A flash of recognition lighted Odal’s eyes. “I see. Of course. My quarrel is not with you. I apologize.” He turned back to Leoh, who was also standing now.
“Not good enough,” Hector said. “I don’t, uh, like the tone of your apology … I mean. -.”
Leoh raised a hand as if to warn Hector to be silent.
“I apolo^zed,” Odal said, his face red with anger. “That is enough.”
Hector took a step toward Odal. “I guess I could call you names, or insult your glorious Leader, or something like that … but this seems more direct.” He took the water pitcher from the table and carefully poured it over Odal’s head.
The people in the restaurant roared. Odal went bsolutely white. “You are determined to die.” He wiped the dripping water from his eyes. “I’ll meet you before the week is out. And you’ve saved no one.” He turned and stalked out.
Everyone else in the room stood up and applauded. Hector bobbed his head and grinned.
Aghast, Leoh asked, “Do you realize what you’ve done?”
“He was going to challenge you….”
“He’ll still challenge me, after you’re dead.”
Shrugging, Hector said, “Well, yes, maybe so. I guess you’re right. But at least we’ve gained a little more time.”
“Four days.” Leoh shook his head. “Four days to the end of this week. All right, come on, we have work to do.”
Hector was grinning broadly as they left the restaurant. He began to whistle.
“What are you so happy about?” Leoh grumbled.
“About you, sir. When we came in here, you were, well … almost beaten. Now you’re right back in the game again.”