“Hopefully it will be before much longer. Winston Kchanga is a smuggler operating out of the Corvus system. He made a commitment to us, money was exchanged, and he has elected not to honor that commitment. He doesn’t know that I am involved, but that’s neither here nor there.” He sighed. “Regrettable.”

“Not that regrettable,” said Cain. “There’s paper on him.”

“Perhaps I should clarify my statement,” said Santiago. “I find it regrettable that one of the people we are fighting for should try to swindle us. I have no regrets whatsoever about ordering his death.” He looked sharply at Cain. “I’m fighting a war, and whenever one fights a war there are going to be casualties. My main concern is that they aren’t innocent ones.”

“From what I hear, there’s wasn’t a hell of a lot that Kchanga was innocent of,” said Cain. He paused. “There’s paper on your friend Jacinto, too. He used to go under the name of Esteban Cordoba.”

“Jacinto hasn’t left Safe Harbor in seven years,” said Santiago. “You have a remarkable memory, Sebastian.”

“It’s that white streak in his hair,” replied Cain. “It’s pretty hard to forget.”

“He’s the most trusted associate I have,” said Santiago. “He’s served me loyally for almost fifteen years.” He stared at Cain again. “What do you propose to do about him?”

Cain shrugged. “Nothing.”

A broad smile spread over Santiago’s face. “Then you’re joining us?”

“I didn’t say that. We’ve got a lot more to talk about.”

Santiago got to his feet. “Shall we walk while we talk?” he suggested. “It’s too beautiful a day to just sit in the shade.”

“Whatever you want.”

“Then come with me, and I’ll show you the farm while we speak.”

Cain followed Santiago down off the veranda.

“Are you a fisherman. Sebastian?” asked Santiago.

“No.”

“You should try it sometime. I’ve stocked three of the ponds.”

“Maybe someday I’ll take it up.”

“You should. It’s very relaxing.” He began circling one of the ponds. “I believe you had some questions to ask me?”

“A few,” said Cain, falling into step beside him. “For starters, when did you decide you needed a bodyguard?”

“Is that what you think I have in mind for you?”

“If it isn’t, then it should be.” said Cain. “The Angel can’t be too far away.”

“I already have bodyguards.”

“They couldn’t stop me if I decided to kill you right now.”

“True—but I know that you won’t. And I have no intention of giving the Angel a tour of my farm.”

“I assume that you haven’t helped him to find you?”

Santiago frowned and shook his head. “No. He’s a remarkable man.”

“And as I said last night, you’re a wanted one.”

“He won’t get past Father William.”