Read Online A Covenant with Death: The Peacock Trilogy - Book 3 by Bill Wetterman - Free Book Online Page B
Authors: Bill Wetterman
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and I’ll blow up any damn thing you want me to.”
Duarte nodded to Ziebach, who said, “Global intelligence combed the mining tunnel the insurgents took Peacock—excuse me—Mrs. Pendleton through. The exit was about thirty kilometers from the entrance. From the examination of the tunnel and the materials in the vehicle tracks, Thad’s analysis is confirmed. They’re holding her somewhere along the Kama River Basin.”
Cline interrupted. “Michael told us about an implant under your wife’s breast.”
“Both Duarte and I looked for the frequency settings for Mrs. Pendleton’s implant,” Ziebach said. “We didn’t find them.”
“But I did.” Doctor Pederson stood. “Files from Hercules’ experimentation on Mrs. Pendleton contained the frequency code. A Global Security team led by Director Abu is readying to drop into the suspected area and search.”
“Good news!” Pendleton exclaimed.
The doctor pursed his lips. “The chance of that device working after all these years is remote. But it is worth trying.”
Pendleton turned his attention to Connor. “If you want to reassign your team, it’s your call.”
“I’ve already given them my approval. But they are only to take orders from me .”
Pendleton fought the urge to confront her. Peacock had earned his confidence enough to disobey him. But Connor was his daughter.
“Duarte,” he said with a shrug. “Make contact with Ammad’s go-between. Set up a neutral site. I don’t care where. Thad, take out their missile banks and order Space Complexes 8, 9, and 10 to surrender and be boarded.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“And Director Abu, join your team and bring out your mother.” He lowered an eyebrow. “You will be held personally responsible for the rescue mission.”
“But I’m needed here. My team can perform without me.”
“You’re going. That’s an order.”
Connor’s mouth dropped open. “Yes, Sir.”
Pendleton glared at her, as she clomped out, slamming the door behind her.
“Everyone is excused, except Hans and Eduardo. George, stay on the line.” Pendleton rubbed his palms over his eyelids, waiting until the others were gone. “I want a meeting of Christian leaders called immediately—tomorrow at the Pope’s residence in Rome. Here’s a list of attendees.”
#
In the hall outside the boardroom, Van Meer leaned against a pillar in an attempt to clear his head. The most brilliant strategic mind in history seemed on the verge of a breakdown. Connor didn’t make things any better by challenging her father. And where would he find anyone to replace Felicia, who was not only his wife, but his personal assistant as well?
“Sir.”
He hadn’t noticed Ziebach in his wheelchair a few feet from him. “Yes?”
“I was brought here for only one reason,” Ziebach said. “I’m trustworthy and a good person to bounce ideas off. Sir, I’m underutilized.”
Van Meer chuckled. “Back all those years ago when Ursa’s team was brought into our sphere, you were the only one I trusted. Where are you assigned now?”
“I’m not.” He wheeled his chair up to Van Meer. “I’m retired—from Global Security, that is. No one ever retires. Look, I’m healthy for a cripple. I’m intelligent. And I believe you need an administrative assistant. Why not give me a try?”
“You’d have to pass the tests.”
“Have you posted an opening?”
“Not yet. Felicia bested the competition the last time the test was given.”
“Test me. If I beat her score, hire me.”
Damn. He’s got spunk for someone in his sixties.
“You’ve got a deal.”
Chapter 9
Cold water splashing in her face startled Peacock. A bearded man smiled at her holding his hands toward her with his palms up.
“Would you like to be unchained and take a shower in private?” he asked.
The smell of her own urine gagged her. She recoiled at the realization this wasn’t a bad dream. She couldn’t escape death by herself. She had to trust the voice in
Duarte nodded to Ziebach, who said, “Global intelligence combed the mining tunnel the insurgents took Peacock—excuse me—Mrs. Pendleton through. The exit was about thirty kilometers from the entrance. From the examination of the tunnel and the materials in the vehicle tracks, Thad’s analysis is confirmed. They’re holding her somewhere along the Kama River Basin.”
Cline interrupted. “Michael told us about an implant under your wife’s breast.”
“Both Duarte and I looked for the frequency settings for Mrs. Pendleton’s implant,” Ziebach said. “We didn’t find them.”
“But I did.” Doctor Pederson stood. “Files from Hercules’ experimentation on Mrs. Pendleton contained the frequency code. A Global Security team led by Director Abu is readying to drop into the suspected area and search.”
“Good news!” Pendleton exclaimed.
The doctor pursed his lips. “The chance of that device working after all these years is remote. But it is worth trying.”
Pendleton turned his attention to Connor. “If you want to reassign your team, it’s your call.”
“I’ve already given them my approval. But they are only to take orders from me .”
Pendleton fought the urge to confront her. Peacock had earned his confidence enough to disobey him. But Connor was his daughter.
“Duarte,” he said with a shrug. “Make contact with Ammad’s go-between. Set up a neutral site. I don’t care where. Thad, take out their missile banks and order Space Complexes 8, 9, and 10 to surrender and be boarded.”
“Yes, Sir.”
“And Director Abu, join your team and bring out your mother.” He lowered an eyebrow. “You will be held personally responsible for the rescue mission.”
“But I’m needed here. My team can perform without me.”
“You’re going. That’s an order.”
Connor’s mouth dropped open. “Yes, Sir.”
Pendleton glared at her, as she clomped out, slamming the door behind her.
“Everyone is excused, except Hans and Eduardo. George, stay on the line.” Pendleton rubbed his palms over his eyelids, waiting until the others were gone. “I want a meeting of Christian leaders called immediately—tomorrow at the Pope’s residence in Rome. Here’s a list of attendees.”
#
In the hall outside the boardroom, Van Meer leaned against a pillar in an attempt to clear his head. The most brilliant strategic mind in history seemed on the verge of a breakdown. Connor didn’t make things any better by challenging her father. And where would he find anyone to replace Felicia, who was not only his wife, but his personal assistant as well?
“Sir.”
He hadn’t noticed Ziebach in his wheelchair a few feet from him. “Yes?”
“I was brought here for only one reason,” Ziebach said. “I’m trustworthy and a good person to bounce ideas off. Sir, I’m underutilized.”
Van Meer chuckled. “Back all those years ago when Ursa’s team was brought into our sphere, you were the only one I trusted. Where are you assigned now?”
“I’m not.” He wheeled his chair up to Van Meer. “I’m retired—from Global Security, that is. No one ever retires. Look, I’m healthy for a cripple. I’m intelligent. And I believe you need an administrative assistant. Why not give me a try?”
“You’d have to pass the tests.”
“Have you posted an opening?”
“Not yet. Felicia bested the competition the last time the test was given.”
“Test me. If I beat her score, hire me.”
Damn. He’s got spunk for someone in his sixties.
“You’ve got a deal.”
Chapter 9
Cold water splashing in her face startled Peacock. A bearded man smiled at her holding his hands toward her with his palms up.
“Would you like to be unchained and take a shower in private?” he asked.
The smell of her own urine gagged her. She recoiled at the realization this wasn’t a bad dream. She couldn’t escape death by herself. She had to trust the voice in
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