Angel and the Assassin 3: Sins of the Father

two occasions in life-threatening
    situations. If he throws the odd tantrum or acts like a typical teenager on occasion, I
    think you should forgive him.”
    Pondering Conran’s words, Kael watched the man. Conran had got to know him
    very well over the years, Kael admitted to himself, and especially over the last year and
    a half. He too had to be a good judge of character to know who would make a good
    intelligence operative and who would make an unconscionable killer. “Perhaps you’re
    right. I’ll think about it. In the meantime, I want a letter of recommendation from a
    high-ranking MP. No backbenchers. Pull some strings for me.” He paused before
    adding, “I’ll make it worth your while.”
    Conran nodded briefly, looking off to one side, his cheeks coloring. “I’ll see what I
    can do.”
    Realizing with shock that he had just whored himself out, Kael went to the
    polished glass-and-oak sideboard to pour another whisky. Looking at Conran’s glass,
    he went over and topped it up. How desperate was he to get his own way in this?
    Businesslike again, and slightly angry and confused by his own behavior, he said,
    brusquely, “Now, what did you want?”
    Conran waited until Kael was comfortably seated again before saying,
    “Romodanovsky will be back in the country next week. This time he’ll be meeting with
    the home secretary, probably something about crime in Russia. That’s irrelevant to you.
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    The meetings will be held at Dorneywood this time. Romodanovsky has asked very
    specifically for you as his minder.”
    “Me?” Kael had only just succeeded in getting that man out of his head. Distracted
    by Angel, Kael had let the Russian drift from his mind. He never expected to see him
    again, except perhaps on TV. “That’s a surprise. I smacked him at Downing Street.”
    Conran’s eyes widened in horror, and he shifted in his seat. “That cut under his
    eye? My God! I assumed he’d been dipping into the vodka and stumbled.” The words
    came out in a stammering rush. “Good God, Saunders. What’s the matter with you?
    That man is very powerful, and that’s aside from his political power. His wealth and
    family connections are enough on their own.”
    The memory of the man kissing him filled his head with all the shock and
    sensuality of the moment. The knowledge that not so long ago he would have taken
    what was on offer surfaced also. “He made a pass at me.”
    “No!” Conran said, his face creasing with what could have been shock or disgust.
    “Yes,” Kael said.
    “But he’s a married man.”
    “So are you.”
    “Yes, well,” Conran muttered, sinking deeper into his armchair and looking away.
    “Why didn’t you take him up on it?”
    “I would have before Angel. He’s a handsome man, and he’s in great shape
    considering he’s over sixty.” Kael nodded in the general direction of the dungeon. “I
    don’t have sex with anyone except my boy, but I’ll continue to do you a favor here and
    there. Angel says he’s good with it.”
    “He wouldn’t tell anyone, would he?”
    “No. You’re the one who keeps telling me how mature he is. And he really likes
    you, though God knows why.”
    Conran smiled. “Yes, God knows.”
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    “Anyway I’m not a bodyguard, remember.”
    “There are others who could do it and whom I would normally give the detail to.
    But he requested you. Perhaps he wants another go at you…you know, see if he can get
    you interested in him this time. It’s only for a couple of days.” Conran hesitated for a
    brief moment. “Take Angel and give him some on-the-job training. His precision with
    firearms is an asset, and his batlike eyesight is very useful. The job isn’t dangerous. He
    could learn a lot. I’ll assign you Thornton as well since she worships you.”
    That made Kael smile, especially since it brought back her asking him for advice
    about dating. As if he’d know anything about what straights did. Both men’s gazes
    were drawn to the door when Angel said, “Daddy, I’m sorry.”
    “See, I told you,” Kael said to Conran. “Harry fucking Houdini.” Angel took a step
    into the room, his chin sunk onto his chest. “Come here,” Kael said.
    Like a young gazelle, Angel crossed the room in a few leaps and was in his lap in
    an instant, cuddled up like a babe in arms, his long legs drawn into his belly. Kael held
    him close to his chest, one hand