Did he ever ask you . . . or suggest to you . . . that he might want to pull some kind of dirty trick on Senator Smalls? Oh, no, he would never have done that, Fey said. I mean, he might have tried to pull a dirty trick, but he wouldn't have spoken to me about it. I like Senator Smalls and Robert knew that. The senator and I have common interests. He likes classical piano and he likes Postimpressionist art. If Robert had asked me to do a dirty trick on Senator Smalls, I would have refused and I would have told Senator Smalls. Robert teased me about that. About me being loyal.
In the story "Silken Prey" by John Sandford, a character named Fey reflects on his loyalty to Senator Smalls. He asserts that while Robert might have considered some unscrupulous actions against the senator, he would never discuss such plans with Fey due to their mutual respect. Fey enjoys a strong personal connection with the senator, sharing interests such as classical piano and Postimpressionist art, which reinforces his commitment to loyalty.
Fey's principles are clear: he would oppose any underhanded schemes aimed at Senator Smalls and would certainly inform the senator if approached about them. Robert's lighthearted teasing of Fey indicates a friendly dynamic, underpinning the themes of loyalty and moral integrity in the narrative. This interaction highlights the tension between personal values and the questionable ethics some characters may consider in pursuit of their interests.
