Sudden Threat (62 page)

As Matt turned into the small, eight-seat cabin, he was greeted with another surprise.

“So we meet again,” Matt said, standing next to Peyton’s seat, holding his duffel.

“How’s the arm, slugger?”

“I’ll live,” Matt said with a shrug.

“The vice president asked me to accompany you. I couldn’t get out of it.”

Matt surmised that she didn’t seem too disappointed.

“Well, name’s Matt Garrett,” he said, sticking a large hand out and giving hers a quick shake. He noticed she had firm hands. “Don’t think I ever formally introduced myself.”

She looked at him briefly and squeezed his hand. “Peyton O’Hara.”

“Nice grip,” he said, offering her a polite smile.

He walked to the back of the small airplane, sat down, put his duffel in the seat next to him, patted the weapon beneath his jacket, leaned back and shut his eyes.