"And, you'll be undercover, of course. You'll need to blend in. Hobbes, see
that your partner is properly attired." ordered the Official. Eberts handed
each man a file with their new respective personas.
Even with the last pointed comment, Darien sat still and listened attentively. Bobby was painfully aware of his partner's wagging tail attitude. The kid was actually quite happy to be in this room, being briefed for their next assignment. What a remarkable and refreshing difference THAT was. Hobbes hardly recognized the guy!
Bobby kept his poker face but secretly he was admiring the Official's strategy. Maybe the file clerking had a positive effect after all!
Some days he thought that Darien was given a bad shake in life. He pulled a few penny ante heists and ended up with an invisibility gland in his head. Hobbes also realized that the Agency was one of the better things to have come along in the kid's checkered career. He needed some discipline, and a purpose on THIS side of the law.
It was the best that could possibly be made of a terrible situation. But, human nature and Darien's nature being what it was, it was hard for him to appreciate the break he'd finally been given. His flip wise guy coping technique could be over the top, but then again, it was one of his more endearing traits.
Still it seemed like only last week, Darien was cracking wise, slumping in his place with one long leg draped casually over the arm of the chair. Well, it WAS only last week. Now he was sitting up, even leaning forward, showing respect and actually interested in the assignment. It was nice to see him NOT dragging his feet like a man on his way to his own execution. Way to go, 'Fish, thought Hobbes.
"Banana Hammock"
"Beg pardon sir?" requested Hobbes.
Darien's eyebrows rose, but he said nothing. He could think of about a million retorts, cracks, jibes, jokes, comments but he kept a lid on it. It was killing him. But, he wanted, for once in life, to be good.
"That's the name of the discothèque. It's in the art gallery district. Our lead places Arnaud de Ferhn at the club on a number of occasions."
"Really?" Hobbes said meaningfully. "Didn't suspect he went that route."
"I don't think he does, but that is immaterial. My gut instinct is that it's a cover location. I want you two to find out what's going on in there."
"Um, sir"
"Yes, Darien."
"If this is a Chrysalis hide out, won't we be recognized?" All dealings with de Ferhn made him uneasy at best.
"Gentlemen, I expect that you are able to infiltrate dangerous situations without attracting undue attention to your selves. I think you two will fit in quite well actually, and I believe you'll be able to pull this one off without a hitch."
Bobby and Darien automatically looked at each other. Famous last words, if they'd ever heard them.
Even with the last pointed comment, Darien sat still and listened attentively. Bobby was painfully aware of his partner's wagging tail attitude. The kid was actually quite happy to be in this room, being briefed for their next assignment. What a remarkable and refreshing difference THAT was. Hobbes hardly recognized the guy!
Bobby kept his poker face but secretly he was admiring the Official's strategy. Maybe the file clerking had a positive effect after all!
Some days he thought that Darien was given a bad shake in life. He pulled a few penny ante heists and ended up with an invisibility gland in his head. Hobbes also realized that the Agency was one of the better things to have come along in the kid's checkered career. He needed some discipline, and a purpose on THIS side of the law.
It was the best that could possibly be made of a terrible situation. But, human nature and Darien's nature being what it was, it was hard for him to appreciate the break he'd finally been given. His flip wise guy coping technique could be over the top, but then again, it was one of his more endearing traits.
Still it seemed like only last week, Darien was cracking wise, slumping in his place with one long leg draped casually over the arm of the chair. Well, it WAS only last week. Now he was sitting up, even leaning forward, showing respect and actually interested in the assignment. It was nice to see him NOT dragging his feet like a man on his way to his own execution. Way to go, 'Fish, thought Hobbes.
"Banana Hammock"
"Beg pardon sir?" requested Hobbes.
Darien's eyebrows rose, but he said nothing. He could think of about a million retorts, cracks, jibes, jokes, comments but he kept a lid on it. It was killing him. But, he wanted, for once in life, to be good.
"That's the name of the discothèque. It's in the art gallery district. Our lead places Arnaud de Ferhn at the club on a number of occasions."
"Really?" Hobbes said meaningfully. "Didn't suspect he went that route."
"I don't think he does, but that is immaterial. My gut instinct is that it's a cover location. I want you two to find out what's going on in there."
"Um, sir"
"Yes, Darien."
"If this is a Chrysalis hide out, won't we be recognized?" All dealings with de Ferhn made him uneasy at best.
"Gentlemen, I expect that you are able to infiltrate dangerous situations without attracting undue attention to your selves. I think you two will fit in quite well actually, and I believe you'll be able to pull this one off without a hitch."
Bobby and Darien automatically looked at each other. Famous last words, if they'd ever heard them.