The Hunted Assassin (37 page)
Read The Hunted Assassin Online
Authors: Paul B Kohler
“I understand that you found Celeste?” Howe said.
“Yes, sir. She’s been here the entire time. Evans had her in sublevel six from the start.”
“And she’s okay?” He asked.
“She’s scared, but no physical injuries,” Jaxon said, thankful. “With any luck, she won’t suffer any lasting effects from the traumatic situation.”
Howe nodded, half focusing on the conversation and on the stitching being performed on his abdomen.
“Director, are you on any kind of pain blockers right now? You look like you’re in agony.”
“Nope. I’m … forgoing any form of narcotics. These gentlemen know that it’s imperative that I remain cognizant throughout this whole procedure. They’ve assured me that they will not cause me any undue pain,” Howe said. “Isn’t that right, gentlemen?”
The two medical technicians nodded but maintained focus on Howe’s injuries.
“I suppose congratulations are in order,” he said, looking back up at Jaxon. “Guzman’s operation has been neutralized?”
“Yes, sir. Guzman will not be a problem for anyone ever again.”
“And what about Francisco’s directive? Was he able to secure any documentation or procedures of the drug’s production?” Howe asked.
Jaxon didn’t blink. “Unfortunately, no. By the time my team penetrated the labs, they had already sabotaged all of their computers and records. All that was left was a useless pile of burning circuitry.”
Director Howe frowned. “That’s quite unfortunate. Having physical proof of his operation would have smoothed things over with the oversight committee … in addition to serving as defense for your future.”
Jaxon’s eyes narrowed and met the director’s. “Future? What are you saying?”
“You have to understand, Jaxon. The GSA functions on a mandated set of rules and regulations. Without them, there would be corruption. I can’t say for certain right now, but after each of you have been debriefed, the company will analyze your individual situations as to what sort of repercussions will come out.”
Jaxon began to feel anger build deep inside. “Repercussions? We were sent on this mission to stop Guzman’s operation. We followed those orders to a T, in addition to saving the lives of dozens of innocent women before they were thrust into the life of prostitution. Jesus Christ, director. You should be pinning medals on each and every one of us.”
“Relax, Jaxon. It won’t be as dire as it sounds. But without the evidence that Francisco was to obtain, I have no control over the outcome. There’s a very good chance that none of you will ever see each other again. And for some of you, you might not even recall what happened over the last month,” Howe said as he stared into Jaxon’s eyes.
Jaxon felt his face flush with anger. He stood there, silently, as he drove his fingers into the palms of his hands.
“On the other hand,” Howe said, glancing at his now bandaged abdomen, “if some kind of an arrangement can be reached, with each of you individually, I’m certain we’ll all have a bright future.”
Great,
Jaxon thought.
First, he threatens me with the possibility of having my memories scrubbed, then he finishes up with some kind of bribe, most likely to come back to the company. What a character.
Jaxon placated a smile before walking out of the medical room, without another word.
67
The comforting aroma of freshly brewed tea lingered in the air as the soothing sounds of flamenco guitar echoed throughout the Celestial Teahouse. The hour was early, and very few people were out circulating through the Pavilions of Taloo Station. Celeste was at the front of the store, pulling chairs off of tables and sliding them underneath as she prepared to open for the day. Despite being right next to the front windows, she failed to notice the first customer walk up to the store.
Ding dong.
The door chime melody drew Celeste’s attention.
“Hi there. Is it too early to order a cup of tea?” Camille asked as she approached the counter.
Celeste smiled. “Of course not, ma’am. What would you like today?”
“Oh, I hear that Angorion Spiced tea is really something special. Mind if I try a cup of that?” Camille asked.
“So, your usual then?” Celeste said with a grin.
Camille shrugged. “Creature of habit. How are you today, Celeste?”
“I’m good. I’m done with classes this semester and my professor tells me that my grades are good enough to get me into college this fall. Now, I just have to figure out how we’re going to pay for it too.”
“That’s fantastic, Celeste. Why didn’t say anything sooner?”
