Lois stopped short again. "You're—William Wrightwood, Junior?"
"I'm Steve Hagen," he snapped.
"But you're his son?"
"I am."
"But you've never said so."
"No one has ever asked me; and I'm not proud of the fact."
Lois was silent.
"And I'm not running undercover," said Steve; "I'd prefer to forget the whole thing."
"Then why tell me about it?"
"Because I don't want to operate under a false banner; especially with you. I've said nothing about it because of the natural objection too many people might have if it became known that William Wrightwood's foster son was working among the Guardians. The outfit that has bucked every attempt of his to be gathered into his own little empire."