Handshake crossed his arms on the tabletop and nodded. “I see. That fits in with what I know. I’ve recently discovered that people on . . . our side of the fence aren’t the only ones approached by the Cabal.”

“Oh?”

“Indeed. Though they don’t name themselves as such, an organization very similar to the Cabal tends to approach Heroes. Nearly all of them are approached by the Cabal at one time or another, though I think they’re a bit more subtle with Heroes, especially those with governmental ties.”

“And what do they offer the stalwart Heroes?” Cement asked.

“Villains. They offer them Villains. The locations of robberies in progress, along with footage of the Villain in question in action and plenty more information. In exchange, they steer the Hero toward accepting certain contracts. Product placements, ads, different patrol routes.”

Cement sighed loud enough that it was picked up by whatever mic he was using. “They’re running both sides of the game.”

“Or they’re trying to,” Handshake said.

The room was silent for a while. “This has been enlightening. Thank you, Handshake. I appreciate you coming here.”

“And I appreciate the information I’ve gleaned. May I ask what you plan on doing now?”

Cement chuckled. “You could certainly ask, but it would cost you to know. Not that I’ve made a choice yet. I think this is the end of our meeting.”

Handshake nodded and stood up. “Well then. It was enjoyable conversing so peacefully. I do hope you keep me in mind for any future questions.”

“Naturally.”

Handshake gestured to the door, and Teddy stomped over and opened it up.

They were about to leave when Cement spoke up. “Miss Boss.”

Emily froze. “Um. Yes?” she asked.

“I haven’t forgotten what you did to my subordinate.”

“Pfft,” Athena said as she took her feet off the table. “Big talk from a guy who’s hiding behind a screen. You couldn’t touch a hair on the Boss’s head if you tried, you fake Villain.”

“Your own subordinates certainly have a high opinion of you. Perhaps we will see if it’s well earned one day. Until then. Goodbye.”

The screen flickered and the image was replaced by a gray square where Cement’s “S” had been before.

Emily swallowed, looked to the three guys at the end of the room who were just then getting up, and scurried out after the others.

CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT

Call

You did good back there,” Handshake said.

Emily looked at the back of his head. They were back in the hotel’s parking lot, heading . . . not toward Handshake’s car?

“I mean, there wasn’t much action, but you did your part,” he said as he came to a stop next to a minivan near the back. Bending down, the older man fumbled under the edge of the car, then pulled out a set of keys with a happy jangle. “Get in,” he said.