A Covenant with Death: The Peacock Trilogy - Book 3 by Bill Wetterman Read Free Book Online Page A

best he could. “What a monumental achievement. Today, by completing this bridge, we’ve freed the seas from human pollution and fossil fuel waste from ocean freight transports.”
    Some citizens chanted, “We love Arthur.” Many carried Global Realm flags of their own making. All wore the colors of their province, industry, and rank. The atmosphere of loyalty and dedication elated him.
    “I appreciate your feelings. But, each of you shares in this accomplishment. Enjoy your achievement.”
    With that, he grabbed a champagne bottle, strutted off the platform, and announced. “I christen this bridge, The Glory of the Realm.”
    Pendleton swung the bottle, shattering it against a cornerstone beam, foam spewing several feet in the air as the crowd roared. He headed back to the Supersonic, a deep dread encompassed him. All this way for a swing of a bottle, he thought. My Lovey’s gone. What happens now?
    He strapped himself into his seat, and Van Meer hooked in beside him. “Tzu Chui is holding for you.”
    “Tzu Chui? I hope the curfew problem with the Muslims in his region hasn’t escalated.” Pendleton grabbed his cell. “Regional Governor Chui, to what do I owe this pleasure?”
    “I know what happened.”
    Pendleton sucked in air. “How?”
    “Your son, George, spotted a barrage of light flashes over the area near Norilsk just before departing Space in Global Orbiter 5.” Chui paused.
    “Yes. Go on.” Pendleton held his breath.
    “First Citizen, the beam came from a satellite launched from the Basra Complex last year. This is supposed to be a global weather orbiter, not a light or laser weapon. I suspect treachery. I suspect Ammad al-Sistani is behind your wife’s abduction.”
    Pendleton mulled Chui’s comment over. “How did you know my wife was taken?”
    “The Space Exploration training facility at the Beijing Complex put eyes on the ground at your location. Using sunray filtration technology, they were able to view the kidnapping and flight. Unfortunately, Mrs. Pendleton and her abductors went underground fifty kilometers south of the crash site, and we lost track of them.”
    “Underground?”
    “Yes. I believe they had a tunnel concealed for such a purpose, and they emerged elsewhere out of our range.”
    The realization of the enormous scope of the danger confronting the Realm shocked Pendleton. How could he have such a wide spread insurrection going on and not know? And how did Chui’s people think to use sunray filter technology and not Global Command? “Is there anything else?”
    The long breathless silence sickened Pendleton. Finally, Chui whispered, “The signal activating the satellite came from the Grozny Complex. First Citizen, the satellite came from Basra and the signal from Grozny—major Muslim strongholds. Seize Ammad now, before you lose power and the Realm falls to radicals.”
    “Let’s be frank. You are five years younger than I am. You wish to be First Citizen. Is this clouding your judgment?”
    “No.” Chui’s voice showed no sign of deception. “When I become First Citizen, I will have earned the right. If Ammad or anyone else challenges me. I will eliminate him. But while you hold the office, I am at your service, and I am loyal.”
    “Give me eight hours to seek other counsel as well. Then I will call a meeting, and you’ll be present.” Pendleton cleared his throat. “Chui, thank you. I rely on your talent and your loyalty.”
    “You are most welcome, First Citizen. In the meantime, I will share my information with the Global Realm scientists. We will attempt to locate your wife.”

Chapter 6
    Peacock picked up voices. She focused on her surroundings. The terrorists boarded a twenty-year old troop helicopter. They threw her onto the floor and shackled her. They flew away in less than five minutes from her initial capture.
    The man with the white parka spoke to the helicopter pilot in Farsi, but she understood. ”Head southwest to the coal mine.”
    They