Captain Dillon took the opposite chair and extended his hand, which Nick pressed cordially while remarking:
“I thought I remembered you, Captain Dillon, and I made haste to put you on your guard when I saw that[{22}] you recognized me. I am here incognito. I don’t wish to be known. Pray don’t expose me to your friends.”
“Certainly not!” Dillon quietly exclaimed, squinting at Nick over the table. “I’m very glad you warned me, or I certainly would have done so.”
“I foresaw it, captain,” smiled Nick. “You have not changed much in the several years since we met. You hold your own like an old war horse. I am pleased to meet you again.”
“That feeling is reciprocated, Mr. Carter, I assure you,” Captain Dillon said quietly. “How long have you been in Washington?”
“Not long,” said Nick. “I am here on important business. I cannot tell when I may leave. That depends.”
“Upon the business mentioned, of course,” said Dillon, with an expression between a smirk and a smile.
“Exactly,” bowed the detective.
“Government business, I suppose.”
“Yes.”