Pappy deliberately took a long, slow drink from his glass. “Yes, you can. You have no other choice. This is my father’s mountain. We lease it to you. We just canceled your lease. Our refund check is in the folder. It’s done, gentlemen.”

“We have great power, Kollar. You’ve seen this, experienced that power. You can’t throw away all that we’ve accomplished. We cannot allow that to happen.”

Pappy wasn’t surprised by the man’s threat. “I’m burned out. I can’t do this anymore. Don’t you understand, I’m no longer any good to you. If you think you can retaliate, then do so by all means. Just remember, if you even think of retaliating, I’ll go after you, one by one. I’ll invade your security, and you’ll never know. You’ll never sleep again. Worst of all, you’ll never write another check. You’re here, gentlemen; that alone should cause you some worry. It’s up to me if you leave. If that doesn’t convince you, I’ve downloaded all the files from our ten-year association and burned them onto a CD. They’re in safe hands. The only way they will ever see the light of day is if you retaliate against me, my father, or this mountain. Cut your losses, gentlemen, and move on. Do you still think my decision is unacceptable?”

The third man, who hadn’t spoken, spoke now. “Is there anything any of us can say to make you change your mind?”

Pappy listened to the man’s soft tone. He’d always been the most reasonable of the five. His response was succinct. “I wish there was but, no, sir, there isn’t.”

“What about the operatives out in the field? What about this last batch of recruits?” the fourth man asked.

Pappy thought about what he should say. Should he tell these old men about Teams Three and Five and the rebellion? No, the deal was, if they passed the trials and were good to go, they had to honor the contracts they signed. He knew all of them but Sam would report on the proper day to the Colorado office to await their orders. For now, he had to prevent the execution of the sanction.

“I haven’t notified anyone of the sanction if that’s what you mean. The sanction is a mistake. One that could have dire consequences where the four of you are concerned. I told you that on your last visit. You hired me for my expertise, then you chose to ignore it. That makes you all very vulnerable.” Off in the distance, Pappy heard the dinner bell. “It’s time for dinner. You can give me your decision over coffee and dessert.” He looked closely at the men as they got to their feet. He saw what he hoped he would see—fear.