check that out. Trevor glanced down at his sheet. Benedict will use his ability to sneak around to get closer to that light.

Hannah glanced at her notes. That’s difficult. The factory is very derelict and there’s a lot of garbage lying around. Make your roll, but the difficulty is raised by two.

He grabbed the dice and did as told. Damn! That didn’t go as planned.

You have dislodged a pile of trash which collapses with a deafening noise. Suddenly, other lights turn on in the factory and you hear people moving about inside.

Cedric sighed. Okay, everyone hides.

There aren’t enough spots to hide behind. You will have to fight this one out. Hannah smirked.

Jane shot her a smirk back. Is there a vantage point?

Yes, there is an old building beside the factory entrance. It has two storeys, but the roof and most of the wall of the upper storey are missing and the lower storey is an old garage and very open.

Perfect. Alex grabs his briefcase and makes his way up the stairs to the first floor.

That costs you two action points of the preparation round. You have one more.

Jane thought about it. If I remember it right, assembling the rifle takes one point.

Hannah nodded. That’s true.

Then I’ll do that next.

Good. The rifle will be ready for action at the beginning of the next round.

Rifle? Alice glanced at Jane.

Sniper rifle. Jane shrugged. That’s what’s in the briefcase.

Cedric sniggered. He knows I could handle one in real life, too. Alan is readying his gun. Is there a suitable cover nearby?

There are three, one is big enough for two, but they make bad hiding spots.

We’re all taking cover, right?

Trevor, Alice, and Bill nodded.

Hannah smiled. You can also all ready your weapons for the fight, you will have the action points for that. The others nodded again. A group of ten thugs leaves the factory. They’re all armed. One of them stays in the back, he has a rifle as well. Another has an MP which he is readying. Their leader, a tall, muscular man, seems more set on fighting your with his bare hands, even though he has a gun. She glanced at Jane. Alex as a marksman has the first decision.

Jane was prepared. I’ll use my ability to fire three aimed shots in one round, even though it puts me down for two rounds afterwards. My targets are the man with the rifle, the man with the MP and the leader. Headshot for the leader and the man with the MP and a shot in the heart for the one with the rifle. She picked up the dice. What’s my difficulty?

Normal for the two headshots, because they’re out in the open, but raised by two for the one with the rifle who is mostly covered by the door. Hannah smiled. However, headshots are more difficult by nature.

Not for me, normally. Jane nodded and made her rolls. She grinned. Seems like all three of them are out of the equitation.

Ooh, I start to like Alex. Alice’s eyes glowed.

Yes, me too. Trevor grinned.

Bill smirked. That’s three strong enemies out of the picture. If each of us takes down one this round, there’s only three more remaining ... that should be manageable for the four of us.

Then let’s do exactly that. Cedric blew Jane a kiss.

They made their moves and really managed to bring down four more of the thugs. Even though Jane couldn’t help in the next round, the others found it easy enough to defeat the rest of their enemies. With those who were best armed and the physically strongest one out of the picture, it wasn’t too hard.

Cedric wrapped one arm around Jane’s middle. I’m still missing Lydia a little, but I’m getting used to Alex now.

She looked up with wide-open blue eyes. She’ll be heartbroken to hear that.

Alice laughed. I always thought that Orwell had a few chances with Lydia, since he was there for her when she was tortured.

Yes, I think you’re right there. Lydia is very happy to know Orwell. Jane paused for a moment. Alex will disassemble and pack his rifle again. Then he’s leaving his vantage point and joining the others on the ground.

Cedric still kept his arm around Jane. We should go inside now to find out what is going on.

Bill nodded. Yes, we should do that. There must be something interesting in there, if there were guards.

Hanna grinned. Very well. You go inside and locate the room where you have seen the light. It’s the former manager’s office and it still holds an old safe.

Bill glanced around. If it’s okay for you, I’ll open it. Jack is good at that kind of thing.

Sure. Alice nodded. You are the best of us when it comes to safecracking.

The others agreed as well. Bill managed to open the safe on the first go. Hannah glanced at the clock. Well, whatever is in there has to wait until next week, I’m afraid.

Two

––––––––

Jane woke up the next morning feeling warm, safe, and cherished. Like always when they shared a bed, Cedric had wrapped himself around her in his sleep. She ignored the blaring alarm and kept her eyes closed, enjoying herself a little longer. He’s still very inventive in bed and that’s great, but just cuddling and waking up with him makes me happy. I guess the others really are right, I’m in love.

He sighed. Morning already?

Unfortunately, yes.

