Deathstalker 04 - Deathstalker Honor

for weeks, but my reporters keep being turned down and intimidated. Let’s see what I can do. After everything I went through in the rebellion, they couldn’t intimidate me with a point-blank disrupter cannon.” “I have a terrible feeling I’ve started something that can only end in tears,” said Flynn. “Lead on, boss. Where are we going first?” “To see the Speaker of Parliament his own slippery self: Elias bloody Gutman.” Getting in to see Gutman turned out to be easier than expected. They didn’t bother with an introductory call requesting an appointment, because Toby knew very well Gutman wouldn’t agree to one. So instead he and Flynn went straight around to Gutman’s luxurious townhouse, in one of the very best neighborhoods, and got in by bribing the footmen. Once inside, Toby worked his way through the inner security levels and ranks of flak catchers in a grandstanding performance of sheer perseverance and bloody-mindedness that Flynn found a joy to watch. This was the Toby Shreck he remembered—an unstoppable force of nature that talked its way around most obstacles and walked right over the rest.
    Leaving Gutman’s people wondering what the hell had hit them, Toby and Flynn followed the head butler to Gutman’s inner sanctum.
    The butler, a tall and haughty personage in an old-fashioned frock coat, with frosty manners and just a little understated makeup, who winked at Flynn when he thought Toby wasn’t looking, finally came to a halt before a massive pair of intricately carved wooden doors. He knocked politely and then threw them open with a practiced flair, announcing Toby’s and Flynn’s names in a carrying voice. Toby strode straight in, with Flynn right behind him, camera hovering over his shoulder. The butler took up a position
    just inside the doors, in case he was needed.
    Gutman’s quarters were surprisingly tasteful, but all that meant was that he could afford a decent interior designer. There were shelves of books along one wall, expensive leather-bound editions, but Toby would have bet good money Gutman hadn’t read any of them. Probably bought them by the yard. Gutman himself was reclining at his ease in a technological marvel of a chair that did everything but wipe his nose for him. He didn’t bother to get up when his visitors entered, so Toby didn’t bother with the bow and polite greetings that formality would otherwise have demanded.
    “Get rid of the flunky, Gutman,” Toby said brusquely, starting as he meant to go on. “You aren’t going to want a witness for some of the things we’re going to discuss.”
    “Ah, the famous Shreck charm,” said Gutman heavily. “That must be how you got past my guards. Most of whom will be drawing unemployment tomorrow. It’s all right, Jobe, you can go. I’ll ring if I need anything.” The butler bowed, gave Flynn a last lingering look, and left. Toby fixed Gutman with his best piercing gaze. “So, Elias, how are the hemorrhoids?” “Compared to your presence, nothing at all. You’re the only real pain in my ass these days. What do you want at this late hour?” “What I always want, answers. Starting with how a slimy wheeler and dealer like you ended up as a revered elder statesman.”
    Gutman shrugged easily. “Through my many and varied business enterprises. Over the years I have amassed many influential contacts, in all walks of life. I’ve never believed in keeping all my eggs in one basket.” “You’ve never believed in declaring them for taxes either,” said Toby. “Come on, Elias.
    Everyone knows that you had a hand in every dirty deal going. Your reputation was marginally worse than the Hadenmen’s. How did you end up as Speaker?”
    “Much to my surprise,” said Gutman. “I came to rebuild my Family, which had been so weakened during the war they were even glad to see me back. And as a man of means and prospects, I found position and responsibility pressed upon me.” “Just like that.”
    “Pretty much. I hate to disappoint you, Toby, but I was elected Speaker because the majority wanted it.
    No backroom deals, no bribes, no blackmail, no secret promises of favor or influence. I got the job because everyone knew me and distrusted me equally. And if they were dumb enough to offer me the post, I was certainly dumb enough to take it.”
    “You’re living very well,” said Toby, retreating for the moment to safer ground. “A big house, in the best part of town. An army of servants and all