Next, and predicated upon my first assumption, I know that your credentials are genuine. I could fetch them from your pockets in a moment, if they are there, but your names would mean nothing to me. So I will not even go looking. There is really only one question that I want answered, and it probably won't even hurt your employer or employers, who will doubtless disavow any knowledge of you.
I want to know who you represent, I said.
Why? asked the larger man, his frown revealing a lip-side scar which I had not noticed at his unmasking.
I want to know who put you up to being so casual with my person, I said.
To what end?
I shrugged.
Personal vengeance, perhaps.
He shook his head.
You're working for somebody, too, he said. If it is not the government, it is still somebody we wouldn't like.
So you admit you are not independent operators. If you will not tell me who you work for, will you tell me why you want to stop the project?
No.
All right. Drop that one ... I see you as associated with some large contractor who got cut out on something connected with this job. How does that sound? Maybe I can even make suggestions.
The other guy laughed, and the big one killed it with a quick glare.
Well, that's out, I said. Thanks. Now, let's consider another thing: I can simply turn you in for breaking and entering. I might even be willing to say you were drunk and indicated that you thought this cabin belonged to a friend of yours who didn't mind a little foolery and who you thought might stand you to a final round before you staggered off to bed. How does that sound?