Slowly, he untangled himself. We really should spent another night together soon.

Well, you have three nights off the week by now ... and I have no coups coming up this weekend, so I should be free.

He smiled sleepily. Weekend nights are much better than week nights. No alarm in the morning, for one thing.

She smiled back. Yes, they’re much better. You did great, negotiating for three nights a week.

I did. He rose from the bed. You’re going to call another man now, aren’t you?

She sniggered. Yes, I’m afraid so. You don’t still plan to challenge him to a duel, though, do you?

No, I’m not that suicidal. He grinned. Make your call, I’ll take a shower.

Wise idea. Jane reached for her phone and watched him walk into the bathroom naked. He has a great ass and a hot body. With a smile, she woke the phone and activated an app. Good morning, Steven...

Good morning, Jane.

We are meeting in the compound today, right?

As every Friday, yes.

Any coups this weekend?

Not as far as I know ... is that your way of asking whether you can spend the whole weekend in bed with your boyfriend?

Well, he is my happy thought. I ought to spend time with him.

Steven chuckled. As far as I can tell, you can spend the weekend with him.

That’s good ... I’ll be meeting the girls this evening, but having more time with Cedric is important, too.

And you will spend the morning shooting targets with me.

Yes. See you in about an hour.

See you, Jane.

She ended the call the moment Cedric stepped out of the bathroom again. Happily, she shot him a smile. I’m free this weekend, barring emergencies.

He beamed. Good. I’ll come around tomorrow, then, and stay until Sunday evening.

She rose from the bed and steered towards the bathroom. Sounds like a great weekend to me.

Jane swiftly showered, brushed her teeth, and combed her short, blond hair. Then she returned to the bedroom and dressed in a pair of cargo pants and a hoodie - her favourite outfit, if she could get away with it. For the compound, this is good enough. I don’t need to dress up for shooting practice. She walked into the large area combining living room, dining room, and kitchen and took a deep breath. He does a great breakfast ... and I can easily do the rest of the meals, since I learned how to cook in training.

You’re going to the compound later? He poured coffee into the cups.

Yes, for shooting practice only. And I have a date with the girls for tonight, but I’ll be happy to have you over for the rest of the weekend. I can drop you off at Mortimer House on my way out of London, as usually.

He smiled. That would be nice ... much easier and faster than taking the tube.

Did you hear anything from Edward recently?

He sniggered. Not since I sent him that picture of you in the red dress and me in the tux. He refuses to speak to me. Mum liked it, though ... she said we looked wonderful together.

We did look wonderful together. And we had a great evening at the charity ball.

We did. It was a great night, too, both before and after we went back to your apartment.

She laughed. Yes, it was. And I’m sure sooner or later there will be another ball for us to attend together.

I’m looking forward to it ... we rarely get to dance some classic dances together. I like modern music, but it’s much more fun to dance a waltz or a tango.

You get to be very close to your partner for sure. She smirked.

Yes, there’s that, too.

They finished breakfast, stuffed everything into the dishwasher, and left the penthouse apartment. In the basement parking lot, they slipped into Jane’s car. She was used to driving in the city and easily made her way from her home to the city house where Cedric worked and lived. He said goodbye with a long kiss, then he left the car and she drove on. She left London and aimed for the venerable Blythe Manor which was situated in the middle of a small forest. About half a mile from the actual manor, she turned into a narrow forest road and soon afterwards disappeared below ground. She parked the car between two black limousines, noting that one of them bore Steven’s licence plate, and went to the main gate.

Agent Jane Browne, Branch Two, coming in for shooting practice, she told the guard.

He nodded and pointed to a black plate beside the gate. She put her hand on it and waited for a moment. A green light came up beside the plate and the guard let her pass. She walked into the compound and started to jog. By the R&D department, she stopped for a moment and glanced through the always-open door. Liam is nowhere to be seen, but that doesn’t mean he’s not in. He could be looking for a part or taking a break from work in the cafeteria. I’ll see if he’s there when I come back later. She jogged on and made her way deep into the bowels of the large subterranean headquarters.

The shooting range was situated in a natural cavern deep underground. The large room was always noisy during the day, when agents from all four branches were practicing. Even though only Branch One and Branch Two had to practice regularly, agents from Branch Three and Four were practicing before their annual evaluations as well. Jane spotted a group of trainees from her own branch when she entered the shooting range, they were easily recognizable by their grey jumpsuits. It was actually nice not to have to worry about fashion while going through puberty. A little past them, she spotted Steven and a thin man who was barely above her own height, which made him more than a head shorter than Steven. I didn’t know William would be here, too.

