“George,” he said, flashing his teeth and extending a hand. “So good of you to join me.”

George ignored the hand as he seated himself.

“I was under the impression that I didn’t have much choice in the matter,” he said, flatly.

“I simply felt that, considering the substantial fee you charge, I deserve a face-to-face debriefing.” Flynn smiled. “Not just a few written pages in a report.”

“There was also something said about withholding the balance of my fee until we met,” George said.

“That was an unfortunate misimpression,” Flynn said. “The balance of your fee has already been deposited in the designated account.”

George calmed down but was still not completely mollified.

“Well, there’s also the matter of this breaking my rule against meeting my clients face-to-face.”

Flynn shook his head.

“I understand. It’s the whole ‘man of mystery’ thing where no one knows your face,” he said. “Well, I’m certainly not going to share your description with anyone. The whole trust thing should be a two-way street.”

“You’re talking ‘trust’ to someone who hunts dragons for a living,” George said with a smirk. “Maybe we know different dragons.”

“I see your point,” Flynn admitted. “Very well, then perhaps the knowledge that the deposit to your account included a sizable bonus for your inconvenience will help mollify your discomfort. Fifty percent, if I recall correctly.”

It did, and George caught himself smiling. He quickly reminded himself that the dragon he was dealing with was successful mostly because of his ability to use glamour . . . the power to charm others into doing just about anything and have them grateful in the process.