Celeste shrugged, still fighting the demons of shyness. “I guess I get so wrapped up in my own personal space that I forget you guys are around.”
“That’s understandable. You’re a teenage girl. Cherish this time, Celeste. It’s a wonderful time.”
Celeste bobbed the tea infuser into a cup of steaming hot water and slid it across the counter to Camille. “Here you go. Don’t tell Jaxon, but this one’s on the house.”
Camille winked at Celeste. “It’s our secret. Speaking of, is the boss around?”
“Yeah, he’s back in the stockroom. We just got a shipment of some new kind of tea or something. He’s been back there all morning, and he’s been giddy as a child.”
Celeste pulled open the curtain separating the front of the store from the stockroom and called out, “Hey, boss. You have a visitor.”
Jaxon stepped out from the back room, flakes of tea scattered all over his face and shoulders. He looked up and saw Camille and smiled. “Fancy seeing you here,” he said as he walked up and kissed her.
Camille returned the embrace, before playfully pushing him away, so as to not cause any undue discomfort for Celeste.
She noticed and smiled. “It’s okay, Camille. It’s nice to see that Dad has someone that he loves.”
“He loves me, does he?” Camille asked with a smirk.
“Of course I do, baby. Haven’t I told you that every day since we’ve been here?” Jaxon asked. “By the way, how’d it go this morning?”
Camille stepped back from the counter, her feet close together, and her back arched upright. She held her head high and said, “You are now looking at the new regional director for the GSA on Taloo Station. Overt classification.”
“Ah, that’s wonderful, Camille,” Jaxon said.
“Thanks. They initially offered me a covert position, but I had to turn them down. I told them that I was tired of all that top-secret spy lingo. Just not my style.”
“Wow, that’s really fantastic,” Jaxon said. “And quite a relief, too.”
“What’s a relief?” Camille asked as she sipped at her tea.
“I mean that you’re the head of the overt sector. God, I’d have hated to report to you if you’d been appointed as the regional
covert
supervisor.” Jaxon winked.
“You better watch yourself, Mister. I’ll still have some pretty strong pull inside the GSA. One false move from you, buddy, and—”
Jaxon kissed her on the lips, interrupting her obviously rehearsed spiel.
“Oh, God. Get a room,” Celeste said before she disappeared into the back room. Jaxon and Camille laughed.
“For what it’s worth, being in this position will allow me to see a little bit more of what’s coming down the pike for you. I’m still surprised that you accepted Director Howe’s offer in the first place.”
“Ah, it’s okay. He promised me it’s only going to be on an
as-needed basis
, and I get to keep all my memories. And, for that matter, so do you and Miles. Speaking of, I don’t think you properly thanked me for such a selfless gesture on my part.”
“Oh? What was last night? Didn’t I thank you enough?” Camille asked as she remained in his bear hug grasp.
“That was a thank you? I thought you were just being kind to me.”
“Oh, stop. If gratitude is what you want, when I get home tonight, I will thank you all night long.”
Jaxon raised his eyebrows with excitement. “You’ve got a deal.”
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Paul B Kohler is the author of the highly acclaimed novel, Linear Shift, and the remarkable novel series, The Borrowed Souls. Aside from his longer works, a number of his short stories have been included in various anthologies. His latest short, Rememorations, has been included in The Immortality Chronicles - a Top 5 SF Anthology and Hot New Releases. Rememorations was also nominated for Best American Science Fiction.
When not practicing architecture, Paul works on his writing. He lives in Littleton, Colorado, with his wife and daughter.
To learn more about him and his books, visit
www.Paul-Kohler.net
The Hunted Assassin is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.
Copyright 2016 by Paul B. Kohler
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form by electronic or mechanical means including photocopying, recording, or information storage and retrieval without permission in writing from the author.
Edited by Therin Knite
Cover design by Paul B. Kohler
Interior design and layout by Paul B. Kohler
ISBN-13: 978-1-940740-15-7 (tpb)
ISBN-10: 1-940740-15-0 (tpb)