After lunch the next day Hunith rang though to the bungalow as arranged and asked Merlin if he would like to go and see her, so he went off saying he would be back later. Half an hour later Arthur went through to the lounge; he had been worried about the meeting since yesterday. What did they want? It seemed strange they all wanted to see him together. It couldn't be a pay rise they had had one only six months ago. He went in to get it over with. The men were all sat down, and as he walked in they stood up.
"Sit down men no need to stand for me. Now how can I help you?" Arthur sat down in the remaining chair facing them.
Pellinor spoke first "It's more what we can do for you Arthur, we've been talking lately, and have all come to the same conclusion. We are all getting older and think we can no longer fully do the job you are paying us for."
Arthur opened his mouth to say something but before he could Pellinor continued:
"Most of us are in our fifties now, and those that aren't will be soon. We feel that it's time for you to look at the situation sensibility. We get paid very well for a job we're too old for. You and Merlin have been very good to us over the years, after all Merlin set us all up years ago when he gave us his money. We don't feel its right for us to continue. If you feel Merlin still needs protection you ought to look at getting some younger fitter men in."
Kay spoke for the first time: "Don't worry about us boss, we can get something else if we need to, in fact my brother keeps on for some of us to work for him. None of us will go if you want us to stay, but it depends on what you need. If you want Merlin fully protected we just aren't your men anymore. We keep fit but put us up against fitter and younger men we'd be no good."
Arthur was stunned of all the things he had thought of this hadn't been one of them. They had all grown older together and he hadn't really noticed.
Percy spoke: "Please give it some thought Arthur, that's all we ask."
"I will, I must admit it hadn't occurred to me. You probably all think me daft for keeping the protection going this long, but I wouldn't fell happy stopping it. You all know what happened. I know we haven't had too much trouble but I'm sure that was because I had you guys here. I will think about it and get back to you. Whatever happens I want you to know that you have done a fantastic job."
"Well we couldn't have had a better boss, either way we won't go until any replacements are settled in." Pellinor spoke once more.
"Thank you. I'll think about everything and get back to you." Arthur stood up and left the men to talk.
A bit later Gwaine found him sitting in the kitchen hugging a cup of tea.
"Sorry for not saying anything before Arthur but the guys wanted to speak as one."
"That's ok Gwaine; I guess their right, where has the time gone? When did we all start getting old?" Arthur sighed. He looked up at Gwaine. "What do you think? Do I stop the protection? I always said I would keep it forever, I don't want to stop it but am I being silly."
"Only you know the answer to that one. Can you afford it? If you can and you're worried keep it going, it's not like your family needs your money is it. I know that's blunt but its true…..Do what you think is best for both of you."
Gwaine pulled a chair round and sat down. "If all you what is for Merlin to feel safe and you think there's no risk keep the boys on, but if you think there's any risk at, all get new guys in."
"It's been a long time Gwaine, but they're still there and I don't know if they still pose a threat. What would you do if you where them? They've been inside a long time. Would you still want revenge or would you leave it?"
"I wouldn't have done it in the first place so I don't know. Can you afford the cost of it all?"
"God yes, I had millions left me. The interest alone makes sure of that. It's going down but we'd have to live for at least another eighty years to run out. I even made more money on selling the penthouse than this place cost." Arthur looked at his friend. "I couldn't bare it if anything happened to him you know that."
"I think you know the answer then…..why don't you talk to Merlin? He might not want new people about. Either way I won't be going far even if I am laid off. I'll always be here for Merlin you know that."
"Thanks Gwaine, I do, you've been a good friend to him and me. I'll give it all some thought and let you know."
Arthur went to his office after the others had all gone and thought through thinks properly. He even phoned Leon to have a word with him. He needed to find out when the next parole hearing was due and if Leon had heard anything through the grapevine. Now Arthur was almost completely retired he relied on his brother in law to keep abreast of things.
That evening when Arthur was sat with Merlin he told him about the meeting.
"What do you think about having new bodyguards about? Would you be happy with different people? Only I realise what the boys are saying and in many ways I agree with them." He looked down at Merlin who had his head rested on Arthurs shoulder.
"I don't know, I like all the guys. Do I still need people about? It's been a long time." Merlin sounded very unsure.
"I don't know Merlin and that's the problem. But one thing I do know is I have always said I wanted you protected at all costs, and that hasn't changed. I won't risk you. But I can see what the men mean, they are getting older and I wouldn't want them getting hurt either."
"Do what you think best Arthur, I feel safe with you about, and I trust you to do what you think is best. It's silly spending all that money just to keep me happy if I don't need it. They won't bother with me now surely." Merlin still never referred to any of the group by name. To Arthur that was very telling.
"No amount of money is too much for you Merlin, what else am I going to spend it on. Miranda will have what's left and she already has enough. I'll think about it."
That night for the first time in over a year Arthur was woken up in the early hours by his husband having a nightmare. He soon managed to calm him down but it made his decision for him.