She made her way over to them with a bright smile on her face. Good morning, Steven ... good morning, William. I didn’t know you would be here, too.

William smiled back. He looks much better already. He’s recovering from his forty years in hell. Even with Roussimoff and Natasha out of the picture, there’s still a few Syndicate members who’d like to see me dead, I think. Steven promised to help me get my shooting up to par again.

I’m sure he’ll get you up to par again. He’s a great teacher. Did you get your car already?

That’s the second reason why I’m coming in today ... I can finally pick it up.

That’s good ... so there’s another black limousine out on the streets soon?

William chuckled at that. I’m afraid there will be, yes. I feel it fits better with my possible background than another type of car might.

There’s surely a lot of limousines in the area ... and black is a popular colour, too. She turned to Steven. Your time as a chauffeur is coming to an end, then?

He grinned. Looks like it, yes.

William smiled softly. I’m glad I don’t need to always bother you for transport in the future, Steven. You have done so much for me already since I came back. He glanced at Jane. You as well, Jane.

You’re welcome, William. You deserve it after what happened to you in the past.

They walked to the back of the shooting range to pick up some ammunition and in William’s case a P320. Then they found a free stall and aimed for it. Out of the corner of her eyes, Jane spotted a few Branch One agents who were practicing, too. Luckily, none of them is Rush or one of his cronies. I bet he’s still getting the worst assignments because of the time he ignored a plan and moved in too soon. William handled his pistol with more ease than he seemed to have expected himself. Jane had seen him wield a weapon before, but threatening someone wasn’t the same as being able to shoot reliably. Well, he was trained to use one for six years, as every Branch Two agent. William’s aim was far from the cold precision both Jane and Steven displayed regularly, but it still was on par with what most of the soldier agents of Branch One could do.

After a while, he put the gun down and turned to them with a grin. Now I want to see how you are scaring people ever week.

Of course. Steven pulled his own GSR from the holster under his jacket.

Jane pulled her P250 from the back of her waistband, where her own custom-made holster was situated. That we can do.

We’re shooting parallel and I’ll call the shots.

Jane shot Steven a glance. Why am I not surprised?

He ignored the question, as usually. Shoulder.

* * *

In the evening, Jane dressed up for a club night with a pair of tight pants and a shirt which essentially clung to her body like a second skin. She threw a warm coat over it, grabbed purse and keys and drove over to her best friend’s house in Park Lane. There, she parked outside the premises at the curb and walked up the driveway to the main entrance. Martin, Cynthia’s butler, opened the door for her after she had barely taken her finger from the doorbell button.

He shot her a friendly smile. Good evening, Miss Browne.

Good evening, Martin. She smiled back.

How is Mr. Quinn?

He’s very well, thank you. Hard to believe Steven is a mere two years younger than Martin. I hope you are well, too.

I’m very well myself, thank you, and glad to hear Mr. Quinn is well himself. Miss Cynthia is almost done, I believe. Please, do come in.

Jane stepped into the house and glanced around the foyer. This place has changed greatly since Cynthia moved in. It’s a very comfortable and welcoming home now ... nothing like the first time I was in here.

Well, the house had been vacant for over twenty years ... such a long time without inhabitants takes its toll, even if there’s regular cleaning and repairs.

Yes, that’s right. She remembered another derelict house which she had been to not too long ago. It’s a shame the Agency just abandoned the place when it was no longer of any use... Now it’s a real home again.

It is. I’m glad Miss Cynthia likes it as much as Mistress Desdemona did.

I’ve been to Wilmington House ... this is a much better place to live. Wilmington House is a place to brag about, but not a home.

Indeed it is.

Hurried steps came down the stairs and Cynthia appeared in a very beautiful, tight-fitting dress. Jane, you’re here already!

Not for a long time. Ready to leave?

Yes ... are we picking up Celeste, too?

We are. Jane grinned. She’s looking forward to the new club we’ll take her to.

She’s always looking forward to going out with us. She’s so ... thirsty ... for life.

Well, I’ve seen the place where she has grown up. It’s more removed from society than the training area for my branch ... and that says something.

Cynthia giggled. Did you scare the trainees again today?

A little ... I think William amazed them, though.

William? Obviously, Cynthia remembered him, although they’d never met. How did he amaze them?

He’s still pretty good with a gun, despite not having used one for decades. Shows our training is really good.

I haven’t met him, but I can easily imagine him being the most human of you all.

Jane laughed. "You might have a point there. I remember when they were all sitting around a table in the cafeteria and talking. William definitely looked like the most human and average of