“You’re a professor here?” Bennett said, but Hadley sensed his impatience. He wasn’t interested in small talk.
“I was. I’m retired.” He rested his gnarled hands on the table. “But they still invite me back for the odd guest lecture. I was a professor of politics. An ongoing and fascinating subject.”
“If you say so,” Bennett said.
Dummat smiled. “You were in the military, Mr. Knightley.”
“Special forces.”
“Ah. You’re used to finding the best path forward, and acting quickly and decisively. The opposite of politics.”
“Yes.”
“How did you meet L’Orage, Professor?” Hadley asked.
The man leaned back. “I ran an online forum for my students to discuss politics and world issues. No subject was taboo. We argued the merit and harm of everything. Oliver turned up in there one day.”
Her heart hit her ribs. “Oliver?” she asked.
“He didn’t go by L’Orage in his regular life.”
Professor Dummat’s gaze turned inward. “He was intelligent, asked good questions. Provocative questions. I knew he wasn’t a student, but he added a lot to the discussions. He was an anarchist at heart, but conflicted.”
“He sells weapons to bastards who murder and kill,” Bennett clipped.
Hadley put a hand on his arm. He blew out a breath.
“I don’t dispute that Oliver did terrible things.” Dummat sipped his tea. “We communicated, engaged in spirited debate, and over time we became friends. I finally worked out who he was.” The professor sighed. “There are so many shades of gray in the world. We all have things we regret.” His gaze rested on Hadley, then shifted to Bennett. “I assume you both understand that.”
“We both served our country, Professor,” Bennett said. “So don’t go comparing us to L’Orage.”
“That wasn’t my intention. All I mean is that Oliver had regrets. But it doesn’t matter now.”
“Doesn’t matter—?” Bennett leaned in.
“Bennett.” She grabbed his hand and stroked a thumb across his palm.
She met his gaze, and his stayed locked on hers, then he sat back in his seat. She watched him lock all his emotions down and got a glimpse of the soldier in him.
“Professor, unfortunately L’Orage has returned,” she said. “He’s reactivated old contacts, and he’s targeting Mr. Knightley’s company, Secura. He’s stealing vital gear and selling it to terrorists.”
Dummat’s eyes widened. “That’s impossible.”
“I’m afraid not,” she said.
“Your buddy came out of retirement and is fucking with my company,” Bennett clipped out. “He’s destroying lives.”
Dummat set his cup down.
Bennett rose and thumped his fist on the table. The cup rattled, and people nearby glanced over.
“Bennett, sit down, or wait in the car,” Hadley said. She wanted to hug him. Jeez, and she was so not a hugger, but she couldn’t let him ruin this.
He sat, but he looked stiff.
Hadley leaned forward. “Bennett is understandably angry.”
“I understand, I do.” Dummat met their gazes. “It’s impossible that L’Orage is causing your problems because he’s dead.”