Joey ripped at a chunk of garlic bread. “They’re here, ladies and gentleman. The senator’s guests are two old geezers. One is wearing a fishing hat and the other one is wearing one of those Swiss Tyrol hats. I make them at around seventy or so. Sound like anyone you guys might know?” All the murmurings were in the negative.

“They’re having a very earnest conversation, and whatever is being said is not to the senator’s liking. In fact, he looks a little angry. Somehow, I don’t think his dinner companions are constituents. They’re arguing now. It seems like they want the senator to do something, and he’s balking.” Joey clucked his tongue. “Neither one of those old geezers has taken off his hat. Kind of strange, don’t you think?”

Sam was dying to turn around for a look-see, but continued to sit quietly and try to figure out what was going on. Men always took their hats off in a restaurant. Kids might wear baseball caps, but nine times out of ten their parents made them take them off.

“Maybe they’re bald and they’re self-conscious about it,” Slick said as she took a bite of garlic bread. “Can I turn around and take a look? You know, very casual-like. The senator doesn’t really know me, and in this getup he won’t put two and two together.”

Joey poured more wine into his glass. “Okay, but only when I tell you. The senator will be facing you. You’ll get the other two in profile. If you turn to the right, you can pretend you’re looking at the two ladies in the corner.” Five minutes went by before Joey nodded ever so slightly.

Sam didn’t know why, but she took a deep breath. She saw that Slick’s hands were shaking when she turned back to face the others at the table. “It’s Kyros. He’s the one wearing the Tyrol hat. I…I think the other one is…I think the other one is Pappy. They’re in disguises. I think.”

Sam almost fainted. She drained her wineglass in one gulp and poured another with shaky hands. There was no way she could make her tongue work to say anything. The others were stunned at what was happening.

“Now what are we going to do?” Slick hissed.

“I’m thinking, I’m thinking,” Joey hissed in return.

“Well, think faster,” Hawkins snarled. “Are you sure, Slick?”

“Yes, I’m sure. They’re in disguise, just the way we are. Whatever is happening, it must really be important for Pappy to come down out of his ivory tower. Maybe we should pack this whole thing in and exit through the back door. This place does have a back door, doesn’t it?” Slick dithered.