My first Leverage piece. Hope you enjoy!
Usual disclaimers.
It really had started out as a joke. Seriously.
Hardison had worked hard with Nate coming up with that cover story about their 'firm'—right down to good old Papa Leverage. Since every self-respecting founder of some major corporation had to have a portrait done, Hardison had simply used what was available. Eventually the others admitted that it was a pretty good likeness, even if Nate complained about it from time to time.
Once Sterling had invaded their offices, however, it was time to go. But not without Hardison's most prized possession—after his computers, of course.
Eliot called it 'creepy.' To Hardison, it was a piece of home. And when he finally erected it in the 'temporary' HQ, everyone—Eliot included—smiled.
Old Man Leverage might be a figment of someone's imagination, but the 'family' he brought together was very real indeed. And that was what made the portrait so special.