"Boss, could I speak with you a minute?" asked Hobbes sticking his head into the Official's office. The Official's head jerked up from where it had been resting on his fist and he glared at Hobbes for interrupting his nap.
"No, Bobby, you may not have a new partner. No, you may not go without a partner. Nor can you have a raise, vacation, or new car. Anything else?"
"Actually, boss, I'm not here about myself."
"Excuse me," interrupted Eberts nodding at Hobbes. "Here are the reports you wanted, sir. He laid the papers in front of the Official and remained standing behind him.
"What about Fawkes?" asked the Official in an overly patient voice not even glancing at the reports.
"Would it be possible for him to leave the Agency and attend a school designed to help people cope with blindness?"
"Absolutely not."
"What if he pays for it?"
"Absolutely not."
"Sir, Fawkes is not doing so good. A little freedom and independence could help him a lot. It won't hurt the Agency to let him go. He's no use to you anymore. He's blind and visible. Why do you want to keep him here? Haven't you don't enough to him?" Hobbes abruptly stopped talking and began to pace.
"Fawkes still has numerous enemies. We wouldn't want one of them to kidnap him while he's out of our protection and defense would we, Bobby?"
"No, sir, but…"
"No buts. Fawkes is a security risk. All it would take is one doctor poking in his head to blow this whole project wide open."
"Actually, sir,…"
"Shut up, Eberts!" He dutifully held his tongue.
"I am sick and tired of you treating my partner like he's a possession. I've kept him loyal and brought him back when he's strayed but I won't do it anymore. If it becomes a question of him or the Agency I'll choose Fawkes."
"Is that a treat, Mr. Hobbes?" asked the Official in a dangerous voice.
"No, sir, just a warning. I will do whatever it takes to see my partner gets what he needs and deserves. He's not asking much. It's within your power to give. Please, sir." Hobbes took on a pleading tone.
"No." The Official did not hesitate one second. His answer was immediate and without deliberation. Silently, Hobbes stood up from the chair he had sat in at the end of his plea. Stoically, he walked out of the office gently closing the door behind him. He had nothing left to say. The decision had been made.
"Robert." He looked up to see Eberts slipping out of the other door. "Let me talk to him a minute."
"I'll be in my office."
"I'm not changing my mind," stated the Official as Eberts walked back into the office.
"Sir, if I may…"
"No." He opened his mouth to protest. "I said shut up, Eberts."
"No, sir," replied Eberts quietly but firmly.
What did you say?" asked the Official genuinely convinced that he was hearing things.
"Sir, you need to hear what I have to say. I can not in good conscience 'shut up'." The Official stared at him with an unreadable expression. As the seconds passed into minutes, Eberts shifted from foot to foot fidgeting. Under the weight of the heavy gaze, he began to regret he had ever spoken up.
"You have five minutes," said the Official finally.
"Sir, we have the opportunity to make a financially appealing decision. Would you like to cut the cost of caring for Fawkes?"
"Yes."
"Would you be happy if you had two agents working for free?"
"Of course."
"Would you like…"
"Get to the point, Eberts."
"Sir, if Fawkes is on his own then the Agency no longer has to provide him with housing or medical care. We stand to save a pretty penny."
"He's a security risk."
"A risk we can minimize, sir. With the Keeper's help, I could create medical records stating that Fawkes was treated for a brain tumor of some sorts. No one would ever suspect that the tumor was man made.
"Continue."
"His security can be left in the hands of Robert and Michael. I'm sure the two agents could be persuaded to maintain their ties with the Agency while guarding Darien. Best of all, while they are on guard duty the Agency would not have to pay their salary."
"I do not want to lose Agent Hobbes' services."
"You can always require him to come in when you need him. The same can go for Darien whenever the Keeper needs to run some tests."
"Very, well. You have changed my mind."
"Thank you, sir."
The Official outlined his requirements. "Remember that they have to agree with all of it."
"Yes, sir." Eberst hurried out of the room before he could change his mind again.
"Robert, I was able to change his mind but there are several contingencies."
"We are talking about the Official."
"Yes, well, not all of these contingencies pertain to Mr. Fawkes." Eberts shifted looking uncomfortable.
"In order for Fawkes to leave Agency custody, you will have to resign your position. You will travel with him and act as a bodyguard. You will maintain Agency security and report back updates periodically. You will also be subject to recall for special missions. You will not be paid except for the special assignments. Do you agree?"
"Making a deal with the Official is like selling your soul to the devil," remarked Hobbes. "Yes, I agree with everything."
"Very well. Michael Smith must also agree to accompany Fawkes. Like you he would not be paid. He must report developments to the Keeper but other than that he may sever all ties with the Agency.
"I can't decide for Mike but he should be willing. What about Fawkes?"
"First of all he must have new medical records created. He is to never speak of the Agency or his work here. Second of all he must keep the Agency informed of his whereabouts all tall times. If he tries to move and hide from the Agency he will be brought back. Lastly, he must return for tests or information whenever needed. He must agree to all of this or he will not get his freedom. Once he is free, the Agency is no longer responsible for him."
"Sounds more like a parole than freedom. I'll talk to Mike and Darien and tell you their decisions. If it's yes, I'll go see the Keeper about making him a new file."
"Here are the specifications she will need."
"Thanks, Eberts."
"I'm glad to have been able to help, Robert."