24

OF ALLIES, FLINGS & ENEMIES II

~PAMELA

Stephan made no sound or movement as I glanced at him. He was completely stoic and devoid of any emotions. Maybe it was how he grieved.

I listened intently as men went one after the other onto the podium and said their piece about Stephan's father. I was trying to get a clue as to what kind of man he was.

A wizened old man shuffling slowly on his walking stick struggled as he climbed the podium. He was flanked by two hefty men in suits.

"Thaddeus was just not loyal, but he was also a friend, my best friend, and believe me, friends are dangerous things to have in our line of work," The old man said.

I glanced at Stephan again to look for any reaction but I got none. He just sat there unmoving. He must have hated his father. It was futile to keep on searching for empathy where there was none.

I did not want to admit it but he looked bored behind those glasses that hid his eyes. Just what sort of father was Thaddeus? It seemed like he did not even c